What are your memories of Main Street in Humble? I do hope you made more memories during the Good Oil Days Festival Saturday, April 2. Main Street, which is in historic downtown Humble, was closed to vehicle traffic. People were able to walk in the street and venture into and out of the booths which were occupied by vendors offering their wares for sale, or individuals and groups promoting the activities of their organization. Food trucks, which were there to satisfy your hunger pangs, or porta potties, which met other needs of attendees, could be found at the intersection of a cross street. Also, live entertainment was provided on a stage on the west end of Main Street while an area in the 500 block offered activities for the children. The Good Oil Days offered memorable activities for all attendees.
Many, many memories begin to tumble through my mind when I think of Main Street and Old Humble. Some of my first memories are of the 100 block. During the 1980s, half of the block on the south side was a vacant lot with a wooden oil derrick in its center. My sons accepted the responsibility of mowing the grass and keeping that portion of Main Street attractive to visitors. The old service station on the next corner was once occupied by a yarn shop where the owner offered lessons on how to knit and crochet. I am still proud of the two sweaters I crocheted with her guidance and instruction.
The center of the 200 block has the Humble Masonic Lodge building on the south side and the Green Oaks Tavern with the two Trees of Knowledge on the north side. Both buildings offer many memories for me, and I trust you have created some memories of your own. The current tattoo shop was Lakeside Plumbing and Mike’s Hardware in the 1970s and ‘80s. Mike had a train track along the inside walls, close to the ceiling, with trains that ran on the tracks. The trains would guide a person’s attention to the zinc panels covering the ceiling.
On the north side of the 300 block is Humble Flower Shop, which has continued to offer blooms and hospitality to all who drop by, while businesses in the other buildings have changed ownership several times. Across the street, a radio station is the first business and the Jewel Theater office building is the last, with Uptown Park between them. Uptown Park is the setting for music, prayer and other activities. Families and friends often stop in the park and make more memories.
The 400 block, which is the last of the business area, is home to Deerbrook Baptist Church and a law office, with three buildings across Main Street. The occupants of those spaces have changed many times since the variety store, which was followed by the used bookstore, occupied one of the buildings.
Yes, things continue to change on Main Street. I hope that you attended the Good Oil Days Festival and made some new memories while you visited the current businesses, viewed the merchandise of vendors, and enjoyed the entertainment offered. I invite you to explore Main Street in Old Humble anytime, and to make plans to attend the Good Oil Days Festival in 2023.
