Arab in Marshall County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Farmer's Exchange

Photographed by Judith Barber, February 6, 2011

1. Farmer's Exchange Marker

Inscription. The Farmer’s Exchange was a focal point of commerce during the early years of the young town of Arab. Farmers exchanged their corn, eggs, butter, hides and other agricultural products for a barrel of flour, a stand of lard or other “groceries”. William “Bill” Harrison operated the Exchange in this building beginning about 1933, although the structure may be older. Basil Cobb began working here while still in high school during the early 1930s. His uncle, L.D. Cobb, bought the business from Mr. Harrison about 1939. Basil Cobb continued to work at the Farmer’s Exchange and later purchased it, operating it until his retirement in 1982. In 1945 Harrison sold the building, but not the business, to the Myra Leak Hammond family, who owned it until 1999.

Erected 2008 by Alabama Historical Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1933.

Location. 34° 19.01′ N, 86° 29.771′ W. Marker is in Arab, Alabama, in Marshall County. It is at the intersection of Cullman Road (Alabama Route 69) and Main Street ( Route 69), on the right when

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traveling west on Cullman Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 31 North Main Street, Arab AL 35016, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Alabama.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. 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 the original Cherokee Nation,

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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Stephen Tuttle Thompson (within shouting distance of this marker); 1883 Methodist Church Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); First United Methodist Church (approx. 1.3 miles away); Bear Meat Cabin Road (approx. 1.7 miles away); Gilliam Springs Baptist Church (approx. 1.7 miles away); Brashier's Chapel Cemetery (approx. 2½ miles away); Shoal Creek Baptist Church (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arab.

Another marker is no longer nearby. First Arab High School / First Arab Auditorium (was approx. ¼ mile away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Judith Barber, February 6, 2011

2. Farmer's Exchange Marker

Marker in front of Farmer's Exchange building.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 3, 2011, by Judith Barber of Marietta, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,494 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 3, 2011, by Judith Barber of Marietta, Georgia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.