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What downtown Davis looked like in 1968

Downtown in 1968 had two movie theaters, multiple car dealerships, local markets, nightclubs, variety stores and a very different mix of businesses than today.

A snapshot of downtown Davis in 1968 feels like another town. The City’s “Growing Pains” history describes two theaters, several auto dealers and service stations, local markets and variety stores, live-music nightspots, and independent restaurants. The Varsity was already operating, while many national chains that later became familiar had not yet arrived.

1968Downtown combines theaters, auto dealerships, markets, nightclubs and small local shops.
Period1968
EvidenceDocumented
Last checked2026-08-18
SourceCity of Davis — Growing Pains, Chapter 1
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Keep exploring Davis history

How Davis exploded in size during the 1960sDavis grew from 8,910 people in 1960 to more than 21,000 by 1969 as UC Davis expanded rapidly, transforming roads, neighborhoods and local politics.The history of the Varsity TheatreThe Varsity opened in 1950 as a modern Streamline Moderne movie palace and later became a designated Davis City Landmark.What happened to Leatherby’s in Davis?Community archives remember Leatherby’s at 650 G Street as the predecessor to Marvelli’s; the site later became Ken’s Bike & Ski.The old Bank of Yolo building downtownThe Bank of Yolo building dates to 1910; the bank ceased operating there during the Depression era, though depositors were eventually paid.Why Davis fought so hard over downtown retailFrom the late 1960s onward, Davis repeatedly debated peripheral shopping centers and how to keep downtown economically alive.Davis public art mapThe City publishes public-art resources and a pocket map organized by area, with public art listings plus bike paths, parks and art institutions.