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HMCPL Special Collections, 915 Monroe Street SW, Huntsville, AL (2026)

09/04/2026

This Day (September 4) in History from the Huntsville Newspapers

Compiled by Thomas Hutchens

Today's Photograph is of Madison County's Third Courthouse (1914-1964) in the 1920's. See the entry for September 4, 1928 for the rest of the story.

September 4, 1976-The Huntsville Times-Vintage McCoy-Moore Clash- HHS Takes Thriller Over Coffee- It was a typical confrontation between Larry McCoy -coached and Buddy Moore-coached football teams last Night. Some of the highlights: An 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown...a 75-yard funble recovery for a score...a blocked kick...three lost fumbles...two pass interceptions...a pair of field goals...and two bobbled snaps on punts. McCoy's Huntsville High team won out 24-17over Moore's Coffee outfit in a thrilling football game before a large crowd at Goldsmith-Schiffman Field. It put the Crimson Panthers 2-0 on the young season.

Tuesday, September 4, 1951-The Huntsville Times-Next Thursday-Huntsville's new and larger Sherwin-Williams store will open with complete new stocks at the new location. 112 North Jefferson Street (Across from Grand Theatre) -Sherwin-Williams.

Look To Your Beauty Shop For Perfection-Protection. Quick's Beauty Salon-Phone 1061.

Coast to Coast Moving across the street or across the nation. Call 222-White-Mayflower -White Transfer & Storage Company. Inc. 633 West Clinton Street-Huntsville, Ala.

Tuesday, September 4, 1928-The Huntsville Daily Times-The Daily Times is authorized to announce that Joseph J. Bradley's Million Dollar Band, John L. Hay, Director, will play for the public tonight at the county court house, the music starting at 7 o'clock and a big Democratic rally at 7:30 o'clock. The public is invited to come and enjoy Mr. Hay and his wonderful band. And then at 7:30 o'clock the Democratic rally will begin. The speakers will be Congressman Ed. B. Almon who has accepted a place on the program, he having arrived this afternoon. Judge Leon McCord, of Montgomery, will follow Judge Almon. Judge Mccord arrived this morning from Jackson County where he spoke twice yesterday, to a large crowd at Scottsboro and an enthusiastic crowd at Stevenson. A big crowd will be present tonight, it is assured and you are invited to join them. ( See Photograph)

Mr. T. R. Esslinger Wishes His friends and the public to know -He is now with The Farmer's Cotton Oil & Fertilizer Company's Gin No. One. Patton Street and Dallas Avenue-Huntsville, Ala. "We want your ginning" Paul Monroe, Manager.

Saturday, September 4, 1886-The Huntsville Gazette-I hereby give notice that my Independent Day and night school will resume Monday, Sept. 6th, 1886, at the Baptist church; and to many ladies and gentlemen (patrons) whom I have been able to see, I hereby extend my sincere thanks for my full school the entire term last session; a good proof of the fact, that if we wish a good material, we should be willing to pay for it. Our colored, as well as our white bethren are fast seeing that it is of prime importance that independence and self-reliance be taught, encouraged and practiced among any race. Very Repeectfully, William H. Gaston.

Saturday, September 4, 1819-The Alabama Republican-Notice- All persons indebted to the estate of Walker Allen deceased, by note or otherwise are required to make immediate payment to the subscriber; and those having claims against the estate, are hereby notified to present them for adjustment, within the time limited by law. Edwin Hickman, administrator.

09/04/2026

📜 HMCPL’s Special Collections is the community’s archive, and it is truly built by the community. Special Collections is a collaborative effort: local families and individuals actively contribute to the records and resources we preserve and share. This is perhaps best exemplified by our extensive Vertical and Family Files.

Our Vertical Files bring together crowd-sourced information, organized by subject matter, that is freely available to the public for research. We have files on everything from cemeteries to hospitals to crime. They contain newspaper articles, photocopies from books, photographs, personal histories, family files, and more.

Our Family Files offer crowd-sourced genealogical research on local families, organized by surname. These files are a great resource to get started with researching your family tree. Through them, you can see what other researchers have compiled and found useful. Simply find the file for your family name and begin exploring!

Our archive is built by the people who live here, because who better to contribute to the shared history of Huntsville than the people who call it home?

