Scottsboro, Alabama Labor Day First Monday Chronicles September 1, 2014

HISTORIC PHOTOS OF FIRST MONDAY

April 1931 First Monday, Scottsboro Boys Trial (photographer unknown - Fair Usage Rights for non profit education and news reporting)

1943 First Monday  (photographer unknown - Fair Usage Rights for non profit education and news reporting)

Original Art Work by John A. King for December 1956 Ford Times  (Fair Usage Rights for non profit education and news reporting)

Original Photographs by Clark Stallworth and Jim Atkins for December 1956 Ford Times  (Fair Usage Rights for non profit education and news reporting)

In memory of an old friend and fellow knife trader - John T. Dolberry, from the 2008 Labor Day First Monday Chronicles

VIDEO

Video of First Monday - Long 11 1/2 minute version SHORT VERSION, 6min 26sec

First Monday Chronicles, Labor Day Weekend 2013 - Photographs Around the Square Saturday Morning, August 31st

In memory of an ole knife trader and friend, Mr. John T. Dolberry, may he rest in peace. From the First Monday chronicles of 2008 Labor Day.

The earliest known photograph of First Monday, then known as Horse Swapper Day, or as the Ashville Post Card Company called it, Jockey Day. I purchased the former Ashville Post Card Company original proof photograph of this scene in 2007 on an online auction.

Photographs of the 2013 1st Monday Trade Days Weekend.

Jackson County Commission Work Session and Regular Session, Aug. 26, 2013; The Big One - Labor Day First Monday Trade Day Weekend

Jackson County Commission, from Right to Left: Mr. Miller, Mr. Guffey, Mr. Hodges-Chairman, Mr. Ledwell and Mr. Venable.

 

 County Commission Big News was Mr. Bob Manning's selection as County Administrator. Reports indicate Mr. Manning is an Accountant and has worked with Defense contractors for some period of time. Agenda Items from the work session were approved in the regular session.

 

Agenda and Video of meeting below. Don't forget, this weekend is Labor First Monday.

This Saturday, Sunday and Monday is the Labor Day First Monday and Art In the Park

 

A commercial I bought and arranged in 2007 to advertise First Monday. This year the event is on Aug 31st, Saturday, thru Sep, 2nd, Monday.

 

 

The dollar just ain't worth what it used to be. Trickle down economics.

Car Show with entertainment after 5PM

 

The Clarion's report on area events: http://www.theclarion.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6760:labor-day-weekend-full-of-activities&catid=42:clarion-rotation-stories&Itemid=142

 

 

COMMISSION AGENDA

Daily Sentinel article on administrator selection:  http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_48edac24-10ae-11e3-87cd-001a4bcf887a.html

 

VIDEO

 

.

Scottsboro, Alabama, Labor Day First Monday, 2010

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

With very little traditional media advertising, i.e. print, TV and radio media advertising, this Labor Day First Monday had large crowds.

>

The City of Scottsboro does have an excellent web site. The site information needs updating. http://www.cityofscottsboro.org/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=134&Itemid=227

First Monday History:

http://www.cityofscottsboro.org/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=135&Itemid=228

The Chamber of Commerce also has excellent basic information concerning First Monday.

http://www.jacksoncountychamber.com/area-information/attractions/43-firsmondayweekend
>

Saturday started out slow but crowds picked up about 10AM and maintained a steady pace until 1PM when they began to thin. Art Sunday's crowds were strong after 10AM on the square. Many patrons told me that Art in the Park was going strong and large crowds were present.

>

Mondays showing was the strongest with over 7500 estimated at 11AM till 1PM. I always ask visitors where they are from, the distance winner was a lady visiting us from France. Patrons were present from across the nation including California and Vermont, many from across the Southeastern U.S., including towns and cities across Alabama.

>
Trading saw decreased numbers, down by 50% from 2008 and 40% from 2009. Most patrons were curiosity visitors. Many folks appear to be hoarding cash instead of spending it on collectible items. However, rare historical curiosities and numismatic gold/silver trades were to be found.

>

The fact trading occurred in decreased numbers does not mean customers were not buying, it does mean First Monday is reflective of our economy. If jobs are plenty and the economy is doing well First Monday has an excellent turn out with lots of trades. When "money is tight," customers are reluctant to make purchases.

