Many things have changed over the years, as things tend to do overtime. North Dakota’s small towns and big cities alike have morphed to suit the needs of the day, including their shops. Today, big box stores and online shopping have taken the place of small, locally-owned specialty stores. Though you can still find those types of shops here and there, sometimes it’s fun to look back at the old days when things were a little slower and simpler. Take a look at these vintage stores in North Dakota from old photographs:

1. An old drugstore and soda fountain in Ray, North Dakota. The paint on the windows also mentions two houses for rent upstairs. 1937
Russell Lee/yale.edu
2. A bunch of shop signs as seen on the side of a building in Fargo, North Dakota. There is also a sign for the Fargo Gazette. 1939
Arthur Rothstein/yale.edu
3. This North Dakota family is window shopping at the Montgomery Ward store. 1937
Russell Lee/yale.edu
4. Shoveling snow out in front of a hotel and other businesses in Hettinger, North Dakota. 1942
John Vachon/yale.edu
5. Two farmers and a small child conversing in downtown Williston in front of a business. 1937
Russell Lee/yale.edu
6. A late-night city street scene in Fargo, North Dakota with a well-stocked store window and some neon signs on the right. 1940
John Vachon/yale.edu

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7. Some of the goods being sold in a general store in Ray, North Dakota. 1937
Russell Lee/yale.edu
8. A barbershop pole and a couple of other shops on the main stretch in Starkweather, North Dakota. 1940
John Vachon/yale.edu
9. Here's a type of store you don't see very often anymore: a shoe repair shop. The man is the owner, A.H. Rosling, in Hettinger. He was drafted into WWII and had to sell his store. 1942
John Vachon/yale.edu
10. A typical street scene in Williams County, North Dakota. Some of these old painted advertisements can still be faintly seen on some buildings across the state. 1937
Russell Lee/yale.edu
11. An entrance to a few different stores — a savings and loan, barbershop, and beauty parlor. 1937
Russell Lee/yale.edu
12. Some of the things you could find at drugstores in North Dakota back in the 1930s. 1937
Russell Lee/yale.edu

Which of these photos reminded you of anything special? North Dakota is full of stories and you can still find some of these kinds of stores if you know where to look. For example, did you know you can visit a general store in North Dakota that looks right out of the good old days? It’s more than meets the eye — you never know what you’ll find on the inside!

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