Monday, March 31, 2008

Looking back at STAN'S SANDWICH SHOP in Decatur on W. Ponce de Leon.


Here is another old photo from a Decatur High School InDecatur.
Students from near by Decatur High School are hanging out at Stan's Sandwich Shop or maybe they were just waiting on the Bus.
The bus stop was near that spot.

Photo circa 1967.

Cantina El Tesoro


Join your friends at El Tesoro for classic mexican food in the heart of Georgia.




Cantina El Tesoro
129 Church St.
Decatur, GA.
404-377-9797

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Make WHIT'S END... your next stop for shopping in Decatur.


On your next shopping trip to downtown Decatur, check out WHIT'S END.... for men's casual clothing, gifts & accessories.
Tell them Next Stop...Decatur sent you.

The link to this place is on side bar under How to spend a day in Decatur.


Whit's End...
431 W. Ponce de Leon Ave #2
Decatur, GA.
404-377-3310

Decatur's West Hill Street residents don't like speeders


As seen in Decatur.

Residents along West Hill St. in the Oakhurst area take matters into their own hands for speeders and make a homemade "SLOW DOWN" sign.
I know if I were speeding and I saw this Halloween type figure, it would scare me into slowing down. Trick or Treat.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Decatur High School Letters were removed from Auditorium yesterday (Friday 3-28-08)





The bottom picture was taken on Thursday 3/27/08 & the middle picture was taken today 3/29/08. top picture was also taken on 3/27/08 ,I stuck my camera through fence to get this shot. I photo put this photo through photoshop for this look.
The picture taken on Thursday is one of the last if not the last pictures taken with the letters still in place. The letters were removed yesterday afternoon.
The building will be missed, alot of memories are there.
The building will be torn down soon, very soon.

I wonder if they saved the letters, if they did, maybe they could display them somewhere in the new auditorium.

WordSmith's Books is now in The Old SunTrust building on the Square.




The old Bank Vault will be used for a "Very Special" Book Section... Comic Books.

Today is the 2008 Spring Electronics Recycling Day

2008 Spring Electronics Recycling Day

Saturday, March 29 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Decatur High School Parking Lot
(Corner of N. McDonough Street and Howard Avenue)



Don’t throw away those old electrical items such as: cell phones, cameras, personal computers, or even electric weedeaters! Save them and recycle them on Saturday, March 29 at Decatur’s Spring 2008 Electronics recycling event. Batteries, Styrofoam and mercury will also be accepted. We regret that we will NOT be able to accept televisions and microwave ovens. This semi-annual event has been hugely successful at diverting electronic equipment from landfills where they may contaminate soil and water.

Electronics dropped off during the event will be sorted to be re-used or disassembled into their raw materials. It is recommended that computers be erased of all personal information prior to disposal at the event. The Decatur Waste Management Advisory Board investigates the recyclers involved to be sure the items are responsibly disassembled and not landfilled.

Friday, March 28, 2008

As Seen in Decatur: Street Scene..Vintage Ford Pick-up truck


AS SEEN IN DECATUR.

Along with all my other vintage photos I will now also start posting Street Scenes of Decatur.
If you know any cool looking places or things, let me know.

RELAX INN of Decatur has been torn down.


I wonder what they will build in it's place. ?

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Decatur Estate & Way Back Antiques at Suburban Plaza




I visted this place recently and it's a great place for antiques.

From Chic to Schlock...

The buttery scent of fresh popcorn invites you in to Decatur Estate and Way Back Antiques. Owners Maggie Monastesse and Mike Barie pop it fresh everyday in the old popper that sits on the front counter. While prices at “antique” stores can be out of this world, the unique items at Decatur Estate are within reach. There’s something for every budget.

Enjoy strolling through 6,000+ square feet of vintage furniture, jewelry, clothing, art and more while listening to a wonderful mix of music playing in the background. Over 30 independent dealers come together to offer an eclectic selection of items from all different eras from all over the world. As you look through a book of Marilyn Monroe’s famous photos you may notice a lava lamp atop the aluminum kitchen table you grew up with. A mid-century Danish bedroom suite may look great in your guest bedroom and a gently used loveseat sleeper sofa could fit perfectly in your student’s dorm room. You never know what you’ll find in the book and record nooks. And don’t miss our huge selection of sparkling vintage jewelry.

