Main Avenue has long been the center of town life. In the early days, the streets even carried different names. What we know today as Main Avenue was once called Viola Avenue, and Center Street was known as Pearl Street. Along these early streets, businesses helped shape the growing community.

One of the longest-standing institutions along Main Avenue is Citizens State Bank, now located at the southern end of the business district. The bank opened on May 3, 1905, when Bendix, Soren, and Olaf Holdahl saw the need for a reliable place where residents could save money and secure loans for farms and businesses. The bank began with $25,000 in capital and operated from a simple frame building across from what is now the Main Avenue hardware store.

As Roseau grew, the bank expanded. In 1916, a new brick building was constructed on the northwest corner of Main and Center, often remembered as the “old bank.” Continued growth led to the construction of the current building along Main Avenue in 1967, with later additions increasing its size. The bank has remained a steady part of the community ever since.

On the northeast corner of Main and Center once stood Sjoberg Brothers General Merchandise, one of the town’s early large stores. What began as a pioneer store developed into a full department store offering dry goods, groceries, clothing, hardware, and farm supplies. The brick building still standing today was built in stages beginning in 1907. Over time, the business became Anthony’s Department Store and is now home to the Silver Dragon restaurant.

The Hotel Roseau, located near the corner of Main and Highway 11, was another important landmark. Before modern travel, hotels were essential in developing towns. An earlier structure on this site, the Oie Hotel, burned on Thanksgiving Day in 1894 but was soon rebuilt. By the late 1890s, the building became known as Hotel Roseau. Hans Tolefson and his wife operated it from 1898 to 1913, followed by Oscar and Tilda Lauring, who ran it for 50 years. The hotel later became the Guest House café and is now an apartment building.

Other nearby buildings reflect the town’s changing needs. The old First State Bank building still stands on the northeast corner of Main and Second Street and houses a veterinary clinic in 2026. Another building on the southwest corner of Main and Center has served many roles, including a bank, Dr. Delmore’s clinic, the Roseau Times-Region newspaper, and a bookstore. It now also includes apartments.

Together, these buildings offer a glimpse into Roseau’s early business district. Though storefronts and owners have changed, Main Avenue still carries the history of the people who built the town.