Way Back Wednesday in Calhoun County---November 15-21

We look back on some major world events this week that impacted Calhoun County in this edition of 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: Meet Local Historian and author Kimberly O’Dell during the Jacksonville Arts Council’s 2017 Christmas Village at the Jacksonville Community Center on Saturday, November 18th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Copies of Calhoun County, Anniston, and Anniston Revisited will be available for purchase at the event (cash or check only).

November 15, 1927: New York, NY: Anniston native Ruth Elder was given a glitzy welcome to the Saint Regis hotel. Elder was an early aviation pioneer who had unsuccessfully attempted to fly her plane “The American Girl” across the Atlantic Ocean in a bid to be the first women to make a transatlantic flight. She was the daughter of Sarah McClellan and Oscar Elder, who worked as a molder in one of the Anniston pipe shops.

November 16, 1945: Calhoun County, AL. Even though World War II had ended a few months prior, there was still a shortage of paper. A paper drive was held locally and sponsored in part by Jitney Jungle. Residents were asked to collect all scrap paper they could find and tie it into bundles. The bundles were placed on the curb and picked up the following day.

November 17, 1918: Anniston, AL. With World War I coming to a close, the United War Work Campaign was still needed at home. One of the local Anniston sponsors for the program was Alabama Power. President Woodrow Wilson penned an open letter to the nation about the importance of unity in the county. His letter appeared in the Anniston Star on this date.

November 18, 1949: Calhoun County, AL. The annual football game between Anniston and Oxford took place in Memorial Stadium. The game was aired live over the WHMA Radio Network. The Anniston Bulldogs beat the Oxford Yellowjackets 31 to 0.

November 19, 1967: Anniston, AL. Anniston and Cobb Avenue High Schools were used four days a week starting at 4:00 PM for the Anniston Extended School Day Program. This program was designed for adults to receive instruction in basic math, English, science and social studies concepts under the direction of qualified teacher. The program was also open to 16 to 18-year-olds who were required to purchase their own textbooks. The participants over 21 years of age paid a tuition fee.

November 20, 1903: Anniston, AL. Caldwell and Company, located at 1029 Noble Street, announced a new shipment of clothes, shoes, and overcoats for men had arrived at the store. Suit prices started at $12.60. Caldwell’s also offered specialized fine tailoring. In addition to clothes, the store stocked a variety of accessories for men including hats and underwear.

November 21, 1943: Anniston, AL. R. J. Holley, at 807 Noble Street, advertised Puroil paints for sale. The storefront was part of the Kaplan Block that was constructed in 1909.The building burned in the 1980s.