Decatur Estate also offers estate liquidation services. We will buy the entire contents of your home and move it out quickly. Come see why our customers from Seattle to Miami say “I love your store; what a great place to shop!”

They have what you are looking for!

You need to check this place out.



The most unique shopping experience in Decatur!

Open Every Day!

Monday - Friday 11am to 7pm

Saturday 10am to 7pm

Sunday 12pm to 6pm



Decatur Estate is located in the Suburban Plaza on North Decatur Road between Church Street and Scott Boulevard, nestled between Big Lots and Piccadilly.

See link on side bar under "How to spend a day in Decatur"

Family Humor about Willie Bradford's Barber Shop in Decatur.


I just had to post this. Several years ago I made this comic joke about Willie Bradford's Barber Shop. Growing up, my family always had a running joke about Willie looking out the window while cutting your hair.
As you know the train track was right in front of his shop.
So when I saw this barber shop joke I edited it into our joke.

All kidding aside, Willie Bradford & his brother Herbert Bradford were good barbers.
and they had a great shop.
I wish it was still there.

I just loved getting those flat-tops and reading all those comic books.
That reminds me,I need to buy some Bazooka Bubble Gum.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Looking back at Decatur's Barber Shops , my favorite was Willie Bradford's Barber Shop.










Decatur had a few Barber Shops in the 1950's & 1960's. The first photo called Barber Shop window is just a great 1950's style "Barber Window" that you would see in Decatur. This photo is of the Northport Barber Shop in Northport, Alabama , but it was such a great example of how windows looked back then I had to use it for my story.photo credit is : DIAMONDduste his flickr site is :http://flickr.com/photos/diamondduste/1126628582/.

The second photo is Willie Bradfords Barber Shop on College Ave.
This is the one we went to growing up in Decatur in the 1950's & 1960's.
It was a 2 chair shop. The first chair was Willie's the second one was his brother Herbert.
I remember it like it was yesterday, as you enter the shop the chairs for customers waiting for a haircut lined the left wall, all the way to the back. On the back wall
was a large picture of "Dogs playing Poker" under the photo was a very long white wooden bench with arms on both ends and on this bench were stacks and stacks of comic books for the kids to read. The cash register was one of those big gold color ones.
I have fond memories of this place.

The vintage barber ads are from old Decatur High Indecatur's.

Also the black & white photo is from a Indecatur book. Kids from Decatur High are fooling around for a photo, the shop they are in was The Decatur Barber Shop located on College Ave. also it just down from Watson's Drugs. Willie's shop was down past that strip of stores, his was a stand alone building.

Please feel free to leave a comment.

Did you grow up in Decatur GA.
Maybe you had a first haircut photo taken in one of the Decatur Barber Shops.
If so send a copy to me and I will post it, and you can write your own story around your photo.


This comment is from my brother
Phil Whitefield:
I can still smell the "Cool Bay Rum" lotion Willie would pour around our necks.
You can still buy that stuff at Walmart today.

Thanks Phil, I'm going to Walmart tomorrow.

Rue de Leon Antiques in Decatur, GA.



Located in a 50 year old converted gas station in the heart of downtown Decatur, Rue de Leon has earned the reputation as the premiere source for unique gifts, antiques and home décor. They offer a wide range of gifts for every member of the family, home décor for all household budgets and antiques that add a timeless treasure to any home.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Downtown decatur-market OPEN Every WeekEnd.






The Downtown Decatur Market reopened on March 1, 2008 featuring art, handcrafted items, organic foods and more.
The Market operates every Saturday and Sunday, March - December. Check it out for yourself. You'll like it. Be there or be square ... (I mean it's near the square.)

The Market location is: 777 Commerce St., Decatur, GA 30030 at the corner of Church St., very close to Decatur Square in the downtown area.

There is ample parking for vendors and customers in the free parking lot adjacent to the Market site.
Hours of operation:
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday noon - 5:00 p.m.