09/03/2026

This Day (September 3) in History from the Huntsville Newspapers

Compiled by Thomas Hutchens

Today's Photograph is of Russell's on Jefferson street in the 1920's. See the entry for September 3, 1926 for thje rest of the story.

Friday, September 3, 1976-The Huntsville Times-Preparing for the Huntsville Civic Club Council's 15th annual banquet Sept. 15 at the Hilton Inn are Richard Van Valkenburg Jr., President of the Civic Council; Mrs. Loxie Doud, Banquet Chairman; Perry Ward and Mrs. Sidney Saucier, project and judges Chairman; The banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m. with Dr. Ralph Black, President of the American Symphony Orchestra Association as guest speaker.

The Mall-Marquee-Tomorrow At The Mall-Pet Adoption Day-The Huntsville Humane Society needs your help. They'll be at The Mall tomorrow from 11:00 a.m. 'til 5:00 p.m. with armloads of playful kittens and tail-wagging puppies who need good homes. Come let one steal your heart.

Enjoy A Britling Week-End! (You couldn't eat for less if you cooked it yourself) Friday-Seafood! Fish Almondine-A Britling Specialty-$1.15, Whole Broiled Flounder-$1.35, Fresh Gulf Shrimp-Six Fresh Jumbo Shrimp-Fried golden brown...complete with fries , slaw and tartar sauce-$2.65. . Saturday-Steak! Juicy , 8 oz. U.S. Choice Rib Steak-$1.95. Sunday-Everyone's Favorite! Southern Fried Chicken- One fourth chicken with rice and southern cream gravy! -99 cents. Britling Cafeteria- Dunnavant's Mall.

Monday, September 3, 1951-The Huntsville Times-Brooks & Collier Feed & Seed Co., Inc.-400 North Washington Street-We Deliver- Phone-2728.

Dependable, Economical-Auto Repairs-On All Makes-Cars & Trucks-Only Genuine Parts Used. Hill Chevrolet Co. 103 Meridian St. Phone 91.

Notice- Our Store Will Be Open All Day Wednesday- Sept. 5th. Because of the Labor Day Holiday Monday. Fowler's Department Store.

Friday, September 3, 1926-The Huntsville Daily Times-Autumn's Newest Creations In Dresses and Hats Are being received daily. We Have Now On Display Those wonderful rich tones which are most prominent for early fall and autumn in dresses and millinery. There is an added touch of distinction in dresses and hats From Russell's. (See Photograph)

Saturday, September 3, 1892- The Huntsville Gazette-Cottage For Rent- My cottage on South Madison Street, Huntsville , has been thoroughly repaired and repainted and a desirable renter can get the same at reasonable rates. Apply to David Hall. Box 2, Decatur, Ala.

Will Likely to be Opened At Once-Now that W. R. Van Valkenburg , the energetic Alderman from the Third Ward, is Chairman of the Street Committee, our citizens may expect that the opening or extending of Greene Street will be made at once.

Friday, September 3, 1824-The Alabama Republican-Arrival of LaFayette-By the mail of last evening, arrived after our paper was put to press, we have only time to announce the gratifying intelligence that the Marquis De La Fayette reached New York on the 15 ult. in the ship Cadmus.

Theatre- The Manager begs leave to inform the public, that in consequence of the company having lost one night, by the Thespian Society's Benefit, there will be a performance on Friday and Saturday evenings next week. On Friday, Sept. 3rd, will be performed, for the first time here, the Tragedy of Wallace, Or, The Scottish Chiefs. Founded on the well known Novel of that name, and blending with it many historical incidents relative to the life and death of that great man. The Evening's Entertainment to conclude with (for the first time here) the new and laughable Farce of Too Late For Dinner.

Engine Company- The members of the Huntsville Fire Engine Company are hereby notified that their meeting for exercise will take place on Saturday next, the 4th inst. at 6 o'clock P.M. The Quarterly Meeting of the Company for the transaction of business will be held at the Engine House on Tuesday evening the 7th inst. at 7 o'clock. William B. Scruggs, Secretary.

09/02/2026

This Day (September 2) in History from the Huntsville Newspapers

Compiled by Thomas Hutchens

Today's Photograph is of Dunnavant's Department Store on Washington Street in the 1950's. See the entry for September 2, 1951 for the rest of the story.

