When Belk-Hudson Burned

 

Grand Opening in 1946

October is National Fire Prevention Month, but in 1959 it didn't start off in the most propitious manner for the city of Florence. Since 1946, Belk-Hudson Department Store had flourished at 317 North Court Street, but the three story mercantile came to an abrupt and fiery end on October 1st.

Shortly before the store was to open that Thursday, a fire was discovered in what was called the Bargain Basement. As smoke billowed up the steps and out the front door, the manager of the nearby Sterchi Brothers Furniture Company pulled the outside alarm to beckon firefighters.

Besides heavily discounted items filling the lower sale areas, the basement storerooms were stocked with Christmas merchandise for the coming holiday season. Once the front door was opened at 8:15, it took only a few minutes for the entire level to become engulfed in flames.

The fire spread upward rapidly, and before Noon the flames had reached the top floor. The Sheffield Fire Department arrived to provide additional manpower, but water pressure from the city hydrants was rapidly decreasing. Despite the best efforts of both Florence and Sheffield, it became apparent that the building and its numerous wares would be a total loss.

The object then became to save the adjoining H.G. Hill Food Store (now home to Mugshots) and the A&P Grocery (now home to FloBama). While vehicles were prohibited in the area, businesses across the street remained open. Trowbridge's served the firefighters coffee, while Culpepper's Bakery offered donuts.

By seven o'clock that evening, the fire was declared extinguished, but the conflagration had taken its toll on those who had fought it. Two Florence firefighters were hospitalized, and eight others who took part in fighting the blaze were treated and released.

Little was left of the Belk-Hudson building owned by R.A. Strickland. The Florence businessman announced that he would rebuild, but Belk failed to return to its former location. The 24 displaced employees were offered positions at the Sheffield store, which similarly burned years later.

Today, the building at 317 North Court Street is called the Strickland Hotel, in honor of R.A. Strickland who for decades owned the property. It's worth noting that over 60 years after the historic fire, only Trowbridge's remains in that section of the city's high street. It would seem in the 21st Century that ice cream has triumphed over groceries, furniture, and bakery goods to remain a constant in the Renaissance City.

Bette F. Terry holds a B.A. in History from UAH.