Way Back Wednesday in Calhoun County---May 31-June 6
Summer is almost here!! In the Way Back Wednesday in Calhoun County blog for May 31-June 6, we look back at some Anniston locations that were part of summer time experience. 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. Thanks to all those who came out to take part in the Tour of Historic Downtown Anniston at May’s Anniston Makers Market.
Upcoming Events: Stay tuned to the website and Facebook page for the location of the June Makers Market Anniston Revisited signing.
May 31, 1948: Anniston, Al. All Anniston city pools open for the summer to the public. During the 1940s, Anniston operated five municipal pools as part of the city park system. The swimming pools were located at Zinn Park, 22nd Street, 9th Street, Oxanna, and Carver. The Oxanna pool was the only pool with lighting.
June 1, 1921: Anniston, AL. The Anniston City Land Company offered lots for sale in all parts of the city. The Woodstock Iron Company had subsidized the land company with $1.5 million and deeded all the land in the city limits (except industry) to the company after the city was opened to the public. The co-owners of the land company were John H. McKleroy and Duncan T. Parker. Unfortunately, the land company building was damaged during the construction of the new police station and had to be demolished.
June 2, 1957: Anniston, AL: Adams-McCargo Motor Company offered 125 cars and trucks for sale as part of the “57 Chevrolet sellerama”. The motor company had come to Anniston in 1927 and took over the Fox-Bandy Motor Company. The company’s used car lot was located at various locations through the firm’s 38-year history including 7th and Noble Streets.
June 3, 1923: Anniston, AL. The Sunset Land Company offered home sites overlooking the country club golf course. Sunset Drive was touted as a restful rural setting that was convenient to the city. Founded in 1922 by Hillyer Robinson, the land company developed the upscale subdivision 5 miles from downtown Anniston. The company offices were located at Adelaide Mill then moved to 70 Sunset Drive. The company closed by 1953.
June 4, 1941: Anniston, AL. Paint, Glass, and Builders Supply Company, at 906 Noble Street, offered Southern Lumber Paints that were specifically made for Northeast Alabama. This company was one of many hardware and building supply companies that operated in the early 20th Century in Anniston. This company was owned by B. B. Walker.
June 5, 1929: Camp McClellan, AL. Twenty-Five colleges, universities, and schools from seven Southern states sent their young men to camp to train for six weeks in the Reserve Officer Training Camp on post. The young men arrived by both train and car with a total of 803 ROTC trainees. The first day they were issued uniforms and underwent physicals with the drill practice scheduled to start the next day.
June 6, 1947: Anniston, AL. Usrey Funeral Home offered ambulance service by air and by motor with first aid trained ambulance attendants. Originally located at 1407 Noble Street, Usrey Funeral home was found by J. Ralph Usrey. After he passed away, Flint Grey purchased the funeral home from Usrey’s estate in November 1934. Usrey was the first funeral home that provided full funeral service. Prior to this time, local furniture stores were the primary undertakers.