Thursday, September 2, 1976-The Huntsville Times-Good Mornings Start With A Beter Breakfast-Open From 6:30 A.M. Breakfast 'Til 11 a.m. Daily-Special-2 Eggs, Bacon or Sausage, Grits, Jelly, Biscuits or Toast-Only $1.19. Shoney's Big Boy Restaurants-2 Locations In Huntsville: 3301 South Memorial Parkway and 905 North Memorial Parkway-Also, in Decatur, Al. On 6th Avenue.

Sunday, September 2, 1951-The Huntsville Times-Grace Club Auxiliary Annual Fashion Show and Dessert Bridge-Wednesday Sept. 5 -1:30 P.M.-Russel Erskine Hotel featuring Fall Fashions By Willa's, Fall Footwear By Uptains. Willa's- East Side Square.

Tonite 7 P.M.-Hear Mary Jane Esslinger- New Hope Hiigh School Senior and Mary Virginia Esslinger- New Market High School Graduate-Piano Artists On "House of Melody" WHBS- 1490-AM-95.1-FM-Sponsored by Dunnavant's. (See Photograph)

To Wed This Month-The engagement of Miss Ella May Hall to Private Wilbur . A. Riehl, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Riehl of New Orleans, is announced today by her mother, Mrs. Walter Fulgham Hall Jr. The wedding will take place Sept. 8 in the rectory of the Church of the Visitation.

Thursday, September 2, 1926-The Huntsville Daily Times- Vogue Monthly Style Program office-The Adoree' by Boyd-Welsh-for September-A slipper of exceptional beauty, Black patent-of course. Quarter, vamp edged in beach tanned kid. Narrow single strap of same material, fastened by a unique adjustable Scarabian buckle. See this latest fashion triumph by Boyd-Welsh. Moderately Priced at $10. Shown Exclusively at Fowler Brothers.

Saturday, September 2, 1893- The Huntsville Gazette-Trade At The Wheel Grocery Store-On the Brandon Place, near Gin House, Athens Road. All Kinds Of Groceries and Country produce at lowest prices. Blacksmithing And Wood Shop. Horses shod, and plows, wagons , buggies, etc., made and repaired on reasonable terms.

Thursday, September 2, 1858-The Southern Advocate-The Weather for several days past has become remarkably cold for August. Fires and thick clothing were decidedly comfortable -night and morning. It still continues quite dry.

Bank Dividend- The Northern Bank of Alabama has declared a Dividend of 5 per cent out of its profits for the last six months, payable this day. Theo. Lacy, Cashier.

09/01/2026

🏦Click the link for a presentation by HMCPL Special Collections Assistant Thomas Hutchens! Thomas uses newspaper articles from The Huntsville Daily Times and photographs from the HMCPL Special Collections archive, to trace the construction and history of the Terry-Hutchens Building from the 1920’s to the present day.

08/31/2026

This Day (August 31) in History from the Huntsville Newspapers

Compiled by Thomas Hutchens

Today's Photograph is of the Huntsville Coffee Co. on Washington Street in the 1920's. See the entry for August 31, 1926 for the rest of the story.

Tuesday, August 31, 1976-The Huntsville Times-Byron Dervis-Today's Ask Andy Winner- Hair Question Gets City Lad Andy's Award. Andy sends the Encyclopedia Britanica 1976 Yearbook Of Science and the Future to Byron Dervis , age 12, of Huntsville, Ala. for his question: What is Hair?

Northeast Alabama State Fair-September 6th thru 11th-Greased Pig Chase.

Friday, August 31, 1951-The Huntsville Times-Dance Saturday Night-September 1st at the Moose Club-Music by ---Sox Smith And His 6 Piece Orchestra. All Members Cordially Invited.

Admired! by all who love fit...Fine Tailoring and Fashion. Tailored-To-Measure by Avon Park. See Mr. Brown Here Today and All Day Saturday. New Weaves, New Colors, New Fabrics, New Fashion. .. and to see that you receive personal attention P. S. Dunnavant, T. B. Woodall, Houston Glover, Jimmie Howard, John Weaver & George Hayden. Dunnavant's-Huntsville's Quality Men's Store.

