Way Back Wednesday in Calhoun County---April 12-18
The April 12-19 Way Back Wednesday in Calhoun County blog goes around Calhoun County. This week is all about shopping and recreation. Remember to click on the links in the blog to see many of the photos seen in Images of America series books: Anniston Revisited, Anniston, or Calhoun County.
Upcoming Event: We will be participating in the Makers Market in Downtown Anniston on the fourth Friday of each month. Check our website events page and on Facebook for more information on the locations for the monthly Makers Market book signing. We will be at different venues each month during the event.
April 12, 1949: Anniston, AL. A&P coffee was advertised as ground for the specific coffee makers with seven different grinds based on the brewer. The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company (A & P) arrived in Anniston not long after the end of World War I. It expanded quickly in the market with stores in Anniston, South Anniston, and Jacksonville.
April 13, 1920: Alexandria, AL. An advertisement by a realty company stated that the following week there would be an auction of residential and business property in a sub-division of Alexandria called Crook Estate. According to the advertisement, the area was growing and a new $30,000 school had just been built in the community.
April 14, 1918: Oxford, AL. The Oxford Lake Casino announced that the program for the following day had changed to include Crawford and Humphries performing. In addition, there was also an eight-piece orchestra that would perform. The entertainment complex was located at the end of the Oxford Lake Streetcar line and was a place for locals and servicemen at the local military base to relax.
April 15, 1950: Anniston, AL. William S. (W. S.) Rivers passed away and was buried at Edgemont Cemetery. He was born Sept 12, 1865. Mr. Rivers was a prominent African-American businessman in the early 20th century. He served as vice-president of Alabama Penny Savings Bank located at 920 Noble. He also operated W. S. Rivers and Company, a grocery business in the 300 block of Spruce Avenue near his home.
April 16, 1907: Anniston, AL. It was announced a new weather bureau building was being constructed at corner of 8th Street and Quintard Avenue. The building would be the home for the local observer F. W. Clark, who would also oversee the construction. Detailed weather data collection began in 1905. In the 1950s, the weather bureau moved to Noble Street to cut costs.
April 17, 1947: Anniston, AL. Holland Brother’s Curb Market advertised bacon for 53 cents a pound and 10 pounds of potatoes for 29 cents in response to the U. S. President’s call for “roll back the prices” in the Post-World War II era. The grocery had opened in the 1930s on the northern end of Anniston but by the mid-1930s the business had relocated to Oxford.
April 18, 1960: Anniston, AL. The Alabama Gas Company advertised a gold-star gas range that was billed to help mothers by saving-time in preparing family meals. These ranges were powered with gas that “was faster, cooler, cleaner, and more dependable.” The gas company was incorporated in December 1899 and the Anniston branch was originally located near the intersection of Third and Noble Streets. Through a series of purchases over the years Alabama Gas became the sole provider of natural gas in the area.
