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Newspaper
Decatur Daily
Location
Decatur, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Dec 29, 1928
Page
13
Decatur Daily shared coverage of a 24 hour shift operation as Elliott Transfer Company moved over 100000 pounds of equipment from Second Avenue to First Avenue. Crews worked in six hour shifts, careful handling, with no damages reported since the move began Saturday noon to Sunday noon.
Barrett C. Shelton recalls Decatur growth backing The Daily’s bold choice to both build a new home and buy modern press equipment. He argues solid market potential, steady regional expansion, and loyal local readers justified the heavy investment and future 12 page paper plan.
The Daily introduces Ionic No 5 type to improve readability. Optometrist Clement B Edgar explains it reduces eye fatigue by using larger letters that subtend a five to eleven minute angle at reading distance, arguing it aids comfort and speed for most readers.
The Twin City Electric Company wired all lighting and power for The Daily and supplied much of the equipment. Crews installed gear on the Duplex Tubular press in a first time job, delivering a satisfactory result with workers on standby to ensure the plant runs by Monday morning.
Leo L Burnet attache of the De Company of First avenue and Johnston street oversaw the plant construction. He described the steel braces and two story foundation as capable of supporting a planned fifth or sixth story, reflecting his long hours watching the project from start to finish.
The Daily building is heated by a plant installed and supervised by Hal Mullen of the Mullen Plumbing Co. The old city firm supplied hot water distribution and followed recommendations from Mr. Mullen to improve the system.
The Daily Decatur plant and offices used locally sourced materials and services. Brick and tile were sold locally, lumber bought through Valley Coal and Decatur Coal and Manufacturing, roofing by Southern Sheet Metal, heating by H. Mullen, furnishings from Sterchi Bros. and Shumake, wiring by Twin City Electric, electrical parts via Alabama Power, windows and steel from Decatur Cornice and Roofing, plaster locally, and painting carpentry finishing done by Decatur workers. The policy Trade-At-Home Build-At-Home is practiced in the newspaper.
The article credits James B. McBride as the principal contractor on at least six major projects in Decatur during 1928. It highlights the Central Baptist and Central Methodist churches, the First Methodist Sunday school annex, Twin City Bread Company building, Pointer-Harlowe Grocery structure, Decatur Cornice & Roofing Co. building, and other smaller works, noting substantial renovations and a growing business landscape.
A list of multiple local businesses and firms including Rankin L B Wyatt Son Con Cornice Cooper Wells Co Decatur Ice Cream and Coal companies Parsons Lumber City National Bank and Central Na suggests a feature on collaborative efforts or advertisements highlighting businesses contributing to Edition A.
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