Travel Back in Time to Janesville

The first settlers of Janesville arrived from Milwaukee in 1835. Within 10 years the city’s population exploded to over 3,000 people. By 1900 Janesville was a small commercial district with electric lighting and electric street rail cars. These beautiful postcards come from the Janesville’s Past Collection courtesy of the Hedberg Public Library.

Main Street when it was a residential neighborhood with large leafy trees and large houses, 1918.
Main Street when it was a residential neighborhood with large leafy trees and large houses, 1918.
This description really paints a picture, "a subdued Main Street. No pedestrians are visible among the commercial buildings. Only horses and buggies parked along the street provide evidence that humans inhabit this town." 1911.
This description really paints a picture, “a subdued Main Street. No pedestrians are visible among the commercial buildings. Only horses and buggies parked along the street provide evidence that humans inhabit this town.” 1911.
This color postcard shows Main Street from the north. The Courthouse which can be seen beyond the commercial buildings. Horses and buggies line the street and some pedestrians stand in the middle of the street, 1912.
This color postcard shows Main Street from the north. The Courthouse which can be seen beyond the commercial buildings. Horses and buggies line the street and some pedestrians stand in the middle of the street, 1912.