First in a series — Main Street still defining Madison history
Since incorporation in 1869, Main Street in Madison has had its share of colorful residents and merchants, ranging from progressive thinking to downright eccentric.
The “Madison Record” has held claim as Madison’s hometown newspaper since the 1960s, but another newspaper circulated in town circa 1928, “The Madison News.” Publisher and editor Porter F. Florence was also pastor of Madison Methodist Church. The newspaper’s slogan was “The Madison News – Covers the County Like Cotton.”
In 1929, “The Madison News” published the Who’s Who for Madison Training School on College Street (now Madison Elementary School). Teenage notoriety has changed drastically over the years. The Who’s Who included Hoyte Shelton, “Biggest Eater” and “Biggest Sheik”; Marion Dublin, “Biggest Flapper”; and Virginia Hitt, “Most Conceited Student.”
In the February 1928 edition, “The Madison News” included an advertisement for “Eat Em Up Café and Cash & Carry Grocery.” Their slogan: “It’s useless to pay more and risky to pay less.” B.L. Canterbury was manager.
Grocers, notions and potions merchants no longer occupy Main Street storefronts. Their replacements are savvy professionals who have breathed life into a new day for Main Street.
On the north side, Main Street Cafe combines small-town charm, Southern hospitality and an impeccable menu. Tony and Cindy Sensenberger opened the cafe in 2000 and have spearheaded downtown’s resurgence.
At 101 Main St., the building once housed city hall and the police station – evidenced by two jail cells now used as dining rooms. Diners feel the rumbling tracks of the Norfolk-Southern Railroad. The irresistible Mississippi mud cake, bubbling with warm chocolate, is decadent.
At 16 Main St., the house was built circa 1850. The home’s first known occupant was Sarah Clay, whose husband Andrew Clay was killed in the Civil War. In 1866, Sarah Clay bought the home for $1,600 in gold. Subsequent owners were an undertaker’s wife, a boarding house proprietor, physician and china collector. Currently, 16 Main Gallery is an artist community including painters, clay sculptors, a photographer and mixed media artists.
“A Historical Walk Around Madison,” produced by Madison Station Historical Preservation Society, provided many facts in this article.
