MONROE - Every community has a place where the public gathers for events and business.
For Monroe, it's the historic Square.
The Square has been the center of activity in Monroe since the Green County Courthouse was first built in 1845. Over the years, the Courthouse changed. In fact, the earliest Courthouse in the county was replaced with the present Courthouse, which was built in 1891.
Business, whether for the county or for people who came downtown to shop, has always been a draw to the Square. Banks, grocery stores, bakeries, the Masonic Lodge, movie theaters, clothing stores and drug stores have been common sights around the Square since Monroe's earliest days.
In the early period of Monroe's history, horses and buggies could be found, tied to posts on the curb or parked in front of stores.
Men walked around the Square with wheelbarrows, cleaning the streets. In the winter, the streets froze. They became quagmires of mud during the spring rains.
The Square was where people have come to gather to celebrate events, such as Cheese Days. Fourth of July celebrations were also held on the Square. Early Independence Day celebrations included music from the Monroe band, an acrobatic exhibition and races. The day ended with a fireworks display.
Throughout the years, there have been some changes to the Square. Businesses have changed, horses and buggies have been replaced by cars and the wooden sidewalks and dirt streets have been replaced.
One thing, however, has remained constant.
The Square is still the center of Monroe.
For Monroe, it's the historic Square.
The Square has been the center of activity in Monroe since the Green County Courthouse was first built in 1845. Over the years, the Courthouse changed. In fact, the earliest Courthouse in the county was replaced with the present Courthouse, which was built in 1891.
Business, whether for the county or for people who came downtown to shop, has always been a draw to the Square. Banks, grocery stores, bakeries, the Masonic Lodge, movie theaters, clothing stores and drug stores have been common sights around the Square since Monroe's earliest days.
In the early period of Monroe's history, horses and buggies could be found, tied to posts on the curb or parked in front of stores.
Men walked around the Square with wheelbarrows, cleaning the streets. In the winter, the streets froze. They became quagmires of mud during the spring rains.
The Square was where people have come to gather to celebrate events, such as Cheese Days. Fourth of July celebrations were also held on the Square. Early Independence Day celebrations included music from the Monroe band, an acrobatic exhibition and races. The day ended with a fireworks display.
Throughout the years, there have been some changes to the Square. Businesses have changed, horses and buggies have been replaced by cars and the wooden sidewalks and dirt streets have been replaced.
One thing, however, has remained constant.
The Square is still the center of Monroe.