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The changing face of downtown
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| H&N photo by Andrew Mariman Pat and Carol Cavanaugh have owned and run Drew’s Manstore at 733 Main St. in Klamath Falls since 1978. The store was founded by Carol’s grandfather in 1918. |
Longtime businesses part of core
By LEE JUILLERAT
H&N Regional Editor
Businesses come and go in downtown Klamath Falls, but not on the 700 block of Main Street.
Longtime businesses like Drew’s Manstore Beach’s Jewelers and Shaw Stationery line the north side of the street, as they’ve done for years. Drew’s is the oldest, dating back to 1918, when N.B. Drew opened the business.
Drew’s has been owned and managed by his granddaughter, Carol, and her husband Pat Cavanaugh since 1976. Over the decades they and others, like David Drew at Shaw Stationery, and Dan and Susan Beach at Beach’s Jewelers have watched, and sometimes struggled, as the face of downtown evolved and reinvented itself.
During the bleakest period, the 1980s, they watched as department stores moved to South Sixth Street or closed as the Klamath Basin timber industry tanked.
They’ve hung on as downtown was spruced up with new streetlights, planters and the infusion of new businesses including an ethnically diverse mix of Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Italian restaurants to go along with Mexican and American eateries.
Overall, they say, downtown is doing fine, and are optimistic that vacant Main Street buildings will be filled.
David Drew, Shaw Stationery
“It’s a greater mix of types of businesses,” said David Drew, a second-generation family member who owns and manages Shaw Stationery at 729 Main St. Originally opened in the 1920s, Shaw’s has been in the Drew family since the 1960s. Drew has worked at the store since the late 1970s and bought the business from his father, Frank Drew Sr., in the 1980s.
Like downtown itself, Shaw has been anything but stationary in its approach to business. It’s changed from a commercial office supply store and now focuses on Hallmark cards, gifts and books with a regional flair.
“It’s changed with the time,” Drew said of his store and downtown, noting the most abrupt change came when department and clothing stores like Sears, J.C. Penny, LaPoint’s and Payless either moved to malls or closed doors.
Something that hasn’t changed is downtown’s role as a center for Klamath County and Klamath Falls city government offices, the main branches of most banks and insurance agencies.
“That’s kind of a permanent draw,” Drew said. “If you need to do official business, downtown is the place to come.”
Carol and Pat Cavanaugh, Drew’s Manstore
Drew’s, 733 Main St., is a store with four names, but its owners, Carol and Pat Cavanaugh, say Drew’s Manstore is the name best known to most Klamath Falls shoppers. The variety of names, which include Drew’s Inc. and Drew’s Boots, reflect their evolving emphasis.
Launched in 1918 by Carol’s grandfather, N.B. Drew, the business focused on boots and Levi’s sold in logging camps. Around the nation, the business is Drew’s Boots, popular with firefighters and other outdoors people. The Cavanaughs estimate 75 percent of their sales are their Drew’s brand and White boots. In Klamath Falls, locals shop for Pendleton, Carhartt and other men’s durable clothing. Women’s clothing was added in 1979.
“Over the years we’ve seen a lot of the younger trade,” Pat said, noting local sales also emphasize Tommy Bahama and other “surfer” men’s apparel
and Brighton women’s clothing.
They agreed that businesses were financially hit when department stores left downtown. Despite some vacancies, they believe downtown is doing well.
Rental properties they own are occupied, and they’re upbeat about downtown’s future. They believe a big boost continues to come from the Running Y Ranch Resort, both from its influx of new residents with higher incomes and vacationers staying at the lodge or Worldmark units.
The Cavanaughs believe the downtown upgrade that provided new streetlights, landscaping, planters and geothermal sidewalks created a friendlier environment and pride.
Susan and Dan Beach, Beach’s Jewelers
Dan Beach was two weeks old when his father, Bob, opened Beach’s Jewelers in 1954. The business moved a few times, but settled at 721 Main St. in 1980. Dan bought out his father in 1986, when downtown was suffering from a slump.
“Downtown for a while was a ghost town,” remembered Susan. “Currently I think it’s on an upswing. I see a lot more interest.”
Again, like the changing businesses, the Beaches have tried to keep pace with changing demands.
“If you don’t change your business you’re not going to be” open, said Susan Beach. “You have to keep your finger on the heartbeat of what’s going on. You can’t fall asleep at the switch.”
The couple said downtown has benefited from the summertime Farmers Market, Third Thursdays and recent improvements at Veterans Park.
Most days, Dan walks with his dog, Ruby, to the post office, a routine not possible in strip malls.
“You know what’s cool is walking downtown,” Susan said. “It’s a little community. Everybody knows everybody, everybody says hi.”
Longtime businesses like Drew’s Manstore Beach’s Jewelers and Shaw Stationery line the north side of the street, as they’ve done for years. Drew’s is the oldest, dating back to 1918, when N.B. Drew opened the business.
Drew’s has been owned and managed by his granddaughter, Carol, and her husband Pat Cavanaugh since 1976. Over the decades they and others, like David Drew at Shaw Stationery, and Dan and Susan Beach at Beach’s Jewelers have watched, and sometimes struggled, as the face of downtown evolved and reinvented itself.
During the bleakest period, the 1980s, they watched as department stores moved to South Sixth Street or closed as the Klamath Basin timber industry tanked.
