ALMetro360 April 18

White businesses also opened shops, catering to the growing numbers of black customers and country people who came to town, some bringing vegetables and fruits to sell, on Saturdays. Stores on the north side of Dexter, including Montgomery Fair, Kress and Sears, had entrances on Monroe Street. Silver’s (later Green’s) had a basement grocery opening on North Perry. Webbers, Weil’s, James Clothing Store and others thrived. On the southwest corner of Monroe and North Lawrence stood the Pekin Café and next door the stylish Pekin Theatre. Sounds, smells, movement brought uniqueness to Monroe Street in those days where street vendors hawked wares of fish and pig-ear sandwiches and barbecue, folk artist Bill Traylor offered his paintings (now worth thousands) for pennies, and pawn shops, cafes, pool halls provided funds and fun. Promi- nent black-owned businesses included Dean Drugs and Ross- Clayton Funeral Directors, now at another location. Integration, malls, interstate, governmental needs — all de- note Monroe Street’s decline. Change dictates to all, and earlier times never come again, but many remember the unique eras of Monroe Street. Today, municipal activities and the repur- posing of major nearby buildings point to a new, vibrant path for its future. The historic Montgomery Theatre/Webbers was on Monroe and a later story will follow its rise and demise. ^ Find us on Facebook and Instagram APRIL 2018 55 Home Care Ass through our Ba adults that prom based on the sc living people in n allassee, and Aubur T y, Wetumpka, Pike Road, Alexander Cit ee in-home consultation today! chedule your fr istance has elevated the standard of care for older adu lanced Care Method ™ , a holistic approach to care for otes healthy mind, body and spirit and is ientifically studied lifestyles of the longest- the world. Dadeville, e Solution Of The Only Home Car fering an Innovative, Science-Based Approach to A Conveniently located in the Corners Publix Shopping Center at the corn aylor and V T aughn. Stop by and see 88 Road, Montgomery, AL stanceMontgomery.com lts older /Opelika! ging tone er of us today! ook, r re ro Serving Montgomery and Sur unding A Call Kristy to s as: Prattville, Millb 334-593-39 7742 Vaughn HomeCareAssi Todd’s Gun Store Pekin Theater