Business and Entertainment Around the Square

One of the most common and controversial types of businesses in downtown Murfreesboro were saloons, with thirteen around the square in 1887. These establishments served food and drink, as well as “to-go” liquor in reusable ceramic jugs. These businesses were controversial because of the growing temperance movement in the country, which advocated for abstinence from alcohol consumption.

In the late 1800s, commercial activity on the public square increased. The square featured many large stores which sold products such as dry goods, groceries, clothing, furniture, and hardware. One notable downtown shop was Goldstein’s, which opened in 1886 and was operated by Lithuanian immigrant William Goldstein, who became known as a “pioneer Murfreesboro merchant.” The store remained open on the square until the 1980s.

African Americans, who faced discrimination in white downtown establishments, formed their own thriving business district on South Maple and Vine streets. African American community leaders also sponsored an annual state fair for Black residents called the Mid-South Colored Fair.

The Courthouse was an important site in the struggle for women’s suffrage. In 1916, the Murfreesboro’s Women’s Club was founded as a social, philanthropic, and community-improvement organization. Members also became involved with suffrage efforts. In 1920, Sarah Spence DeBow and other suffragists went to the Courthouse to gather signatures on a petition in favor of women’s suffrage. After the Tennessee legislature voted to ratify the 19th Amendment and thus assured the success of the national women’s suffrage movement, however, the courthouse lawn became the site of anti-suffrage protests.

Throughout the 1800s, several opera houses around Murfreesboro provided residents with various forms of entertainment, such as vaudeville acts, stage shows, and minstrel acts. In 1914, Murfreesboro gained its first movie theater, the Princess Theatre. In addition to films, the Princess also showed live performances. The Princess was originally located on North Church Street, and in 1936 it reopened on West College Street.