Way Back Wednesday in Calhoun County---October 25-31
This week in the Way Back Wednesday in Calhoun County Blog we concentrate on events happening in Anniston in the early 20th Century. 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: Local Historian Kimberly O’Dell will be conducting Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Anniston during Neewollah on October 28th. The tours are scheduled to start at 3:30 PM and 4:45 PM. Both tours will start at the main stage near 11th and Noble Streets. After each tour, Anniston Revisited books will be available for purchase (cash or check only).
October 25, 1914: Anniston, AL. The Alabama Hotel hosted a tabled dinner and ala carte service in the main dining room. The Theato Orchestra provided the music for the dinner service. The hotel, built around 1905 at 1200 Noble Street, was the host for social events in Anniston during the early 20th Century.
October 26, 1948: Anniston, AL. Dobson’s, a department store at 915-917 Noble Street, announced a special sale the following day on blankets for $7.77, shirts for $1.98 and satin slips for $1.88. These deals were good for one day only.
October 27, 1953: Anniston, AL. The Annual Anniston United Appeal started on this date with a goal of $81,000. The charities benefiting from the event were the Addie Weaver Mission, the Boy Scouts, Free Milk Fund, Girl Scouts, Infant Care, Salvation Army, and YMCA. The campaign appeal asked donors to give a day’s pay.
October 28, 1947: Anniston, AL. The Anniston Fire Department and its members published an open letter in the Anniston Star thanking local businesses and individuals for their support of the fire department at the Ninth Annual Convention of Alabama’s Firemen.
October 29, 1906: Anniston, AL. Anniston, open to the public in 1883, was still recruiting businesses and investors to the area at the turn of the century. The person in charge of filling store fronts and offices on Noble Street was W. T. Owen. He was an agent for the Beal Estate and Sales at 1202 Noble Street in the Alabama Hotel.
October 30, 1941: Anniston, AL. The Harvest Festival Celebration commenced on this date. The celebration, sponsored by the Anniston Merchants, was a three-day celebration to bring patrons to downtown Anniston for shopping.
October 31, 1901: Anniston, AL. Pelman’s announced the store had moved from Noble Street to 23 West 10th Street. The store inventory consisted of dry goods, clothing, shoes, and hats among other items that were on sale during the move.
