The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-27
FUNERAL HOME FOR ENSLEY IS
 ONE OF FINEST
Echols & Angwin Realize Dream In Handsome
 Building And Fixtures

Twenty-four years ago two young un- dertakers. D. A. Echols and John Ang- win. entered into business partnedship in the then sparsely village of Ensley.
 In material way they had little enough to start with, I few crude in strumcnts of their trade and mode script dwelling. but they did possess far morc valuable ets-determination to proceed in the face of difficulties and Il vision of the future. They dreamed of q magnificent funeral home. one Of the most complete ever known, which would combine all the modern improvements of the business, yet so arranged and fitted lat 1t would soften and sooth tie aches of the mournerS who strca!neti through its halls.
 To describe the present funeral home of Echols and Angwin. which is to he formally opened with public ceremonies Tuesday evening, and omit superlatives, would be almost impossible. To say hat the dream of tEe two young under- ,takcrs, now successful business man. has been more than realized. is perhaps tho most appropriate tribute that can hc paid to it.
 The funeral home, which, by the WAY. is restrictive to white patronage only. k an attractive two-story brick structure from it's outward appearance. but it is not until one enters the building that the true worth and beauty is evidenced II is very much like an exclusive hoin,, decorated and furnished with d taste that will undoubtedly prove lasting ana practical.
 Striking Features
 Features of the home, if it is possible to select features from plethora of readily recognized distinctions. are the guest chambers, a chaple with a seat ing capacity of 125, and. turning to the cold business-like side of a funeral home three separate embalming slabs for men, women and children. The home is said to be the only one in the south which can furnish these three improvements.
 The entrance to the home, off a high billiard porch. leads into reception room. This room. as are the others of the building is elegantly finished in mahogany and offers large easy chairs and diyan where visitors may com fortably await appointments. To the rear and leading from a long hallway are private offices and the heating plant.
 At the right of the front stairway which drops into the reception hall, d perfectly appointed ladies' dressing room is found. A marble fire place blends nicely into the gray and white coOrs scheme of the furnishings.
 Back to the ladies' dressing room is the chapel. Worth mentioning among the beauties of this are two rows of Spanish type windows which flank the walls. Lights from the inner side bal ance the beams from the setting sun.
 Upstairs, to the right, are three guest chambers which furnish accom- modations for 12 funeral visitors from out of the city. This convenience is offered without extra charge Near the guest room is tile bath and large private parlOr.
 Across the hallway is the store room. S0x25 feet. In it are kept caskets of all sizes and descriptions. together with q complete stock of dressing gowns and clothing. A special feature of the entire building, the steel ceilings, are most noticeable in this room.
 Vehicle Equipment
 Outside of the building, at the rear. is d spacious stock building and garage wherein are kept the ambulanees and hearses of the company.
 To dwell upon the home alone with out mentioning the two men who wis ualiZed it years ago and later made it possible. would be an inadequate meth cd of describing why the Echols and Angwin funeral home is considered one of the best in the south. Even in a less pretentious home one would expect these two kindly gentlemen to prosper and be successful at their chosen work.
 Mir. Ankwin is 53 years of age. He was born at Frostburg, Md, but moved to Birmingham with his parents few years later. In 1904 he mar ried Miss Daisy Hart, of this city. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, mem- Der of the state board of embalmers and former president of that board.
 Mir. Echols was born in Birming- ham AS years ago. In 1896 he was married to Miss Mary McMurty, of Grown Point. Ind, who is well known hete as member of the city commis- sion, the first woman to be elected to that body. He is a member of several Masonic lodges and a past high priest of the organization. Mir. Echols is also past exalted ruler of the Elks and a member of the Knights of PythiaS.