This is the only known historical photograph of Forestville taken from the north looking south toward the small town's business district. By the time this postcard photograph was taken, most of the town's businesses were long gone, relegating the existing buildings to farm work.

In the left third of the view can be seen the steel bridge erected in 1899. Starting at the left of the photograph is the cabinet shop, built in the 1850s but no longer functioning as a business. Beside this building was the large Meighen barn, built in 1894, of which only the cupola is visible at the extreme left. To the right of this is the bridge, a team of horses pulling a sleigh, then the faint outline of the store and its recently added front porch. Next to the store is the wagon or carriage barn. Behind the store is the granary built in 1859. At the exteme right can be seen part of an 1850s barn. In front of it is the frame of an unknown building that was either being built or torn down when this picture was taken.