By Joe Bachman

(Credit: South Wood County Historical Corporation) *click to enlarge

E. Grand Ave. looks a bit different these days.

This photo, taken by Lawrence Oliver, reveals a snapshot of 1949 in Wisconsin Rapids. In this scene, an officer is directing traffic through E. Grand Ave.

You can see Rollie’s Bar in the background as a part of the Wood Block, constructed in 1894. Along with Rollie’s in the same building was a clothing store, and Schmidt’s Jewelry, which took its final bow from the area late last year.

A snapshot of the current view on E. Grand Ave. (City Times Photo)

While Roger’s Cinema may look different now, the excitement surrounding going to see a movie hasn’t changed — On the day that this picture was taken, according to the marquee, ‘The Great Dan Patch’ starring Dennis O’Keefe and Gail Russell was playing throughout the day.

Perhaps Wisconsin Rapids could use a bit of the vintage Noir flair back on E. Grand Ave.