Goodson - Etowah County

To undertake the documenting of a countys rich history in word or photograph is quite a task, to say the least. A love of history is essential, and access to hundreds of vintage photographs is a must.

Over the years, many great writers have taken the time to document events of major importance as well as everyday life in the cities and communities of Etowah County. Newspaperman Will I. Martin, who literally wrote hundreds of history-based columns spanning most of his lifetime, penned some of these.

Others have also taken time to document the history of our great county, including Joe Barnes and Charlie Boman, whose writings included detailed stories of life in the 1950s and 1960s. This was a simpler time, when a days entertainment at the local movie theater could be enjoyed for $1.

The many great photographers who have called Etowah County home over the past 100-plus years have also recorded Etowah Countys rich history. Foremost among these photographers is Adolph Lebourg. He learned photography and excelled with both still camera and movie camera. He documented everyday life in Etowah County in the hundreds of photographs he made over his lifetime. Lebourgs photographs are of exceptional quality.

Another photographer who recorded much of Etowah Countys history with his camera was Odell Buffington. Buffington recorded many significant events in Etowah County during the 1930s and 1940s.

While other photographers have contributed to the record of our county, by far one of the greatest contributions would be that of Bob Scarboro. Scarboro has turned a lifetime hobby into a great collection of vintage photographs, and this collection consists of several thousand photographs. The Scarboro Collection is today the property of the City of Gadsden, thanks to the efforts of Etowah County probate judge Bobby Junkins, who has done much to preserve local history. The collection is available for public viewing.

To complete this work, many people have offered ideas, suggestions, and encouragement that helped in each phase of this book. A special note of thanks is extended to Cyndi Nelson, Randy Johnson, and Ron Reeves, who have given column space in the Gadsden Times to keep local history alive.

And a special thank you to Ann Goodson for 20 years of encouragement and patience through the many hours of research and writing that made this a reality.

All vintage images come from the Scarboro Collection, and all modern images were taken by the author.

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CHAPTER 1

GADSDEN

One of the earliest skyscrapers built in the city of Gadsden was the Printup Hotel, located on north Fourth Street. This four-story building, which opened on July 4, 1888, was home to many visiting dignitaries during the late 19th century and early 20th century. The Printup suffered at least two destructive fires that caused the appearance to change over the past 120 years. The Printup is now privately owned and no longer serves as a hotel.

Two of Gadsdens most recognizable residences were the Kyle and Elliott homes, located in the 800 block of Forrest Avenue. These were the homes of Colonel Kyle and Captain Elliott, two of Gadsdens early builders of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Pictured here is the early home of Col. R. B. Kyle, and later Capt. James M. Elliott. Today this property is the location of the Etowah County Courthouse.

The Alston-Green home was located at the corner of Ninth Street and Forrest Avenue. This beautiful home was one of the early residences located in what would eventually become part of the downtown business district. These homes have either been razed or moved to make room for more modern commercial structures. Today this property is the site of Eagle Bail Bonding and the West Gadsden Caf.

The corner of Fifth and Chestnut Streets is the site of Gadsdens First Methodist Church. This church was built at this location in 1893 due to the efforts of Gen. D. C. Turrentine. Uncle T, as he was affectionately known, was a driving force in the founding and building of the church. This church, with additions and improvements, is still located at Fifth and Chestnut Streets.

The Gadsden Car Works was located at the present site of the Noccalula Gateway Plaza. The car works was originally built as the Elliott Car Works to build and repair railroad cars. At one time, this industry was one of Etowah Countys largest employers. Capt. James M. Elliott Jr. sold this industry following a labor dispute. The Gadsden Car Works burned during the 1920s.

One of Gadsdens early mansions built on Forrest Avenue was the home of Dr. M. P. Hughes, one of Gadsdens early physicians. This prominent doctor was one of the first to own an automobile in Gadsden and made house calls in this auto. This beautiful home, located at 1016 Forrest Avenue, was built in 1897. Today this property is the site of the Hughes-Robinson House and Childs Art Studio.