TUSCUMBIA-The Tuscumbia Civitan Club announces production of the 2021 Civitan Christmas Ornament featuring Commercial Row, located on the north side of West Fifth Street, between Main and Water Streets. It is the 26th ornament in the on-going series that showcases historical sites and landmarks in the community.
Commercial Row Believed to be Alabama’s oldest string of commercial buildings, these seven adjoining brick structures were occupied in the 1830’s by early Tuscumbia merchants, when the Tuscumbia, Courtland, & Decatur Railroad ran along 5th Street. Merchandise was unloaded from steamers at Tuscumbia Landing and moved to town by rail. Native Americans passed along Commercial Row during the Indian Removal (“Trail of Tears”) of the 1830’s. Capt. A. H. Keller, father of Helen Keller, edited and published a prominent weekly newspaper, The North Alabamian, in one of the buildings during the late 1800’s. The builder is unknown but the design suggests Zebulum Pike Morrison of Florence.
The ornaments are now available at Fiddledee D! gift shop, 111 S. Main St. Tuscumbia, Helen Keller Public Library, 511 N. Main, Tuscumbia; and at financial institutions within the City. The price is $15.00 and purchases must be cash or check made payable to Tuscumbia Civitan. Purchase may also be made using paypal, by sending an email request to Tuscumbiacivitan@gmail.com. Your invoice will reflect an additional charge for shipping and commission to paypal. Inventory from previous years will also be offered as long as available providing an opportunity to complete collections.
Tuscumbia Civitan Club supports many worthwhile charitable endeavors in the community through sales of the Christmas ornaments and Claxton Fruitcakes. Fruitcakes are on sale at local grocery stores and from Civitans. Among the recipients of funds raised are CASA, Meals on Wheels, Safeplace, the Cerebral Palsy Center, Boy’s and Girls’ State and many more philanthropic causes that support the community.
For more information: 256-710-9081, 256-710-1440 or call Fiddledee D! 256-383-9797.
