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If you are from Murfressboro, Tennessee or from Rutherford County, see how many of these you can remember:
1. Cooper & Martin in Mercury Plaza Shopping Center
2. Going to the grocery store in Jackson Heights.
3. McCrory’s in Jackson Heights–does anyone remember the poster of The Beatles in the window?
4. Sullivan’s.
5. The barber shop and putt-putt golf in the basement of Jackson Heights.
6. Teenagers cruising in the 1970s at Jackson Heights.
7. The Tuesday-Wednesday flea market at Mercury Plaza.
8. Harvey’s at Mercury Plaza.
9. Going to Roses to get TV tubes tested.
10. The Santa Claus trailer outside the Roses.
11. The “rocking chair theater” behind Mercury Plaza–I took a field trip there in 1976 to see the musical “1776” and saw Stars Wars there when it came out in 1977.
12. Old men whittling on the Courthouse lawn.
13. Mr. Aubrey Weatherby, the blind candy salesman, inside the courthouse.
14. Commerce Union Bank.
15. The Rebel Maid.
16. Shoney’s Big Boy where the ladies would bring out the food to your car.
17. The Phillips 66 next to the Hardees on Broad Street.
18. The gas station (Texaco? American?) at the corner of Broad and Memorial.
19. Linebaugh Public Library in its old location where the Arts Center is today.
20. The old J. C. Penny where jeans were piled on tables.
21. Fred’s on the square–two stories, and classic novels there for a quarter.
22. Brown’s Shoe Store on the square with the Buster Brown sign and logo.
23. Mullins’ Jewelers on the square (which just moved last year).
24. Tip Top Barber shop (still there!).
25. A large JFG Coffee sign on West Main (?).
26. Byrn Motor Company–I worked there briefly on Saturdays one summer.
27. Flora’s Thrift Store on Church Street (or is it maple; in any case, near the current library near the square. I don’t remember the exact name, but I went there quite a bit with my grandparents).
28. The old IGA store on Memorial.
29. The Kroger store at the corner of Memorial and Clark.
30. Readmore Book Store–in “The Mall” and later in the Kroger shopping center on Northfield.
31. The health fair at The Mall of Murfreesboro in 1978.
32. General Electric.
33. International Paper Company.
34. The original Jackson Motel design with the large sign.
35. Firestone near the square (still there!).
36. Martin’s Drug Store on the square.
37. Goldstein’s on the square.
38. Clark’s department store.
39. Big K (the original company, not the brand now owned by K-Mart).
40. Lamb’s Restaurant and Truck Stop off the New Nashville Highway near Florence Road.
41. Pruitt’s Grocery at Florence and the New Nashville Highway.
42. Ole Taylor’s Candy Kitchen.
43. A little store where Yesteryear is today–I remember the penny mini-Tootsie Rolls back in the 1960s.
There are more places I remember, but I don’t remember their names. I hope this brings back some memories for folks from the Murfreesboro area–if anyone can name more places, you’re welcome to.
Gratiaetnatura's Blog 
Nov 05, 2010 @ 19:21:34
Yes, and now all of it’s replaced by garbage like used and new car dealerships and bigger/better stores… that are neither really bigger (they don’t carry as much, they carry the same crap everyone else does) and they most certainly aren’t better because they are large corporate offerings and as you go from city to city in the United States now…there is NOTHING interesting anymore. You might as well stay at home because the stores are the SAME!!!
Don’t forget Sky Harbor “airport”.
Family owned businesses are almost always superior than corporate “cut-outs”.
I also remember walking in the woods behind my mothers house and seeing the old cabins, with newspaper on the wall that served as wallpaper back then and some of the news paper was from 1932…not that long ago. But now the whole placed is paved over and serves to put McMansions on with their bastard children whose only appreciation for life lies in their stomaches, between their legs and in their wallets. A generation of people without values. A generation and another generation of parents obsessed with “giving their kids more than they had”.
I would NEVER give my kids more than I had…except an appreciation for ethics, morality and hard work and the sense of reward one gets when they earn something themselves.
It is a truly frightening thing that one day this generation of spoiled and ignorant morons will take care of some of us in nursing homes. It almost makes me wish for a quick death when it comes rather than one that lingers.
But, I’m rambling here, so I’ll stop.
May 08, 2014 @ 22:17:39
Can you be more negative?
Nov 06, 2010 @ 00:18:56
Yes, Sky Harbor–it was a factory, then a truck driver training school, then vacant, then Procraft, and finally the county facility it is today. At least the Murfreesboro square is somewhat viable as opposed to most cities. I remember the cabins, going hunting in the woods (though I never hit anything). Those woods are still rather extensive, although developers are eating the country up like the orcs they are.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 00:18:14
Sky Harbor was first an airport,before Berry Field. If you wanted to fly commercial you had to go there. This was in the early 1930’s. Even Nashville folks had to drive on old Highway 41 to get to Sky Harbor if they wanted to fly American Airlines, and possibly others.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 00:34:36
Yes it was–I read an interesting story on its history. The facilities there were used off and on since Sky Harbor closed. I think there was at least one plane crash at or near the airport many years ago.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 03:57:26
Neither Cooper and Martin nor A&P were ever in Jackson Heights Plaza. The only grocery at Jackson Heights was National Foods. I think you are thinking of the shopping center where Big K was and eventually the first Murfreesboro Walmart. CiCi’s pizza is one of the businesses now occupying that space.p
May 08, 2014 @ 22:16:48
It said Cooper & Martin was in Murcury Plaza.
