Those Saturday mornings at Brantley Tires afforded us a perfect gathering place to “chew the news” with friends, both old and new.

 

Yes, it always whispers to me, “those days of long ago” when the Brantley boys-Bud, Joe, Harlan, Charles and Robert Earl -kept their shop buzzing with new tire replacements, recaps, vulcanizing and wheel alignments.

 

I can still see all those folks sitting around waiting on their vehicles to be serviced. Bud and Joe were always out front while the other “Brantley boys’ performed their skillful chores in the work area. Six to eight employees snatched   damaged tires from jacked up vehicles, rolled out new casings, put them back on the vehicles and handed the keys to waiting drivers who drove away with a total new ride.

 

The “boys” always found time to chat about the previous night’s high school football games. If ever armchair quarterbacks existed it certainly was here. All the games from Uriah to Walnut Hill were fully thrashed by those waiting patrons. Row crops predictions and hunting and fishing outlooks filled out the conversations.

 

Those memorable days of the 50’s -90’s at Brantley’s is just one of several locations here in Atmore that has now escaped us.

 

And, some will ask “just where is this town called Atmore?” I have heard that many times on trips away from here. You probably have, too.

 

This is what I tell them.

 

Atmore is that uniquely friendly town situated in southern Alabama. Literally partially set in extreme northwest Florida, it is the home to The Creek Indians, one of the nation’s most progressive Native American tribes.

 

It is located 45 miles north of Pensacola, Florida, one of the sunshine state’s most beautiful cities. It is 50 miles from the the Gulf’s luring azure and emerald waters and white sugar sand beaches. It is 55 miles east of Mobile, Alabama, one of the south’s most progressive cities. And it is the key farming hub of several surrounding and adjacent counties.

 

It has become what is now called one of Alabama’s most published destination and entertainment centers, Wind Creek Casino. And, inside that casino is one of Alabama’s more popular eating places. In fact football prognosticator Danny Sheridan said on a recent Paul Finebaum TV show that he often drives up from his home in Mobile to have dinner here.

 

It is the home to late movie star Paul Lowery Smith (Birch) and football stars Don McNeil and Tarzan  White.

 

The myth of “Yellow Mama” electrocutions chair at Holman Prison is no longer the headlines for recognizing Amore.  Indeed not.

 

It is a town that came alive with new residents back in the 1950s. Many settled here from surrounding counties so they would be near their work at Monsanto, St Regis , Pensacola Naval Air Station and Brookley Field in Mobile.

 

Practically every denomination has a church here. And worshippers find solace at each of these Sunday services.

 

Yes, Atmore is the “total” town.

 

We are at a distinct advantage in that we are only an hour drive from the most wonderful places in America.  Or for a couple hours more go walk through the caves in Marianna or breeze over to New Orleans, the “Easy City”. Trek five hours to Wakulla Springs Florida-just 30 minutes south of Tallahassee –and see the intriguing gray hanging moss from the live oak trees. Catch the crystal, bubbling crystal spring waters and watch the fish dart here and fro. View the actual location where the movie “The Creature From The Black Lagoon” was filmed.

 

Where else would one want to live other than here in ATMORE.

 

We will have more news from years gone by next week.

exam@frontiernet.net