As we’re nearing the New Year, I thought I might do something a little different. I found some happenings that occurred in Union throughout the years. Maybe you will recall some of them; others might be new to you. Either way, I hope you will enjoy reading them.
In Aug. 1913, workmen began putting in electric lights for the town.
• On Jan. 14, 1914, Boler’s Inn was lighted for the first time.
• In 1916, those who had no telephones in their homes were required to pay 5 cents for talking on a neighbor’s telephone.
• In 1916, Stratton school was built.
• In 1919, Rev. and Mrs. J.E. Arnold began selling Indian baskets. They went in their car to the Indians and paid them a fair price for their baskets. Then they shipped them from the local post office to states throughout the United States. Mr. Frank Collins, assistant postmaster, said that at least 40,000 baskets were shipped.
• In 1920, the aldermen voted to build concrete sidewalks in the business district.
• In 1921, the entire town closed one day to celebrate the laying of the cornerstone for the Masonic Building.
• In 1922, Marrell Tyner had a taxi service.
• In 1925, Union had 17 filling stations with gas selling for 22-24 cents per gallon.
• In 1928, Saturday night wrestling matches were held over Graham’s garage.
• In 1930, liquor runners were caught between Union and Philadelphia.
• In 1934, Union Municipal Airport was completed. During the Union Centennial celebration in April, the Key Brothers from Meridian came to Union and offered rides over the city at $1 per person.
Twenty-five percent of all rides went toward the Airport Fund. The newspaper ad instructed cars to go to the end of North Street and take a left. People who were walking were told to go up the Jackson Railroad.
• In 1937, the Gulf Transport busses stopped at the depot where train and bus tickets were interchangeable.
• On April 11, 1940, “Gone with the Wind” opened at Union Theater.
• In 1947, the first gymnasium was built at Union School. Today we call it the “old gym” and it is presently undergoing renovations.
• In 1951, Martice Stamper Show Grounds occupied the area that is today’s Park Street.
• In 1954, the Mississippi Historical Society placed a Boler’s Inn sign in front of the historic building. Mr. and Mrs. J.K. Blalock were living in the house at that time.
• In 1957, the Little League field was built in City Park. They asked for donations to pay the light bill, which was $6 a night.
• In 1958, Dr. J.G. Alexander joined the Laird Hospital staff. He retired in 2008.
• In 1962, golf fees were $1.25 daily for guests and $4 per month for membership.
• In 1964, the city installed 215 parking meters. They were removed in 1978.
• In 1973, bills for South Central Bell telephone could be paid at Luke’s Furniture.
• In 1975, Karen Alexander was named Mississippi’s Miss Hospitality.
• In 1976, Gwen Shelton was named Miss Wheelchair Mississippi. Her first official duty was to sing the National Anthem at the Miss. State-Ole Miss Egg Bowl game that year.
• In 1976, Union’s Bicentennial was celebrated in April.
• In 1980, Union Square Apartments opened on North Street.
• In 1982, touchtone telephones could be used in Union.
• In 1989, Union High School began getting air-conditioners for classrooms.
• In 2001, Union Police Department got radar equipment.
• In 2012, the overhead bridge on Decatur St. that had been closed for a while was demolished and the area filled in with dirt for a new road. It was built in 1934.
• In Dec. 2017, Sherry Harrison and the Chamber organized the Union Christmas Parade; members of churches, businesses, and organizations worked on floats; and citizens lined the streets as they viewed with excitement and laughter one of the best parades ever. Thanks for the support of everyone who helps in keeping our town moving forward.
Can you help preserve this part of Union’s history by sending me the answers to these questions?
• Who worked with Ivy Miller in his barber shop? Who were the beauticians in Miller’s Beauty Shop?
• Did you work at the Compress, or do you know anyone who did?
• Do you have a picture of the Compress?
Happy New Year to each of you!