May 22, 2016 @ 06:40:27
Yes, National Food Store was located at Jackson Heights Plaza. I believe Wilson Quick Drug Store was on the end. As a small child, in the early 60’s, Jackson Heights was the go to shopping center. It claimed to have the “World’s Largest” indoor play land around back in the basement. Sullivan’s Department Store…Pigg and Parson’s Clothing Store…And later they built Martin Theatre on the end…I remember Sir Pizza and a ice cream place too. Dipper Dan? Byrn Motor Company was next door. Pontiacs were really hot in the late 60’s.
Aug 19, 2011 @ 12:41:36
Cooper and Martin was in Mercury Plaza
Aug 19, 2011 @ 16:24:21
Thanks wb and Tammy–memories get scrambled over the years–I will correct my mistake.
Aug 21, 2011 @ 22:47:14
Did you ever eat at the Regal Cream? I think I have the name right. It was an orange building beside a tire service store–I believe–on Broad. They had fantastic hamburgers.
Oct 29, 2020 @ 23:08:10
My dad owned Regal Kreme! I worked there and so did my entire family! Miss those charburgers!
Thanks for the memory!
Chuck Shoulders
Aug 30, 2011 @ 20:06:51
Ther are a few places that I can remember Womack’s Ice House on Broad , the old Coca Cola Plant on Broad , Frost Top on Broad , Snow White on Memorial and Sterchi’s Furniture Store on Main. Gosh there are a lot more places if the names would just come to me…like the Greyhound Bus Sation on Maney Ave .
May 22, 2016 @ 00:14:08
I love seeing this post. My parents owned the Regal Cream and as a kid we used to go to “work” everyday with mom and dad! I still LOVE grilled hamburgers, fries and milkshakes! What a great time and place in my life! I’m so happy RC made its mark!
May 23, 2016 @ 03:42:52
Debbie, Do you remember having a slumber party where we pushed your parents car out of the driveway, got in in our pajamas, went to your parents ice cream place and finally attempted to get a midnight snack. We were crawling on the floor (as not to be seen)…all before the police arrived & sent us home.if it wasn’t you, might have been your sister.
Jul 22, 2016 @ 20:12:11
Do you know if the old fella that was always at Womack’s Ice House if that was his name? Or if he has any living relatives? Our family has some very fond memories sometimes just stopping to talk. I stopped by the other day and took pictures of the Ice House. I wonder who owns the property I would love to see the small building restored.
Murfreesboro TN Homes For Sale!
Nov 04, 2011 @ 13:46:18
Dec 24, 2011 @ 15:13:01
My great-uncle was the owner of Ole’ Taylor’s Candy Kitchen. I remember a few visits there and the memories are so rich. I’ve lost touch over the years with relatives, but I have sweet memories of the candy kitchen and Uncle Weldon and Aunt Ruth.
Dec 29, 2011 @ 21:52:23
Thanks for the reply. Good memories are treasures, and I have many good ones of growing up in Rutherford County, Tennessee. I’d love to get back there one day.
May 05, 2012 @ 10:35:58
A&P grocery on the opposite end was Big K
Ray’s Pet Shop across from Hancock Fabric’s
Kings Table Restaurant,SuperX drugs all in the same area
of memorial shopping center
Cinema One was the rocking chair theater,Marbro Drive In
hot wheels roller rink,Larry Counts Gulf next to Byrn Motor Company
( Since 1919) it read on the front of Byrn’s
Jackson Motel Had “The Saddle Restaurant”
Sonny’s Speed Shop “Now Mikes” there was Also American Performance
on memorial
Hollands Drug ,Soundshop,Pigg & Parsons a few i remember in Jackson Heights
Radio Shack on the square,The Hub Cloths,
WGNS request line Mike Liked That ; )
David’s Discount ,Corlew’s Automotive (what a theif lol)
Jackson’s Brothers Chevrolet,Binford Ford,Autoshack (now Autozone)
Lafayette Radio And Electronics’s Same Guys owned The Skating Rink behind Jackson Motel) (Jack & Mike were their names.)
Advanced Communication on the square for the cb and ham nuts
JB Cook Auto Parts,Bob Yates Machine Shop,General Electric
Samsonite,Roadside Park between Smyrna & Murfreesboro
o i have to stop lol
this is just off top of my head if ya need anymore
i have a collection of old Rutherford county phone books lol.
May 08, 2014 @ 22:30:51
1. The first Shoney’s self service restaurant with an Amoco gas station at exit 81 on I-24! These restaurants later became Captain D’s, but the Murfreesboro location moved closer to town and was rebuilt as a full service Shoney’s.
2. The donut shop across from the bowling alley that sold a great 99 cent breakfast!
3. Roscoe’s BarBQ planet on NW Broad.
4. The red brick motel on the corner of Mercury and Broad with the big “Good Food” sign.
5. Jack Sant Amour’s Western Auto Store on West Main.
6. Hobble House. Ah, those orange potatoes. It may still be there.
7. City Cafe on East Main in the good days, the first owners.
8. The Palace barber shop.
Jun 17, 2015 @ 06:14:43
Is Roscoes Barbecue the place that was in Kroger on broad? (was it Kroger then?)
