MainStreet at work

DAYTON — This Coca-Cola sign which appeared on the side of Mansfield’s Coffee Shop when it was in this location is being refurbished so that it can brighten the corner of Market Street and Second Avenue as it once did.

From my research, I have found that Mansfield’s was first located on the corner of Market and Second during the 1940’s. At one time it was owned by a Mr. and Mrs. Coleman. Zama Lusk Denton stated in a Herald-News article of the 1980s that during the 1950s Mansfield’s was located on the corner of Market Street and First Avenue, and was called Mansfield’s Coffee Shop during that time.

Zama’s dad, Tony Lusk, bought the restaurant in 1951, according to her. She also stated in the newspaper that Mansfield’s was located across First Avenue from Ben McKenzie’s Law Office. Many of us have fond memories of eating a hamburger at Mansfield’s last location of Market and First Avenue.

Many of you may not know that Dayton had a Coca-Cola Bottling Company at one time. Mr. E.B. Arnold owned Gem City Bottling Works, and was an owner in the Coca-Cola Plant beginning in 1913-1914. Arnold sold the Coke plant to E.B. Ewing in 1920. Ewing died in 1931, and his daughter, Leota, managed the plant until 1961, when it was sold. During the 1920’s and 1930’s the plant was on the East end of Second Avenue at Washington Street.

A new building was built for the Coke plant in 1941, and opened in June of that year. This would be the last home for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Dayton. It was located on South Market Street across from the Methodist Church, where a blacksmith shop had been a few years earlier.

The Coca-Cola Plant celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 1964, and Main Street, Dayton wants to preserve history so that we will not forget events and places in our area. Be sure to view and appreciate the newly brightened and freshened Coca-Cola sign on the original Mansfield’s Building.

In other business, MainStreet Dayton’s annual Farm to Table event returns this year on Saturday, Sept. 21, in downtown Dayton.

“Join us for an unforgettable evening at our Hometown Harvest Farm to Table event on Sept. 21,” event organizers said. “Experience the rich flavors of the season with a menu crafted from the freshest local ingredients, celebrating the best of our community’s farms and producers.

“Set against a beautiful backdrop of the historic courthouse and charming downtown, mingle with fellow food enthusiasts, meet the farmers and chefs behind your meal and indulge in the charm of Southern hospitality with a modern twist. Tickets are limited, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this special evening. Purchase your tickets now and savor the true taste of our hometown!”

The annual Farm to Table event will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 21 on the lawn of the historic Rhea County Courthouse.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit MainStreet Dayton’s Facebook page and follow the www.eventbite.com.

MainStreet Dayton is located at 379 2nd Ave, Dayton, TN, 37321, and can be contacted at (423) 775-9847.