Christmas shopping circa 1906?

Nope. This is a photo of trade days in 1906 on Garland’s square. Trade days normally occurred on a Monday and the entire family came to town to do all business – banking, picking up mail, shopping, catching up with friends, etc. Raised wooden sidewalks were installed so the ladies didn’t have to battle dust, dirt, mud, and horse manure on the hems of their long skirts.

The brick buildings in the background were built after the fire of 1899 and still stand. If you want to hear the full history, book a tour!

This photo, and many more like it, can be found on the Garland Landmark Society website.