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Throwback Thursday: Downtown Luxuries of Yesteryear
By Eric D. Tudor
It is easy to take modern conveniences for granted, but in early Downtown Lebanon, even the simplest luxuries were a major advancement. Here are a few innovations that once transformed daily life in our town.
A Barber Shop with Baths
In 1907, City Barber Shop on East Commercial Street offered hot baths for just 25 cents. Located next to the Bantley Brothers Store, this service was a significant improvement at a time when most homes did not have indoor plumbing. For many, it was a far better option than bathing in a cold creek during the winter months.
The First Telephone System
Before the convenience of cell phones—or even private landlines—Lebanon residents relied on a shared telephone system known as “party lines.” Several households would use the same connection, meaning conversations were not always private. By the early 1900s, the town had adopted three-digit “KEYSTONE” phone codes, bringing Lebanon one step closer to modern communication.
Permanent Sidewalks Arrive
Before 1912, navigating downtown often meant walking on wooden planks that were prone to decay or, in some areas, simply trudging through dirt and mud. That year, East Commercial Street, near what is now Falcon Floor Covering and the U.S. Post Office, saw the installation of its first permanent sidewalks. This improvement made downtown more accessible and better suited for business and daily life.
The First Public Restrooms
In 1922, downtown received its first public restrooms, located on the second floor of the St. Louis Store Building. Ralph and Claude Burley provided the facilities as part of their new store in the J. Ward Owen building. For shoppers and visitors, this addition was a welcome convenience in a growing commercial district.
From bathhouses to public restrooms, these early innovations made a lasting impact on the daily lives of Lebanon residents.
