Porter's
Porter's Clothing Company was a clothing store operating from the corner of 3rd Avenue North and 20th Street in downtown Birmingham from 1904 to 1963. It was founded as the H. J. Porter & Co. in 1904 by Henry J. Porter was chairman of the board. In 1905 ownership of the company was expanded under the name Porter, Neel & Co..
In 1918 Porter's had stores in Birmingham as well as Jacksonville, Florida (managed by John Porter). That year the company acquired for the former Huddleston-Cooper Co. in Nashville, Tennessee, which was managed by Alf W. Porter. It also began awarding the Porter Cup to the "best all-around athlete" from major Southern universities. Howard College's Claud Carr was the first recipient.
In 1920 the store also had a location on 1st Avenue North. In 1921 the chain opened a new 14,000 square foot store in New Orleans, Louisiana.
References
- "Birmingham." (July 12, 1905) Shoe Retailer and Boots and Shoes Weekly. Vol. 54, p. 55
- "With the Retailers" (October 1918) The Clothier and Furnisher. Vol. 93, No. 3
- "News of Birmingham Business Activities" (November 19, 1921) Dry Goods Economist. No. 4037, p. 283