Gaston Building
a.k.a. Single-Tax Office
336 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, ALBy the early 1920s the rude frame buildings in Fairhope f s commercial sector began to be replaced with brick and masonry structures. One of the earliest .masonry buildings was erected in 1911 for the Masons on S. Section Street. By 1916 there was a two story brick drugstore on the corner of Fairhope Avenue and Section Street designed by Mobile architect George Rogers (1870-1945). The Fairhope Courier was located on the same block as the drugstore, only its quarters were in a one story frame building. The Courier was a vital element in the community, not only as a news source but as the primary printed forum for the Single-Tax experiment in Fairhope. During 1924 the frame office was demolished and replaced with a modern, two-story brick edifice constructed by M. Dyson & Company. E. B. Gaston, one of Fairhope's founders, owned the structure which became known as the Gaston Building. The Courier occupied the west half of the first floor while the east half was rented by electrical contractors. The Single-Tax Corporation rented .an upstairs room for its treasurer, who had formerly occupied a frame house on Section Street. The other upstairs rooms were rented by various small enterprises and even as apartments.
In 1938 the Single-Tax operation moved downstairs and for the next twenty-five years shared the space with the Courier. The Single-Tax Corporation purchased the building from Gaston and remodeled the downstairs in 1957. In 1963 the Courier transferred its operation into the old post office. As the upstairs had been largely vacated by the 1940s, this left the Single-Tax office as the sole occupant. They continue to operate out of the building today.
Local significance of the building:
In 1938 the Single-Tax operation moved downstairs and for the next twenty-five years shared the space with the Courier. The Single-Tax Corporation purchased the building from Gaston and remodeled the downstairs in 1957. In 1963 the Courier transferred its operation into the old post office. As the upstairs had been largely vacated by the 1940s, this left the Single-Tax office as the sole occupant. They continue to operate out of the building today.
Economics; Architecture; Communications; Philosophy
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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The first European settlement in Alabama was established in 1702 by the French at Fort Louis de la Mobile, which is now the city of Mobile. It was named after Louis XIV of France and was the capital of French Louisiana until 1711.
About Baldwin County
Baldwin County Timeline
Baldwin County, AL, located on the Gulf Coast, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Creek, Choctaw, and Chickasaw, who relied on the abundant natural resources of the region for their livelihoods.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area and claimed it as part of their territory. They established settlements and missions, but their presence was short-lived as the French, British, and eventually the United States asserted control over the region. The county is named after Abraham Baldwin, a delegate from Georgia who signed the U.S. Constitution.
During the 19th century, Baldwin County became an important hub for shipping and commerce due to its strategic location and access to waterways. The towns of Daphne, Fairhope, and Bay Minette thrived as trading centers, attracting settlers from various backgrounds and cultures. The county also played a significant role in the Civil War, with some areas supporting the Confederacy and others remaining Unionist.
In the early 20th century, Baldwin County experienced a period of economic growth and development. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the region brought new opportunities, and agriculture, particularly the growth of timber and citrus, continued to be important industries. The county also became a popular tourist destination, known for its pristine beaches and charming towns.
Today, Baldwin County remains a vibrant and growing community. It is one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama, experiencing a boom in residential and commercial development. The county's rich history and natural beauty continue to attract visitors and residents alike, making it a desirable place to live, work, and play.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area and claimed it as part of their territory. They established settlements and missions, but their presence was short-lived as the French, British, and eventually the United States asserted control over the region. The county is named after Abraham Baldwin, a delegate from Georgia who signed the U.S. Constitution.
During the 19th century, Baldwin County became an important hub for shipping and commerce due to its strategic location and access to waterways. The towns of Daphne, Fairhope, and Bay Minette thrived as trading centers, attracting settlers from various backgrounds and cultures. The county also played a significant role in the Civil War, with some areas supporting the Confederacy and others remaining Unionist.
In the early 20th century, Baldwin County experienced a period of economic growth and development. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the region brought new opportunities, and agriculture, particularly the growth of timber and citrus, continued to be important industries. The county also became a popular tourist destination, known for its pristine beaches and charming towns.
Today, Baldwin County remains a vibrant and growing community. It is one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama, experiencing a boom in residential and commercial development. The county's rich history and natural beauty continue to attract visitors and residents alike, making it a desirable place to live, work, and play.
Baldwin County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Baldwin County, Alabama.
- 1800 - Baldwin County was established on December 21.
- 1809 - The county seat was established in Blakeley.
- 1868 - The county seat was moved to Daphne.
- 1901 - The county seat was moved to Bay Minette.
- 1907 - The first Baldwin County Courthouse was built in Bay Minette.
- 2005 - Hurricane Katrina caused significant damage in the county.
- 2010 - The population of Baldwin County exceeded 180,000 residents.