Sonatas XII

Pieces of the Present Abide - The Life of the Place (Main Street)

Words by Khaetidawne and Brendan Quirk

The obvious choice for where to begin is, of course, with a stroll down Main Street(s). This is not intended to be a directory or travel guide, but rather just a sampling, in order to get a feeling, of the heart(s) of The Place we will explore.

 

Sonatas XII-1 (Main Street)	Sonatas XII-2 (Main Street)
The road swoops wide, in, and around Leads through a typical small town - Come with us and see such a Place where we can be Ourselves, authentic, secure, prosperous, and free.	The Audubon Inn, one of this town’s most historic sights With its beautiful cupola above and stained glass to delight. The visitors and townspeople come to dine and to meet - Since the late eighteen hundreds it’s been “The Place” on Main Street.
Sonatas XII-3 (Main Street)	Sonatas XII-4 (Main Street)
This late nineteenth century building is commercial below - And a home for the owner; above stairs they would go - To be with their family at the end of the day The large windows beneath were built for display.	From elegant bay windows one could look down to find Friends and customers walking by in the old times. Seeing the window boarded up now I wish I knew If ‘twas stained or beveled glass there; for a board blocks the view.
Sonatas XII-5 (Main Street)	Sonatas XII-6 (Main Street)
On the National Register this historic post office you will find Fine woodwork and post boxes - built in 1939.	Once the German newspaper, “Dodge County Pionier” became the “Mayville News” It was published for more than one hundred years. The print works were replaced years ago; modernized, easier it’s clear - In the twenty-first century it’s moved away from here.
Sonatas XII-7 (Main Street)	Sonatas XII-8 (Main Street)
Old service station featuring the Sinclair dinosaur sign - For some of us brings back all the old times. Mid-century modern with windows of many-paned glass - The old truck takes us back to our youth in the past.	Dino calls us to step and view closer - Remember those signs of when we were younger!
Sonatas XII-9 (Main Street)	Sonatas XII-10 (Main Street)
The cool friendly porch on the old Maple Inn A fine place to sit or daydream before going in. Historic old supper club, Wisconsin style To the Friday night “Fish Fry” folks travel miles.	The Coop café, a cute bistro, has such tempting treats People find it’s a fine place to gather and eat. Gourmet city-like businesses welcome young faces They seem to pop up in the most rural of Places.
Sonatas XII-11 (Main Street)	Sonatas XII-12 (Main Street)
The hardware store, in its small town is quite important you know Selling things to fix houses or cars, to make them fine or just go. The main highway now bypasses this tiny town Only those with a special interest know where it’s found.	Long ago, iron ore was discovered near this fine town It gave work to the miners and The Place all around. Making folks prosperous, they built houses, stores, and community spaces Our Main Street welcomed families to shop and see friendly faces.
Sonatas XII-13 (Main Street)	Sonatas XII-14 (Main Street)
This bay window on the boardwalk outside the old café Was likely a dinner time gathering place in its day.	Even plain buildings or businesses that you might find Could be charming, crisp and friendly in yesterday’s time.
Sonatas XII-15 (Main Street)	Sonatas XII-16 (Main Street)
In 1914, Art Giese built, lived and worked here In the twenty-first century the Giese name still appears In the small-town newspapers in articles that say - “What was happening one hundred years ago today.”	Herman Bilgrien built this bowling alley and tavern right here Today they are still rolling the balls and selling the beers.
Sonatas XII-17 (Main Street)	Sonatas XII-18 (Main Street)
This was once the main road to old Green Bay, Part of the Yellowstone Trail in early automobile days. Hard to imagine, but the road was busy, congested too But I have seen pictures, so I know it is true.	Two apartments of brick on an old Main Street Two porches to sit on, keeping cool and resting their feet.
Sonatas XII-19 (Main Street)	Sonatas XII-20 (Main Street)
The Rock River House was a stagecoach stop, boarding house and saloon The old truck out front could have held passengers in the back; there was room. Remember how folks would ride “open air”, as they would say Today those in the tavern are shocked people traveled that way.	Was “The Mart” the main market in our old times - Where outside you’d buy sodas from the machine for a dime? Was it then later an early convenience store? It still sells ice, custard and cones, eat on the bench, then ask for more.
Sonatas XII-21 (Main Street)	Sonatas XII-22 (Main Street)
Built in 1860, “Newberg’s Grand Central Hotel” - you can still see “NEW” on the bricks if you look well. It must have served travelers on their way to Green Bay A hotel, tavern, restaurant, then “Hot Spot” in its day.	This modest brick building with its Midwestern town’s old-style lines Is now the home of a confectionary/chocolatier’s shop; it’s divine. Everyone in the area buys Joel’s wondrous creations - His delicious confections are truly a beloved sensation.
Sonatas XII-23 (Main Street)
An old building, bricks laid simply in a running bond design - But the colorful patterns create such hypnotic diagonal lines. Once “Louis Beck Motors”, a Willys Knight and Overland dealership This building looks rather modern as you pass by on your trip.