By Karen Middleton
Fifteen dollars will buy a piece of Athens history.
The new Limestone County Historical Society Christmas ornament features the twin College Inn buildings.
The buildings have brought back a lot of memories in the last few years as they have been renovated by city of Athens Public Works Department employees. The complex of two buildings, built during the Great Depression, house the Park and Speak service station and the College Inn at its original location at Pryor and Clinton streets.
The Inn was a popular hangout for Athens College students and World War II veterans returning after the War to attend the college on the G.I. Bill. The College Inn was also a stop on the old Bee-Line Highway that wound through Athens.
The long closed twin prairie-style buildings were located on property purchased by First Baptist Church and then moved to donated property near Big Spring Park and East Street, where they were restored.
The College Inn Café now houses the office of Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful and the filling station building will soon be the location of the Gulf Museum, housing memorabilia from the 1930-50 eras.
The Alabama Historic Commission awarded Best Historic Restoration Project in the State in 2008 to the College Inn buildings.
Historical Society member Ellie Frost said proceeds from the sale of the 24-karat gold finish ornament is available at Osborne’s Jewelers for $15. Proceeds from the sale of the ornaments are used to donate $20 to each fourth-grade teacher in the city and county school systems to use for the study of Alabama history.
“The rest of the money we use to purchase the historical markers you see around the county,” said Frost. “We try to put up one marker a year.”
Frost said anyone wanting to purchase one of a previous year’s ornaments should call her at (256) 233-2878.
