Max Schmeling was a famous German boxer in the 1930s. He was German and a favorite of Hitler. The Alabama was and is the premier movie palace built in 1927. It was saved by the organization of organists who restored the great Wurlitzer that rises out of the floor. In 1987 my wife and I attended the reopening 60 years to the day of the original opening. Near us was a couple of whom the husband was at the 1927 opening. It is ornate but tasteful, and many events are held there - see the website. I have recordings of the Wurlitzer. The Alabama, just built, was so well built that it survived the enormous fire that destroyed huge Loveman, Joseph, and Loeb Department Store next door that burned right up to the Alabama's wall. It was the new Loveman's that I was in so many times. Going to the Alabama was magical - transported into grandeur! It still does that to me. The Ritz Theatre was on 2nd Avenue near the Alabama and was our 2nd major movie house. The Lyric across from the Alabama was larger but did second runs. Last I heard it was up for restoration. It was pretty grand too. My high school Latin class saw "Quo Vadis" there. The Capitol Theatre was in a cluster of movie houses on 2nd Avenue. It was narrow, really quite small. Cascade Plunge was and is a fine swimming pool in East Lake. Set against the mountain, it was said to use spring water. It was always cold but a fine large pool. The Red Cross taught me swimming there. These be my memories of places in your Dad's diary. So nice you have this slice of life then, and from your family! Bill Erwin From: aljeffer-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:aljeffer-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Delilah Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2007 6:23 PM To: aljeffer@rootsweb.com Subject: [ALJEFF] names in my dads 1930 diary If any of these names are familiar, would like to know: Jan 1, 1930 Velma Elder Arthur Fleming Edna Glover Bob Burton John D. Franklin John Cross Bob Brandon Lots of mentions of the RITZ, the ALABAMA, WEST LAKE, CAPITAL THEATRE, CASCADE - Neta Sue Smith Box 445 Panama City, Fl (date Wed, Feb 26, 1930) Betty Sides 111 Gordon Ave Powderley, Al. Bernice Garritt 6-5092 Ensley Mrs. Dozier 4-2639m B'ham Estelle Wheeler 3-3469 Hennessy, Ala Sharkey vx Scheneling fight June 30, 1930 Scheneling wins on foul. Kathryn Prows Panama City, Fl Thelma Walraven 4625? Ave Dalton Park, Tn Kathreen Smith 6-4526 Chatt, Tenn These are just some names and notes in my daddy's diary for 1930. delilah ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ALJEFFER-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message