Our little town on the lake has had many accolades over the years, and this week we have yet another. On Wednesday, January 31st Whiting was officially inducted into the White Castle Hall of Fame, making us the first community to achieve the designation.

Opening day White Castle staff. They are identified as Bill Davy, Harvey Mock, Bob Butler, Vic Porius, and George Herrick.

White Castle has been part of our community since 1935 and our location was the first in the entire area. Over the years it has been a faithful part of the community, fulfilling late night cravings and even serving as the site for blossoming romances and an annual Valentine’s Day event. The original building was renovated in 1960 and in 2023 the old building was torn down with a new structure taking its place.

White Castle shared that they chose to induct Whiting into the Hall of Fame because of what a strong history White Castle has in the community and how much support and dedication we have all shown the business over the years. At the historical society we have items from White Castle’s history along with newspapers and other records telling the story of White Castle’s outsized impact on our city.

Want to learn more about White Castle history, check out this story from our archives.

There are plans to demolish the 62-year-old fire station in Robertsdale and build a new one nearby. Before those plans become reality, the public will have one more chance to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the building, as well as learn about the history of fire stations in Robertsdale, get a better understanding of how fire and ambulance services are run, and hear about the plans for the new station.

It’s all part of a Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society field trip, filled with fun facts, such as: Did you know the fire station prior to the current one was located on the corner of Indianapolis Boulevard and Myrtle, where King Chop Suey is currently located? And, did you now, not only was the Robertsdale police station located in that same building, but so was the public library?

The tour is scheduled for Wednesday, November 9, at 6 P.M. It is open to all, but tickets must be obtained in advance. There will be a limited number available, so first-come-first-served. The cost is ten dollars per ticket. They can be purchased at the Whiting-Robertsdale Chamber of Commerce, 1417 119th Street. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, October 11. All proceeds support the work of the Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society.

If you attend, park in one of the open parking spots, or along the east and south fence line. However, be certain not to park anywhere that would make it difficult for ambulances to get in and out of the station’s doors.

For more information on the history of firefighters in Robertsdale, be sure to read Robertsdale Firemen: Stories of Old Stations & Big Tournaments: