CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman’s 16th annual Candlelight Walking Tour, part of the Oktoberfest tradition, will swing into action tonight with some tunes to kick off the event. Beginning at 6 p.m. at the Cullman County Museum, 1950s music will rock and roll across the streets of downtown Cullman, so guests are invited (but not required) to dress up in their best 1950s attire and dance the night away.
Once again, the tour will be led by two local historians, Julie Burks with the Cullman County Museum and former Burgermeister Michael Sullins.
Sullins shared, “This year we will be focusing on the decade of the 1950s, which saw the city of Cullman explode in population. In 1959 alone, the city limits doubled to 5,000 acres to bring the population up from 9,000 people to over 12,500.”
Past articles from The Cullman Tribune (Cullman’s oldest continuing business) will help tell the story, starting with the Jan. 5, 1950, front page announcing the new Cullman High School with an artist’s concept drawing. The article stated that it would be ready for the 1950-1951 school year with “modern features.” The new senior high school building would consist of 12 classrooms, a music room, science laboratory, clinic, rest rooms and school administrative offices. The article also mentioned modern items such as lockers, green board space and pastel colors for the walls. In addition, plans were underway for a new baseball field, tennis courts and the first city swimming pool, along with a picnic area for the students.
As the years progressed, Cullman saw a fury of progress. The King Pharr Plant expanded its canning facilities multiple times. Ground was broken for a new convent at the Benedictine Sisters of Cullman and a new library at St. Bernard Abbey. A dam was built on Eva Road for a new water supply (now called City Lake). Sportsman Lake was created, and its park included a new National Guard armory building. The Ritz Theatre re-opened with Alabama’s first CinemaScope and Stereophonic sound system. And one of the biggest announcements of that decade was the new cigar plant – King Edward.
The town saw a dramatic increase in modern conveniences such as the rotary dial telephone, television sets and refrigerators.
Downtown saw the construction of the new modern Parker Bank (with a new feature – a drive-up window) and Leeth Bank buildings. The A&P opened the newest “Early American Supermarket” which was a 13,000-square-foot supermarket with the newest conveniences such as self-service meat, coffee-dairy department, refrigerated produce, baked goods department, mechanical checkout and complete year-round air conditioning.
Churches in Cullman saw growth as well, with the dedication of the Sacred Heart and St. Paul School buildings, Church of the Nazarene, Grace Episcopal Church, First Baptist Church building and Seventh Street Baptist church buildings. That same decade saw both Methodist churches in town get new pastors the same week.
This decade also saw the City of Cullman create an Industrial Board, vote twice to retain the Mayor-Council model, install a new traffic light system, break ground for a hospital annex, open a new city golf course and airport, construct West Elementary School, and a new city hall and civic center were in the works. The City of Cullman also began speed checking by radar in 1956.
Many locals were recognized that decade, including Roy Drinkard receiving the “Painting of Pontiac” for the Best Dealer Award in 1950 as well as Mr. Leigeber selling his car dealership to Mr. Drinkard. Cullman’s own Jim Folsom was elected governor, and two men would be elected as mayors during the era: William J. Nesmith in 1952 and Bill Arnold in 1956. Although he is better known today as Dr. Bill, in 1958 he was simply known as “Billy Peinhardt” who was elected school council president that year. Also elected that year was his future wife, Carolyn Freeman, as vice-president.
The largest estate sale up to that point occurred in 1959 with the Stiefelmeyer’s Estate Auction that brought $315,809.61 (about $3.5 million in today’s money).
Cullman also saw its share of challenges with a dramatic increase in burglaries and vehicle collisions. In the year 1959 alone, The Cullman Tribune reported a traffic collision every week. The exception occurred with the Sept. 10, 1959, edition that reported: “Labor Day weekend safest weekend on record so far that year no accidents occurred just two fender benders.”
The final headline for The Cullman Tribune on Dec. 31, 1959, concerned the 1960s New Years baby: “23rd Annual Baby Derby Sponsored by Cullman Businesses.” The first winner in 1938 was Max Alvis Jr. who was born on Jan. 1, at 7:15 pm. The winner of the 1959 Derby was Cythia Ann Carnes who arrived at 6:12 a.m. on Jan. 1. During the 22 years of the Derby, 14 times the winners were boys, with girls winning only eight. The 1960 Derby winner would receive gifts from Fuller Super Market, Klein’s Dairy Products, Stiefelmeyer’s, Watson’s, Schlosser’s Studio, West Side Furniture Company, W.L. Ward Jeweler Inc., Kuhn’s, People’s Drug Company, Leeth National Bank and the Cullman Tribune. The parents would get gifts from Quality Cleaners, King Edward Cigar Co. and Kessler’s Florist, and the 1960 doctor got a gift from Moyer’s Service Station.
Sullins added, “Also this year we will be conducting two bus tours. It will be a first come and first served basis, so come early for a guaranteed seat. Both tours will begin at the Cullman County Museum on Friday, Oct. 3, at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. The tours will last about an hour and will feature historic downtown Cullman from Third Avenue East to First Avenue West.”
From the Oktoberfest website:
“Step back in time to the vibrant, rock and roll era of the 1950s with a captivating candlelight walking tour through historic downtown Cullman. As twilight descends, let the gentle flicker of candlelight illuminate the charm of a bygone era, guiding you through streets that once bustled with the spirit of change and progress. This was a decade when Cullman’s economy blossomed, with agriculture and manufacturing becoming cornerstones of the city. Experience the stories of a community balancing German tradition with a touch of modern flair, where new businesses emerged and the promise of a postwar future was in the air. Join us for an enchanting journey that brings to life the sights, sounds, and history of Cullman during this transformative period.
“1950s Rock & Roll starting at 6PM and Historic Candlelight Tours starting at 7PM, all at the Cullman County Museum. Candlelight Tour lasts around 1 hour and candles, glow sticks and water will be provided. Admission to the tour is free, but space is limited.”
For more information, visit www.cullmanoktoberfestival.com/schedule-of-events.
