A look at the past to 100 years ago to the events happening within Andalusia can be fascinating and uplifting. In the Andalusia Daily Star on November 28th, 1923 edition stated that “Tomorrow the people of Andalusia as well as America will have an entire day off for a day of thanksgiving. It’s an Christian Nation that once a year, at the request of the president we take a time off to pay with gratitude for Almighty God to thank him for his kindness. “Blessed is the nation that believes in God is God’ is abundantly verified in our nation’s historical record. This nation has been extraordinarily blessed beyond other nation in trade, innovation and innovation, in agriculture, in family life, in trades and arts within production, in all things that bring us comfort as well as happiness. It is a call to us to show our appreciation to God because we all understand that each good thing comes directly from Him.” 
“In our home in Andalusia we have plenty of reasons to praise God with a heartfelt thanksgiving. Our people are healthy, prosperous, and happy. In the realm of material things, we’ve moved ahead. We have a brand new school ( Church Street School) that was completed during the course of. We also have several variety of private business or residence homes which have been constructed or finished throughout the course of the year.”
“The process of constructing our large cotton mill has gained such momentum that it is now possible to announce as a fact that the work is expected to begin before the start of the year at this plant.”
” Our people are united and the churches have more people attending, and churches are more frequent, Sunday schools have been thriving and there is an overall sense of goodwill from all of us.”
“Thanksgiving service with all local churches will take part will take place at 6 a. at. on Thursday, November 6,at The Andalusia Baptist Church It was announced today by the pastors of the local church. It is anticipated that all congregations in Andalusia are well represented during the early morning service. It is among the most impressive and stunning services throughout the year.”
“BULLDOGS CLOSE THE SEASON THURSDAY, MARCH 3RD WITH GREENVILL
“One remaining river that needs to be crossed’, and the curtain will be drawn down on the Andalusia gridiron stage for 1923. The team will be joined to Greenville the day before Turkey Day by the well-represented students with plans put in place for a wonderful day apart from the game, which is expected to be fiercely contested.”
“Greenville Coach Hovater has been watching the field attentively over the past week. Greenville is aware of the type of game to anticipate and is working tirelessly this week to prepare to play.”
“Bulldog Coach Green’s players were able to leave Monroeville in the Monroevillegame sans injury and are now fit for their final game against Butler County. Butler county players.”
“DIXIE Teams Wind Up schedule on TURKEY DAY” The Dixie College Football season closes on the Thursday before Thanksgiving Day in the gridiron. A lot of teams that have already canceled their schedules will be watching the games of their neighbouring institutions. The three Southern iconic games are planned for this day: Georgia Tech and Auburn at Atlanta; Sewanee and Vanderbilt at Nashville; University of Alabama Crimson and the Florida Alligators – all games that are of a long-standing and provide interest to be played on Thanksgiving Day.”
“MUSICAL PROGRAM THANKSGIVING EVENT – A magnificent concert will be performed by six Andalusia youngsters on the night of Thanksgiving at the home of Mrs. D. McArtan. McArtan at Sixth Avenue under the direction of Mrs. W. A. Lyons. Students who will perform will include Elizabeth Ellison, Annie Albritton, Louise Bozeman, Elizabeth Stanley, Helen Claire Padgett and Mr. D. O. Gantt. Music composed by composers Chopin, Mozart, Grieg Schumann, Mendelssohn,and Weber will be performed by the pianists. An invitation to attend is made to family members, parents and anyone else who are interested.”
Local businesses that advertised in the November edition of 1923 include Dr. E. L. Gatlin, dentist; Dr. H. H. Martin, chiropractor; C. J. Ward optometrist P. Lewis, optometrist; Daniel Candy Co.; T. M. Campbell Drug Co.; A. M. Riley Drug Co.; Patrick Hardware; Andalusia Grocery Co.; Brown and Broughton Drug Co.; I. Berman; Henderson’s Haberdashery; Andalusia Motor Co.; J. M. Taylor Auto Co.; Kilpatrick and Mashburn; Shreve Store Co.; J. L. Knox & Co.; First National Bank of Andalusia; Andalusia Manufacturing Co. as well as The Andalusia National Bank.
To look up the name of the firmsadvertising in this tiny city in the 1920s is truly admirable. It is reminiscent of the information I read at that same time in the newspaper, which featured a businessman named Mr. E. R. Merrill of the Andalusia Manufacturing Company. He just returned from what he referred to as “The Metropolis in the south” which he referred to as Atlanta. He was traveling out of town on a business trip, and had stated, “That whole city in motion is a true beehive. There are sidewalks that are crowded streets crammed with motor vehicles and streetcars as well as business people so fast that you be sure to see them if you make an pre-arranged engagements.” Merrill said he discovers in Andalusia many of the same spirit that has developed Atlanta. “In reality,” Merrill declared, “Andalusia is often referred to as”the Atlanta in Alabama.”
When we remember When at this holiday season we should keep in mind these early companies which can be grateful for the part that they had in setting up the current business environment in Andalusia. We are grateful for the knowledge we have gained about the ways they laid the foundation for the future and more possibilities of growth, which led to the advancements that we can enjoy now in 2023..
Sue Bass Wilson, AHS Class 1965, former K-12 choral music instructor, is a real estate broker in the local area and a long-time membership in the Covington Historical Society. She can be reached at [email protected].
The article Remember the date Thanksgiving was celebrated at the time of Andalusia during 1923 was first published at The Andalusia Star-News.
