What You May Not Know About Buford's History

Unless you are a long-time Buford native or an avid history buff, you may not know these little known facts about Buford's history:

Buford was once two towns. The separate, incorporated town of West Buford was established in 1899, with its limits extending from just southwest of Elliott Street to the current overpass at Peachtree Industrial and Hwy. 20. West Buford had its own own governing body, its own school, and its own improvement projects. After just 13 years, West Buford surrendered its town's charter and merged with Buford. 

Buford once had its own soft drink bottling plant. In 1915, William R. Davis developed an independent soft drink formula, manufacturing and bottling the Buford favorite with his family at his home on Hill St.. Davis distributed his product locally, but this ended in 1918 when his loaded delivery truck was struck by a train at the Harris Street crossing. Davis was unharmed, but his business never recovered. The drink continued to be manufactured for several years by E.O. Williams after Davis turned over the formula to him.

Buford has been in the movies. Several Hollywood films have scenes that were shot in and around Buford, including Steve Martin's 1994 A Simple Twist of Fate; 2005's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (sad to say, Johnny Depp wasn't in town), and Six Pack, Kenny Rogers' 1982 race car driver movie, which featured several shots of Main Street. 

Buford has had its share of celebrities. In 1976 Buford native, Cindy Brogdon, earned a silver medal as a part of the U.S. Olympic basketball team, and played professionally for a short time after that. Myrt Power gained national recognition for both Buford and herself in 1955 by winning $32,000 on the popular television game show, the "$64,000 Question." And throughout the 1920s, one of Buford's most colorful characters, daredevil Bonnie Rowe, was well known throughout much of the country as a wing walker and stunt aerialist  (lots more about Rowe in a future post). 

Buford has had more than its share of tragedies and public disasters. Train wrecks, serious droughts and fires have all been a part of the town's past. On Christmas Day, 1930, downtown Buford was rocked by a huge explosion and fire. Thankfully the fire was put out before the entire business block was destroyed, and no injuries were reported.  From the early 1900s on, many of the town's businesses were destroyed or affected by fire, culminating with the disastrous blaze that destroyed the last of the  Bona Allen Tannery in 1981 (then owned by Tandy Corp.), bringing Buford's long history as "the leather city" to a close. 

Buford hasn't changed. Although the city has grown over the years, the downtown skyline hasn't changed since the early 1900s. Moreover, Buford still maintains the independent and financially sound "personality" it has had from its inception. 

The Museum of Buford contains displays and photographs of most all the topics mentioned here, plus many, many more items from Buford's unique and interesting past. 

Several of these facts are from Handsel Grady Morgan's book, Historic Buford, which can be purchased at the Museum of Buford for $35. 

Be sure to check out the photos attached to this post. There is a further "little known" on display at the museum. Do you know what it  is? Post your guesses/comments here or on the MOB Facebook page. 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Museum-of-Buford/55052541673

Happy New Year from Rebecca and the Museum of Buford!