Way Back Wednesday in Calhoun County---September 13-19
What were three popular activities in Calhoun County in the first half of the 20th Century? This week we see how shopping, football, and supporting the war effort were central to life in Calhoun County in the Way Back Wednesday in Calhoun County Blog. Remember to click on the links in the blog to view many of the photos seen in Images of America series books: Anniston Revisited, Anniston, or Calhoun County.
Upcoming Events: The Anniston Revisited Book Signing during the September Makers Market will be at the Anniston Council on Arts and Humanities building, The Catalyst (1224 Noble Street). Books will be available for purchase (cash or check only) on September 22nd from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CT).
September 13, 1914: Anniston, AL. With World War I raging in Europe, many Annistonians feared the U.S. would enter the war. Even though it would be three more years before U.S. entry, shop keepers advertised to prepare for war now. One of those businesses was the Anniston Steam Laundry which was located at 1215 Noble Street. The laundry encouraged patrons to bring in their last year’s clothes to be cleaned and refreshed. The laundry also offered the services of a French Dry Cleaners.
September 14, 1923: Anniston, AL. Mayor J. L. Wikle issued a proclamation that the following Sunday (September 16) was designated as “Dress-Up Day” for all the men of Anniston. Most of the clothing retailers capitalized on this proclamation to advertise their wares at discounted prices.
September 15, 1943: Anniston, AL. Even with the 1943 Allied victories in Europe, World War II was far from over. Funding for the war effort was through the purchase of War Bonds. The Calhoun Theater hosted a one-night only showing of “Watch on the Rhine” starring Bette Davis and the entry fee was a war bond.
September 16, 1948: Anniston, AL. Leon’s Trading Post, at 1730 Noble Street, billed itself as a “Pic and Tote”. The store offered pork liver for 39 cents a pound, pork chops for 49 cents a pound, and 49 cents for a dozen eggs.
September 17, 1903: Anniston, AL. The Noble Institute opened for the fall term with an enlarged music department. The opening address at 10 am was delivered by the Rev. Blacklock the rector of St. Michael’s and All Angels followed by a speech from the rector of Grace Episcopal Church.
September 18, 1959: Calhoun County, AL. WHMA Radio Station announced the start of their 21st Year of fall football coverage. The station broadcast Anniston High School games sponsored by Pollock, all Auburn University games sponsored by Hart’s Bakery and Economy Auto, as well as the Coach’s Corner.
September 19, 1943: Anniston, AL. M & H Valve, a fittings company located in West Anniston, announced that their workers had purchased $104, 422.81 worth of war bonds in support of the 3rd war bond effort. War bond purchases were essential to fund the U.S. military during World War II.
