The Shops of Yesterday

Egyptian plaza on the corner of Esplande and Main, whiched opened
with much fanfare in 1930 and quickly became a social center

For anyone that has traversed downtown, Klamath Falls has a certain feeling of nostalgia to it. In the 1930's, consumers came from all over to shop at our rustic shops, diners, and take in a movie at the old Poole theater.  Farmer's, politicians, and local businessmen alike all gathered for parties and dances at the Egyptian, dressed in identical black tie and driving the same model-T Ford (pictured above).

Montgomery Ward, Willard Hotel and Furniture Store, The Dimbat Motors, late 1930's

One of the biggest shopping draws during that time was the old 3-story Montgomery Ward, the first and only of it's kind of hundreds of miles (pictured on the far left in above photo). This huge shopping mall had the latest in women's, men's, and children's fashion, as well as hardware and farming supplies. Although many pictures are lost to the ages, this building still stands strong:

Today, residents know it as Yesterday's Plaza. This old mall still holds must of the boutique beauty it once had. It still features rows of trendy and fashionable clothing, designed for any special occasion. From wispy white wedding dresses, to adorable smaller versions for bridal parties, and to an everyday fun dress or suit for your loved one,  this boutique has everything. The friendly staff with even remind you of the personal shopping available for the elite back when this was still Montgomery Wards. My, how times have changed! But walking into Yesterday's Plaza is a blast from the past, and will make you long for the simplicity of those days. 

Gone are the farming and hardware selection of yesterday, and has been instead replaced with an extensive interior decorating section - Petri's Interiors - for any rock, granite, slate, shade, and carpet needs. This is a great opportunity not only to shop locally, but also work one-on-one with an expert who can help you choose the right brand and color for your home.

Yesterday's Plaza also offers a classy dining atmosphere with their newest adventure - the Social Supper Club. The continental dinners every Friday at 7pm offer a time to relax in the nostalgic yet stylish atmosphere, surrounded by the crimson and gold decor, drinking from crystal glasses and shiny plates. With every 4-course dinner is a fresh piping serving of tri tip, cut and served right at your table. If only the shoppers of 1930 had this experience! 

Not in the mood for dinner? The City Club, a sports bar located on the second floor of Yesterday's Plaza, keeps up the modern chic looks of black, white, and brown decor, with the nostalgic addition of the owner's past baseball celebrity awards and admonishments. Enjoy a drink at the bar and watch the game, or lounge in luxury leather on one of the many couches.  

Do you think the people of 1930 would be surprised or shocked to see what Montgomery Ward has evolved into over the years? Why or why not? Comment in the section below. 

For more info on current downtown, please read our Connecting the Puzzle of Downtown blog here. For full menus of events and more pictures of the boutique, City Club, or Petri's, please visit Yesterday's Plaza's Facebook page. For a full article on this long time building of the community, see our article in the February edition of The 13th Floor.  

(For more then-and-now photos of this site at www.whatwasthere.com; search for Klamath Falls. Don't forget to use the cool fader button to see how much this town has changed over the decades! You'll be surprised what we have replaced.)