Growth of Wadley, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/newspapers/wadley.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. ============================================= September 2001 WADLEY’S GROWTH WAS PHENOMENAL ---------------------------- Randolph county can boast of a “Magic City” all her own. No further back than 1907 what is now Wadley was an old field. When the A. B. & A. [Atlanta, Birmingham, and Atlantic] railroad was surveyed a town was located by the Callaway Development Company on the western side of the Tallapoosa river, in the southwestern corner of Randolph county. The ground was properly laid off, lots were sold and a substantial town sprang up as if by magic. In August, 1907, the first brick building was erected. In the fall of 1908 the Bank of Wadley moved into its new brick building, and has enjoyed a prosperous business. Dr. J. M. WELCH is president, J. M. HODGE cashier and W. H. WELCH assistant cashier. In 1908-9 a large and modern brick hotel was built, with stores underneath. Except for the temporary shacks first erected, the business houses are all of brick. Notwithstanding her youth, Wadley is a city of churches. Four denominations are comfortably housed and are served by able pastors. A large school building has been erected, in which Prof. G. W. FLOYD presides over a flourishing school. The citizenship of Wadley is plucky and progressive. The people have wrought well along all lines. The municipality is headed by Hon. R. H. HARRIS as mayor. J. N. STEPHENS is chief of police. M. H. RADNEY, the pioneer citizen, was the town’s first executive head, and J. B. B. CLEGG the first marshal. [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 27 Mar 1912, p.1]