Builders shape the character and identify of a place; the style and layout of buildings affect how a town “feels”.  In addition, builders create jobs and often help the economy grow through demand for materials, tools and local services.  They develop neighborhoods, renovate buildings and attract new residents and businesses.  Shelby County has had several “builders” whose impact still lives on.  An article shared by the late Mattie Dellinger shares information regarding her father, Bartow McClendon, and his legacy in Center construction as well as others.  She pulled information from his business ledgers noting that Jim and Frank Pigg, and Claude Barron were also known for submitting construction bids.  The following provides interesting insight regarding homes that can still be seen today although built in the 1920’s:

-John Henry Carriker red brick home on Tenaha Street next to the former Chief Imaging for the turn key sum of $6,250.  Construction started on Dec. 5, 1923

-The M.B. Simon brick home next to the Dairy Queen on Tenaha Street was contracted for $6,450.   Mr. McClendon noted the following, “I have 70 working days to complete this job and I commenced the foundation work on Monday, May 24,1926. I contacted all the paint and paper work on the house and garage to M.C. Thomason for $502.  James Rogers, the electrician did all the wiring and cement and brick work was contracted to Maxie Thomas for $1,900.”

-Another house build by Mr. McClendon was the G.G. Stripling house located next to the First Methodist Fellowship Hall for $1,874.50.  He was to furnish everything but the doors, windows, weights and screens.  He noted, “I have seven weeks from the first day of March 1927 to complete it.”

The last large contract was the C.D. Daniels School for which he furnished all the material and labor for the sum of $5,440.  The contract was signed July 5, 1928 and he had 70 days to complete the project.  The painters and other workers on the Daniels school listed in his ledger were: W.O. Miller, W.O. Manshack, Dock Campbell, Bob Brittain, C.W. Hagler, N.C. Cook, Jess Brittain, Gene Massey, Clyde and Leo Polley and W.W. Day. M.M. Stephens was listed as a hauler.Wages paid to carpenters in those days were 25 cents to one dollar an hour.

Jack Barron’s father, Claude Barron, and Jack built many homes including the T. Wood Smith home owned by the Christians and the one across the street known as the Howard Parker House.

Without a doubt, builders impact a community and the legacy of many can still be seen!