Way Back Wednesday in Calhoun County---December 20-26
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Let’s go back to 20th Century Calhoun County to see how Christmas was celebrated in this week’s edition of Way Back Wednesday in Calhoun County. The holiday was not just about restaurants, drinks, and presents, but also helping those who were serving in the military or needed a helping a hand for the holidays. 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.
December 20, 1942: Fort McClellan, AL. The Anniston Women’s Civic Club was pleased to announce the response to their appeal for funds for decorations for 20 Christmas trees for the 92nd Division, an African-American army unit, based at Fort McClellan. The military liaison for the campaign was LT Ellis of Michigan.
December 21, 1930: Jacksonville, AL. The recently convened boy scout troop in Jacksonville, under the direction of Reuben Self, started a clothing drive. The scouts were asking people to donate clothing and other items that would be distributed to needy people during the Christmas Holidays.
December 22, 1947: Anniston, AL. R. B. Pinson and Sons Florist announced 1000’s of poinsettias for sale during the holidays. In addition to the poinsettias, the flower shop also had camellias and begonias for sale. The shop, at 1407 Noble Street, was housed in the former USO Service Club and Usrey Funeral Home building.
December 23, 1945: Anniston, AL. The Pickwick Restaurant offered roast turkey, oyster dressing, cranberry sauce, three vegetables, and a drink for 75 cents. The restaurant noted their employees had certified health cards. The cafe was a favorite location for soldiers coming into town to eat. The locals also found the restaurant, next to the Wilson Building, a convenient spot for a meal.
December 24, 1939: Fort McClellan, AL. Soldiers that did not depart for their hometowns during the holidays were invited to a two-day Christmas program planned by the Post Chaplain’s office. The Recreation Hall, on Buckner Circle, was decorated by the 2nd Infantry, 3rd Battalion for the season. All the festivities including carol singing (Division Theatre) and Christmas Day Communion service (5th Division Chapel) were held throughout post.
December 25, 1941: Anniston, AL. The 101 Service Station, a Texaco oil supplier, celebrated its 9th Birthday at its West 10th Street location. The station owners Bob Lipham and Jesse Triplett wished patrons a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
December 26, 1902: Anniston, AL. I. Levi and Company announced the spirits business would close January 1. The entire stock of wines, whiskies, and liquors for “household and medical uses” were sold at cost. Isadore Levi, a native of Germany, had settled in Anniston before the turn of the 20th Century to operate his saloon. The family saloon was in the 1000 block of Noble and the family lived in the 1100 block.
