Cotton & Gins

Polytinsky Gin on Main Street in Hartselle, where the Family Dollar Store is today (2019). c1900-1908. Abe and Sam Polytinsky. Abe Polytinsky was one of the first businessmen in Hartselle around the late 1890's and 1900's. He also had the first automobile in Hartselle.

Stewart Gin- c1900. Originally owned by S. E. Stewart, then later owned by James Franklin Stewart Sr., Charlie Stewart, James Franklin Stewart Jr. and Fred Arthur Bennett Sr.The well-dressed men in the center of the road in this image are: J.H. Cudd, Abe Polytinsky, J.H. Corsbie, Russel Cleere (in back), S.E. Stewart, and Joe Roundtree. The view is toward the east, with Main Street leading to the upper right.

Cotton wagons on Main Street, circa 1900 Possibly the earliest image known of Main Street to the West. Note a portion of the S.E. Stewart sign emerging from the trees on the left. The cotton wagons are lining up for ginning facing west. The cotton bales stacked in the background on the right are possibly the original location of the Polytinsky Gin, near where Family Dollar is located today. Image Courtesy of Mrs. Nancy Stoner

Old Stewart Gin scales shed, circa 1964 These scales weighed cotton wagons for the gin. This shed remained on Main Street south of Sycamore Street until July 23, 1967, replaced by Western Auto. In this photo: John O'Bar (with walking stick), unknown, P. Raymond (standing), & Isaac Eddy. Mr O'bar sold candy, cigars, soft drinks & cigarettes out of this shed after the Gin was gone. He used to sharpen saws & knives. The bench in front was used by the regulars for whittling & story telling.

S.E. Stewart gin, demolition, date unknown Image of what appears to be the demolition of the S.E. Stewart gin structure. The Stewart scales are in the foreground on the right. The tin roof from the building has been removed and it appears the man standing on the truck on the left is removing the siding. Image courtesy of Charles Quinn

Stewart gin and scales, circa 1960 Image of the Stewart gin and scales house on Main Street in Hartselle. Note the traffic light in the upper foreground at Sycamore and Main Streets. View is to the south. Image from the Gayle Strider estate Photo in the collection of the Hartselle Historical Society

View of Bowery (now Sparkman) Street to the North, circa 1910. Main Street is in the background. Loaded cotton wagons from all directions convened in Hartselle for the Gins. S.E. Stewart Store on the left, Will Cox and Gill Drug Store on the right.

View of Main Street Cotton Wagons

Main and Railroad Streets, circa 1900 This image shows Main Street toward the background and Railroad Street to the right. The gazebo is now located where the man is standing next to the pile of cross ties. The Depot is to the right out of the image.