Look Back ... to cars by the pound, 1949

July 1, 1949, in The Star: Construction of a drive-in theater on the Jacksonville Highway near the northern boundary line of Fort McClellan has begun. The project, said to involve an investment of more than $50,000, is owned by H. W. Fulwider — the former owner and operator of Shocco Springs, which he sold to the Baptist association. The new drive-in is located on the west side of the highway on a tract of 40 acres bought from Leon Fundaburk. Also this date: A nightspot known as the Bow and Arrow is advertised as offering dining and dancing on the “best dance floor in Calhoun County” at Weaver Cave from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The ad mentions that it’s possible to visit the cave itself, which has good walkways and is well lighted. Additionally: In a separate advertisement, we learn King Motor Company in Anniston is trying to get rid of some “as-is” pre-war stock through an unusual technique: selling by the pound. If you want a 1940 Chevrolet, it’ll cost you four cents per pound; if you want a 1936 Plymouth, it’ll cost two cents per pound; and if you want a 1937 Studebaker, it’ll cost three cents per pound.

July 1, 1999, in The Star: Dr. Bill Meehan, who takes the reins as president of Jacksonville State University today, has built his reputation on the strength of his words, his character and his ability to motivate others. Indeed, he has big goals for the university. He wants to increase enrollment from its current 7,800 to 10,000, increase federal funding, prepare for an accreditation review in 2003 and improve the school’s distance learning programs. [ A photo accompanying the story shows Bill and Beth Meehan with their young children, 5-year-old twins Drew and Will and infant Carol Grace .]