Branch Hotel: Branch worth Remembering

 Branch Remembered by Mayme Vest:

The railroad opened the door for other businesses. People who rode the train in often needed to spend the night if relatives were not there to meet them or if the weather was bad.

A hotel opened to accommodate the travelers. At first it was located out near te sidewalk. It was moved back later. I don’t know who built it, but Voyt Hill told me it was once owned by John Sallis. Ruth Riley ran it for a while as did Dr. Downy’s wife. W.O. Clem bought it around 1928 from Mattie Walden. Myrtle Clem and Hannah Guthrie, Buck Ellis’ mother ran it for a while.

Myrtle has the hotel register, starting in 1924, which has some interesting names of visitors coming to Branch. Some were out-of-state; many, from Ft. Smith and Little Rock; others from small towns near by. Some drummers listed their names and the companies they represented.

When Highway 22 came through, in 1928, the hotel had to be moved back for the right-of-way. Otis Clem said they hooked teams to it and they went “around and around” like they did at a sorghum mill, and eased it back on “skids” beneath. (It’s hard to realize how it was accomplished

First highschool in Branch by Mamie Vest

The Old Akins Opera House: from Branch Worth Remembering by Mayme Vest:

Since 1979, Lewis Clem told me of Branch having an Opera House during the early 1900's. It was located upstairs in Dr. Akins buildings. During my research, others remembered it. Norene Pile said, “Oh, yes, the opera companies brought their shows in on the train-and everyone went!”

Voyt Hill said the first year that he went to Charleston High School his class came down and “put on” their play in the Opera House and he played “Romeo”. A program from J. B. Turner, Jr.’s scrap book shows that local people used their talent to entertain others. (Note the Dec., which stands for declamation, a formal speech, passage of poetry, etc.) Another program from J.B.’s scrap book shows that the Opera House was used by the Branch School for its plays.

OPEN PROGRAM by the FER. LITERARY SOCIETY:

1. Dec-Silent Voices, Mr. Virgil Dickerson
2. Quartette,--The first fly of Summer Messrs Clyde Gammill, floyd Gipson, Luther and Charley King.
3. Reading--Advice Mr. Clinton Walden
4. Solo--Somehow I can’t forget you, Miss Pearl Branch
5. Oration--Robert E. Lee Mr. Emen Oneal
6. Quartette--Country Courtship Clyde Gammill, Floyd Gipson, Luther and Charley King
7. Dec.--Curfew must not ring tonight. Mr. Herman White
8. Dec.--Fanaticism Mr. Allen Calhoun
9. Solo--Would You are Mr. Millard Gammill
10. Essay--”Girls” Mr. Leon Horn
11. Quartette: Happy little home in Ark. Messrs Clyde and Millard Gammill and Luther and Charley King
12. Oration; Stonewall Jackson Mr. Bradley Turner
13. Gleanings Mr. Thomas Hammonds
14. Reading; Hugh Branch
15. Play: Catching the Thief Messrs. Allen Calhoun, Lester Hickerson and Fay Gammill
16. Quartette: Good-night Ladies, Messrs Clyde and Millard Gammill, and Luther and Charley King, END