Dozier, Alabama 12.19.10

I've got a soft spot for this little town. It's less than 15 minutes from my house so I've driven down Main Street once or twice in my life. When I was growing up, it had quite a bit to offer for it's rural location. Unfortunately the hardware store closed a year ago, the grocery store followed soon after, and the gas station turned into a small cafe a while ago.

My affection for Dozier runs fairly deep. My great-great-great-great grandfather and his brother settled in the area back in 1829. Their sons, nephews, and grandsons helped build this town from the ground up. The bank (that is still in operation!) was built in 1910 and two of my ancestors were some of the original board members. The hardware store (that was originally a "Dry Goods" store) still boasts their name. At one point in time, I knew when the store was built, but I can't remember off the top of my head. :(

Though the current population is less than 400, I still harbor hopes that this little town will start to grow again. There are rumors of a new gas station going in and a new lumber yard opening up in the old grocery store. In the mean time, I still drive up there to admire the old buildings and dream of days long past.