South Flomaton Fire Department
In continuing last week's story it becomes apparent that the town of South Flomaton had a colorful history stretching over four decades.
Some have said the bars and nightclubs, which once numbered as many as 17 along Highway 29, proved a draw for Navy and Marine personnel stationed in Pensacola. Because of numerous fights, the servicemen organized something known as "dungaree liberty," which was lingo for a group of the servicemen coming to South Flomaton to fight with all takers in the bars along the "juke line."
Although Mayor Jimmie White noted the end of the era of bars and nightclubs in the town in a 1969 Pensacola News Journal article, some bars remained. Industry and good jobs were hard to come by in the town and it has been said that city officials would have to go door to door to try to get people to run for office.
Yet the town had its share of jobs and commerce. Mr. Jerry Flannigan contributed by email that a Mr. Worley came from Atmore and opened a grocery store long before there was a Piggly Wiggly. Mr. Hart ran the hardware store across the street, which was later taken over by Bill Straughn, who clerked for Mr. Hart.
South Flomaton had an early Ford/Mercury dealership where the dollar store is today according to Mr. Flannigan. He notes that Mrs. Mamie Hammack later built a restaurant on the site of Aunt Hattie Grubbs' restaurant which is in the proximity to the CVS at Century. Another location of note is the The Well Com Inn which was owned and operated by Luke Emmons and was located at the corner of East Hwy 4 and 29.
Yet for all the efforts to maintain the town, eventually the tide of change was unavoidable. The issue of Consolidation in the rural areas meant that the communities of North Escambia were in danger of losing any say in their local governance unless they united into one town.
South Flomaton had tried to annex the unincorporated community known as Century on other occasions but had been unsuccessful in that the vote failed. In the late 1970s another attempt was made which passed by four votes.
According to a Pensacola News Journal article of August 21, 1979, Councilman PJ Ward was credited with laying the strategy for annexation. City Clerk Ray Lawson stated, "Our biggest hope is to get more state and federal revenue sharing (through the annexation)." Following annexation, the current town of Century was born from what had been South Flomaton.
Gayle Mathis Aldridge commented via Facebook that last week's photograph of the city policeman showed her father, Pete Mathis (not Tom-which was Pete's brother) to the left and the man in the middle was Mr. Willett and Mr. Fern White is on the right.
Shadows and Dust Volume III: Legacies is available for purchase in the amount of $30.00+$5.00 shipping and handling to PO Box 579 Atmore, AL 36502 or visit Lulu Publishing.com; Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles.com OR at the Monroe County Heritage Museum in Monroeville, Alabama or by calling 251 294 0293.
