BY ELESE MCKINLEY
FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Melissa Gatlin and her daughter, Anna Ruth, recently published a book that Opelika residents are sure to cherish for years to come — A Guide to Historic Opelika, Alabama.
This comprehensive guide brings to life the stories of Opelika landmarks, such as the Northside and Geneva Historic Districts, earliest churches, the Pepperell Mill and Village, and provides insight into some of the town’s most remarkable citizens.
During the pandemic, Gatlin found herself with extra time and began crafting a guide to one of her favorite vacation spots, Jekyll Island. With over a year of preparation and help from her daughter, they published their first book, A Guide to the Historic Jekyll Island, in 2021.
After its success, the Gatlins decided to begin research for a guide focused on Opelika. Captivated by the city’s rich history, they were eager to research, preserve and learn more about the town they have called home for years.
Melissa’s research began when her friend, Rose Ann Denson, gave her access to all the written material from past years Victorian Front Porch tour. From there she began using census records and old phone directories to figure out who lived in Opelika’s historic homes in the past.
“As I began this journey of researching Opelika history in 2021, I sought help from numerous people who could assist me in learning about the homes, businesses and families of old Opelika,” said Melissa.
She said her most valuable information came from talking directly to people who grew up in Opelika during the middle part of the century.
“I was blessed to be able to talk to many people,” she said. “The best part of writing this book was getting to know these wonderful people and being able to share their stories. Many of them even gave me photos to use in the book.”
After three years of in-depth research, interviews and community engagement, the Gatlins self-published A Guide to Historic Opelika, Alabama, which was released in November.
Working alongside, mother and daughter used each others’ skills to their advantage. Melissa did most of the writing and research, while Anna Ruth provided editing and graphics to make the book aesthetically pleasing and easy to read.
They aimed to make the guide both interactive and modern. Conversations with their sources were recorded, and they decided to include access to audio recordings in the book. Anna Ruth incorporated QR codes into the guide, directing readers where to go to listen.
The book features two detailed maps and a walkable tour guide which tells the history of 12 of the city’s earliest churches and highlighted a member from each. Melissa emphasized this book is not just about historical facts, but also about the people who have helped strengthen and preserve the community.
“I am amazed at the large number of people from Opelika who are nostalgic and love to look back and remember days gone by — even people who no longer live locally,” she said. “My neighbor, Jane Suhling, mentioned to me that she enjoys volunteering at the Victorian Front Porch Tour because it gives her the opportunity to get to know newer neighbors and become reacquainted with the old.”
Melissa stresses the importance of sharing history with newer neighbors, not only to preserve the history but also to keep them informed on why they, too, should value the people and events that took place to make Opelika, Alabama what it is today.
“My friend Dr. Joanne Smith T surprised me one day, stating that she remembered a man who lived two doors down from her house when she was growing up,” Melissa said. “She shared with me that they referred to him as Pinky Ponder and that he owned a worm farm. She encouraged me to look into his history, and I eventually learned his real name was Daniel Ponder. I soon found Daniel Ponder’s grandson, Bill Ham, who shared much of his grandfather’s history with me. I learned about his grandfather’s worm business called ‘Yarn-About Worms.’ The story of Daniel Ponder can be found in the book and will also be featured in the sequel.”
The Gatlins are now working on a sequel book that focuses on Downtown Opelika. With Opelika’s rich history, Melissa knew she was not yet done preserving all the information she gathered. She plans on featuring residents that made an impact on Downtown Opelika’s history, focusing on topics such as major industries of the past, the railroads, the hospital, Opelika’s WWII POW camp and Jewish businesses in the earlier years of Opelika.
A Guide to Historic Opelika, Alabama is available at several local stores, including Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers, Bubba’s Medicine Shop, The Coffee Shop, Envy Salon & Boutique, The Gallery on Railroad, Market Street Paint & Coffee, The Observer newspaper, Smith T Hardware, Victory Designs and The Well Tearoom.