Dec 18, 2015 @ 07:06:21
I beg your pardon. The first Shoney’s here was on Board St at the corner or Front St like where you turn to go to Cannonburg. I worked there in 69 I was a curb girl.. Then I went to Sir Pizza at Jackson Hgt’s Then in 70 71 I opened the Sir Pizza on E Main St The guy that helped Bob Fortner remodel the building was to be the cook but didn’t know how, I had to pre and set up everything. Then cook it. The people came to pay was no money in the til so I gave it to them. Bob came in ask had we done any business I told his yes but had to give it to them because he left me no money to make change. Love and miss Bob Fortner. Sir Pizza is my favorite Pizza place.
May 05, 2012 @ 11:52:16
I remember most of these, not all, so this is quite helpful. Byrn Motor Company–I remember that place. It was an….interesting place for a Saturday job–for a few Saturdays. Pigg & Parsons in Jackson Heights I remember–there used to be a barber shop and a putt-putt golf place underneath Jackson Heights in the lower section. WGNS I remember well–the request line. I remember Jackson Brothers and Binford Ford, and of course GE right by International Paper. I remember when they built International Paper Company, but GE was already there then. Remember the Shoneys when the girls would come to the car and bring out a tray–when I was a kid my parents would go there and I thought that was so neat. Tip Top Barber Shop is still on the square–I’ll still stop by when I’m in town and need a haircut. Mr. Sauls still comes in. The Firestone’s still on the square–I remember when I was a kid being there with Mama and a Frankenstein movie was on TV–the sales guy came up behind me and growled–I jumped. Today that would probably get a person in trouble, but people were more sensible then. The store on Florence Road and the New Highway used to be owned by Mr. Baker, and it started out as Pruitt’s grocery. I have some vague memories–of going across the opposite side from East Main and going through a tunnel–there was a big JFG Coffee sign on the other side of the tunnel. Cinema One–I’m glad you told me that. I wish they made more rocking chair theaters–there’s one about 20 miles from where I live here in NC–I must try that out sometime. Martin’s Drugs on the square–was that where they sold hamburgers. I had a very good hamburger there on senior photo day in HS.
May 26, 2012 @ 05:44:15
My brother-in-law and I have been trying to help my sister to remember FunLand underneath Jackson Heights and the playground behind Hardee’s in the shape of a robot. Now, I have a lot more memories with your post. Thanks
May 26, 2012 @ 12:04:03
You’re welcome–and now I know the name of the place beneath Jackson Heights. I do remember the robot at Hardees. There used to be a Phillips 66 service station at the intersection near there–my Uncle worked there before he passed away.
Aug 17, 2012 @ 19:07:00
there use to be a dress shop on the square called Cowans. remember the cafe across from Goldsteins , I think the name was the L & N Cafe…..A L Smith Drugstore….just a few I remember…
Dec 16, 2015 @ 18:38:30
The L & M Cafe was owned by my great uncle & aunt, Lytle & Margurite Arnette. They had 2 children, Jmmy & Nancy Anne. The food was awesome!
Dec 18, 2012 @ 18:25:45
Who remembers the “City Cafe” on the square? Some of the best restaurant food ever!! (delicious vegetables_ Went there from work (at GE office) as often as I could. Also, does anyone remember Shacklett’s drive-in on Broad St.? They had banana splits to die for. I remember going every Sat. for one in hopes that I would gain some weight. I was so skinny then but no longer have that problem. Ha.
My nephew visited us from Al and has very fond memories of Murfreesboro. I’m so glad. He is now Dr. Mims at a university in MO. He’s actually the one who notified me of this website. Amazing that so many people LOVE Murfreesboro.
Dec 18, 2012 @ 20:09:41
I visited the City Cafe for the first time only a few years ago when I was home visiting my parents. It was a nice place and I enjoyed being at a place with so much history. The one thing I miss the most is the whittlers on the courthouse grounds–wish they were still there.
Jun 16, 2023 @ 01:15:13
City Cafe had the BEST Lemon Ice Box Pie, I would buy on every month for the 4 or 5 used car salesmen at Jackson Brothers Chevrolet. Doug Neely
Jan 08, 2013 @ 18:22:32
Any one remember or have photos of the Hobble House on Memorial Boulevard. My dad ran it back in the late 60s ad early 70s. Many a college student did a little sobering up there on the weekend third shift.
Jan 08, 2013 @ 18:27:43
Thanks for your comment. Yep, I bet quite a few MTSU students required sobering up.
Jan 09, 2013 @ 22:48:19
Just came across this and I do remember almost all of these places and miss them. I have two to add to your list. The Happy Burger resturant at Jackson Heights. They had great burgers and the BEST chocolate fried pie I have ever had. And of course, the Coca Cola Bottling works on Broad. Oh what fond memories this has brought back.
Jan 09, 2013 @ 23:08:04
I remember riding in the car with my parents, watching the Coca Cola bottling company as we passed. There are fragments of memory I’m not sure are accurate–seems that there was an American Oil gas station at the corner of Broad and Mercury. I also remember, somewhere on the other side of Broad, a huge JFG coffee sign right after traveling under an underpass.
