"A Look Back", Birmingham in the early days
The Birmingham News published “Centennial Photos” in 1971. These photos were sold for a limited time, and included city shots from 1871 to 1971. Also contributing to this look back, MyFamily.com, Northside Neighbors. This MagicCityMoment brought to you by Jenn Clean Commercial Cleaning. See our ad on The Guide Page, Call us at 595.5366, and make your company look good!
For “A Look Back” at old Birmingham, we’re bringing these photos to you. Enjoy the Magic City, in its youth!
About the shots:
Lakeview Park, Southside Lakeview Area - located roughly where Highland Racquet & Golf Club is now. Facing the park from Highland Avenue, the original gate can be seen today down and to the left of the existing lake. The Highland Clubhouse is at the site of the old country club, which was near the hotel. The park extended west to 21st Street, the approximate current location of Southern Research Institute, and north to include what is now the Lakeview Entertainment District. At the center of the park was the Lakeview Pavilion, featuring a swimming pool in the basement beneath the dance floor, skating rink and bowling alley. The hotel was later closed and became the Southern Female Institute, which burned down a year later. The pavilion was torn down in 1900 to make way for the golf course.
First Dummy Line - from downtown to Lakeview - ran on May 25, 1885. It was pulled by mules, and followed the path of an abandoned railroad, from the downtown area, up 20th Street, and across what is now Highland Avenue. 20th Street was known as “Two Mule Road”. The circle in Five Points South was created by the mule team kept there to turn the cars around for the return trip to Birmingham.
Turn of the Century Blacksmith Shop - was kept busy by the mules still utilized for transportation. However, with an eye to the future, this Smitty performed “Automobile Repairs” on the side.
|
