This view of downtown Charlottesville is looking north on 5th Street East from Water Street. The photograph was taken in 1972 before the construction of the Downtown Mall.  Main Street at that time had a major furniture store (M.C.Thomas) and also a full-service grocery store (Reid’s) that faced East Main Street in the 500 block and had its own parking garage underneath. Tragically, Reid’s Supermarket would later burn down, but the business still continues today on Preston Avenue.  Also seen in this photo in the distance is the Monticello Hotel and part of the Albemarle County Court House on Court Square. More vintage photos at www.cvilleimages.com

History Photos