This photograph captures downtown Lake City during the Christmas season, when Main Street was lined with locally owned businesses and decorated for the holidays.

On the right,Marshall Hayden and his father operated Hayden Drug Store. Next door stood Palmetto Bank, which installed its outdoor clock in 1952. The clock originally stood at the corner of Main and Acline Streets before the bank moved it when it opened a branch.

Further down the block was Berger Jewelers, located in the former lobby of the Truluck Hotel, once known as the Biltmore Hotel.

Across the street, Ward's Shoe Shop, operated by Luther Ward, stood beside L.T. Coward, a men’s clothing store. The building is now home to the Darla Moore Foundation. Nearby businesses included S. W. Gowdy Store, later Mr. Coleman and Western Auto, followed by J. P. Matthews and Company.

Even the cars help tell the story. The third car on the left is a Ford Falcon, reflecting the new automobiles appearing on Lake City’s streets during the early 1960s.

Together, the storefronts, clock, holiday decorations, and automobiles offer a glimpse of Main Street Lake City at Christmastime more than 60 years ago.