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.. The original store was located at 1922 1st Avenue North, and was extensively remodeled in 1913.
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 1921 the chain opened a new 14,000 square foot store in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1927 the row of buildings at the corner of 3rd Avenue and 20th Street was rebuilt to designs by Miller, Martin & Lewis, with Porter's occupying the corner and extending east along 3rd.
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