POWERGRAMS

17 Conservation Corps-era painting by Hollis Holbrook that awaits restoration when funding can be found. There are also Phyllis Key mallard replicas, a locally made quilt and the Alabama Room, with wood from the 1868 jail walls and reams of other relics. Outside, 20th Street quaintly zigzags between several stop signs, where visitors can look up at building-top chiseled-stone markers noting they were built and owned by John Dodd in 1917, W.W. Haley in 1920, 1921 and 1926, B.J. Cowart in 1928, Dr. W.E. Howell in 1940 and "Crosswhite" in 1947. In the former Alabama Power offices is Cabos San Lucas, a local dining favorite serving authentic Mexican cuisine. Other popular locally owned eateries include Family Table, Polly's Place, Rising Smoke BBQ and Steakhouse, and the 13 Grill, where diners can be seen reading paper copies of the North West Alabamian founded in 1915. Many in Haleyville have been getting "5- Star Service," a meat and three for lunch and their groceries at Goar's Market since 1966. People who are looking for chicken fingers and fries are almost certain to head to Guthrie's downtown restaurant, where diners can eat outside under a roofed pavilion alongside 20th Street or go to the newer drive-thru location at Village East. Hal Guthrie opened the original in 1965, then began serving chicken fingers in 1978 with a secret sauce originated by his son, Hud. Son Chris talked his dad into opening a Guthrie's in Auburn, which in 1982 became the nation's first fast-food eatery to serve only chicken fingers. The family would go on to open restaurants in Florida, Georgia and across Alabama. Today the 20th Street series of buildings is making a comeback, perhaps most notably at the Simply Southern Marketplace and Bliss Bistro, where the facades are highlighted by murals noting the town's resemblance to the 1946 classic movie "It's a Wonderful Life" and saluting the old Illinois Central depot and Orbie Whitworth's blacksmith shop. Both emporiums could easily fit into stylish big-city business districts. Farther down the block, more than 70 photos line the walls of the Dixie Den restaurant, including shots of former patron TV stars Pat Buttram and Lulu Roman. "Thank y'all for having sweet potato pie," says one person in a long line of to-go customers. The adjoining Dixie Theater is a modern relic that offers first- run movies beyond the old-fashioned entrance pay booth and circular-window doors. Paper admission tickets are spooled off reels for adults at $8, children and matinees at $6. Inside it's $4 for popcorn and drinks, and many snacks in the lobby showcase are cheaper. Across the street at the corner of 9th Avenue stands the city's new amphitheater, where folks enjoy concerts and movies next to a wall of murals depicting an 1864 steam railroad engine, sewing factory workers, the historic Haley House, 911 logo and the Haleyville High School Lions mascot. At the end of 20th Street is the former Feldman Department Store, which is Haleyville's only entry on the National Register of Historic Places and the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. Built in 1914, the façade is centered by a stained-glass HALEYVILLE HALEYVILLE Old Feldman's Department Store building. Downtown Haleyville shines during holidays. Photography by Meg McKinney

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