A Walk Down East Washington Street in 1989

         36 years ago, Robert Phelps, who lived at 5317 Lowell Avenue, walked down East Washington Street on a sunny day in 1989 and snapped many images of the business corridor. He managed Chaille's Shoes at 5622 East Washington, and you can see that sign in one of his shots. At least three of the buildings seen in the images below are no longer standing. Let's take a walk with Mr. Phelps, shall we?

Our first stop will be at the Red Shield (Salvation Army) Thrift Store at 5639 East Washington Street. You might find a great deal in here or next door at Old John's Home Center. Watch out for that speeding traffic! (Current Site of the Irvington Public Library)

Let's see if we can find some parking behind the building. Do you see the Salvation Army Drop-off box? Older Irvingtonians will remember this building as the former site of the Standard Grocery Store. It seems crowded today. 

Let's drop by PIP Printing at 5649 East Washington Street so I can get a few items copied. (Current site of Irvington Public Library) 

Do you mind if I peek behind these stores? Oh, I don't think I am supposed to be back here. There are two fences and one of them has barbed wire. Let's get out of here. (Current site of Irvington Public Library)

Let's cut through the Irvington Presbyterian Church parking lot on South Audubon Road. I see the Saxony Apartments across the street. 

Over here! Be careful as you cross! I see the Audubon Court Apartments. Watch out for that trash can. I don't think it is long for this world. 

Let's grab a Pepsi from the machine and stop into some of the shops. I see that A La Cheri Beauty Salon is offering a deal on perms. I think I will pass on that but let's visit Mr. Phelps at Chaille's Shoes. Next door, we could learn a few dance steps at McCleish School of Dance. 

    Alright, our tour is over for now. You can turn off your Milli Vanilli cassette tape and head back to the future. Onward!! 

Provenance of photos: Robert Phelps snapped the images. His neighbor, Kent Hankins, the former President of the Irvington Historical Society, obtained the photos and donated them to the Society. We are so grateful!