Selma’s landmark, now in disrepair, is the clock tower on the Town Hall which was constructed in 1916. On the second floor of this building was the Opera House, which was used for many years for meetings, programs, and entertainments of many kinds including the early movies.
In a preamble resolution presented by Commissioner F. M. Hood in February 1916, and approved by the board, the need for a “municipal building, guard house and mayor’s office, together with a market house and fire engine house combined” was expressed. An accompanying ordinance called for issuance of coupon bonds of $15,000 to pay for the structure. I n May when bids were opened, J. W. Stout and Co. of Sanford received the bid with instructions to complete the building not later than September 15, 1916. The next official reference to the new town hall was March 26, 1917 when Mayor Waddell upon motion of C. P. Harper was instructed to let Miss Mayerberg use the city hall for a play, “Little Minister” for a rent of 10 percent of the gross door receipts. And the mayor was authorized to appoint a committee to have charge of city hall to rent and secure shows or plays.
From the History of Selma - Centennial Program.
This building was demolished in 1971.
As a boy, I walked past the old Selma Municipal building, on the way to Selma Graded School (another wonderful building destroyed by the wrecking ball)! At least they did save the old Union Railway Station. I lived across from the grand old structure, for 30 years. I finally moved to Tallahassee, Florida. But, I still have fondest memories of the lonely train whistles that blew into the hot summer days and cold winter nights.
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