They capture old-fashioned cars parked out front bars, drug stores and general stores and the town's residents going about their daily lives, which often centred around the iconic hub.

The photographs show some of America's most loved brands, including Coca Cola, Rice Krispies and 7UP, advertised in shop windows, and fresh produce including oranges and potatoes selling for as little as 1c.

Before there was a Walmart on every corner and suburban malls inhabited most of the nations cities and towns, these photographs show Main Street as it always was, and in some places still is -- the heartbeat of small town America.

Boys looking at store window display of toys at Christmas time in either 1941 or 1942

Cars and American flags line the main street of Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1942

Main Street at the mouth of Willow Creek Canyon, Creede, Colorado, in December 1942

Farmers and townspeople gather outside 'Tyler's Place' on Court day in, Campton, Kentucky around 1940

On the main street of Cascade, Idaho, in July 1941

A street corner in Brockton, Massachusetts, in January 1941