Jan 16, 2013 @ 00:28:24
I definitely was one of the Jackson Heights cruisers. Up down and Broad Street between Shoney’s and Jackson Heights. But you had to stop at Shoney’s for curb service just to see who else might be cruising that you might be missing. Fun times!!!
Jan 19, 2013 @ 23:54:16
I was born and raised in M’Boro and worked at a lot of the places mentioned…what a wonderful trip down memory lane you have created for me. I worked at McCrory’s in Jackson Hgts Plaza, met my future husband at Shoney’s, shopped at all the stores on the square, parked inside the Court House square on Sat. night and people watched. What a place to grow up but when I was last there, it was so drastically different that I hardly recognized it,
Jan 20, 2013 @ 01:29:41
The population has exploded, and the growth of MTSU has changed the nature of the city. The music scene is big, but with the clubs has come more crime and violence. I wish the city were the way it used to be.
Aug 15, 2013 @ 13:49:14
I worked at Winn-Dixie in the left-hand corner of Jackson Heights Plaza for a little over two years in high school. While employed there, I remember drinking A & W root beer in glass mugs at a stand behind the Jackson Motel and bowling at the Broad Street lanes (Murfreesboro Lanes, owned by the Williamsons) next to the Donut Cottage. Sundays were a special time as we would go either to the Donut Cottage after church, or the Hobble House for breakfast on Memorial.
I remember going to the Princess Theatre in the 60s for 6 RC Cola caps on Saturdays (saw Elvis’ “Roustabout” there), back when cartoons were shown before the movies. Saw my first Beatles movie there in ’64, as well as my first James Bond/Pink Panther movies at the Marbro Drive-In.
Worked at WGNS on Broad Street, just over the typewriter shop and next to the Police station, about a mile from Fuller Foods, also on Broad Street.
Aug 16, 2013 @ 04:05:28
You’ve seen a bit more of Murfreesboro past than I–I do not remember the Princess Theater, though it was still around when I was a small child. The bowling lanes on Broad are in the same spot. WGNS is all talk now, though it still has Swap and Shop. Murfreesboro has gotten too big now, for my taste. It is nice to see that the square is still intact. I miss the whittlers at the Courthouse, though. A dead tradition, sadly.
Apr 20, 2017 @ 02:17:13
My sister worked as the ticket seller and concession seller at the Princess Theater. On Saturdays, she would let me sneak in the back door and sit all day watching the movies. We could have as many refills of popcorn and soda as we wanted since the soda sells were tracked by the number of cups sold.
Nov 29, 2013 @ 02:59:01
I lived in Murfreesboro from the time I was about 2 years old untill I was 60 the years of 1951 till 2008 ! My foster Parents Owned a Home on West Lytle Street next door to the News Journal ! I have a question for anyone that can answer it ! The Princess Theater was on one cornerof Maple Street and Pennys was on the Oposite Corner of Maple Street , It Replaced the Hotel That stood for many years , Accross the Street was Cooks Restaurant that was AL Sullivans before Cooks ! Ok heres my Question ! Behind Cooks Restaurant the Tan Brick Building Was Haynes Hardware before it moved out near the Lebanon Hwy ? Can anyone tell me if Im right or wrong ? My Wife seys no , I say Yes ! I know for a fact I my Parents Bought my first Shotgun and a 22 rifle at this location ! My wife is a bit younger than I am and she remembers Haynes Being on the Squair as do I but she dosent remember it at this location ! Thanks Great Site you have ! J Bradshaw
Dec 17, 2015 @ 00:14:15
The store behind the restaurant was Osborne , Harrell, Hoover and it did have hardware. Not sure about guns. The hotel where Penny’s was built was Haynes Hotel, I think.
Dec 17, 2015 @ 00:16:26
Your wife is correct. Haynes hard ware was on the square
May 23, 2016 @ 03:57:33
Jerry, Haynes Hardware was on the square next to what is now “Marino’s on the Square” before it moved to the corner of Memorial & MTCS Blvd.
Sep 25, 2019 @ 17:31:56
Jerry Bradshaw You are 100% correct!!! jimmy marcum
Jan 27, 2014 @ 19:08:26
Harvey”s Department store is still there!
Peeble’s bought the store in the 70″s
Peeble’s was bought by Stage(ssi) and later
changed to Goody’s in 2012.
Feb 23, 2014 @ 05:23:51
How about The Cotton Patch in Jackson Heights Shopping Center. My sister worked in the record store in McCrory’s in Jackson Heights. My dad owned White’s Auto Store on 206 W. Main Street in M’Boro. What about Wolf’s on the square. Do you remember the mannequins had wolf heads? How about all the old men that sat outside the courthouse and whittled?
Jun 20, 2014 @ 00:19:22
I remember the wolf manequins…clearly. I was little, but they spooked me. lol
Feb 23, 2014 @ 16:26:31
I wish I did remember Wolf’s–that would have been an interesting site. I do remember the old men whittling on the courthouse lawn. Granddaddy and I would walk over there when I was a kid–the cedar odor was wonderful–and then we’d go inside the courthouse and he’d buy me a candy bar from Aubry Weatherby.
Jul 04, 2014 @ 22:39:33
Anyone else remember Wilson Quick Pharmacy on the north end of Jackson Heights? We used to stop there sometimes when we came to town. They had the best burgers and shakes.
