Native-born Sinclair Lewis was persona non grata by Sauk Centre residents after “Main Street” was published in 1920. His legacy is now deeply associated with this town of less than 4,400 people. The author’s profile is appropriately located at the intersection of Sinclair Lewis Avenue and Main Street. Roger Reinardy painted the tribute on the Palmer House, a hotel built in 1901. Sinclair Lewis worked here for two summers as a youth. A similar setting was called Minniemashie House in the “Main Street” novel.
