Main Street of Yesteryear

Step back in time to view animated department store window displays at Main Street of Yesteryear

Located on the floor above the lobby at Shenandoah Caverns is Main Street of Yesteryear, a stunning exhibit of animated department store window displays dating back to the 1940s and ‘50s.

 

Large department stores like Woodward & Lothrop and Kahn’s drew crowds every holiday season with these dynamic and creative window displays—long before television and online advertising became popular. Wind yourself down Main Street and see these displays come to life before your very eyes.

  • Pick out the different circus acts on the oldest animated exhibit: the 3-ringed Circus on Display
  • Gasp at the beauty of Cinderella Going to the Ball
  • Reminisce over memories of visiting holiday store windows

Tour Details

Tours through Main Street of Yesteryear are self-guided and included in your caverns ticket price. As you travel, motion detectors bring each display to life. Take a moment at each window to view all the animation that has delighted generations. The exhibit is ADA accessible.

How Main Street of Yesteryear was Created

Earl Hargrove, Jr. originally started Hargrove, Inc. as a decorating company to create these animated window displays. For more than 50 years, he collected them before putting them on display here at Shenandoah Caverns.

“If you remember the elaborate window displays that used to be in department store windows, you’ll love this. Great family fun!”