Jan 08, 2024 @ 00:58:04
You could go to the soda fountain and pick a balloon and pop it the pay 1cent to 99cents for a banana split
Jul 04, 2014 @ 22:41:28
My dad and I got our hair cuts at the barbershop downstairs at Jackson Heights. Bill Kennedy was our barber. This was all before the barber college he opened.
Oct 05, 2014 @ 21:49:09
My mother worked at Wilson Quick till it closed. She wore a white uniform that was a dress with a red and white stripped smock over it. I remember all the older gentlemen sitting at the counter drinking coffee. She enjoyed the regulars and worked with many college students. I always liked going in to pick her up and getting to meet lots of interesting people. And I LOVED cruising the heights and shoneys. Growing up here in the 70s was the best!
Oct 06, 2014 @ 13:35:45
I agree. Murfreesboro was a smaller and more intimate place then. It’s still a nice city, but it has grown too fast and at great cost. I don’t know if you are related to Claiborne Hackney; he was married to one of my maternal grandmother’s first cousins.
Dec 16, 2015 @ 18:50:17
Does anyone remember Arnette Auction House on Castle Street next to Home Bldg. Products now? C.B. Arnette traveled to Chicago each Sunday to buy & bring back furniture & just about everything else to auction off every Fri. pm. He later began buying antiques oover seas & moved the gallery & auctions next door, then out on I-24 East, exit 89. This closed in 1986 after 35 yr.
Dec 16, 2015 @ 22:13:48
Post Office where the arts center is before the library.
Dec 17, 2015 @ 00:18:55
Goldsteins dept store was way ahead of the rest
Dec 17, 2015 @ 05:35:23
Anyone else remember the Fallout Shelter sign in the old Linebaugh Library (now the Center for the Arts)? It was in the stairwell going down to the children’s section in the basement.
Dec 17, 2015 @ 15:27:22
I remember when the Kroger store was on Main St. And the library was in an old house but I don’t remember the street name. Carol, I do remember the children’s section in the basement. They had storybook hours there sometimes.
Dec 18, 2015 @ 00:42:00
How about the Music Shop on Vine and Church.. At Jackson Heights the Happy Burger was originally Burger Broil owned the Loyds from South Pittsburg…Sir Pizza was behind it along with the theater..on the Square Jim Dickson had one of the many hardware Stores.. He later opened a marine dealership on Broad and Vine,..
Dec 19, 2015 @ 23:36:41
Crichlow Middle School, The health Department, The Hub Store, James Pipe Shop, Murfreesboro Bank and Trust, Commerce Union Bank, Princess Theatre….
Dec 20, 2015 @ 00:34:52
How about the A&P on Maple street fronting the Greyhound bus station? Nobody has mentioned the Princess Theater or M’Boro Federal Savings and Loan Co. that was was next to the theater. It later became Cavalry Bank and now it is Pinnacle.
Dec 20, 2015 @ 05:40:18
The Frost Top drive in Resturant with the best Root Beer and frosted Mugs on Broad St. It was where Imperial Motel is.
Dec 21, 2015 @ 01:29:14
James K Polk hotel just off the square. My mom worked at the city cafe, the Watsons owned it. Mr Brown was the cook and made the best fried chicken anywhere. getting to go in the kitchen was a treat ms Peggy would make me a plate to go. Good memories. Freidmans sporting goods off the square on church next to the old post office. The old Princess on Saturdays where you got in for rc caps. The Record shop in Jackson heights, the Jackson Heights to Shoneys run to show off your hot rod. Reds Texaco on broad and memorial. The dairy dip, tiger hill….
Apr 20, 2017 @ 02:21:19
My mother was a waitress at the James K Polk Hotel until she and Miss Hazel left to work at the country club. I would go in after school sometimes and get ice cream.
Dec 21, 2015 @ 11:24:43
I remember when Roses’ was on Mercury Blvd and they used to throw paper plates off of the top of the store and you would get what was wrote on the plate either free or very cheap. I remember huge dinosaurs that advertised the oil company right off of Broad St next to the square.
Dec 21, 2015 @ 11:27:07
I also remember Kents Store that used to be in the strip mall off of Broad St across from McDonald’s, and all of the Top burger places that were in almost every little strip mall parking lot.
