Main Street, Mandan, shortly after re-pavement in the 1940s. Ohms Cafe, an icon in Mandan, can be seen on the left of the photo.

A Past Restored
Dustin White

The early 1900s say a major change in Mandan, and the surrounding community; the introduction of the automobile. As its popularity grew, the face of Mandan soon had a new look. 

Already in the early years, the North Dakota Department of Transportation was reporting that 10,000 cars were crossing the river between Bismarck and Mandan a year. While the trip was relatively easy during the winter, when the river would freeze over, rest of the year, the use of a ferry was needed. 

By 1917, ferrys were no longer a viable option, and just a few years later, in 1922, the Liberty Memorial Bridge connected the twin cities. Along Main Street Mandan, changes had also been occurring. 

In 1914, North Dakota had risen in the ranks, to become fifth in the nation, per capita, in automobile ownership. Each year, cars were becoming more common place. 



The popularity of vehicles was beginning to force another change as well. While, as early as 1882, Main Street Mandan had been graded, and boardwalks added, the current state of the street was no longer acceptable for the increasing use of automobiles. 

Having a need for change, in 1913, Main Street was paved for the first time. Travel became a bit smoother. 

However, as is the case, the initial paving did not last forever, and by the late 1940s, Main Street was in need for a major face lift. 

With vehicles continuing to become more popular, Main Street had taken its fair amount of abuse over the three decades. 

Stripping Main Street of its first paving, Mandan would have the street completely redone. The outcome, a much smoother ride through town. 

The work done in the late 1940s would eventually also be replaced, when, in 1996, Main Street saw its second major face lift. 

This story is part of a series focused on Saving Film. Each photo in this series has been donated to the Midwestern Scout, and restored. The restoration process in some cases is more extensive then others, but the goal is to archive and preserve the past. For more information on the project, or to donate your film, go to www.midwesternscout.com/saving-film/

In front of Dahner’s store, as re-pavement process begins on Main Street.