LAWRENCE — Back by popular demand, and just in time for holiday shoppers, are the 2010 Essex Street calendars. The calendars feature photos and postcards from 1910 to 1970 capturing Essex Street, the heart of downtown Lawrence.

"For generations it has been a center for shopping, dining, business, employment and social life," reads the calendar's introduction. "Cruising on a Tuesday evening when the sidewalks were filled with the hustle and bustle of the day, one could meet the Mayor of Lawrence and even a future president of the United States."

The cover of the calendar, titled "Memories of Essex Street," is a replication of a 1960s postcard of Essex Street, taken from an easterly Franklin Street vista.

Inside, the calendar features shots of the Capri restaurant, which was owned by lightweight boxing champion Louis "Kid" Laudani after World War I and later became Joe Binette's in 1965, and an Eagle-Tribune photo of Essex Street during the Blizzard of 1978.

Cobblestones and trolley tracks on Essex Street are visible in another historic photo of the Community Savings Bank at Hampshire and Essex streets. A photo from 1910 features the Hotel Needham, which was at 572-574 Essex St. By the 1960s, the hotel had changed its name to the Hotel President.

Mickey's Camp and Sports Center, which once sat at 502-504 Essex St. is prominently featured above the July calendar page.

And anyone who remembers W.T. Grant's extensive pet department, where turtles, parakeets and goldfish were sold, will enjoy November's photo.

The 2009 calenders, which featured 1940s Essex Street, were so popular last year that they sold tremendously locally (750 copies), went through three printings and were mailed to former Lawrencians now living all over the United States and even overseas, according to Arlene Ross, a member of the Friends of the Lawrence Public Library.

"It seems everyone has that memory of a particular place on Essex Street," Ross said.

The Friends of the Lawrence Public Library, which produces the calendars, hope for similar success again this year. Calendar sales are its largest annual fundraiser and proceeds pay for everything from museum passes and First Library Card program to book discussion groups, concerts and more.

ÔÇæÔÇæÔÇæ

Join the discussion. To comment on stories and see what others are saying, log on to eagletribune.com.