Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Caldwell Motor Company


   If any of you were treated by Dr. Mitchell Ford, you will remember he built a new office at the corner of South Second Street at Water Street which is still there and being used a medical facility even today. This building was on that same spot. This photo I would guess to be made in early 1910s. I don't see the E. A. Shellnut home across the street to the left which was built by Dr. R. B. Caldwell around 1915-16. Dr. Caldwell moved to a new home in 1927 and Ben Caldwell bought the house. He later sold it to Mr. Shellnut.
   This was the local Chevrolet dealership and garage and Second street was US highway 45 at that time. I also notice that the street appears to not be paved. The downtown streets were concreted starting in about 1926 or '28, I have read. C. G. Henderson later bought the dealership and eventually moved it to South Fourth Street (U.S. 45 at that time). This building burned and I can't remember if Henderson moved prior to the fire or not.

8 comments:

  1. Wow, 100 years old, Carl, probably Civil War veterans. Where are you getting these?

    Joe Cunningham

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    2. Well, I got that last comment wrong.. Her, let me try again.

      These photos are some I got from the Claude Gentry collection that I was privileged to find. They were used by the Baldwyn Restoration committee or whatever they are called. Ethan Nanney had them on a disk when he managed the downtown improvement program back a few years ago.

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  2. Where did Dr. RB live? Don't remember his house. Is it still standing?

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  3. Tes, it is still lived in on Caldwell Circle, North side, fourth house on the right.

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    1. Awww, it's too early for my fingers. I meant Yes instead of Tes.

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  4. Carl, This Dave Johnson. I have been on this site about all night. I very well remember your name, but can't place exactly who you are. I think you are several years older than me. I was born in Baldwyn 4/22/51. I'm SURE you knew my parents. Dad was William E. (Ed) Johnson who published the Baldwyn Weekly from 1951 - 1958. My mom was Helen Johnson. My brother was 'Winn' Johnson (right in the middle of photo here of his 2nd grade class). While a lot of what is on here pre-dates me, there is SO much I remember, even though I moved to Booneville in 1957 (Dad drove back and forth publishing both the Banner Independent and the Baldwyn Weekly for a short while). Dr. Caldwell delivered me. Dad, Scram Gentry, Paul Haynes, etc. all had cabins at Sportsmen lake. Lived about 200 yards from Cadlwell Circle. Got my first plane ride with Claud Gentry when I was 4. Was in Ms. Hallies class for 2 weeks, long enough to be scared to death of Ms. Hortense. Remember Palmer's pool hall (even though I was only 5 or 6). Remember Mrs. Gladys Gentry like I was standing there buying popcorn. Recognize quite a few of the photos in the newspaper clippings as ones my Dad took. I could name a hundred more memories that were stirred in my head tonight. It is a shame this site is suffering because of Facebook. I'm on Facebook - but find a site like this much more appealing. Facebook is more an excuse not to use the telephone and state your 'views' - although a few of my friends are actively saving our memories and history - Willie Weeks and Ken Christen for example. And so many things here I would like to ask about. Anyway, thanks for this site. Don't know how often you check on here, but when you see this I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks again, Dave

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  5. Carl, I tried to join so I could email you, but can't make it work. If you see this, let me know how to get in touch with you.
    Dave Johnson

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