Belcher-Nixon building
The Belcher-Nixon building at 1726-30 20th Street Ensley is a two-story brick building, the last commercial structure standing at the historic Tuxedo Junction in Ensley.
The building was constructed in 1922 as the office of dentist Andrew Belcher. It housed a meeting hall for the American Woodmen Union Relief Benevolent Society Camp #65 on the upper floor. Erskine Hawkins' 1939 song "Tuxedo Junction" was played at dances held in the hall.
Dentist and civil rights activist John Nixon took over Belcher's practice in 1951 and worked from the building until he retired in 1988. He and his wife Margaret still own the structure. The upper floor houses the offices of United Service Associates and the lower floor is vacant.
The Jefferson County Historical Commission and Alabama Historical Commission have recognized the building's importance. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 12, 2009. Main Street Birmingham is promoting a proposal to convert the building into a cultural center.
Occupants
- Andrew Belcher, dentist (owner, 1922-51)
- John Nixon, dentist (owner, 1951-present)
- J. E. Stevens, barber and tailer (1925-1928)
- Adolph Rathman, grocer (1922-25)
- G. W. Thonton's billiard parlour (1925-28)
- J. H. Smith's restaurant (1925-28)
- Edward Allen (1928-)
- G. N. Adamson, physician (1930-)
- American Woodmen Union Relief Benevolent Society Camp #65 (1930-)
- James Robertson, pharmacist (1931-60)
- Jacob Cantavespre, coal dealer (1931-37)
- Peter Sims, coal dealer (1937-1940s)
- Thomas Dotson, shoe repairs (1938-)
- Mamie Pickett, laundress (1935-1947)
- Tuxedo Beauty Parlor (1947-1953)
- Tuxedo Variety Store (1953-1980s)
- Help One Another Club (1960s-)
- Christ Temple AFM Church
- United Service Associates (-present)
- Booker T. Washington Insurance Company (1960s-80s)
- Marque Jackson, physician
- Andrew Roberton, physician
- Isaac Graves, dentist (1940s)
- Ramsey Cole, dentist (1940s)
- Pauline Nzeribe, dentist (1990s)
References
- Schneider, David B. (March 17, 2008) "Belcher-Nixon Building" National Register of Historic Places registration form.
- Enzweiler, Susan (September 18, 2009) "Belcher-Nixon Building in Ensley listed to National Register" press release. Alabama Historical Commission
- Ruisi, Anne (October 5, 2009) Hope anew for Ensley revival." Birmingham News