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Modern downtown is a friendly place
This past weekend Lee Juillerat examined the history of Klamath Falls' downtown. I was intrigued, as I have lived here for more than two years and downtown is about the only place besides the Herald and News office I ever see.
It's interesting to me that downtown was once a rough and tumble place after dark, as I am often there late at night (the curse of a copy editor's schedule) and have rarely seen more than the occasional booze-fueled dispute get a little carried away.
For the most part, the regular denizens of the two bars I frequent most are friendly, courteous and usually ripe for an interesting conversation about pool, books or what the Hustlin' Owls are up to.
Of course, downtown has plenty to offer during the day as well with a rich selection of restaurants (Thai Orchid is my favorite) and a useful variety of stores and shops.
What is your favorite thing about downtown Klamath Falls? When do you most often go there? What do you think of the late-night atmosphere on Main Street? Let us know below.
— Ryan Johnston
Copy Editor
It's interesting to me that downtown was once a rough and tumble place after dark, as I am often there late at night (the curse of a copy editor's schedule) and have rarely seen more than the occasional booze-fueled dispute get a little carried away.
For the most part, the regular denizens of the two bars I frequent most are friendly, courteous and usually ripe for an interesting conversation about pool, books or what the Hustlin' Owls are up to.
Of course, downtown has plenty to offer during the day as well with a rich selection of restaurants (Thai Orchid is my favorite) and a useful variety of stores and shops.
What is your favorite thing about downtown Klamath Falls? When do you most often go there? What do you think of the late-night atmosphere on Main Street? Let us know below.
— Ryan Johnston
Copy Editor
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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.
chris wrote on Dec 30, 2008 7:07 AM:
" NICE! please I;ve lived here 13 yrs only thing nice about downtown is the outter look . they say california is rude id beg the differ. "
larry j. wrote on Dec 28, 2008 8:07 AM:
" I remember spending summers in my uncle's hotel (The Hart Hotel) in the 600 block of main street and shining shoes in the palace barber shop in the 1940's & early 50's.
Also statione at Kingsly Field in 1959 . Main street then was very entertaining . Lots of characters .
Larry "
Also statione at Kingsly Field in 1959 . Main street then was very entertaining . Lots of characters .
Larry "
Barb Alter King Moody wrote on Sep 15, 2008 11:24 AM:
" Born an Alter,Raised by a King(anyone remember Ronnie King? Emil's & Big Y)
1941 was a bad year but good for me being born at Hillside Hospital.We moved all over K Falls But loved Mills Addition and walks downtown. I was recently in K Falls and was shocked by Mills Additions condition.Shame!! But Main street looked better than it ever had. What a pleasure.
And Washburn Way "Who'd of thunk?"
I'll be back because I've always loved K. Falls althou I've no family left. BJMo "
1941 was a bad year but good for me being born at Hillside Hospital.We moved all over K Falls But loved Mills Addition and walks downtown. I was recently in K Falls and was shocked by Mills Additions condition.Shame!! But Main street looked better than it ever had. What a pleasure.
And Washburn Way "Who'd of thunk?"
