Publisher's Synopsis
Present-day Atmore, Alabama, located about fifty miles from Mobile and Pensacola, Florida, was once a wetland surrounded by acres of timber that contained ponds full of alligators and lily pads. The early settlement of Alabama and the coming of the railroad, along with the lumber and turpentine industires, sparked the town's growth and prosperity. Today, Atmore is a unique and bustling place, a vibrant community.
Main Street developed along the railroad tracks and the sawmill area. As the town grew, more businesses opened in the area to cater to the early settlers. Nancy Karrick's grandparents came to Atmore in its early days and opened a general merchandise store on Main Street. Karrick later walked the streets of Atmore, observed and listened to stories, and learned about the history of the town, including the buildings and businesses on Main Street. Her deep ties to the community were formed at an early age.
Memories of Downtown Atmore celebrates all that she loves about this special place - in photographs and in the testimonies shared by some older residents. Their words conjure a time when the Main Street was lined with watering troughs for horses and wagons of cotton waiting for their turn at the gin. They tell about Christmas in the 1930s, getting stuck on the tracks with a train approaching, and listening to Creek Chief Calvin McGhee telling stories, and more. With this book, author Nancy Karrick and downtown Atmore invite you to visit!
