Throwback Thursday: Remembering the College Street Downtown gateway

We’ve shared stories of how transportation shaped the history of Bowling Green’s
development. First was the Barren River, then the L&N railroad, followed by federal
highways as the automobile became mainstream just before the interstate system.
The main entrance into Bowling Green from the north was over the College Street
bridge, and major commercial and automotive businesses popped up along College
into the 1940s and ‘50s.

The modern auto district was where the Circus Square area is now. A car boon
meant a need for auto shops and dealers, gas and service stations, hardware and
grocery stores, all amenities of modern living. Businesses like these thrived around
the blocks where the Bowling Green Ballpark, SKyPAC, downtown parking
structure, and even BGMU on Center St. now sit. This area was part of the historic
Shake Rag district and African American community too.

One of the most memorable businesses was Powell’s Service Station at 731 College,
where the parking structure is now. It was known for modern architecture, white
and blue tiles with blue streamlined piping. The Kirtley Furniture Store opened in
this area in 1939, and has since moved to State St. and changed names to today’s
United Furniture.

It’s interesting to note that all the major street names in this area have changed over
the years. So many buildings are no longer standing. That’s another reason why it
can be difficult for us to tell these stories. When this street changed to that, and that
became this, and buildings were lost, they all become mere memories that rely on
–hopefully – existing photos or old maps to decipher. One of these days, we’ll do a
segment on these old street names. For now: College Street was Bridge and Summer.
Center Street was Green. Kentucky Street was Mechanic. Sixth Avenue was Madison,
7th was Shelby, and 8th was Washington. Simple, right?