Looking back: A lot was happening in Atmore 40 years ago
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, April 20, 2016
In 1976, activities were planned for the Atmore area centering around being outside and enjoying the spring weather.
Forty years ago, all sorts of things were going on.
First of all, there was an announcement about the Eufaula Pilgrimage. Now for those of you who don’t know, this is advertised as the oldest tour of homes in the state. So far as I know, they still have it to this day.
Eufaula is well-known for its historic homes and there were tours for visitors to visit and see how people once lived (at least those who could afford it).
There was a whole page in The Atmore Advance devoted to the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Some of the members were interview and gave their opinions as to the benefits gained from the group. Some of them were working on a quilt to be given away in a drawing. Others were making rag dolls.
Members of the Women’s Committee of Farm Bureau were photographed with the winner of a bi-centennial quilt. The drawing was won by Benny Respress.
TG&Y had a two-page spread in the newspaper with all sorts of bargains. One that I noted was for a lawn mower that cost $69.88. It will cost you a bit more to buy one today.
There was an announcement that McRae Apartments was having a grand opening. They were offering one, two and three bedroom apartments for rent.
Southern Federal Savings opened in Atmore, but I don’t know if it is still there.
Students of A.C. Moore Elementary School threw a birthday party for our country celebrating our bi-centennial.
The city participated in a Walkathon to raise money for the March of Dimes. They raised $6,800 in pledges to give to the organization.
Atmore prison officials were still having problems. They were to go before the task force as witnesses. This followed some problems at the prison earlier in the year.
The City of Atmore was in hope of receiving some $300,000 in grant money to be used in various ways. I don’t know if they got it or not.
This is just some of the things going on in the area 40 years ago.