Downtown

 

The growth of Elmira’s downtown was greatly assisted by the completion of the Main Street Bridge in 1921.  This was followed by the opening of a new Iszard’s department store and the luxurious Mark Twain Hotel.  Iszard's was considered to be the most modern store in the area.  In addition to clothing, luggage, and home furnishings, it offered its customers refreshments in its tea room.  The Mark Twain Hotel was another vital component of Elmira’s downtown.  In addition to providing  a variety of accommodations for tourists and travelling businessmen, it served as a center for the city’s social life, hosting parties, formal dinners, and dances.