Tuesday, August 31, 1926-The Huntsville Daily Times-Coffee-Get That Aroma-Coffee flavor you know depends on climate, soil, and age. Our high grade coffee is grown in South America where all these three conditions are favorable. The rich flavor is retained indefinitely. Twickenham Blend Coffee-Your Grocer Has It. (See Photograph)

Wednesday, August 31, 1892-The Huntsville Weekly Democrat- The match game on Monday between the Louisville and Huntsville Teams stood 3 to 1 in favor of our boys.

The fifty cottages contracted for in East Huntsville are under headway with fifty or more workmen engaged on them. H. M. Lowrie, the contractor is making great headway with the work.

The match game played between the Louisville baseball team and our boys on Friday resulted in a score of 4 for Huntsville and 5 for the Mutuals , of Louisville.

Huntsville was ahead again yesterday with a score of 6 to 5.

Friday, August 31, 1821-The Alabama Republican-The Reverend J. P. Harton, will preach at the Courthouse at 11 o'clock on Sunday next.

Doctor Owen begs leave to inform his friends and the public, that he has so far regained his health and strength as to be able to attend to business, and will now be found in or near his shop, ready to render any service in his power to those who may call on him.

08/28/2026

Welcome to the Heritage Room at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL)! Located on the second floor of the Downtown Branch, the room houses an extensive local history collection of more than 20,000 volumes, including vital records on marriages, deaths, local cemeteries, and more.

In this week's spotlight, we are highlighting our family histories. As one of Alabama's major genealogical repositories, HMCPL Special Collections relies on community contributions. In fact, most of our materials were curated by your neighbors. By donating copies of your own family research, you can help others uncover their roots. Stop by the Downtown Branch today to explore the Heritage Room for yourself!

08/28/2026

This Day (August 28) in History from the Huntsville Newspapers

Compiled by Thomas Hutchens

Today's Photograph is Howard Gentle Furniture Co. on the North Side of The Square in the 1950's. See The Entry for August 28, 1951 for the rest of the story.

Saturday, August 28, 1976-The Huntsville Times-HHS Wins, 30-8-It's Sweet Night For Larry McCoy- Fayetteville, Tenn.- Huntsville High's football victory wasn't for the state championship, but it was just as sweet to Larry McCoy. McCoy who coached Athens High to a state class 3A championship last year, won his first game as the HHS Head Coach last night. The Crimson Panthers clawed Central's Tigers 30-8.

Tuesday, August 28, 1951-The Huntsville Times-Act Now Before Winter Comes! Let Us Convert Your Prsent Gas Furnacew To Natural Gas Heat. Here is Huntsville's newest heat right at your finger-tips. It's easy to change over. Our expert gas installation men are ready to serve you at your call. Call Us For Free Estimates-Howard Gentle's-Your Gas Headquarters-North Side Square- Phone 500. (See Photograph)

Sunday, August 28, 1927-The Huntsville Daily Times-Charming-Alluring-Just Received From New York-Hundreds of new Fall Hats, small and large shapes-velvets, felts and velours. All the newest fall Shades. $3.95 and $4.95. Dunnavant's , Inc. Clothing-Shoes. Everything To Wear For The Whole Family. Huntsville, Ala.

Saturday, August 28, 1886-The Huntsville Gazette-At And Below Cost! Schaudies' Immense Stock Of Boots and Shoes are now being sold at and below cost to make room for an entire new Stock. Call Early For Bargains. Best and latest styles Boots and Shoes made to order of the best materials. A.C. Schaudies. Below National Bank, Huntsville, Ala.

Thursday, August 28, 1856-The Southern Advocate-C. G. Smith's School -The Fall Term will open on Tuesday, September 2nd, 1856.

Bacon-12,000 pounds choice Bacon, just received in store and for sale by A. Noel.

Corn Meal-A fresh and large supply of Corrn Meal always on hand and for sale cheap by A. Noel.

08/27/2026

This Day (August 27) in History from the Huntsville Newspapers

Compiled by Thomas Hutchens

Today's Photograph is of the Huntsville Depot on Church Street in the 1970's. See the entry for August 27, 1976 for the rest of the story.

Friday, August 27, 1976-The Huntsville Times-Custom Vans-Today and Saturday! Come see how an ordinary van or pick-up can be transformed into a work of art on wheels! Eye-popping display of custom vans and pick-ups, courtesy of The Mall. Alabama Vans and Dandy Vans! Representatives will be on hand to answer your questions on van and pick-up customizing! Come see!

