OUR STORIES

Downtown Plainfield is more than historic buildings, storefronts, and streetscapes. It is a collection of memories, traditions, and moments shared across generations. Every corner of downtown means something different to someone, and the stories of the people who have lived, worked, gathered, and grown here are what truly bring our community to life.

One of our favorite parts of sharing Downtown Plainfield’s history is hearing your stories right alongside it. The memories shared by longtime residents remind us that downtown has always been rooted in connection, kindness, family, and community.

When we shared the history of the Prewitt Theatre, Nancy H. commented:
“When I was young, I didn’t like scary movies. Mrs. Prewitt would call my mother when the scary previews were over to tell her it was fine for me to come to the theater. Only in a small town.”

When we talked about Edna Blanton’s restaurant, memories immediately began pouring in.

Steve K. shared:
“Edna Blanton made wonderful pies and taught my mom how to make them.”

Michael S. remembered:
“Her restaurant was on my Indianapolis News paper route and sometimes I could get a piece of pie or hot chocolate when I delivered. Loved her.”

Dottie C. reflected:
“My mom Katie used to help out some in the restaurant on the west hill. That's where I had my 6th birthday party 70 yrs. ago! Great memories!”

After our Mason Building post, Nancy S. shared:
“I took tap dance lessons in the basement of the DNR music house. As a young teenager, I took guitar lessons there as well.”

And when we highlighted the Oasis Diner, David B. reflected:
“George and Mona were extraordinary good folks. They loved their customers and I saw them give many free meals to transients who were down on their luck. It was always a great place to have a delicious home cooked meal.”

These stories are what build a strong, flourishing community. They remind us that downtown is not simply made up of buildings and businesses. It is made up of people, memories, traditions, kindness, and moments that stay with us for generations.

One especially meaningful story came from longtime community member Wandaleen Cole, who shared vivid memories of growing up around Main Street Plainfield and the beloved Prewitt Theatre.

Wandaleen recalls a time when Main Street was deeply rooted in family, connection, and simple joys. With relatives like Rick Shaw active in the community, her aunt Edna Blanton running a local restaurant, and her uncle Garner Poynter settling in after World War II, Plainfield was always close to her heart.

Some of her most vivid memories center around the Prewitt Theatre.

She remembers walking with a packed group of elementary classmates from school to the theater to see Annie Get Your Gun, hearing other children talk about the kind “old women” who owned it, and feeling the excitement of a full house.

But even before that, Wandaleen had her own adventures there in the 1950s. She would hop out of the car with fifty cents in hand, buy a ticket, and carefully decide how to spend her remaining twenty cents. Popcorn or chocolate. A decision of great importance.

She remembers seeing King Kong and the moment her father suddenly appeared beside her seat, worried it might be too scary. She remembers attending Elvis Presley’s first movie with her mother, when not a single seat was empty. She even remembers seeing a Lucy and Desi film that, in her opinion, simply was not all that funny.

The theater was more than just a place to watch movies. It was the heartbeat of the community. It brought people together, supported nearby businesses like her Aunt Edna’s restaurant just down the street, and became a cornerstone of local life.

Though Wandaleen did not spend her teenage years in Plainfield, she remembers the stories. The Prewitt Theatre was the place for dates, for high schoolers, and for surrounding communities to gather.

These are the moments that built Main Street Plainfield. The moments that remind us just how special this place has always been and continues to be today.

One day, our children and grandchildren will tell stories about what Downtown Plainfield was like in this era too. By preserving and sharing these memories, we honor the people and experiences that shaped our community while ensuring those stories continue inspiring future generations.

Thank you to Wandaleen Cole and every community member who continues sharing memories with us and helping keep the story of Plainfield alive. We also extend our sincere thanks to the Indiana Room at PGTPL for preserving the incredible photographs and historical resources that help bring these stories to life.