Cedar Crossing--Lacon

by

Rhona H. Summerford

The Alabama Enquirer of January 7, 1892 announced that Cedar Crossings was no more. Cedar Crossing had long been in existence and had a post office as early as 1818, with Sandy H. Morris as the first postmaster. Malcolm Patterson was postmaster at Lacon in 1897, followed by Sandy H. Morris, again, and by Green P. Orendorff in 1898. He was succeeded by John King in 1900 and Jacob B. Patterson in 1902.

On New Year’s Day of 1892, the name of the town was changed to Lacon. It was said that the purpose of the founder of the “modern” Lacon, was that it should become famous as one of the most prosperous and enterprising towns in Alabama. Mr. G.P. Orendorff was the founder of the town of Lacon, and the newspaper said he would spare no pains and money to make it a success.

Mr. G.P. Orendorff, founded the large Standard Brick Works, and it was one of the largest facilities of its kind in North Alabama, and was the main enterprise of the town. Mr. S.H. Morris, was considered the leading merchant of the town, and took great pride in trying to advance its interest.

In the 1890’s the town’s newspaper, “The Affiance Monitor” was published there, and was doing all it could to Advertise the town.

For many, many years after the turn of the century, the largest store was owned by Mr. J.B. Patterson, and this was the store in which the post office was located.