>
First Monday is reflective of our economic times.

First Monday Chronicles 2009, Part 2 Familiar Faces

"Face Pots" by Selfville, Al. potter Bobby Gaither. Bobby is one of the best in Alabama and shows his wares across the southeast.

Bobby at the potters wheel. Potter Bobby Gaither gave a demonstration of how pots were made. His pots are sought after far and wide. He uses the old style technique known as "Sand Mountain Pottery."

" Brother Don" showing his wares at First Monday.

Roll Tide! Al's family and friends sell sports memorabilia and of course Alabama football collectibles.

Mr. Phil sells high quality hand crafted Maple chairs, rockers and swings. He also sells many other interesting items. You never know what you may find at a 1st Monday event.

>

First Monday is always the weekend prior to the 1st Monday of the month, and of course the 1st Monday of the month. The big days are Saturday and Sunday with very few vendors on a Monday except on holidays, most folks work on Mondays.

>

Scroll down for Part 1.

First Monday Chronicles 2009, Part 1

Shoppers were looking for the bargain and unusual items at the 2009 1st Monday Labor Day Event.

Crowds were brisk later on Saturday afternoon when the rain stopped.

Good food, friendship and deal making could be found at this 1st Monday Labor Day Event.

Antiques, knives, coins, books and historical curiosities from around the world may be found at at 1st Monday.

A very successful Labor Day 1st Monday. As one poster commented on one of my favorite forums, "Every First Monday should be like today. There was a time when it pretty much was." It can be very successful with a little positive effort and marketing.

>

Rain on Saturday decreased the amount of patrons shopping but many carried umbrellas, browsing and shopping continued. Businesses around the square did very well during the rain showers. After the rain ceased business picked up considerably. >

Art'n the Park also fared well. Huntsville Times article. http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/local.ssf?/base/news/125231490668370.xml&coll=1 >

Sunday and Monday's event was booming. 2500-3000 showed for Sunday with the same number for Monday. Many came from far away as Wisconsin, California, New York, Texas and the mid-western states. I also saw many local people and became reacquainted with old friends in which I had not seen in many years.

>

First Monday is an event which represents the Spirit of Scottsboro and must be supported by our local political leadership. >

Many thanks to all the folks which show their support for 1st Monday events.

First Monday Chronicles, Part 3

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Big crowd this morning.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>This little fellow likes the peddle cars.
>A grand ole jalopy pays a visit to the Square late this afternoon.

This Labor Day Weekend winds down on this windy Monday. Today was a busy day that brought back memories of First Mondays of the past 2 decades. Folks were spending money and purchasing some great bargains. Many thanks to Ann Kennamer and the folks at Payne's for the orange freeze and the pound cake. I want to tell ya the Orange Freeze was great. Better than an Orange Julius which is my favorite orange drink besides a double Gran Marnier straight up. How about this "You-Tube" video of Payne's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLT-lvj3oEg and this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIrXwCFbpAE&feature=user in beautiful downtown Scottsboro, Alabama on the square.

First Monday Chronicles, Part 2

>>Wow, Shriner's box of Hundred Dollar Bills. Get'cha a chance on them, visit the Shriners. Someone has to win them. The Shriners do fantastic work for children.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Pam's Jewelry and collectibles

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Quilts and crafts

>>>>>>>>>>Phil's hand made Maple rockers and swings.

>>>>>>>Mac and Linda, Mac says he has been coming to First Mondays for about 30 years. Fishing tackle, and knick-knacks.

>>Yours truly, may God Bless all during this Labor Day Weekend.

> Selfville, Alabama potter Bobby Gather. Bobby's Alabama Glazed Pottery and Face Jugs style are among the best in the Southeast.

>Long time knife trader Mr. John T. Dolberry. Mr. Dolberry has been coming to First Mondays for more than 80 years.

>>>>>>Peanuts and pork skins, a regular vendor at First Mondays.

>The Shriners, many a winter morning's First Mondays have been made bearable by a warm cup of java from the "Shriners Diner." Hot Dogs and hamburgers are the standard fair.

>> Singer Jessee Williams was on hand for this months Trade Day.