Before urban renewal the closest thing Lockport had to a "crime district" was this block along Market Street in Lowertown. Our view is looking Southeast---the major action was on the other side of the street where "The Rage Bar & Grill" anchored a block of trouble. Street fights, bar fights (knives were the weapon of choice), and residents hanging out of upper-story windows were the common sight during the hot nights of summer. When federal money was used to tear down this colorful district, many of the businesses just closed. Pat Nicholson's Antique Show was a notable example. One that did not close, but just moved "uptown," was "John's Used Furniture" now on Locust between South and Walnut. Many of the residents here also moved uptown to Genesee Street and the present-day "Lockport Crime District" got its start.
Our thanks to Al Goehle, now in Lake Havasu City, AZ for sending along the picture that was taken by Lockport photographer, John Jenkins, now living in Norman, OK.