They’ve hung on as downtown was spruced up with new streetlights, planters and the infusion of new businesses including an ethnically diverse mix of Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Italian restaurants to go along with Mexican and American eateries.
Overall, they say, downtown is doing fine, and are optimistic that vacant Main Street buildings will be filled.
David Drew, Shaw Stationery
“It’s a greater mix of types of businesses,” said David Drew, a second-generation family member who owns and manages Shaw Stationery at 729 Main St. Originally opened in the 1920s, Shaw’s has been in the Drew family since the 1960s. Drew has worked at the store since the late 1970s and bought the business from his father, Frank Drew Sr., in the 1980s.
Like downtown itself, Shaw has been anything but stationary in its approach to business. It’s changed from a commercial office supply store and now focuses on Hallmark cards, gifts and books with a regional flair.
“It’s changed with the time,” Drew said of his store and downtown, noting the most abrupt change came when department and clothing stores like Sears, J.C. Penny, LaPoint’s and Payless either moved to malls or closed doors.
Something that hasn’t changed is downtown’s role as a center for Klamath County and Klamath Falls city government offices, the main branches of most banks and insurance agencies.
“That’s kind of a permanent draw,” Drew said. “If you need to do official business, downtown is the place to come.”
Carol and Pat Cavanaugh, Drew’s Manstore
Drew’s, 733 Main St., is a store with four names, but its owners, Carol and Pat Cavanaugh, say Drew’s Manstore is the name best known to most Klamath Falls shoppers. The variety of names, which include Drew’s Inc. and Drew’s Boots, reflect their evolving emphasis.
Launched in 1918 by Carol’s grandfather, N.B. Drew, the business focused on boots and Levi’s sold in logging camps. Around the nation, the business is Drew’s Boots, popular with firefighters and other outdoors people. The Cavanaughs estimate 75 percent of their sales are their Drew’s brand and White boots. In Klamath Falls, locals shop for Pendleton, Carhartt and other men’s durable clothing. Women’s clothing was added in 1979.
“Over the years we’ve seen a lot of the younger trade,” Pat said, noting local sales also emphasize Tommy Bahama and other “surfer” men’s apparel
and Brighton women’s clothing.
They agreed that businesses were financially hit when department stores left downtown. Despite some vacancies, they believe downtown is doing well.
Rental properties they own are occupied, and they’re upbeat about downtown’s future. They believe a big boost continues to come from the Running Y Ranch Resort, both from its influx of new residents with higher incomes and vacationers staying at the lodge or Worldmark units.
The Cavanaughs believe the downtown upgrade that provided new streetlights, landscaping, planters and geothermal sidewalks created a friendlier environment and pride.
Susan and Dan Beach, Beach’s Jewelers
Dan Beach was two weeks old when his father, Bob, opened Beach’s Jewelers in 1954. The business moved a few times, but settled at 721 Main St. in 1980. Dan bought out his father in 1986, when downtown was suffering from a slump.
“Downtown for a while was a ghost town,” remembered Susan. “Currently I think it’s on an upswing. I see a lot more interest.”
Again, like the changing businesses, the Beaches have tried to keep pace with changing demands.
“If you don’t change your business you’re not going to be” open, said Susan Beach. “You have to keep your finger on the heartbeat of what’s going on. You can’t fall asleep at the switch.”
The couple said downtown has benefited from the summertime Farmers Market, Third Thursdays and recent improvements at Veterans Park.
Most days, Dan walks with his dog, Ruby, to the post office, a routine not possible in strip malls.
“You know what’s cool is walking downtown,” Susan said. “It’s a little community. Everybody knows everybody, everybody says hi.”
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of HeraldAndNews.com. Comment Disclaimer: The editors of heraldandnews.com reserve the right to refuse publication of any comment posted for consideration. We may refuse for any reason, including use of profanity, disparaging comments, libelous comments, etc. Any reader who notices a comment they believe is particularly offensive, should notify us at webmaster@heraldandnews.com.
I Love KFalls wrote on Jul 13, 2008 5:26 PM:
" Downtown KFalls is great! Super restaurants, trendy shops, post office, library, two theaters with top-notch shows, free parking, good lighting, plants and trees everywhere! Oh - and heated sidewalks! WOW! I was just down there today and even on a Sunday - a ghost town it is NOT! "
doug bender wrote on Jul 13, 2008 4:55 PM:
" Drews Manstore?
I have never seen this place, but it sounds like my kind of place. "
I have never seen this place, but it sounds like my kind of place. "
Rose C wrote on Jul 13, 2008 9:44 AM:
" I loved your article on downtown KF. My son and daughter-in-law own Artizen Art Store on Main St and we visit your charming city often. I love walking down Main Street and always feel safe and welcomed in the area. I read your paper every day online, and enjoy keeping up with the town my son chose to settle in. "
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Noel Flynn wrote on Jul 13, 2008 9:01 PM:
I found the entire Drew family a great asset to the area. I worked with NB and all his sons in various activities, finding them always eager to promote K Falls. Most of the Main Streat Gang are gone, but mr regards to the Drews, J Stilwell,The Rickeys, Louie Polin, Leo, The Pooles,, The Currins, Waggoners, La Pointes, Veatches, Wayburns, Bogatys and others that I still miss, having worked, competed, and socialized with Sincerely wish the best for Klamath Falls!!! "