​One of the most important resources regarding the historic condition of the Opelika is the residents’ memories and diaries. Some of the early residents of the town remember the type and form of activities in the 1940s and 1950s. As an example, Harry Smallwood, who grew up in the village during the 1940s and ’50s, states that the Pepperell Mill provided most of Opelika’s industry during that time. He states that There is a lot of history in the Opelika. He also believes that “Pepperell probably made Opelika at that time, because the only thing Opelika had at that time was the old Opelika Cotton Mill and Pepperell Mill [6]. According to the Encyclopedia of Alabama, the Opelika Cotton Mill was established before Pepperell Mill in 1900, and it was its success which led to the construction of the Pepperell Mill. Harry Smallwood like many others remember the notable financial activities related to the Pepperell Mill in Opelika. As Smallwood recall kids went to the Pepperell School. It was located right across from the church. He remembers many families which all members were working in the mill and living in nearby homes, also known as mill houses [6].