SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Heavy equipment is finishing up the demolition work at the historic W 3rd St. shopping center, across from the Farmer’s Furniture building. Many regarded it as an eyesore, while others reminisced and shared memories of the good old days.
Though the building had been abandoned for years and turned into a dangerous nuisance – even before a recent fire – the memories of the many locally owned businesses that once occupied it quickly resurfaced on social media.
It’s gone by different names over the decades, such as Shephard Shopping Center and The Block.
There were so many businesses that called it home over time – Dud’s Snack Bar, Hale’s Barber Shop, Theodore’s Laundromat, Ridgeway’s Kitchen, several beauty salons, and many more businesses.
One of the community favorites was Hobo’s Restaurant, where the food was so good and the kitchen so small. If you didn’t get there close to noon, you missed your chance for lunch that day.
