Scenes at today’s railroad station are a far cry from those of the 1906-1910 era. At that time the station bustled with activity. Red caps called out “Hotel Wyoming” and “Hotel Merchant” to people coming into Selma on trains. Drummers loaded their sample cases on drays drawn by mules or horses for the trip to town. Then too, the station was a gathering place for townspeople to spend some time each day especially on Sunday afternoon watching trains and people come and go. This “watching the trains” is still an avocation for a few local residents although the romantic steam locomotive has disappeared from the scene.
Also from the station ran the famous excursion trains to Morehead City, to Wilmington, to the mountains or to conventions of various kinds. Many of these were just for the day and took place at all seasons of the year. Large groups of Selmaites took advantage of their proximity to good transportation to participate in these trips.
A gathering place for programs Gild large meetings was located over what is now Selma Drug Company. This large room featured a stage which still stands in the building. At one time the room was used for a dancing class.
During the latter part of this decade, Mr. Joseph Abdalla of Lebanon, began a business in Selma known as Abdalla Brothers. His brother Tom was associated with him in this firm. Later Louis came and entered business here.
From the History of Selma - Centennial Program.
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