Driving through downtown Colfax it’s not hard to see how the latest economic downturn is taking its toll on Main Street businesses. Empty buildings “For Sale,” “For Lease” and “For Rent” reveal the signs of the times.

For decades the downtown area was the center of the town’s commercial life and an important part of its social life. The active railroad transported tons of area agriculture and gold and passenger trains delivered visitors choosing Colfax as their destination. People thronged to Main Street on Saturday nights to meet friends, see a movie or attend a dance.

The opening of Highway 80, the decline of the railroad, changes in commerce and subsequent growth of suburban communities transformed the way people live, work and spend their leisure time.

Colfax is just one small town like thousands that dot the map of America’s past. Mom-and-pop stores are faced with the realities of booming malls, mega-stores, and multiplexes.

In the past six months alone, six downtown businesses have had to close their doors.

Economic pressures finally proved too much for the historic Colfax Theater. A centerpiece of town for more than 128 years, the cinema treasure recently closed as a movie house.

“We had to seriously look at our options and decided it was no longer equitable to show movies," said Cindy Jacob, theater owner and Colfax resident. "But by changing the venue back to feature local entertainment, we could keep it open.”

With so many places empty in such a small downtown, the impact can be dramatic.

Local merchant Vicky Breslin purchased the historic pharmacy building on Main Street 10 years ago.

She is concerned with the psychological impact empty storefronts can have.

“Downtown decline adversely affects other businesses and the loss of the business culture has a huge impact on the community,” said Breslin. “It’s sad to look around and see all of the vacant storefronts. There’s optimism when it’s busy and when stores are full.”

Breslin has had the historic building up for sale on and off for the past three years.

Even though she continues to operate her business, The Funny Pharm, walk-in traffic has never been enough to sustain it.

“There are other businesses like mine struggling to keep their doors open,” said Breslin. She urges consumers to shop locally first.

“Restaurants and services are offering gift certificates and gift stores will help you select and wrap the perfect gift with a personal touch,” she continued. “You get excellent customer service, tax dollars stay in town and businesses stay open. Everybody wins.”

Some businesses are still thriving within the city limits. Located on opposite ends of Main Street, two businesses are doing well. Both have the community to thank for it.

Ron and Carol Dotto opened the Colfax Farm and Country Store a little over one year ago and have been building up their business mainly due to loyal customers and community support.

“We found a niche and we work hard to make sure customers are happy and they get what they need,” said Carol Dotto.

They even plan expanding their business this week by leasing out the storage area in front of their store to increase feed supplies.

Basement Wine owner Lee Shahin attributes his success to local patronage.

“I know that 99 percent of my customers are local and I appreciate how supportive they’ve been,” said Shahin.

Giving the restaurant business a chance, Grandfathers Station recently opened their doors in the old fruit exchange.

“The mission of our group has always been to help local families. Our hope is to be able to continue to do that by donating the money from the sale of our tacos to people in need,” said a restaurant employee known only as Goose. “We have a real family friendly atmosphere. We have a kid’s menu, Karaoke night and community oriented events.”

Jason McKinney took over Colfax Max earlier this year and has been striving to improve the menu, including hamburgers made with Angus beef.

“My vision is to provide the best burgers and simple honest food that I can,” McKinney said.

While economic development is taking the back seat to other priority issues at City Hall, grassroots groups are organizing to keep Colfax viable.

Getting signage placed at strategic points to direct freeway traffic into the downtown area was a recent success of a few Main Street merchants.

Colfax Pride and the Colfax Area Chamber of Commerce have hosted various events to draw out-of-area people in to experience the historical richness of the town and raise funds to support local charities.

In fact, even though the economy is in a slump that doesn’t mean residents are losing their holiday spirit. Soroptimist International of Colfax reported a successful toy and food drive this past weekend and Operation Mom received numerous donations for the care packages they send to the deployed troops.

Money may be tight, but people are expressing a desire to help others.

At least generosity and compassion haven’t gone into foreclosure in this town. Community spirit and civic pride haven’t closed their doors.

Maybe these are the true signs of the times.