OURHAMLET.ORG

I remember that.

Hey Jody, I think the marquis at the theater says Crowded Sky! LOL

What happened to the GE Appliance store to the left of the old Nursing dorm?

I see there were parking meters on the street back then. Looks like those old street lights are making a come back also. Starting to see them everywhere in Brevard County Florida when they spruce up the streets. I also noticed the "Crowded Sky" marquee Janet. I like them old pictures.of downtown Hamlet and the area. I also see that "Our Hamlet" site is getting larger by the week!!

I remember the scene well, finished nursing school that year. Lots of good memories of the town and people.

The photographer must have just missed me because I remember standing there in front of the nurse's quarter's sometime in the fall of 1962 talking to one of the Rogers girls (Lois or Peggy) who was sitting on that great big ol' porch. But I can't remember the buildings looking that dingy.

I don't think they were that dingy, Bruce, but the black & white photos give them that feel.

I saw Crowded Sky on TV once.

The Nurses Home does look like it needed a coat of paint.
I remember Western Auto being next door. I would go there
looking at bicycles and roller skates! I love the "caps or urns" on the top
of that building.

Janet, you sure Western Auto was on Main Street there? I remember it being on Hamlet Avenue between Roses and Joe Levines. Maybe it relocated after I left for college.

But, truth be told, I really don't remember the GE store either!!!
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Lynn Steen
HHS Class of '60

I believe the Western Auto was in both places over a period of time. Remember, it was also on 74 before you get into Hamlet. Owner was Benny Suggs.

Yeah, I remember the Suggs boys operating the store on 74 W., but didn't remember it being under the Western Auto name. The store I referenced on Hamlet Avenue though was owned/operated by Mr. Buck Rogers. He lived out east of town near my aunt/uncle, and I still have his graduation gift to me - a Case pocket knife. A fine man.

Question - was there ever an Eastern Auto store operated in Hamlet?
________________
Lynn Steen
HHS Class of '60

Jimmy Suggs ran the Western Auto when it was on Main Street in the 70's.
It was in all 3 locations I believe.

Buck Rodgers ran the Western Auto on Hamlet Ave that located between the Fresh Air Cafe and Roses 5-10-25store. Jimmy Suggs ran the one on Main St., then Benny Suggs took it over and built the new one on W. Hamlet Ave. The GE sign on Main St. beside the nurses home was a appliance store ran by Arnold Sayford (last name not spelled correct but pronounced like this).

It appears that there were about 15 to 20 cars on Main Street at the time the photos were made, which clearly shows that Hamlet was once a vibrant little town. And the more so when the time of day is considered. The long shadow extending onto the north side of the street suggests that this photo was made in mid-morning, well before noon.

I wonder how long it has been since Hamlet has seen so many cars on Main Street, and all at the same time?

Bruce, now that we are older and need medicine and love to eat, we often have that many cars or more with two Drug stores and a cafe on Main Street.

Good reply Bill, have all come take a look or participate in the crowd.

I went to work at The Hamlet News Messenger in 1962. Many times I had trouble finding a parking place. There was a meter maid named Carolyn and she gave me a 25 cent parking ticket everyday. It was cheaper than feeding the meters. I did the mailing labels for the News Messenger in the old theatre (when Crowded Sky was showing) by the light I could get through the crack in the door. I got flea bites and I could hear critters scurrying around. Not a fun place. A few years later Wingate Williamson revived the old theatre.

1948 Western Auto
Located at that time in what is now the Hamlet Hardware.

1940's picture of Earl Pate with the Western Auto in the background.