Dec 21, 2015 @ 17:16:48
I REMEMBER THE CHEESE PLANT & THE BREAD PLANT WHERE YOU COULD GO GET A HOT LOAF OF BREAD STRAIGHT OUT OF THE OVEN.THEY WERE LOCATED CLOSE TO EACH OTHER. WE WOULD GO TO THE CHEESE PLANT FIRST, SO THAT WHEN WE STOPPED AT THE BREAD STORE THE BREAD WAS HOT & WOULD SLIGHTLY MELT THE CHEESE. I MADE CHEESE SANDWICHES RIGHT THERE IN THE CAR & PASSED THEM ON BACK IN THE STATION WAGON TO MY SIX DAUGHTERS..GREAT MEMORIES…ALSO . A& P (ANN PAGE) GROCERY STORE OFF THE SQUARE & THE SMELL OF COFFEE BEING GRINED RIGHT THERE IN THE STORE FRESH.& I REMEMBER THE OLD MEN WHITTLING IN THE COURT HOUSE YARD,PASSING TIME AS THIER WIVES SHOPPED, TRADING KNIVES & GOSSIP… ALSO “GLADYS” THE LADY WHO WALKED AROUND THE COURT HOUSE ASKING FOR CHANGE, FOUND OUT YEARS LATER SHE LIVED IN A MANSION JUST OUTSIDE OF TOWN & DIED RICH..lol THE OLD MAN WHO SOLD SNACKS INSIDE THE COURT HOUSE, NEVER UNDERSTOOD HOW HE COULD FEEL OF A BILL & TELL IF IT WAS A ONE, A FIVE, A TEN OR A TWENTY THE FIRST TACO BELL I EVER WENT TO WAS IN MURFREESBOROM & IT WAS SNOWING THAT DAY… STILL LOVE TACO BELL…I REMEMBER HOW MY MOTHER-IN-LAW WOULD HIT THE STORE RAN BY AN OLD JEW MAN FIRST, BECAUSE JEW’S BELIEVED THAT IF THEY DIDN’T MAKE A SALE TO THIER FIRST CUSTOMER OF THE DAY THAT THIER DAY WOULD BE A LOSS, SO SHE MADE SURE SHE WAS THIER FIRST CUSTOMER & SHE DROVE A HARD BARGAIN…lol I WAS NOT FROM MURFREESBORO,I WAS FROM GEORGIA , BUT I MARRIED A MAN FROM EAGLEVILLE & GOING SHOPPONG EVERY SATURDAY IN MURFREESBORO WAS A BIG DEAL IN HIS FAMILY, EVERY SATURDAY THEY LOADED UP IN THE OLD TRUCK, & MY FATHER IN LAW PARKED ON THE SQUARE & EVERYONE JUMPED OFF THE TRUCK & WENT THIER SEPERATE WAYS SHOPPING , SOMETIMES THERE WOULD BE 10 OR 12 OF US LOADED IN THAT TRUCK.. & LATER YEARS WHEN WE HAD OUR CHILDREN & LIVED UP THERE WE FELL IN TO THE SAME ROUTINE..WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF THE AREA & THE PEOPLE….
Jan 11, 2016 @ 08:26:33
There was an old motel on the corner of mercury and broad. Beside Bradley school. The gas station across the street was owned by Paul Thomas. Also remember the Roses storehad a big cafeteria when it first opened. It opened in Nov. There was a barber shop on the side of mercury plaza and a dry cleaners. regal kream was the name of the drive in across from Jackson heights.
Bandos24@gmail.com
May 22, 2016 @ 06:58:51
The Motel on the corner of Mercury and Broad was the Anderson Motel…
Feb 12, 2016 @ 00:24:48
Do anyone remember Delbridge grocery store in Murfreesboro TN
May 22, 2016 @ 06:54:56
I believe Delbridge grocery store was on Front Street…H.G. Hills grocery was on E. Main (Now Jr’s)….Davis Cee Bee grocery store was on the corner of Main and Tennessee Blvd. My favorite market when I was just a kid was Murfreesboro Market, on the corner of Bell and Ewing…next to the Bell St. Water tower. We would either walk there or ride our bikes…We would stop and play around the water tower, and the little theatre on the way home.
Feb 12, 2016 @ 00:28:29
Do anyone remember Stacy’s grocery store in Murfreesboro TN ??
May 22, 2016 @ 07:05:24
Does anyone remember Dairy Queen on Broad St. (close to Many Ave.?) They had the best little hamburgers…They were sort of like Krystals…After Monte’s Restaurant closed down, Dairy Queen moved there for a while. It was a much bigger place. The Atlas Motel was nearby. I remember the big yellow rocket sign. It was next to Shoneys.
May 31, 2016 @ 23:26:29
I grew up in Murfreesboro, and moved out in 1984. Murfreesboro is a great town (turned city) that has a tremendous amount of history. I remember when there was only one high school, and a few elementary schools. The square was the only shopping area. Stickney and Griffiths drug store had the best comics, homemade burgers and coca cola. A treat was a early supper at the City cafe. The pawn store, Past time billiards pallor with Mr.Lovorn. Fisher’s department store, Home Furniture, Mullins Jewelry, Kilpatricks, Haynes Hardware, and of course The Hub Store, plus many more. I don’t get back home nearly enough.
Sep 17, 2016 @ 20:24:37
Anyone remember the original Doughnut Cottage next to bowling alley on Broad Street? After that they moved across the street directly across from bowling alley. I need a picture really bad.
Feb 24, 2017 @ 05:25:00
I started reading and found over an hour later that I had spend a remarkable trip down memory lane. Some of the great places I remember are Lou’s Donut shop and Hamburger Joint at the end of “Mink Slide”, super banana splits. Before there were the super stores like Kroger and Copper Martin etc there was Darwin’s Food Market and before that it was Montgomery’s Market. HG Hills where Junior’s is now. Franks Market and Davis on East Main Street. Chrigger on Broad where you could get about anything. Remember the huge Cedar Bucket that set next to Chriggers? Do you remember the big vacant lot where the Carnival would set up. The Four Lane and SkyView Drive In’s and carrying a trunk full of people in to see the movie? How about the little Crystal in the long white building across from Firestone, two hamburgers for 15 cents and a Bingo Pinball machine in the back. The Jail when it was on West Main with the iron fence around it and the windows were opened because of no air conditioning and the inmates would visit with people outside on the sidewalk? Remember the McClellen store with the big popcorn machine near the back door and bags of popcorn longer than a kids leg? Sally Ann Bread in the wax paper wrapper then Ideal and Bunny on the corner of West Main and Bridge Ave. The sawmill next to McFadden School with giant stacks of cedar wood drying. Remember when Nixon came to town on the train and Reagan visited the GE Plant or Gen McArthur had a big parade around the square. Remember the boys that sold newspapers on the square for a nickel each those who had newspaper routes on bicycles?
