60 years ago on the streets of Atlanta, 1958

The streets of Atlanta looked a bit different in 1958 than they do now. Take a ride through the streets of our city as they were 60 years ago.

North Avenue with the Varsity in the background in July 1958. N06-059_aa, Tracy O'Neal Photographic Collection, 1923-1975, Photographic Collection. Special Collections and Archives, Georgia State University Library.

There are a few recognizable landmarks still standing (such as the Varsity, seen above from the other side of North Avenue), but many of these locations are completely unrecognizable.

The Rialto Theater in downtown Atlanta, August 1958. LBGPF3-023b, Lane Brothers Commercial Photographers Photographic Collection, 1920-1976. Photographic Collection, Special Collections and Archives, Georgia State University Library.

The Rialto has changed through the years, but it’s still there at the corner of Forsyth and Luckie streets. These days, it hosts mostly live music and arts performances instead of movies.

Northeast Plaza Shopping Center, Buford Highway, in July 1958. N06-040_01, Tracy O'Neal Photographic Collection, 1923-1975, Photographic Collection. Special Collections and Archives, Georgia State University.

Buford Highway is still home to Northeast Plaza, but the Colonial Stores grocery is long gone. See more of Atlanta’s streets as they were in 1958 at the link below.