John McGivern’s Main Streets
explores the towns, cities, and neighborhoods shaped by the people who live and work there. John McGivern brings attention to local businesses, community institutions, traditions, and gathering places, building a clear picture of what gives each community its distinct identity.
Through specific stories and everyday voices, the series shows how people, history, and place come together along a community’s main streets.
Rockford, Illinois
Rockford is the largest city in Illinois outside of the Chicago area. It was originally known as “Midway Village” because, for travelers, it was halfway between Chicago and Galena.
This city was known for industrial manufacturing in the last century but today it’s been retooled into a center for healthcare and aerospace technology.
South Haven, Michigan
Being right on Lake Michigan, South Haven Michigan has always been a port city. In the late 1800’s the surrounding timber industry gave way to farming, but another industry grew very well here–the resort and tourism industry.
Sandy beaches, lovely lake breezes and a charming downtown still make South Haven a popular summer tourist destination. South Haven is in southwestern Michigan, along Intestate 196 at the mouth of the Black River on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Green Lake, Wisconsin
Green Lake is about seven miles wide, and its maximum depth is 237 feet, making it the deepest natural lake in all of Wisconsin.
It’s a great spot for fishing, golfing, sailing, canoeing, hiking, biking, and pretty much any relaxing outdoor activity you can think of. Some people even come here to SCUBA dive.
Stillwater, Minnesota
On the corner of Myrtle and Main Streets in Stillwater, Minnesota began.
So why here? Well… when Wisconsin became a state in 1848, that left people west of the St. Croix river “high and dry” with no government.
So, the people of Stillwater held a territorial convention right here and voted to send a delegate to Washington D.C. to organize a new territory called “Minnesota” which became a territory in 1849, and a state in 1858.
Dubuque, Iowa
Dubuque, Iowa was and is, first and foremost, a river town. The mighty Mississippi is worked, revered and enjoyed here by locals and visitors alike.
