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This interview records the reflections and viewpoints of Mr. Bob Sullivan, City Planning Director [1965-Feb. 1992], on the atmosphere and condition of Court Square, Harrisonburg, Va. before and after the completion of the Valley Mall in 1978. His opinions reflect those of a long-time resident and Harrisonburg city official. Reviews the history of and city's position on the following issues: advantages and disadvantages of not having businesses centered in downtown Harrisonburg; city zoning regulations; city annexation of the Rockingham County area, later to include the Valley Mall; use of the downtown Court Square lawn for public events; city's continued "pro-Mall" stance; downtown revitalization efforts (sidewalk beautification, ordinances to encourage a mix of types of business, housing); special events such as the bicycle race; expanding city government space, building of the new County Jail. Describes results of a recent survey of downtown building space by square footage, from highest to lowest use. Mentions a study done on the number/adequacy of metered parking spaces. Philosophizes about changes that have/are occurring in American downtowns, primarily as a result of the development of shopping centers; sees grocery stores as the focal points of shopping centers. Believes Harrisonburg's decentralization began with the move of civic clubs from the downtown area. Expresses personal views about downtown Harrisonburg. Reminisces about the small-town atmosphere of a busy centrally-locally downtown area, especially during the 1950's and 1960's: Describes various businesses (ex. department, clothing stores, congregation points such as Glen's Fair Price Store, grocery stores such as Mick-or-Mack; hotels; antique shops; movie theaters); festivals/parades/events (ex. Friends of the Feathers), etc. and the general feeling of community/comaraderie which existed. Mentions family/personal shopping patterns downtown. Refers to the following stores: Leggett's, Penney's, Alfred and Joseph Neys', Woolworth's, McCrory's, Grant's, Dollar General Store, Rose's, A&N, Glen's Fair Price. Mentions grocery stores such as: Mick-or-Mack, Red Front, Safeway; hotels such as the Warren, National, Kavanaugh, Wise Tourist Home, Motel Marvilla; also Belle Meade. Mentions the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church; downtown Presbyterian, Episcopal Churches. Recalls movie theaters such as the Virginia, Strand and State Theaters. Mentions the Post Office; Virginia National Bank; Rockingham Public Library; the Salvation Army, various civic groups (Rotary, Kiwanis); and the Farmer's Market. Recorded at the City Planning Office building, 345 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, Va., on Feb. 9, 1990.

This interview records the reflections and viewpoints of Mr. Ronn Short, former owner of Colonial Touch Bake Shop/Cafe (now out of business), on the atmosphere and condition of Court Square, Harrisonburg, Va. before and after the completion of the Valley Mall in 1978. His opinions reflect those of a long-time resident and shopper of the area; also as a former businessman. Reminisces about the small-town atmosphere of a busy centrally-locally downtown area ten to twenty years ago (ex. the feeling of community/comaraderie which existed). Describes the area as being the location for shopping (department, five-and-dimes such as McCrory's, clothing, other small retail stores) and professional offices (attorneys, accountants, doctors, etc.). Mentions customer relations and the use of traditional merchandising techniques (compared and contrasted to today's advertising methods); Christmas shopping. Compares and contrasts regional shopping areas; notes impact of highway systems on shopping developments and shoppers' habits. Believes downtown has changed from a retail/shopping center, drawing people from all over the region (incl. W. Va.), to a professional office-type area. Opinions that the Mall was responsible for the demise of downtown shopping, with the relocation of the two main department stores (Penney's and Leggett's) to the Mall. Believes strongly that parking and access/convenience to businesses are the main reasons why people do not frequent the Square today. Mentions traffic patterns; revitalization attempts; shopping patterns of today; relations between the town and James Madison University; and proposed new County jail. Regrets the sense of loss of community in the downtown area. Refers to the following stores: McCrory's, Leggett's, Penney's, Alfred and Joseph Neys', Woolworth's, Bride's House, A&N, Image Boutique, Cato's, Valley Books, Jewelry Box, Colonial Optical, Whitesel Music, Schewel Furniture. Mentions sandwich shops/restaurants such as: Jess' Quick Lunch, The Palmer House Restaurants, Calhoun's, Joshua Wilton House; entertainment spots such as the Elbow Room, and movie theaters such as the Virginia and State Theaters. Refers to the big fire which destroyed a city block [1968]. Mentions the following banks: Virginia National Bank, Black Diamond; also Harrison Plaza (professional complex). Recorded at the home of Amy Accles, Harrisonburg, Va. on Feb. 6, 1990.

This interview records the reflections and viewpoints of Ms. Terri Denton, manager of a locally-run family-owned business, Denton's Furniture, on the atmosphere and condition of Court Square, Harrisonburg, Va. before and after the completion of the Valley Mall in 1978. [Note: Denton's Furniture went out of business in 1991]. Her opinions reflect those of a long-time resident and merchant of the area. Reviews a brief history of the family business, first begun in 1878, with mention of various family members and discussion of buildings owned over the years. Reminisces about the small-town atmosphere of a busy centrally-locally downtown area twenty years ago (ex. a feeling of community between merchants; the typical shopper; Friday nights on the town, and the general sense of comraderie that existed). Discusses the effect of the Mall on the Court Square and concerns over the relocation of the two major department stores (Penney's and Leggett's) and failure of J. Neys. Compares and contrasts regional shopping areas; notes impact of highway systems on shopping developments and shoppers' habits. Believes downtown has changed from a retail hub to a banking/lawyer/financial district. Sees impact of Mall in vacant buildings, less traffic flow and net income. Discusses various retail merchant's associations, including the Downtown Harrisonburg Merchant's Association and its support of community events (Christmas parade, Farmer's Market) and lessening influence. Sees general growth of Harrisonburg and increased competition (ex. chains such as Wal-mart and Rose's) as being the biggest challenge to a family-owned furniture business. Discusses shoppers habits; downtown revitalization efforts (ex. beautification, controversial ban on public events on the court lawn). Regrets the sense of loss of community in the downtown area, yet expresses a positive view of its future (ex. new small entrepreneur businesses; building of a new County Jail, proposed new parking deck; and relations with James Madison University. Refers to the following stores: Leggett's, Penney's Alfred and Joseph Neys', Woolworth's, Grand Piano, Schewel Furniture; Hostetter Drugstore, Hughes' Pharmacy, People's Drugstore; Wilson Jewelers; Studio Art Shop; Gitchell's, Harrison's Antiques. Mentions sandwich shops/restaurants such as: Jess' Quick Lunch, the Famous Restaurant, Spanky's Delicatessen, Belzona Cafe, Calhoun's. Refers to the public library; historic Morrison House. Recorded at the Denton's Furniture Store, 61 Court Square, Harrisonburg, Va. on Feb. 7, 1990.