VOLUME 02 • ISSUE 05
MAY 2014
SET MAGAZINE A Publication of Listerhill Credit Union • Established 1952
LIFESTYLE a FINANCE a TECH a TOWN
LEGACIES & LEGENDS
HIS & HERS
GOING AMISH
A LOOK BACK
THE OLD STOMPING GROUNDS
A CUT ABOVE THE REST
HEY, VANILLA ICE DID IT
THE LIGHT REFRESHMENT
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
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MAY 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
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I REMEMBER A VIRGINIA SLIMS ADVERTISEMENT THAT BRAGGED THAT WOMEN COULD NOW ‘BRING HOME THE BACON THEN FRY IT IN A PAN’ P29 FEEDBACK
LETTER
LET’S HEAR IT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
FROM THE EDITOR
RETRO TECH A CRUCIAL YEAR OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION . . . . . . . . . . 5
BLAST FROM THE PAST A QUICK LOOK INTO EVENTS AND LIFE IN 1953. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
THROWIN’ IT BACK Another SET issue here so soon. This month we are throwing it back to the days of the sock hops, poodle skirts and the twist — that’s right, I’m talking about the 1950s. In true journalistic form, I traveled back in time to research what it was really like to live in the ‘50s … and I came back with a picture to prove it! OK, just kidding, that’s my sweet Nana, but you believed it was me for a second, right? SET has been going strong for about a year now, so we wanted to celebrate that by paying tribute to our publisher, Listerhill Credit Union. Obviously, SET wouldn’t even be alive if it weren’t for Listerhill and its passion to add value to the community. So we are taking it back to the ‘50s, when Listerhill first began. Listerhill was formed in 1952 when seven employees of Reynolds Metals, now Wise Alloys, decided to join together with $5 each and the hope to start a credit union that was member-owned. The credit union officially opened and began signing up members in 1953 in a small office at the Reynolds Metal plant. Over the years, the credit union grew from one tiny office at Reynolds Metals to 18 branches across northwest Alabama and south central Tennessee, from seven members to over 78,000 members. It was started with the mission to be memberfocused and that is one thing that has never changed. So prepare yourself to step back in time a bit as you look through this month’s magazine. We’ve got some great articles that will help you understand what life in the ‘50s was
HERE’S TO YOU, MRS. ROSENBAUM AN UNSUNG HERO OF THE SHOALS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
A NEW HOME THE FLPL GETS A HOME TO CALL ITS OWN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
LEGACIES AND LEGENDS BUSINESSES THAT THRIVED IN THE ‘50S AND TODAY. . . . . . 11-13
ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CLOCK THE FOOD, OUTFITS, MUSIC AND DÉCOR OF THE ‘50S! . . . . . . 14
RETRO IS BACK like and we’ve even got some tips of how to bring the ‘50s back to life! I’m most excited to highlight a few of the local businesses who have been able to keep their doors open since the ‘50s and even some who were opened before that! The communities of northwest Alabama and south central Tennessee are rich in history, and I hope this issue teaches you something new about your hometown that you didn’t know before. Do you want to become a part of your community’s history? Why not start by getting involved with SET? Whether you’re a writer, photographer or illustrator, we’ve got room for you! Not only do you get to give back to your community, but you get the opportunity to build your portfolio and you earn some cash on the side! If you’re interested in becoming a part of SET, email me at editor@getsetmag. com and I’ll get you started! Enjoy this issue, and feel free to let us know what you think!
BY LINLEY MOBLEY, EDITOR
SET is a publication by and for local young people dedicated to lifestyle, finance, technology and community. It is published by Listerhill Credit Union as
part of its ongoing mission to promote the credit union philosophy of cooperation and financial literacy. It is a platform for 15-20 somethings in the community and it is free.
POPULAR LOOKS INSPIRED BY THE ‘50S.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
WILL THE POLK THEATRE RETURN? HOPES FOR THE POLK THEATRE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
CALENDAR WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21
SPOTLIGHT SET READERS IN ACTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-25
COUNTRY REBORN A REVIVAL IS PUTTING THE TRY BACK IN COUNTRY. . . . . . . . . 26
LIVIN’ IN AN AMISH PARADISE AN UNEXPECTED DAY IN THE AMISH WORLD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
THINK BEFORE YOU PUFF ARE E-CIGS THE ANSWER? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
YOU’VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY TIMES HAVE CHANGED FOR WOMEN IN AMERICA. . . . . . . . . . 29
FREESTYLE ONE FINAL THOUGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
CONNECT WITH SET MAILING ADDRESS:
P.O. Box 566 Sheffield, AL 35660
Please take one copy and share it. Listerhill Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative whose purpose is to improve the quality of life for the membership by providing cost effective services to meet their financial needs while maintaining financial soundness and promoting the credit union philosophy.
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PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
4790 East Second Street Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
4 FEEDBACK & CONTRIBUTORS
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FEEDBACK
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a SET is
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LET’S HEAR IT! EMAIL FEEDBACK@GETSETMAG.COM
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JOHN PITTS, @JOHNLPITTS Saw my first copy of @getsetmag during UNA campus visit on Wednesday. Very interesting, sustained my interest. Bravo!
BROOKE ROSE
S UP WHAT’C? DO
URE A PICT TAKE IT W IL L NG ER LA ST LO
I love the new SET website! It’s so convenient and easy to use. I love that I don’t have to be in Florence to pick up a copy of the new issue.
E A LATT OF AR T
HALEY WRIGHT, @HWRIGHTPR My favorite article is definitely “Coming To A Theatre Near You.” Shoals Theatre is such an awesome location and I appreciate the chance to learn the history of it. Aside from that article, I love the listing of local events. It’s nice to have a glimpse of happenings in the area!
KALYN MULLIS, @KALYNM The Art & Design issue is beautiful! I also love the new website. Being able to flip through the magazine online is amazing. The image quality is impressive. Love it.
LYNDSIE BAILEY I loved the TWLOHA piece. The article confirmed my desire to help others in need in the social work field.
SET CONTRIBUTORS CLAIRE STEWART
Vestavia Hills, AL
TOSHA-PAIGE BREWER Florence, AL
EMILY RUSSELL Killen, AL
KAT FORT
CHRIS ANDERSON Florence, AL
Lawrenceburg, TN
Haleyville, AL
ALLIE SOCKWELL
CATHERINE COUNTS
ALICIA THREET
JAMES THIGPEN
Columbia, TN
Lawrenceburg, TN
Muscle Shoals, AL
ABBY HOOD
Florence, AL
ELLE CLAYTOR
Killen, AL
HANNAH BOYD
Columbia, TN
JUSTIN ARGO
Birmingham, AL
PACE HOLDBROOKS Decatur, AL
MAY 2014
TECH 5
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It was first reported in 1953 that cigarette smoking causes lung cancer.
RETRO TECH A BRIEF LOOK AT A CRUCIAL YEAR OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION In the words of Frank Sinatra, “it was a very good year.” From leisure to entertainment to scientific discoveries, 1953’s technological advances covered it all; in fact, we are still happily experiencing, and relying on, much of the technology it produced. For starters, 1953 turned the world of science on its head when scientists discovered the “double helix” model of DNA — just think about how different biology classes would look without the double helix. