Way Back Wednesday in Calhoun County---May 24-30
This week in the Way Back Wednesday in Calhoun County blog for May 24-30, we look back at people and locations that were integral to Downtown Anniston. Some of these businesses’ locations will be part of the Tour of Historic Downtown Anniston at this month’s Anniston Makers Market. 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 Events: Author and local historian Kimberly O’Dell will be conducting the May Makers Market Historic Tour of Downtown Anniston on Friday, May 26th. The tour will begin at 6:10 PM on the steps of the Calhoun County Courthouse steps (on West 11th Street). After the tour, Nunnally’s Noble Frame and Gallery will host an Anniston Revisited book signing.
May 24, 1901: Anniston, AL. The Chicago Concert Company appeared on the stage at the Noble Theatre. The theatre was built as an opera house in 1883 by Samuel Noble’s brother, William. Around 1915, the theatre was converted to a motion picture house. The building was remodeled but ultimately was razed in 1958 to make way for a modern structure that was considered more economically viable.
May 25, 1928: Anniston, Al. The grand opening of the Acorn Store was held at the corner of 10th and Noble Streets. This was Anniston’s newest department store which boasted 22 completely stocked departments. The store carried men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel as well as home furnishings. Like many business, the Acorn Store only lasted about two years and was closed by mid-1930.
May 26, 1943: Anniston, AL. The “Blue Rendezvous Room” in the Dugout dining room at the Jeff Davis Hotel Building was hosting Bert Waddell and his orchestra. The dine and dance event offered good food and excellent service. The hotel, built in 1917, was directly across the street from the Lyric Theater.
May 27, 1948: Jacksonville State, AL. This day marked the end of the second year of the Special French Program at Jacksonville State Teachers College. This post-World War II program was under the direction of Dr. J. H. Jones with assistance from the French and American students at the French House. The 1948 student group was scheduled to depart for New York on June 15 to sail back to France. The group consisted of three female students, one male student, a dietitian, and a hostess. The next group would arrive in August.
May 28, 1946: Anniston, AL. Harlem Cab, located at 14 West 13th Street, billed itself as “a safe and clean 2 cent taxi”. The cost of the taxi was by the block. In 1945, Fort McClellan regulated the taxi services that were allowed on post. The fort set the rate from the military post to the city of Anniston at a cost of $1.
May 29, 1914: Anniston, AL. Annie Eliza Scott Tyler passed away at the age of 75. Born to Isaac and Caroline Paul Scott on August 15, 1838 in Macon (Bibb County) Ga., she married Alfred Lee Tyler and came to Anniston in the 1870s. The founding city fathers chose the corruption of Annie’s Town as the name of their new city. The town of Anniston was named for the daughter-in-law of General Daniel Tyler.
May 30, 1935: Anniston, AL. The Alabama State Postal Workers arrived in Anniston for their annual meeting on this day. The group registered at the Alabama Hotel followed by the opening session at the First Methodist Church. They concluded their meeting with a tour of the city and a meet and greet at the Methodist Church.