Also at the Downtown Decatur Market
The Dog House (pet rescue & adoption)


Pine Hill Nursery geraniums
Steve Miller organic vegetables
Handcrafted jewelry
Treasures from the Sea
Knox Steinbrecher pottery
"Simply Scrumptious" organic muffins
Imported textles
Twisted & Bent metalwork
... and much more!


March 29-30: Atlanta Teak Furniture is coming to the Decatur Market in March. They are the direct importer from Thailand which means lower prices! View their website at: http://atlantateak.com/

1961 photo of E. Ponce de Leon Ave. Decatur, GA


Here is a photo from 1962 Indecatur.
Homecoming parade on E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
You can see Lane Drugs.

click on picture to enlarge.

Vintage ad from 1960's - ADAMS "ON THE SQUARE" in Decatur, GA.


Vintage ad from Adams Ladies Apparel & Boutiques Shop
located on the square in Decatur, GA.
This ad is from 1963 Indecatur.

color tint added.

1961 photo of Sycamore St. Decatur, GA.



Decatur High's 1961 Homecomeing parade turns right onto Sycamore St. passing Decatur Federal Savings & Loans,William Rice Gift Shop,Clark's Music store,Smith Shoes and Belk-Gallant,and then turn left on E. Court Square.

photo from 1962 INDECATUR.

Monday, March 24, 2008

1962 photo of N. McDonough St. in Decatur, GA.



In this 1962 photo, Decatur High School's Homecoming parade is getting under way.
You can see Wilburn's Garage general repairs,also you can see a Coca-Cola sign painted on the side of the building. Also you can see Williams Auto-Lite Service. The parade started in front of Decatur High. Photo from the 1963 INDECATUR.

Click on picture to enlarge.

The Universal Joint Bar



The Universal Joint Bar offers good beer and great food with a friendly neighborhood atmosphere and an easygoing bar scene.

Once a gas station, now a bar!


The Universal Joint Bar
906 Oakview Rd
Decatur, GA 30030
Cross Street: East Lake Drive

Sunday, March 23, 2008

The Solarium at Old Scottish Rite



Architectural gem. Historic site. Neighborhood treasure. The Solarium is all of those things and more.

Designed in 1918 by renowned architect Neel Reid, the Solarium is an elegant backdrop for any function, large or small. Combining historic charm with the warmth of the surrounding neighborhood, it is truly a unique setting. This historic property is available for rental as the perfect place for weddings, commitment ceremonies, family gatherings, and organizational meetings.

The Solarium at Old Scottish Rite
321 West Hill St.
Decatur, GA.

NEW OAKHURST SIGN


This is a new sign recently put up, it's on S. McDonough St.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Looking back at the East Lake Stores in the 1960's


Jack Olvey Paint Store (not sure of spelling) is where we bought our paint supplies. And The Variety Store had everything, I would ride my bike over to east lake and always go to The Variety Store to buy candy, bubblegum cards, kites and other junk, and then ride over to a 7-11 type store near the Fire Department and get a bottle of Mountain Dew, most of the time is was a Coca-Cola, but Mountain Dew just came out.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Looking back at Decatur's THE EAST LAKE GARAGE


I will be posting vintage images of ads from Decatur High School's INDECATUR'S from the 1960's
from time to time.

This one was in the back of 1964's INDECATUR.

The East Lake Garage
Decatur, GA.

photo is circa 1960's

CLASSY FASHION ART PHOTO


Here is another one of my art photos.
Images of downtown Decatur.
In this one you see The Decatur Station Food Mart,Classy Fashion & That Pottery Place.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

SPRING 2008 - Jazz Nights at Scottish Rite






Candlelit concerts every Thursday evening in April and September from 7-9pm in Oakhurst Village.

321 West Hill St, Decatur, GA 30030

To keep our Jazz Nights as enjoyable as possible for everyone please observe these simple rules:

Blankets Only - No Lawn Chairs

Throw Away Your Trash - Garbage Cans Provided

Kids are warmly welcomed. Please keep an eye on your own children at all times. We have some traffic on a nearby street and personal property at neighboring residences and businesses that could be potentially dangerous for unattended children.