Apr 20, 2017 @ 11:06:39
Grew up in the ‘boro, just a block from Jones Blvd fire hall….anyone else climb the water tower behind the Lokeys?….I remember McClleans (Dad was the manager)…you went out the back door, and there was the Princess Theater, go out the front door was the Courthouse, and go out the side door was Cook’s restaurant/JC Penny’s. The year was 1965.
Apr 20, 2017 @ 18:00:05
My Aunt Bub never left the house she was born in until she finally needed help. But I remember my mom & I taking her to Quincys. I think it was by the Ford dealership on Broad Street
Jun 11, 2017 @ 18:22:44
I just visted Murfreesboro 06/06/2017 I learned my parents Honeymooned in 1959 at the Jackson Motel 4 Years after they opened. My parents produced a post card of Blue room. Very elegantly decorated for the time. They talked about that place all the time, when they talk of their honeymoon. Both are now 82 and 83. I would love to know more about the Place. I know they had a soda fountain, and a restaurant, pool and shuffle board. Who owned it? How long did they own it? When did it become a not so nice hotel? I wonder if the owners were a live to see its descent into it’s current state, and how it must of bothered them. I am sure they were at one time so proud of this hotel.
Aug 30, 2017 @ 19:18:18
Does anyone remember when Kentucky Fried was sold in the restaurant at The Jackson Motel.
Jan 08, 2018 @ 07:35:34
Yes I was twelve years old and work for George Frey . At the saddle restaurant the col came in and train me how to cook the chicken he stay with us for a week. He was a really nice man with his white suit and cane and boe tie the frist day we open we had people line up all the way down to tommy gas station.i was the cook at the restaurant while going to school and went in partners with George Frey
Mar 08, 2018 @ 20:56:45
I was a student at MTSU from 1976-1980, but all my brothers & sisters went to MTSU starting in the early ’60’s and my dad was a Southeast Tennessee district manager for State Farm Insurance which had a regional office there, so we were often in M’boro in the ’60’s & ’70’s. I remember a lot of great places to eat, including waiting in line for lunch at the City Café (best meat & 3 ever, and the ladies would offer more tea and “make sure you eat your greens.”) I also remember being introduced to barbecue sandwiches served “with the slaw on it” at Pope Taylor’s Bar-B-Q way out on East Main/Woodbury Pike. Wednesday nights waiting in line at Armondo’s on Greenland Drive for the spaghetti special, and Sunday night quarter taco’s at the Mexican restaurant a few doors down from Armondo’s. I remember Buster’s out on N. Broad (best burger, coldest beer & pool hall). And I was definitely one of the students sobering up at the Hobble House on Memorial Blvd., a few doors down from Wendy’s. The Hobble had what you needed at 2:00 a.m. Best Pizza was Shakey’s out on Old Fort Pkwy. I remember getting camping gear cheap at Friedman’s Army Surplus downtown, and there was a sporting goods store down there, too. For the last couple of years I was there, I lived with some fraternity brothers in a house on Bell Street across from the water tower and rode my bike to school (to avoid the horrendous parking situation at MTSU). I met my future wife while I was working at the Outlets Ltd. mall out across I-24. Her father was George Hammerstrom, the plant manager at the GE appliance motor plant. He retired sometime in the late ’80’s/early ’90’s (well before the plant closed). One of my favorite memories of living in Murfreesboro back then was going out in spring to the Walter Hill dam with a bunch of people to go swimming. OK, question: does anybody remember the name of the restaurant near the corner of Memorial Blvd. & E. Clark Blvd. where you could watch them cook your steak? And does anybody remember a deli near campus, next to the Blue Raider Bookstore called Pablo Fanque’s Deli? Great steamed deli sandwich! So I didn’t grow up there, but I have fond memories of Murfreesboro from back in the day.
Mar 21, 2018 @ 23:29:43
I believe the name of the Mexican restaurant (near Armando’s spaghetti restaurant across from MTSU) was Pedro’s. And I believe the steak house where you could watch them cook was The Kentucky Ribeye which later became The Briarpatch steakhouse
Mar 21, 2018 @ 23:32:41
I remember the deli near MTSU, but I thought it was named Pasquali’s Deli
Oct 15, 2018 @ 09:16:40
I worked at Armando’s Pizza in 1980 while in college and every Wednesday the
crowd was huge for the .99 cent spaghetti dinner
May 20, 2019 @ 01:20:27
I am so glad someone mentioned Pablo Franques deli. I went to MTSU from ’74 to ’76 and loved the steamed steak and cheese sandwich; ate quite a few. Great, great memory. Also remembered there was a house near the school that served Sunday dinner in their house for students. Great fried chicken.
