I just read the 2005 posts about Spivey's fire but could not reply
because the topic was closed (timed out). Anyway, for what it's worth,
Spivey didn't remodel in 1947 as stated. I lived on Tuscaloosa Avenue
from 1950-1955 and LOVED Spivey's, Alley's Drug Store, West End Theater
where I worked, and much more about 1950s West End. I usually had
something "on layaway" at his store. Here are the facts: Amazingly, I
was on site during both Spivey fires. The first occurred in the early
fifties. I chased the fire engines to the site and watched it burn. I
was about 12 or 13. That store was in the same block of buildings as
Alley's Drug Store, the last store on the East end. The day of the
recent fire I was out driving and saw the smoke from Southside. I
followed it, parked and watched it burn. I also got the chance to
speak to Mr. Spivey. I went back a day or two later and watched as
they tore down the remaining structure. I even tried to buy some of
the old terracotta wall caps but time is money so they refused.
Incidentally, other businesses in that row were Estes' Cafeteria
(great) and a little hot dog hangout (Bluebird?). I heard rumors that
Spivey opened again in Five Points South but I don't know that for a
fact. Mr. Spivey started his first business in Tuscaloosa in 1947 and
moved to Birmingham in 1950. He later moved to the old West End
Theater. Does anyone remember the model building contests Spivey held
at his first store? The winners' models were placed in the front
showcase window with blue ribbons, etc. Brother Jim won once. Anybody
remember watching Spivey and others fly huge models at Roberts field?
The past was wonderful, --Pat
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