Memories of Past

Memories of Past A trip down memory lane, celebrating the iconic moments, culture, and experiences of the past.

Whitman's Chocolates, located at 951 Sampler Way; East Point, Georgia. 1955In **1955**, the **Whitman’s Chocolates** fac...
10/07/2025

Whitman's Chocolates, located at 951 Sampler Way; East Point, Georgia. 1955

In **1955**, the **Whitman’s Chocolates** facility at **951 Sampler Way** in **East Point, Georgia**, was a model of postwar American industry — efficient, tidy, and humming with the sweet scent of chocolate in the air. This location was one of the brand’s key production sites, named cheekily after the company's iconic **Whitman’s Sampler** box — a staple in American homes since the early 1900s.

By the mid-1950s, Whitman’s was a well-known name coast to coast, with its signature gold-ribboned boxes lining shelves in department stores, pharmacies, and corner markets. The **East Point plant**, located just southwest of downtown Atlanta and conveniently near the rail lines and what would become **Hartsfield-Jackson Airport**, was part of a broader Southern industrial boom. Workers — many of them local women — staffed the lines, boxing caramels, nougats, and chocolate-covered cherries with care and precision.

The 1950s were a golden age for brands like Whitman’s. With the postwar economy booming, chocolates weren’t just a luxury — they were a symbol of comfort, celebration, and tradition. And for many East Point residents, 951 Sampler Way wasn’t just an address — it was where sweet memories (and paychecks) were made.

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Anxious to get moving, Reynolds burns some rubber at the intersection of Georgia highways 138 and 85In true outlaw fashi...
10/07/2025

Anxious to get moving, Reynolds burns some rubber at the intersection of Georgia highways 138 and 85

In true outlaw fashion, **Burt Reynolds** — as the legendary **Bandit** — peels out from the intersection of **GA-138 and GA-85** in **Fayette County, Georgia**, tires screeching, dust flying, and the now-iconic black Trans Am roaring to life. This moment, brief but electric, captures the spirit of *Smokey and the Bandit* — speed, rebellion, and Southern backroads serving as a playground for one of cinema’s most charismatic antiheroes.

The intersection of 138 and 85, near **Fayetteville**, provided the perfect stretch of two-lane Georgia blacktop to stage a high-octane getaway. At the time, this area was still semi-rural, lined with gas stations, diners, pine trees, and open space — ideal for the film’s thrilling car chases and tire-smoking stunts. The Bandit doesn’t wait around. He drops the hammer and disappears into the Georgia pines, a sheriff or two likely not far behind.

Today, the intersection is busier, modernized — but for fans of the film, it’s hallowed ground. A simple crossroads turned into a launchpad for cinematic rebellion, where Southern roads met Hollywood horsepower.

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eynolds and Reed pull into downtown Texarkana to pick up 400 cases of Coors beer. In reality, this is downtown Jonesboro...
10/07/2025

eynolds and Reed pull into downtown Texarkana to pick up 400 cases of Coors beer. In reality, this is downtown Jonesboro

This line could easily be a bit of classic Southern film trivia — and it *is*, in a way. What you're referencing is a scene from the iconic 1977 movie ***Smokey and the Bandit***, where Burt Reynolds (as the Bandit) and Jerry Reed (as Cledus “Snowman” Snow) embark on a legendary cross-country beer run.

In the film, they pull into **"Texarkana, Texas"** to illegally load up 400 cases of **Coors beer**, which was famously unavailable east of the Mississippi at the time. But here’s the behind-the-scenes truth: **that wasn’t Texarkana at all.** The actual filming location for that scene was **downtown Jonesboro, Georgia**, just south of Atlanta.

Like much of the movie, this scene leaned heavily into the mythology of the open road, Southern grit, and outlaw charm. Jonesboro’s red-brick buildings and quiet downtown streets provided the perfect small-town look, while movie magic took care of the rest.

So next time you watch the Bandit pull into Texarkana? Tip your hat to **Jonesboro**, playing its part in cinematic legend.

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Intersection of Hurt Street NE with DeKalb Avenue NE, in the Inman Park neighborhood. In fact, the street corner seen in...
10/06/2025

Intersection of Hurt Street NE with DeKalb Avenue NE, in the Inman Park neighborhood. In fact, the street corner seen in the photo is now part of the Inman Park Marta station 1957
**Intersection of Hurt Street NE & DeKalb Avenue NE — Inman Park, 1957**

In 1957, the intersection of **Hurt Street NE and DeKalb Avenue NE** sat quietly in the **Inman Park** neighborhood, just east of downtown Atlanta. This street corner, now part of the busy **Inman Park/Reynoldstown MARTA station**, was once a modest but vital slice of Atlanta’s first planned suburb — a neighborhood that, by the mid-20th century, had seen better days but retained echoes of its Victorian-era grandeur.

