Vilula Community in Marion in Perry County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Gus Mitchell Store Site
Perry County
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, April 8, 2026
1. Gus Mitchell Store Site Marker
Augustus (Gus) Mitchell was born August 8, 1878. He was a merchant, farmer, and supporter of the Vilula School and community. He operated the store from 1924 until his death in 1957. The store served the entire community and was considered the "hub" of Vilula. The general store offered a wide variety of dry goods and staples from local farms. The Fellowship Hall was located adjacent to the store and offered the community a place for local gatherings as well as Saturday night dances. Mr. Mitchell hosted huge 4th of July and Labor Day celebrations every year drawing people from miles around. Mr. Mitchell constructed the house on the property for his daughter, Mary Etta Mitchell. He passed away on October 2, 1957 and is buried on this site.
Erected 2021 by Tommie Lee Bryant & AHC.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.
Location. 32° 32.984′ N, 87° 16.228′ W. Marker is in Marion, Alabama,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Black Belt. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Lillie Grove Missionary Baptist Church and Cemetery (approx. 3.6 miles away); Marion Military Institute (approx. 5.8 miles away); Marion Military Institute Alumni Vietnam Memorial (approx. 5.9 miles away); Marion City Hall (approx. 5.9 miles away); Marion Military Institute Korean War Memorial (approx. 5.9 miles away); South College Barracks Fire of 1924 (approx.
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, April 8, 2026
2. Gus Mitchell Store Site Marker and store
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, April 8, 2026
3. Gus Mitchell Store Site and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 10, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 26 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 10, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
