John B. Roden & Co.: Difference between revisions
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'''John B. Roden & Co.''' was a book, stationery, music dealer and jeweler in early [[Birmingham]]. | '''John B. Roden & Co.''' was a book, stationery, music dealer and jeweler in early [[Birmingham]]. | ||
[[John B. Roden]], an Alabama native who had spent some years farming in Texas, opened his book store at 1908 [[2nd Avenue North]] in [[1875]]. The shop specialized in stationery, school and office supplies, writing instruments and sundries. In [[1882]] Roden expanded his business with a music and retail shop two doors down. The | [[John B. Roden]], an Alabama native who had spent some years farming in Texas, opened his book store at 1908 [[2nd Avenue North]] in [[1875]]. The shop specialized in stationery, school and office supplies, writing instruments and sundries. In [[1882]] Roden expanded his business with a music and retail shop two doors down. Before [[1887]] [[J. A. Mills]] was operating his own jewelry business inside Roden's store. The book shop and music shop were brought together when Roden was able to secure the lease at 1910 2nd Avenue in [[1891]]. | ||
The expansion housed a complete line of music and musical instruments, specializing in Smith organs and Everett pianos. [[William Copeland]] worked | The expansion housed a complete line of music and musical instruments, specializing in Smith organs and Everett pianos. [[William Copeland]] worked at the book store for six years before partnering with [[R. I. Stone]] in a wholesale book business. Roden took on partner [[Edgar Welsh]] who operated a branch of the business in [[Gadsden]]. That store was taken over by [[John Dubose]] in [[1889]]. | ||
In [[1892]], after hearing a sermon on the evils of gambling, Roden burned all the decks of playing cards in his store's stock, valued at $200. | In [[1892]], after hearing a sermon on the evils of gambling, Roden burned all the decks of playing cards in his store's stock, valued at $200. |
Revision as of 08:58, 7 September 2016
John B. Roden & Co. was a book, stationery, music dealer and jeweler in early Birmingham.
John B. Roden, an Alabama native who had spent some years farming in Texas, opened his book store at 1908 2nd Avenue North in 1875. The shop specialized in stationery, school and office supplies, writing instruments and sundries. In 1882 Roden expanded his business with a music and retail shop two doors down. Before 1887 J. A. Mills was operating his own jewelry business inside Roden's store. The book shop and music shop were brought together when Roden was able to secure the lease at 1910 2nd Avenue in 1891.
The expansion housed a complete line of music and musical instruments, specializing in Smith organs and Everett pianos. William Copeland worked at the book store for six years before partnering with R. I. Stone in a wholesale book business. Roden took on partner Edgar Welsh who operated a branch of the business in Gadsden. That store was taken over by John Dubose in 1889.
In 1892, after hearing a sermon on the evils of gambling, Roden burned all the decks of playing cards in his store's stock, valued at $200.
The store continued to operate, with the addition of jewelry and watches, until at least 1915.
References
- Dubose, John Witherspoon (1885) The Mineral Wealth of Alabama and Birmingham Illustrated. Birmingham: N. T. Green & Co.
- North Alabama (Illustrated) (1888) Birmingham: Southern Commercial Publishing Co.
- The Jewelers' Circular (October 21, 1891) Vol. 23, No. 12, p.36
- The Friend (May 7, 1892) Vol. 66, No. 41, p. 327