I'll be back because I've always loved K. Falls althou I've no family left. BJMo "
Roxanne wrote on Aug 20, 2008 5:28 PM:
" I've lived here since 1973 when my family moved down from Madras, and I started 4th grade at Peterson elementary. I would like to see the City and County merge into one, so we could include everyone in the population instead of just the City. I know people aim for "small town life" but come on - in the real world we go forwards, not backwards. Good business's we could use in this county bypass us because they see the city population- not the population as a whole. Drawing from the outer places such as Dorris, Butte Valley, Merrill, Malin, Tulelake, Bonanza, Bly, Beatty, and Lakeview would bring a lot of good business's into the basin so we could continue to "buy local" instead of having to travel elsewhere because speaking quite frankly - shopping in Klamath Falls SUCKS! "
Peggy wrote on Aug 17, 2008 5:40 PM:
" I grew up in K-Falls,but moved to California when I was 14. I can remember everybody liked to go to town on Saturdays and walk up and down Main street ( or drive) visiting people you were only able to see on week-ends, that includes family members. I remember Drew's Men Store, Lapoints, Millers and the Saturday matinee at the Pelican. My grand-dad owned a mom and pop store on Shasta Way. I can still remember him outside pumping gas from those old pumps. For years I would return on school vacations and visit with my best friend. Time passed and I got married, raised 2 children and did not return to K-Falls for many many years. I recently returned for a visit because my daughter has moved here. Talk about your full circle. "
JR wrote on Aug 12, 2008 10:38 AM:
" Alright then, mark, lets start a movement towards draggin main again! How about Klamath folks get on the social networking sites, such as myspace, friendster, etc, and putting the word out, 'Start draggin Main st. again!' "
jim wrote on Aug 6, 2008 2:57 PM:
" Downtown is nice but needs someplace to hang out at night other than a bar. Maybe a coffee shop with some bustle into the evening, downtown. This is common in towns of various sizes - eugene, corvallis, ashland, and others. There isn't much to do socially at night around here unless you're into smoky bars. "
lrry wrote on Aug 5, 2008 12:42 PM:
" Hey dat,
Born and raised here too. Was fun going downtown. Used to ride the bus with Mom. Loved going to WoolWorths & JC Penny's with it's sqeaky wooden floors and great soda fountain. Lots of people (families) shopping and visiting. Barely get there for anything anymore. "
Born and raised here too. Was fun going downtown. Used to ride the bus with Mom. Loved going to WoolWorths & JC Penny's with it's sqeaky wooden floors and great soda fountain. Lots of people (families) shopping and visiting. Barely get there for anything anymore. "
Mark wrote on Aug 3, 2008 8:40 PM:
" I have only claimed Klamath as my home since 1973. I really loved it then and love it now. I would really love it more if we could return to the small (townness). I understand that everyone grows over time, but you know; we don't need to lose the closeness of our community ! I think that we need more community activies to bond us as a community.. I think that the County folks need to refocus their view and see themselves as part of Klamath!
We are a Whole! and we should get past the fact that we are "County or City"! I think that those are divisions that are not good for us as a community! Personaly, we need to overcome the "boundries"(county/city,bs) and move together asTHE community that we were, back when we tursted each other, depended on each other, and could COUNT on each other for support and help... without doubt and without the thought of repayment... or what's in it for me! Klamath, I ask you to REUNITE! For all Our Good! "
We are a Whole! and we should get past the fact that we are "County or City"! I think that those are divisions that are not good for us as a community! Personaly, we need to overcome the "boundries"(county/city,bs) and move together asTHE community that we were, back when we tursted each other, depended on each other, and could COUNT on each other for support and help... without doubt and without the thought of repayment... or what's in it for me! Klamath, I ask you to REUNITE! For all Our Good! "
Mark wrote on Aug 3, 2008 8:12 PM:
" I drive a taxi in town, 4 days a week. I would like to think that I am somewhat in touch with the pulse of my fine city! "
Zweigardens wrote on Aug 1, 2008 12:15 AM:
" I really like the beautiful flower baskets up and down the streets. They are so lovely and are well maintained. They add life and color to the downtown area. Also, the newly landscaped island near Veterans Park with the pelican sculpture is very well done. Vacant lots being landscaped also improves the aesthetics of the downtown area. All of these lovely features enhance enjoyment of this city and make shopping much more enjoyable. There are some older bldgs. that are not being kept up however. Hopefully property owners will see how much residents appreciate their efforts to maintain their buildings as it adds to the overall sense of well-being and prosperity in the city. "
