By Staff
I am continuing with the historic downtown district. I hope you are enjoying the material on the different stores and will share information with me about anything you can add.
129 Saint Joseph Avenue
This building was on a 1898 map. It is a one-story, brick, decorative brick molded cornice and recessed panel at the attic level. The lower level altered in about 1970 with aluminum and glass storefront. This was known for many years as the Firestone Building. It was first used as a dry goods store and in 1898, or 1899, it became the Bank of Brewton when it first became a bank. In 1912 the Bank of Brewton moved into its new location at the corner of Belleville and Saint Joseph. It then became the Firestone Building for over 40 years. Carlton Blackburn is now the owner and has his accounting office there. His wife, Rhonelda, also has her business, Southern Heirlooms, located in the building.
127 Saint Joseph Avenue
It first shows on a 1903 map. It is a two-story, brick building with a decorative brick cornice and two recessed panels in the parapet. There are corbelled brick drip moldings over four segmental arched windows on the second floor. The first floor was altered about 1965 with glass and aluminum. The Paragon Grocery owned by Levi Weber was there for almost 30 years. Prominent lawyer G.M.L. Smith had his office upstairs for many years. It was later owned by his daughter, Margaret Smith McMillan. It was also the home of Smart and Thrifty. In more recent years, the Brewton Office and School Supply Company was located there. In 2006, it is now vacant.
I am going to continue with these buildings next week.