History of the Manley Building, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/newspapers/manbldg.txt ============================================= USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Project Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file is copyrighted and contributed by: William Fischer, Jr. ============================================= December 2003 OLD LANDMARK HAD A HISTORY ---------------------------- While the passing of the old wooden store building on the MANLEY corner, answering the demands of a more progressive age, is hailed with rejoicing by everyone, yet its going awakens in the minds of many older citizens sentiments and memories of by-gone days. This building was one of the most historic points in Roanoke. It was one of the first stores built in the village of Roanoke and it was the last one to pass away. Some facts and some of the stories connected with this old landmark will, we believe, be of interest to our readers, young and old. The writer’s earliest recollections of Roanoke are associated with this old house. When we drove into Roanoke for the first time, in the fall of 1887, coming on the Louina road, the MANLEY building was the first one reached in the business part of town. At that time we read across the front the name, “J. L. B. TAYLOR.” Since that day some of Roanoke’s prominent business men, including Mayor [W. Y.] CHEWNING and former Councilman MICKLE, have sold goods in that stand. The house was built before the war—fully fifty-five years ago, though old citizens differ as to the exact time. It was first owned by Baker & Mickle, the latter being the late Mr. M. J. MICKLE. The sills were hewn out of logs and are about one foot through each way. Many of the heavy timbers were fastened together by mortise and pin. The work was done by Mr. Warren BACHUS. This property afterwards came into possession of the late Mr. David MANLEY, who sold goods in it when he was so small he had to stand on a block behind the counter. August 1st, 1866, Mr. MANLEY became 21 years of age. He celebrated this important occasion by buying a load of watermelons, which he cut and spread on the store front, treating everybody in town. But the most stirring incident in connection with the building now passed from view occurred September 9, 1861. At that time Company E, of the 17th Alabama regiment, C.S.A., which was organized in this vicinity, went to join the army at the front. Wyley E. WHITE, uncle of Dr. William WHITE and others, was captain of this company and B. F. WEATHERS was first lieutenant. The ladies of Roanoke, some of them living in this place today, made a very large cake for the company, and as the recruits were drawn up in line the afternoon of September 9th, ready to march away, this cake was presented to them from the front of the MANLEY Building by Mrs. John M. MOORE, wife of the village school master. Lieutenant WEATHERS was called upon to respond in behalf of his comrades. In the course of his remarks he predicted that the war would be a long, hard struggle, but expressed the opinion that he would not be slain. After this incident was over Company E marched to Bethel, near Welsh [Chambers County]. Here they camped for the night. The cake was cut, and there was enough for each of the 86 soldiers to have a piece. [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 12 May 1915, p.1] ---------------------------- [Excerpt from] MANLEY CORNER LOT IS PURCHASED BY THE FIRM OF McMURRAY & HUEY. ---------------------------- The wooden MANLEY building was being razed in order to build a newer brick structure. The wood was sold to Mr. B. J. MITCHUM to rebuild a barn recently lost to fire. [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 5 May 1915, p.1]