Nov 15, 2019 @ 02:07:02
The restaurant on Memorial and E Clark may have been Mr Swiss. At least I think it was located at that corner. It had a A frame style architecture. The owner sold it around 79 I believe and the restaurant may have changed names. In any case there is a gas station there now.
Mar 19, 2018 @ 04:10:32
Does anyone remember what year Monk’s club on Halls Hill Pk. opened up?
Sep 25, 2019 @ 17:41:51
1975
Mar 21, 2018 @ 23:38:29
Does anyone remember Scottie’s hamburger restaurant across from the Red Rose Creamery (corner of College and Lytle)? I remember eating there as a boy in the 70s and they had little hamburgers that remind me of Krystal hamburgers. Also growing up in the 70s, does anyone else remember collecting Looney Tunes drinking glasses at Hardees? Or the Currier and Ives drinking glasses that Arby’s used to promote at Christmas during the mid-to-late 70s?
Oct 15, 2018 @ 09:14:07
I still have the Christmas glasses from Arbys and put them out every year
Apr 06, 2018 @ 13:37:01
The Regal Cream was one of my favorite places. Does anyone remember the Spud Nut donut shop or a place we called Big Hearted Bob’s for foot long dogs with chili, mustard and onions? Also Mom Tam’s to get a quart of beer.
I had jobs at the Coca-Cola plant, Samsonite and Sterchi’s Furniture Store while attending MTSU.
Jan 28, 2019 @ 04:38:02
I remember the hardees on broad street having the big robot with slides behind it, you could ride a train in the golf place under jackson heights, walmart originally being on memorial, the drive in movie theater being behind international paper, godfathers pizza, these are probaly in 80’s too, rays pet store was on memorial by the shopping center where the original walmart was.the original dairy queen was on broad street where auto zone is now. Sound shop was at jackson heights plaza. We had duff’s on broad street. I’m sure others but these are the ones I remember.
Nov 15, 2019 @ 01:53:34
Remember Mr. Swiss restaurant on Memorial Blvd and swimming at Walterhill dam. ROTC building at Central High School when it was the only High School.
Jan 21, 2020 @ 09:59:05
I remember riding a train for small kids around the miniature golf course downstairs at Jackson Heights in the mid to late 1960s. I was probably 4 years old and went there often with my parents.
Also my father was the manager of Clark’s on Memorial in Mid to late 60s. I was in a fashion show modeling clothes there when I was 3 or 4 years old and I have pictures of it.
Jan 30, 2021 @ 20:34:00
I certainly remember the train downstairs at Jackson Heights!! Lots of memories on this blog!!
Feb 13, 2021 @ 10:27:18
Does anyone remember a place called “Monks Market”? The owner was my football and basketball ball coach and team sponsor for the Junior Pro League. We had Dr Robert’s twins on are team and went undefeated in basketball.
Thanks
Jul 30, 2021 @ 01:38:41
What a wonderful thing to find this website. Like walking back in time to find
good memories. I married my high school sweetheart and joined him at MTSU for his Sophomore year. We were among the first to live in new Married Student
Apartments (anybody remember Miss Dottie who handled those.) I worked at
Life of GA, Murfreesboro Credit Bureau and then at MTSU for Dean and also
Director of Admissions. Life was so simple and uncomplicated during 1967 -69.
My Father-in-Law owned a body shop on Nashville Hwy and my husband worked there, and at ball games in concessions and also on campus for locksmith department, while going to classes. We lost him in 2012; will never be the same.
Anybody remember the Lady Bug Dress shop, Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity ?
Most members were married, so wives who weren’t students shared in the activities.
Mar 26, 2022 @ 19:30:13
I am interested in finding old pictures of Jackson Heights Plaza, particularly the little courtyard and the stairs going down to the basement level.
I am also interested in learning more about a particular little shop that was down there in the very late 70s/1980ish that was a hobby store. Who owned it, etc?
If you know anything around that or could point me to someone who would I would be grateful.
Mar 26, 2022 @ 23:14:03
I asked my 78 year old father if he remembered who owned the hobby shop. He said “old man Hawk” but does not remember his first name. Hope this helps. Perhaps another reader will remember more details
Mar 15, 2023 @ 01:37:30
Does anyone remember the name of the sporting goods store next to Bonanza in Mercury Plaza in the early 80’s?
Mar 15, 2023 @ 12:40:11
I am not entirely sure, but I believe that was Batey’s Sporting Goods
Jul 30, 2023 @ 21:57:40
Does anyone remember the name of the Chinese restaurant with the red doors? I think it was on church street. It was there in the 80’s. Not sure when it closed
Jan 08, 2024 @ 02:04:40
My Granddad was one of the old men whittling at the courthouse
Jan 08, 2024 @ 23:52:35
That is interesting. I loved to smell the cedar shavings. Granddaddy would bring watermelons to sell there and always sold them all. Good memories.
Apr 22, 2024 @ 17:24:31
who was the 5th grade teacher at Crichlow elementary school in 1967 ?
Apr 22, 2024 @ 17:28:06
loved the skating rink on Friday nights and the old civil war mansion at the end of Many street
Apr 22, 2024 @ 17:34:39
Loved spudnuts