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A few days ago, we put up
a picture of Lute Mann's store on the north side of the bridge. Most of the old
pictures of Alderson were taken by J. W. McClung. This photo below
was also taken by J. W. McClung, and you will note it's the old iron
bridge and several people walking across the bridge. Also note, on your left, a two* story building with a grocery
store located in the bottom floor. The reason I think this was a
grocery store, I remember going in there in the 1940s, although this
picture was take around a decade earlier. This store
moved across the river in one of the buildings that
you can see through the sides of the bridge. I think it was
called "CJs".
Back to the Monroe side, over
the grocery store, was the residents of J. W. McClung, who took a
few pictures of the new bridge from his window that faced the river.
I can't help but think if he was never in Alderson, we might not have as
many photos as we do.
*Earlier photos show this was originally a three story building. |
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CJ's made it a practice to hire
a high school junior or senior as a "bag boy". This was a very good
job in town. It was for Saturday work and the wage was $5.00 for
7;30 am to 8:00 pm. (at least in 1954 it was). "Coco" Highlander was
the guy in 1952 and 54. When he quit the job it was my good fortune
to be the next guy in 54' to 55. I always felt lucky on Saturday
when I was in the store and the other guys were on the back of a
truck going to the hay field (at .50 cents per hour) however I did
serve a lot of time in the hay field working for George Altaire.
Mr. Casdorph was from Ronceverte and his wife was from Alderson. She
was a Yates and her brother "chic" Yates worked in the store also
and later became manager of the CJ's in Bellpoint. Peg Roach was the
manager, Pearl Butcher McCurdy was a clerk, Orvil Upton was the
butcher (assisted by Chic Yates). Jack Still also worked with us for
some time. The very best part of the job was taking Christmas candy
from 50 lb. bags and putting it in 1 and 2 lb. bags. To this day I
cannot eat chocolate covered cherries. Humm wonder why? Also we sold
sugar in 50# bags. We sold a lot of it to one particular gentlemen
who, when I would load it into his truck he would tell me how many
jellies and preserves his wife was "putting up". I think it is
possible that something other than jellies may have been the reason
for the sugar. |
