A free weekly newsletter about people, places, history, and happenings in Opelika. Brought to you by Garrison Snelling.
A Three Generation Business: Smith T Hardware
Opelika City Council Meeting
On Tuesday July 5th the Opelika City Council votes on a text amendment to allow 1st floor residential in most of downtown upon conditional approval.
Or copy this link: https://www.opelika-al.gov/406/City-Council
Hey there!
This weeks newsletter is on one of the most iconic and long lasting businesses in Opelika. Smith T Hardware is a classic small town experience and a welcomed partner in home ownership (I'm on the younger side so I need lots of help).
Thankfully, they're within walking distance of my house so when I have a home project I just hop on the sidewalk, walk on down, and am instantly greeted with a helping hand.
Smith T Hardware began in 1931 during the Great Depression. Legend has it that before it was our home town hardware store it was actually a place for hosting boxing matches (I'd like to bring that back, but not quite ready participate. I need to go through a growth spirt first.).
In the past few years Smith T hardware was doing some work on their building and uncovered what's thought to be one of the oldest untouched paint signs for Coca-Cola (walk in and it's on the right). This is one of the charms of living in a historic town. You're doing work on a building one day and next thing you know you've unearthed a piece of history.
Of course towns are made of people so I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that Smith T hardware is backed by one of the kindest families in our history: The Smith T's. Originally, they were just the Smith's, but added in the "T" to denote that they were from Tennessee as opposed to the other Smith's in town. If you ever have a chance to interact with Dozier Smith T be sure to thank him for doing all of the nice things he does in Opelika. Rumor has it that every nice deed that goes unclaimed is actually Dozier Smith T.
So next time you have a home project be sure to remember Smith T Hardware!
-Garrison
P.S. If you like this story it'd mean the world to me if you'd share it with some friends. Also, if you have an idea or want to write a story just reply to this email. :)
From Opelika
A free weekly newsletter about people, places, history, and happenings in Opelika. Brought to you by Garrison Snelling.
Kids, teens and screens: faithful parenting in a digital age The Owen Center is putting on an event on Thursday August 21st, 2025 at 6:30 - 8:00pm. It's at the Opelika Library and is a special event about navigating the complexity of parenting kids, teens and screens! The Owen Center has helped many people in our community and you likely unknowingly actually know people they have helped. They're the best! More Info ↗️ Or copy this link:...
Opelika 30: Have a prayer request? Just reply! Starting October 1st through the 30th, I'm organizing 30 days of prayer for the city of Opelika. We will be meeting at noon every day at Courthouse Square. If you want to stay informed about the event, register at the event page below. Also, feel free to reply with prayer requests, etc. More Info ↗️ Or copy this link: https://lu.ma/mzaxazi6 Hey there! I frequently discuss with friends (a lot of the people reading this) the direction of Opelika....
Opelika: 30 days of Prayer Starting October 1st through the 30th, I'm organizing 30 days of prayer for the city of Opelika. We'll be meeting at noon everyday at Courthouse Square. If you want to stay informed about the event, register at the event page. More Info ↗️ Or copy this link: https://lu.ma/mzaxazi6 Hey there! My name is Garrison Snelling. It's been a little while since I have sent you a newsletter. Many of you have very kindly told me that you missed this and I hope to say that I...