Today, the physical site at 1400 19th Street North has transitioned to other commercial uses. Visitors to the area will find that while the original dealership building may have been modified or replaced, the location remains easily accessible within the main commercial district of Bessemer, situated north of the downtown historic area. ## Using Public Records and Obituaries to Trace the Dealership's History If you are looking for specific operational dates, names of key personnel, or stories associated with Ray Hall Honda, public records and historical obituaries are invaluable resources. Because businesses are deeply tied to the people who ran them, tracing the individuals associated with the dealership through public records can provide the context needed to reconstruct the site's history. ### Searching Obituary Databases
To find details about the founders, owners, or long-time employees of the former dealership, you can utilize digital obituary archives. These databases allow you to search for local records using several targeted methods: * **Name Search:** Enter the names of known associates, such as "Ray Hall," to locate relevant family listings and biographical summaries. * **Last Name Filters:** If you are unsure of the exact spelling or first name of a former employee, you can filter search results by the first letter of the last name to narrow down the list of Bessemer-area residents. * **Chronological Browsing:** If you have an approximate idea of when a key figure associated with the dealership passed away, you can browse listings by the specific month and year of publication. ### Information Found in Historical Listings When you locate a relevant record, the individual page can provide valuable clues about the dealership's timeline and community impact. These pages typically contain:
* **The Obituary Text:** This narrative often outlines the individual's career path, including their involvement with Ray Hall Honda, partnerships, and civic contributions in Bessemer. * **Service Locations:** Details about where memorial services were held can point to local churches, funeral homes, or cemeteries, helping you map out the geographical footprint of the community at the time. * **Family Tributes:** Messages left by former customers, colleagues, and neighbors can offer firsthand accounts of the dealership's operations, customer service reputation, and era of activity. ## Alternative Methods for Locating the Former Site If digital obituary records do not provide the complete picture, several other local resources can help you verify the location and history of the former dealership. ### Jefferson County Property and Tax Records
The Jefferson County Tax Assessor's office maintains historical property records and land registries. By searching the parcel history for 1400 19th Street North or searching by the business name "Ray Hall Honda," you can find deed transfers, plat maps, and building assessment records that detail when the property was acquired, modified, or sold. ### Local Library Archives and City Directories The Bessemer Public Library and the Birmingham Public Library house extensive local history collections. Historical city directories (such as Polk Directories) from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s list businesses by name and street address, allowing you to pinpoint exactly when Ray Hall Honda operated at the 19th Street North location. Additionally, archived local newspapers, such as *The Birmingham News* or the *Bessemer Western Star*, may contain advertisements, grand opening announcements, or business profiles of the dealership. ## Important Limitations to Keep in Mind
When conducting historical research on mid-to-late 20th-century businesses in Bessemer, keep in mind that the availability of digitized records varies. Older obituaries, property deeds, and business licenses may not be fully indexed online. If your online search yields limited results, visiting the Jefferson County courthouse or contacting a local historical society in Bessemer is highly recommended to access physical archives.