Inman Park in the 1950s was in the midst of transition. Once home to Atlanta’s elite in the early 1900s, the area had experienced decades of decline due to suburban flight, redlining, and the encroachment of industrial and rail infrastructure. The Hurt Street/DeKalb Avenue intersection reflected this shift — aging houses, overgrown lots, and the steady hum of **freight trains** that ran down DeKalb Avenue’s center.

In 1957, the future MARTA site was a mix of rail corridors, modest homes, and commercial buildings serving a working-class population. The area’s transformation was still decades away, but the bones of old Inman Park remained—tree-lined streets, ornate porches, and the lingering charm of a neighborhood waiting to be rediscovered.

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Toco Hill Shopping Center on North Druid Hills Road 1961In 1961, **Toco Hill Shopping Center** stood as a shining exampl...
10/06/2025

Toco Hill Shopping Center on North Druid Hills Road 1961

In 1961, **Toco Hill Shopping Center** stood as a shining example of the post-war suburban boom in Atlanta. Located at the intersection of **North Druid Hills Road and LaVista Road**, the center was one of the earliest suburban retail hubs in DeKalb County, catering to the rapidly growing neighborhoods surrounding Emory University, Decatur, and the emerging Jewish community moving east from intown Atlanta.

Toco Hill featured popular mid-century staples like **Kroger**, **Woolworth’s**, **Eckerd Drugs**, and various local retailers offering everything from shoes to sewing supplies. The parking lot was wide and busy—tail-finned Chevys, Studebakers, and Fords lined up in neat rows under the Georgia sun. Saturday afternoons saw families running errands, teens hanging out after school, and neighbors chatting outside the shops.

The name "Toco" came from developer Clyde Shepherd, who reportedly chose the word after seeing it in a Brazilian travel book, where it meant "good fortune"—fitting for a development that would become a long-standing part of Atlanta’s suburban fabric.

In 1961, Toco Hill wasn’t just a place to shop—it was a cornerstone of community life, capturing the optimism and consumer culture of early ’60s Atlanta.

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Atlanta, 1965.In 1965, Atlanta stood as a city on the frontline of social change, embodying both the promise and the ten...
10/06/2025

Atlanta, 1965.
In 1965, Atlanta stood as a city on the frontline of social change, embodying both the promise and the tension of the Civil Rights Era. Known as “the city too busy to hate,” Atlanta was home to influential Black leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and served as headquarters for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The city was a hub of activism, education, and Black excellence, bolstered by institutions like Morehouse and Spelman. While desegregation laws were in motion, real progress was slow, and resistance remained strong. Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. played a key role in promoting racial integration and economic expansion, helping to reshape Atlanta's national image. Despite systemic challenges, Black communities in Atlanta thrived culturally, with vibrant music scenes, progressive journalism from the Atlanta Daily World, and growing political awareness. The opening of Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium also marked a step toward the city’s modernization. In this transitional year, Atlanta straddled two worlds—one rooted in segregation and another reaching toward justice and equality.

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Georgia Tech Homecoming Week Greek tug of war Fall 1977.In the fall of 1977, Georgia Tech's campus buzzed with tradition...
10/06/2025

Georgia Tech Homecoming Week Greek tug of war Fall 1977.
In the fall of 1977, Georgia Tech's campus buzzed with tradition, pride, and spirited competition during **Homecoming Week**. One of the most anticipated events was the **Greek tug of war**, held on a crisp autumn afternoon, drawing fraternities, sororities, students, alumni, and families to the heart of campus. The scene was classic Tech: muddy fields near Tech Green or Peters Parking Deck, the scent of barbecue in the air, and chants echoing from each team’s cheering section.

Fraternities and sororities competed fiercely, their lines dug deep into the Georgia red clay. Boots slipped, ropes burned palms, and clothes were sacrificed to the mud, but the bragging rights made every pull worth it. This wasn’t just fun—it was about legacy, loyalty, and pride in your house. Music from the ‘70s—think Fleetwood Mac, the Bee Gees, and Boston—blared in the background, blending with the roar of the crowd.

Tug of war was more than just a battle of strength; it was a symbol of unity and tradition that defined Georgia Tech’s student life during the era. It’s remembered as one of the many quirky, beloved events that made Homecoming Week unforgettable.

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View of a butcher in his apron standing in front of Charles L. Golden's Market located on the corner of Marietta Street ...
10/06/2025

View of a butcher in his apron standing in front of Charles L. Golden's Market located on the corner of Marietta Street and Ponders Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia 1882
In this evocative 1882 image, a butcher stands proudly in his well-worn apron outside Charles L. Golden’s Market, located at the bustling corner of Marietta Street and Ponders Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia. His stance is firm and confident—a working man surrounded by the tools and trade of a rapidly growing Southern city still rebuilding from the ashes of the Civil War. The market itself is a small but vital hub for the surrounding Westside neighborhood, offering fresh meats and local goods to residents and travelers alike. In an era before refrigeration and large-scale grocery chains, local butchers like this one were essential figures in daily life, combining craftsmanship, trust, and community service. The wooden storefront, hand-painted signage, and sawdust-covered floors evoke the gritty, hands-on reality of 19th-century commerce. This photograph is more than just a portrait of a tradesman—it’s a window into Atlanta’s post-Reconstruction economy, where small businesses anchored communities and helped shape the city’s evolving identity.