buni wrote on Jul 31, 2008 5:00 PM:
" I love working in downtown. I work at the Oregon Bank Building as one of three elevator operators. I come to work early and usually leave very late. Parking is a problem but being able to be part of the downtown experience for me beats that. I love it when people who have left and are back in town come to see if the elevator is running and take rides and reminise about when they were young. My boss has tables out on the plaza and there are benches for the public to sit on. We even have a doggie bar with water for those of you that walk with your pets. Come in look at the history on the walls take a ride any of us would be happy to take you on a trip back in time. "
pril wrote on Jul 31, 2008 12:25 PM:
" I think downtown is pretty neat. There are a lot of unique little stores. If KF wants to be a truly unique place to come visit and live in, fast food joints and big box stores are the last thing we need. Shopping local means using locally-owned businesses, not a local location of a big box store. I would rather not see Klamath Falls and so many other smaller towns in Oregon become what my hometown in California became. "
Linda wrote on Jul 30, 2008 4:41 PM:
" I too remember the days of old downtown on Main St. It used to take 45 minutes to go from the Med Dental Bldg to the Court House on a Friday or Saturday nite.....cokes at Jerry's drive-in, and good old fashioned clean fun...Shopping at all the major stores from Montgomery Wards where Yesterday's Plaza stands now, JC Penney's where S Valley State Bank is, and the Woolworth's next to that, and Bogatay's next to that...oh my goodness, everything was there, Payless across the street. It is so very nice to see downtown coming back to life after everything started moving to the other side of town. Every town needs a downtown shopping area, including little ole K Falls. Good work guys, keep it up, and let's see more development going on around Vet's Park area. A nice boardwalk with some lovely little shops and eateries is what I envision in the future there. "
billmonsooryahoo.com wrote on Jul 30, 2008 1:05 PM:
" H E L P !!!!!! Please do a News report on the park in West Klamath that has been barbed wired off and used for financial gain by a nearby resident and the COUNTY OFFICIALS will not move to regain this County Park!!!!! This County Park is where Fairheaven Street meets Topper Street near the back gate of Collins. Someone has chased off the children and fensed up the STREETS and the COUNTY PARK with barbed wire!!!! Help the children get their playground and County Park back!!! Help Help! Please help us ASAP! The county is trying to play dumb and brush this problen away. They say that they only have money for Marine type parks. They keep looking away at the fact that this park belongs to our County and we want our County Officials to act responcibily. Plaese act fast before the County of Klamath dumps thie park and the children will be playing in the streets! Help. "
Shawna wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:39 AM:
" I enjoy Main Street, during the day and at night. I walk my dogs most days and people are very welcoming to each of them. I think Mian Street is very pretty, with most merchants taking pride in the area around their businesses. If there's a problem, be part of the solution, not part of the problem. "
tater_salad wrote on Jul 30, 2008 9:21 AM:
" Not entirely related, but with all the references to Washburn Way, I have to ask: what school did the engineer who designed all those "improvements" attend? Washburn Way's redesign has to be one of the biggest cluster-you-know-whats I've ever seen. Extremely poor execution, IMO. "
anonomouse wrote on Jul 29, 2008 4:18 PM:
" pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez change the one way streets too two way and make parking like any any other street, its time to come into 2008 .I dont think its cute or quaint especially when i cant see the on comming traffic,and have almost been hit a number of times.I would also like to see some sort of really good indoor swapmeet especially in the winter time when there are no more garage sales. concerned citizen "
Bill wrote on Jul 29, 2008 7:10 AM:
" Harry, thats exactly what I'm talking about someone is doing some backdooring in the decision making process it's apparent the powers that be want to drive new business down to Washburn and 6th I wonder who has a vested interest in driving that property value and if they are part of of the process or friends with someone who is. whoever is doing this should be rooted out and horsewhipped. "
dat wrote on Jul 28, 2008 1:23 PM:
" Having been born and raised in Klamath I can't stand to see what is happening to it. We used to be a freindly town now neighbors can't even trust one another let alone talk to a stranger on main st. "
JR wrote on Jul 27, 2008 9:30 PM:
" Late Night Atmosphere on Main???
How about we start draggin main again?
There was nothing wrong with it!
Oh, ya, I forgot, the conservative old farts here in town would rather our kids go to parties and do drugs then hang-out like kids before us did for years! "
How about we start draggin main again?
There was nothing wrong with it!
