John B. Roden & Co.
John B. Roden & Co. was a book, stationery, music dealer and jeweler in early Birmingham.
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 two businesses were brought together when he 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. He took on partner Edgar Welsh who operated a branch of the business in Gadsden.
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.
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