An Exhibition of Trains-Visitors to Southern Railways' Exhibit Car enjoy one of the audio-visual exhibits dramatizing the trains of yesterday and today. Exhibit Car will be one of the Huntsville-Madison County History Focus at the old Railroad Station on Church Street Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 to 6 p.m. (See Photograph)

Monday, August 27, 1951-The Huntsville Times-Gypsum Wallboard At Lewters.

$$$$$$$ Are You Short Of Cash-Low Rates, Terms To Suit Your Needs-Ace Loan Co. Offices 3-4 Hutchens Building-Telephone 356.

Friday, August 27, 1926- The Huntsville Daily Times-Bussiness Men's Ticket-For Mayor-Aleck W. McAllister. President Of Council-Frank Mastin. Aldermen: First Ward-J. Edgar Mitchell, W. A. Stanley. Second Ward-Frank H. Ford, R.A. Parsons. Third Ward-Charles O. Rolfe, S. L. Terry. Fourth Ward: H. C. Blake, W. H. Collier.

Saturday, August 27, 1892-The Huntsville Gazette-W. T. Hutchens, A.J. Murdock-Hutchens & Murdock, Practical Plumbers. Gas, Steam and Water Pipe Fitters. Wind Mills, Bath Tubs and Sewer Pipe. Residences and Green Houses fitted up for Heating by Steam. Huntsville, Alabama.

Friday, August 27, 1824-The Alabama Republican-Theatre- On Saturday Evening, Aug. 28th, Will be presented an admired Comedy, in five acts, by Reynolds called Laugh when you can, Or, Be Happy while you May. The evening's entertainment to conclude with the admired Farce of the Adopted Child, Or, The Rightful Heir.

08/26/2026

This Day (August 26) in History from the Huntsville Newspapers

Compiled by Thomas Hutchens

Today's Photograph is of The Hutchens Co. on the corner of Jefferson and Clinton Streets in the 1950's. See the entry for August 26, 1951 for the rest of the story.

Thursday, August 26, 1976-The Huntsville Times-Special Free Offer: Buy A Large Size Coke At Krystal And Get A Free Bic Banana. Come In Krystal today for a thirst-quenching large saize Coca-Cola. And get a fee Bic Banana. Available in 3 colors: first week-black; second week red; and third week blue. But Hurry. Offer is Limited. Krystal's What You're Hungry For.

Sunday, August 26, 1951-The Huntsville Times-Welcome To The Fruit And Vegetable Garden-"Your Gaden And Ours" Open Sept. 1st. 707 Fifth Ave. West. W.W. And Ruby Taylor, Managers.

Attention Bus Riders-In the past we have noticed many of you standing at the side of our store, in the hot sun or rain, waiting for the bus. So to keep you dry and out of the sun we have put up a metal awning at the bus stop. We sincerely hope that this awning will be of service to you. If the weather gets too bad come in the store...you will find us as eager to please you as if you were making a large purchase. The Hutchens Co. Inc. ( See Photograph)

Thursday, August 26, 1926-The Huntsville Daily Times- The last word in Ladies' Umbrellas-We have just received a new shipment of Ladies Umbrellas, consisting of the very newest in shape, style of handle and the new shades. Priced $6 upwards. E. Karthaus & Sons, Jewelers-North Side Of Square.

Saturday, August 26, 1882-The Huntsville Gazette- Murray & Co. , Jewelers, Huntsville, Ala. Watches, Clocks, Silverware. Rogers & Brothers triple-plated Knives, Forks and Spoons, Spectacles and Eye-glasses. Engraving in Monograms, Script and old English , done in the very best style.

The Normal Glee Club will go to Chattanooga today and give a performance there tonight.

Saturday, August 26, 1848-The Southern Advocate-For President-Zachary Taylor of Louisiana, For Vice President-Millard Fillmore of New York.

The "Rough and Ready Club" will meet on Friday evening the 25th inst. at the Franklin House, by order of the Committee.

Judge Lane, we are requested to give notice, will address the People of Madison County at the courthouse in Huntsville on the 1st Monday in September- and the People of Limestone on the 2nd Monday at Athens.

HMCPL Special Collections

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