View of the stage from behind at the Champagne Jam concert at Grant Field (later named Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Gr...
10/05/2025

View of the stage from behind at the Champagne Jam concert at Grant Field (later named Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field) in Atlanta, Georgia. 1979
The Champagne Jam concert of 1979 remains one of Atlanta’s most iconic music events, and this photo captures a rare view from behind the stage at Grant Field—later renamed Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field. Thousands of music fans filled the stadium, their anticipation palpable as they waited for the soulful sounds and electrifying performances that defined this legendary Southern rock festival. The Champagne Jam brought together some of the biggest names in rock and R&B, creating a fusion of genres that energized the crowd and showcased Atlanta’s growing status as a vibrant music hub. From behind the stage, the vast sea of fans and the sprawling stadium lights highlight the magnitude of the event and the unique perspective rarely seen by concertgoers. Grant Field, primarily known as the home of Georgia Tech football, was transformed into a pulsating arena of music, unity, and celebration. This glimpse into the 1979 Champagne Jam offers a powerful reminder of Atlanta’s rich cultural history and the enduring spirit of live music that continues to thrive in the city.

Rick Nelson performing at the Fox Theatre in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. 1979In 1979, legendary rock and roll star Rick N...
10/04/2025

Rick Nelson performing at the Fox Theatre in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. 1979
In 1979, legendary rock and roll star Rick Nelson took the stage at Atlanta’s iconic Fox Theatre, delivering a memorable performance that captivated fans in downtown Atlanta. Known for his smooth voice and pioneering role in the early days of rockabilly and country rock, Nelson’s concert was a blend of classic hits and newer material, showcasing his evolution as an artist. The Fox Theatre, with its stunning Moorish architecture and rich history, provided a perfect backdrop for the intimate yet electrifying show. Fans filled the historic venue, eager to hear hits like “Travelin’ Man,” “Hello Mary Lou,” and “Garden Party,” songs that had defined multiple generations. Rick Nelson’s presence in Atlanta highlighted the city’s importance as a cultural hub in the South, drawing major national acts and enthusiastic audiences alike. His 1979 Fox Theatre performance remains a cherished memory for those lucky enough to witness it—a symbol of rock and roll’s enduring legacy in Atlanta’s vibrant music scene.

Morehouse College President Benjamin Mays in his office in Atlanta, Georgia 1975In 1975, Benjamin E. Mays, the esteemed ...
10/04/2025

Morehouse College President Benjamin Mays in his office in Atlanta, Georgia 1975
In 1975, Benjamin E. Mays, the esteemed president of Morehouse College, is pictured in his office in Atlanta, Georgia—a powerful symbol of leadership, wisdom, and the ongoing fight for equality and education. Mays, often called the “Dean of the African American Church,” was not only a visionary academic but also a mentor to generations of Black leaders, including the young Martin Luther King Jr. During his presidency from 1940 to 1967 and continuing influence afterward, Mays championed higher education as a pathway to social justice and civil rights. His office was more than a workspace; it was a hub of ideas, strategy, and inspiration that helped shape the intellectual and moral direction of Morehouse and the broader African American community. The 1975 image captures Mays in a reflective moment, embodying decades of dedication to academic excellence, spiritual guidance, and tireless advocacy. His legacy at Morehouse College remains a cornerstone of Black education and empowerment in Atlanta and beyond.

View of unidentified individuals participating in Bike Day, an event sponsored by WQXI Radio, in the Midtown area of Atl...
10/04/2025

View of unidentified individuals participating in Bike Day, an event sponsored by WQXI Radio, in the Midtown area of Atlanta, Georgia 1971
In 1971, the bustling streets of Midtown Atlanta came alive with energy as residents and cycling enthusiasts gathered for Bike Day, a lively event sponsored by local favorite WQXI Radio. Though the individuals in this photo remain unidentified, their enthusiasm and community spirit are unmistakable, reflecting a growing passion for outdoor recreation and alternative transportation during the early 1970s. Bike Day wasn’t just a ride—it was a celebration of health, freedom, and connection in the heart of Atlanta’s urban core. Families, young adults, and seasoned cyclists alike pedaled through Midtown’s tree-lined avenues, weaving past iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods. Sponsored by WQXI, a radio station known for its deep local roots and community involvement, the event showcased how media could bring people together for fun, fitness, and camaraderie. This moment captures the spirit of a city embracing new ways to connect, move, and celebrate the simple joy of cycling, laying groundwork for the bike-friendly initiatives that would shape Atlanta’s future.

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