The advent of Highway 31 brought about rapid transportation between the hamlets and towns of the area. Motorists could now travel routes in a few hours that previously would have taken a half day, full day or multiple days to traverse.
On April 5, 1934, The Atmore Advance reported the opening of the Highway 31 portion between Sardis Church Road and Canoe. All along 31, truck stops, motels and other tourist attractions began to spring to life. In Canoe, the Lighthouse was an early example of such a tourist attraction.
The old Gordon Mineral Springs had fell into disuse in the late nineteen teens and a man from the Canoe area known as L.L. "Skinny" James, had a vision. According to The Atmore Advance from July 21, 1932, James and J.M. Hall were planning to bring the old mineral springs to life again.
The two men planned to open an up to date tourist camp in the oak grove near the springs. The plan included a sandwich shop and service station along the highway being constructed. The two men expected cabins to be open to the public in September 1932.
Almost immediately the Lighthouse was in use. On May 18, 1933, The Atmore Advance reported, "Mrs. R.F. Cruit entertained her Sunday School class at the Lighthouse and a good time was had by all. The evening was spent informally and a picnic lunch was spread."
The facility included several rental cabins, the mineral springs and a service station which included a sandwich shop. The Lighthouse was located on the south side of 31 just before the Canoe Creek Bridge.
The Lighthouse also doubled as a place to learn. The October 12, 1933 edition of The Atmore Advance noted Mrs. Hall teaching short-hand, book keeping and typing. Tuition could be paid or farm produce could be used to pay for the courses.
Highway 31 also brought numerous other service stations, motels and even fortune tellers. On August 5, 1943 a local newspaper advertised the services of Madam Rosetta, who was set up in a trailer in the Canoe area. Her fortune readings promised advice on love, marriage and business dealings.
The fate of The Lighthouse, the fortune teller and Skinny James remain shrouded in history's fog, yet in 1935 a newspaper article recounts that James had set up shop in Pensacola where he put his sales skills to good use by winning a sales competition for Nash Clothing. James won a new suit for his efforts.
Today, Highway 31 moves along side shuttered old stores, forgotten homesteads and a quite history that waits to be told to any with the curiosity to dig into the past.
Available now: The Butler Street Chronicles; Selected histories of the communities surrounding Butler Street and will include information on settlers at Steadham, Pond Fork, Sizemore, Sardine, Butler Street, Hollinger and other communities along this route. Pick up your copy for $15. Copies can be published from the author or at Amazon.com or Lulu.com.
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.
Vote for and support the Canoe Landmark District referendum on the 2020 ballot. Call for more details.
