Downtown Altoona sure isn’t what it used to be. Seems like most generations before mine have said the same thing, but it really rings true.
Back in Altoona’s heyday, downtown was humming. Stores, movie theaters, restaurants… it was the place to be. I’m a big history buff and love looking at old photos and reading about our hometown’s history. Wish I could have been around back then to experience it for myself!
As a young child, I remember going to Gable’s Department Store. In my teen years, I spent many hours rummaging through the bargain record bins at the 5-and-10 stores (McCrory’s, Woolworth’s). Always loved those lunch counters, soda fountains and basements (I think they had fish tanks and pet supplies down there)!
And who can forget cruising downtown ’til the cops kicked you out? My first job was stockboy at Meyer Jonasson and I later worked at WRTA Radio. Those are all gone from downtown, but will live forever in my memories.
Enough of waxing nostalgic. Here are some pictures I took in Downtown Altoona back in 2012. You can click on any of the photos to see a larger version. Enjoy!
