From about 1900 to 1945, the section of what today is South Walnut between Lincoln and South Street was known as Lover’s Lane. There were poems about the Lane, a stories about being one of the “beauty spots of Maryville…with lovers seeking to discuss matters of interest and great moment.” It appeared on police reports about accidents in which the car lights had been turned off. The image above is a 1910 Real Photo Postcard (RPPC), an authentic photograph developed directly onto postcard paper, introduced by Kodak in 1903 and popular through the 1930s. Unlike printed postcards, RPPCs offer smooth, continuous-tone images frequently documenting local scenes, businesses, and portraits.
The road was initially dirt, and then became gravel at least into the 1930s. I’m not sure when it was paved. It was rural until 1924, when the South Park addition was added to the city. The road may been informally named, although street numbers were consistent with the Walnut Street grid.
The Maryville Tribune on August 31, 1905, in its Beauty Spots of Maryville says this:
But the place to find lovers is “Lovers’ Lane” in southwest Maryville, though everyone knows its location and beauty, especially the young and growing generation. This street makes a most beautiful drive, although one of short duration, and is taken advantage of by young and old who desire the quiet solitude of beautiful Nature when the evening sun is low, as well as by lovers striving to discuss matters of interest and great moment.
Maryville Forum/Tribune June 12, 1913
Maryville. (By a Maryville Admirer.) (Dedicated with humble apologies to the leaders in the new civic work.)
0, Maryville, how fair you are!
How full of charm and grace.
Behind a weed-grown wilderness
You hide a smiling face.
The dandelions and horse mint,
The ragweed and the dirt
Conceal a loveliness that might
Transform you into a flirt.
How dear is every little nook,
Though marred by many a blot.What fond associations cling.’
Round every vacant lot.
The peanut shells that gayly deck
The walks are only meant
To call attention to your miles
Of smooth, high-grade cement.Tis thus which every way we turn
The dirt beneath our feet
Is found on close inspection
To conceal a brick-paved street.The alleys have their teeming loads
Of microbes, germs, and slop,
And empty bottles, which of late
Were filled with lively pop.We don’t forget the shady streets,
The lawns that blossom fair,
The Normal Park and Lovers’ Lane,
The fountain on the square.The bandstand, with its memories
Of fairs and wedding bells,
And e’en the marvelous back yard
That flanks the Ream hotel.0, Maryville, to keep the love
That beats in every breast,
Remove your stains and blemishes,
And we’ll still think you’re best
-
They renamed Lovers Lane to South Walnut Street in 1943 — apparently “romance” was out, “municipal grid” was in.
-
Lovers Lane got a new name so the city could finally give directions that wouldn’t end with “follow the moonlight.”
-
South Walnut Street: same trees, same moonlight, now with official potholes and no poetry.
-
They paved the name right out of it — Lovers Lane became South Walnut Street, and romance was rerouted to Main.
-
Back then, headlamps were off, and hearts were on — until the sign said “South Walnut,” then even the moon felt bureaucratic.
-
Lovers used to whisper under ornamental trees; after 1943 they whispered, “Turn left on South Walnut and hope the potholes don’t hear.”
-
They changed the name for maps, not for memories — Lovers Lane is still where people go to make bad decisions and blame the darkness.
-
In 1943 they tried to reduce accidents by renaming the road. Turns out hearts don’t read street signs.
-
South Walnut Street: the only place where you can get a ticket for no headlights and a citation for public displays of affection.
-
The city renamed Lovers Lane to sound more official. Next step: zoning by heartbreak.
-
Lovers Lane had ornamental trees and poetry; South Walnut has streetlights and a complaint box.
-
They renamed Lovers Lane to South Walnut in 1943 — now couples meet for candlelight, because the streetlight manual says “no improvisation.”