Oh, ya, I forgot, the conservative old farts here in town would rather our kids go to parties and do drugs then hang-out like kids before us did for years! "
Richard wrote on Jul 27, 2008 9:01 PM:
" I read this a.m. that a developer is butting heads with ODOT and LUBA over land on the southside expressway. This town could use more big box stores but as usual getting any help in this burg is like pulling teeth. The biggest problem is the people on the planning committes own or are under orders from the good old boys downtown not to let anything come in that might be in competion with what they already have. All we hear is shop local but do you see a Costco or a Sams Club here? No and you probably won't. We are told buy your cars hear but when they offer you $50.00 for a 7 year old car on trade why not go over the hill and get a new one for $1000.00s less. Its time to wake up people and let go of your grip. on the pirse strings. "
SL wrote on Jul 26, 2008 12:36 PM:
" I've lived in K Falls for 3-1/2 yrs. and am really excited about the renovated and reclaimed structures downtown. Architecture defines a city - AmeriTitle, the Nash bldg., Sr. apt. bldg., new facades and preserved older buildings are eye candy. There are blighted areas yet - across from Vets Park in the Baldwin Hotel area is pretty bad as well as the commercial area near Spring. I was hoping that KU would move and urban condos would be developed there with a clubhouse and fitness center. But then there's the train noise from Portland St. that ruins everything residential. "
Harry wrote on Jul 25, 2008 1:15 PM:
" Just talked with a friend of mine who got their new business application back from City Planning. They are requiring a 24 ft set back from the building, a 70 easement for traffic (even though a major road is about 50 feet away parallel), which leaves only 5 feet for customers to park on the entrance side of the building! How is that going to help anyone? And never mind all the stuff about landscaping!
They just make everything so tough - no wonder so many buildings go vacant. No one can afford to retrofit to all the new rules and requirements. "
They just make everything so tough - no wonder so many buildings go vacant. No one can afford to retrofit to all the new rules and requirements. "
Bill wrote on Jul 25, 2008 7:03 AM:
" DT yeah I work in the area and spring street if allowed could develop into something like the old mill district in Bend. The creamery has done an outstanding job (thanks guys) in showing what can be done with a little imagination and some spit and polish. How about moving the farmers market into one of the big old buildings on spring like Klamath cold storage or even having a Flea market tied in with it to give the local farmers and family run business' a place to sell and network? it really is a diamond in the rough area. Lets put our heads together and breath life into Old Town there is far to much history to just stand by and watch the beams rot and buildings collapse. "
Michele wrote on Jul 24, 2008 5:10 PM:
" Hey Wiggly Man- yah, I saw it was for sale and what an awesome location! Now if only I hit the lottery... I also agree that parking is an issue and the city should do something to help. It drives me crazy in the winter when the snow gets all packed up and cars are practically parking in the traffic lanes and there is only a 2 hour limit to park. I'd spend a lot more time walking around, eating and shopping downtown if parking was a bit better! "
Brenda wrote on Jul 24, 2008 9:53 AM:
" Now that many are bicycling downtown, and cannot be on sidewalks, it would be good to have a safer cycle "route" instead of ducking and diving cars. i would like an after hours coffee/book shop like they have in major cities. Love Tobikos. Wish there were more outside places to sit and eat or socialize with good ambiance. Thanks! "
dt wrote on Jul 24, 2008 9:24 AM:
" Bill - I have heard that same complaint from several potential new businesses. The city rules and regulations make it so difficult to open anything new, that most businesses either give up, or find a location outside the city limits!
How can that ever help the economy or keep our population "buying local" ? "
How can that ever help the economy or keep our population "buying local" ? "
Bill wrote on Jul 24, 2008 8:17 AM:
" I love the downtown area and would really enjoy seeing it revitalized however in talking with some of the people interested in buying some of the older buildings along the spring street area they feel the city makes it impossible because of parking/sidewalk requirements to open any retail business' in the area the city needs to fix this problem the old coke bottling plant has been bought and renovated. But if the gentleman rents it out as a retail or restaurant space he needs to have 32 parking spaces and there is no room on the property for that so he is stuck with a nice building and no one to lease it. "
Wiggly Man wrote on Jul 22, 2008 2:51 PM:
" Michele -- the building where the pool hall is (corner of 5th and Main) is for sale ! I've always "dreamed" about buying it and making them into wonderful Hot Condos ! Studios, one and twos -- start a "urban-vibe" to Main Street -- only problem would be private parking (covered garages). Those brick buildings are so cool -- also over by Amtrak -- so many unused industrial-type buildings that would make great lofts or "alternative housing". "
Vicki wrote on Jul 21, 2008 3:12 PM:
" Cheryl, I just sent you an email and I do get to Vegas once every couple of years. "
Cheryl Robison Irby wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:11 AM:
" Vicki, Yes that would be great. If you ever get to Las Vegas, look me up.
What is your email address?
Have a great day. "
What is your email address?