SPRING 2008 - Concerts on the Square ( free)



Concerts on the Square
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 • 7-9:30 p.m.
Community bandstand
Every Saturday night in May. Pack your picnic, bring your quilts and blankets and enjoy an evening of musical entertainment. Sponsored by the Decatur Business Association and Wachovia Bank of Georgia.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

VILLAGE VETS OF DECATUR TO MOVE TO NEW LOCATION ACROSS FROM DECATUR HIGH SCHOOL



308 East Howard Avenue; Decatur, GA 30030 (404) 371-0111

The Village Vets of Decatur is located in the heart of the city of Decatur, one of metro Atlanta's most popular and sought-after neighborhoods. It opened its doors on March 26, 2001. The practice is located in the same facility as the former Decatur Veterinary Hospital, Dekalb County's first veterinary practice.

THE VILLAGE VETS OF DECATUR ( ARTIST RENDITION )

THE NEW VILLAGE VETS OF DECATUR TO OPEN SUMMER 2008



The Village Vets of Decatur will move to its new home (rendering shown above) at 217 N. McDonough Street (across from Decatur High School) in early Summer 2008.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Decatur's Belk-Gallant store entrance floor.

The front entrance for the Belk-Gallant store is still there, this is the front door entrance for Little Shop of Books.
Next time you go there, look down at the floor.

The Belk-Gallant store operated in Decatur in the 1950's & 1960's.

Belk-Gallant window display


The Belk-Gallant in Decatur was located to the right of The Decatur Theatre.

Monday, March 17, 2008

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY



The photo is from the Maury Mable family collection. Maury Mable is leading the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Decatur GA.
The year is circa 1945, looking at the Dekalb Theatre marquee you can see the movie playing is Week End at the Waldorf. circa 1945.
You can see F.W. Woolworth's next door and the Western Auto store on the other side.
The view is on East Ponce de Leon looking from Church St. toward Clairmont. east to west on Ponce de Leon.

WordSmiths Books is moving to the old SunTrust building on the square.


It's official. WordSmith's Books is moving, just around the corner,
read all about it below.

WordSmiths Books Is Moving.

Here is WordSmith's statement:
Wordsmiths Books is moving to the old Sun Trust building on the Decatur Square! Our new address, as of March 28, 2008, is 545 North McDonough Street. Only a bit more than a block from where we now reside, our new space will sit firmly on the Square of Downtown Decatur and will offer us all the space and room for growth that we will need into the far-reaching future. Additionally, we’re nothing shy of a few paces from the very lawn that hosts the Decatur Arts Festival, the Decatur Book Festival, the Beach Party, the Wine Fest, Movies on the Square, and a host of many other festive activities that take place on the Square throughout the year.

In terms of operation, nothing will change. We will close from March 25th through the 27th before reopening on the Square on the 28th. And once we are there, we will still play host to numerous author and music events, readings from Poetry Atlanta, Open Mic Night, and anything else we can toss upon our stage. We will still have a great selection of books, but with a few tweaks and quirks that we couldn’t offer before. We will still have dedicated space for books clubs and meetings, and we will still have plenty of seating, free wi-fi, and one of the finest and most knowledgeable staffs in Atlanta. We will be all that we have been and with the great space we will be offered, quite a lot more.

Thank you all for your support, and we look forward to offering even more as move into our new home and onward through 2008!

DEPEAUX RESTAURANT


This is the Depeaux Restaurant.
which is the Old Decatur train depot.
after they moved it back away from the train tracks.
I was lucky on this shot because at the time I took this photo a train was going by.

This is another one of my art photos that I like.

THE DECATUR HOBBY HOUSE / DECATUR SPEEDWAY


If you liked building models or racing slot-cars
The Decatur Hobby House/Speedway was the placed to be. I remember in there front window displays they had electric train layouts set up.
I spent alot of time here.
Before it was a hobby shop it was a J C Pennys and before that it was The Dekalb Theatre.

Photo is circa 1983.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

ATLANTIC ICE & COAL CO. ( DECATUR'S ICE HOUSE )


Decatur's Ice House is now call The Ice House Lofts.
You can still see the letters on the upper right that
says "ATLANTIC STAR COAL -PURE ICE
ATLANTIC ICE & COAL CO."

THE OLD DECATUR COURTHOUSE

This photo was taken on 3-15-08