The History of West 11th

Built circa 1916, West 11th was established as the second brick building of its kind on what was Alma’s original Main Street. Its character is like the Rabinowitz building, found just down the street, and was formerly adjoined to the Alma Theater. The Alma Theater suffered loss beyond repair to a tragic fire in the early 1900s and only West 11th remained.

The building’s history is somewhat of a mystery. Nearly every Bacon County citizen with recollections of the structure remember its former counterpart, the theater, but few recall our property’s original function until the early 1950s. At that time, the upstairs was believed to be used as a boarding house for railroad patrons requiring an overnight stay. Later, the downstairs was home to Saxon’s furniture (Mr. Saxon’s father was once the local railroad agent). Saxon’s furniture later became Carver furniture. The eastern downstairs was home to the original Acme TV store, with Linton Carter as its owner.

In the 1950s the building’s use became home to the local Free Masons. The Eastern Star used the lower space, while the Masons were located upstairs. One story of interest is the beam found upstairs supporting its original roof trusses. This beautiful, massive beam is curiously placed perfectly in the center of the room, sparking questions of how it found its way upstairs due to its enormity. Story has it, in late 1959, early 1960, the Masons and friends had an idea about how to rectify their sagging roof line. They tasked Milton Bumgardner to supply them with his skills and boom truck. Under cloak of night, Milton showed up with his truck, hooked to the beam, and waited for the 7-8 men upstairs to carefully organize descending ladders and rugs in the upstairs. They quickly removed the center window lining the street to allow the beam to be placed through the opening, let down the ladders and carefully placed it on the floor. Mr. Bumgardner quickly left in the company truck, as work to hoist the beam in place began. The work was completed, and it now sits a permanent fixture of beauty in our space.

Our story picks up in May 2022, when now owners, Joe Taylor and Blake Hutto were approached about acquiring the building. Both were well known for their love of both real estate design/development and their hometown. The team saw the building’s potential, quickly purchased the building and renovations ensued. Joe led all renovations, displaying his skills in all things woodworking to welding with attention to detail and a unique ability to take concepts he and Blake developed to then bring to life.

As it stands today, West 11th is an embodiment of Alma’s history intertwined with the vision of two locals who anticipate great things for their hometown.