WE’VE COME A LONG WAY — Center has indeed come a long way since this picture was taken by R.R. Loving prior to 1911.The occasion was a W.O.W. parade. Note the light poles on the square and “traffic” headed in all directions. At that time,there were about nine two-story buildings around the square.In 1911,the entire block on the north side of the square beginning with the Rogers Drug Store,Mistrots and others burned to the ground.The surrey was owned and driven by C.C.Elliott and Henry Gryder.Note the Payne and Payne Building was A.J.Woods and Bros.Dry Goods Store at that time. (Editor’s note: The photo was published by Mattie Dellinger with her “Wise and Otherwise” column. Another photo by Center photographer Roy R. Loving is making news locally, one taken May 5, 1923, depicting a crowd on the square inspecting a four-up ox team with a Cadillac touring car and Federal truck. On May 5, 2023, a photo will be taken in honor of the 1923’s 100th Anniversary. Everyone is invited to be on the square and be in the picture. More information is forthcoming from the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.)