Have a great day. "
Jon wrote on Jul 20, 2008 8:50 PM:
" When I was a kid downtown Klamath Falls was the ONLY place to go...there was no where else. Sears, Payless and Pennies were the main stores mom would shop at. Then came the town and country shopping center and Shasta Plaza. The best thing about these areas was big parking lots which meant no more parallel parking. Parallel parking is the single biggest problem downtown has. People didn't like it fifty years ago and by several attempts I have observed lately, people still don't like it and aren't very good at it. It is entertaining to watch a super cab diesel mega pickup try to parallel park in a space built for a VW bug. But hey...that Martini bar will bring more people downtown. Good luck parking... "
Vicki wrote on Jul 20, 2008 6:04 AM:
" How very awesome! I would love to see that picture(and yes I'm sure they would love to get their hands on that pic). I will drop you an email and we should meet sometime for coffee at the Daily Bagel....:) "
Cheryl Robison Irby wrote on Jul 19, 2008 12:16 PM:
" Vicki
I honestly haven't thought about it but if I ever quit my job I may consider. I have a very old picture taken across the street from the Herald and News. I was about 6 months old and my Mother in her 20's.
She is picking up bundles of Herald and News papers from our front yard for delivery. This was 65 years ago. I'll bet they would love to have it. My email: is
cheryl.irby@dtag.com. Say hi "
I honestly haven't thought about it but if I ever quit my job I may consider. I have a very old picture taken across the street from the Herald and News. I was about 6 months old and my Mother in her 20's.
She is picking up bundles of Herald and News papers from our front yard for delivery. This was 65 years ago. I'll bet they would love to have it. My email: is
cheryl.irby@dtag.com. Say hi "
Vicki wrote on Jul 18, 2008 3:40 PM:
" Cheryl, what awesome memories you have of Klamath Falls. I have lived here for almost 8 years and love it!
What you say reminds me of the days when I grew up in Montana.
Have you ever thought about submitting an article to the Herald and News about the history you experienced here? "
What you say reminds me of the days when I grew up in Montana.
Have you ever thought about submitting an article to the Herald and News about the history you experienced here? "
Cheryl Robison Irby wrote on Jul 18, 2008 1:29 PM:
" I have been away for many years however I was raised in Klamath Falls and rather than your new town I would ask you not to forget: Rattlesnake Pete with his guns going off on the 4 th of July. Shuffeling Sam following Rattlesnake around. The Esquire and Pelican Theaters where you could spend the entire afternoon for a quarter watching the likes of Hopalong Cassidy, Roy Rodgers and much more. The old Corner Store on Main Street where you could sit on the stool at the soda fountain and have the very best Malts and shakes in the world. And If anyone remembers my Father, Art Robison, dancing on his crutches at the bar after hours or at the County fairs or the car races... Send me a note. He was the best clown and most wonderful Dad a person could have had. I miss Klamath Falls and will never forget it's history...
Cheryl Robison Irby "
Cheryl Robison Irby "
Vicki wrote on Jul 18, 2008 8:35 AM:
" I have to agree with Michele, I love Mc's on Main and Tobiko's! I hear there's a new Martini Bar opening up soon as well...:)
I enjoy Farmer's Market, hanging out at Daily Bagel and Indigo Beads is one of the best bead stores I have ever seen!
And for awesome customer service, visit Celluar Solutions on Main st. The people there are the best! "
I enjoy Farmer's Market, hanging out at Daily Bagel and Indigo Beads is one of the best bead stores I have ever seen!
And for awesome customer service, visit Celluar Solutions on Main st. The people there are the best! "
Michele wrote on Jul 18, 2008 4:37 AM:
" I have a few favorite places downtown. The best restaurants are Klamath Grill for breakfast, MC's on Main for lunch and Tobiko for dinner. El Palacio has great crunchy tacos and tasty margaritas! M'bellish is a wonderful store for finding the perfect gift and I have to say how much I look forward to the weekly Farmer's Market! I love the friendly atmosphere and the music, as well as the excellent variety of fresh produce and plants. I make sure I stop in at Nightfire after the Farmer's Market for wonderful natural and organic products! The new Indigo Beads shop is also a great addition to the downtown area.I dream of someday buying one of the old downtown buildings and developing it as an awesome cool-vibe downtown loft. I think that's the only thing missing from downtown! "
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Jimbo wrote on Jun 18, 2009 8:18 PM: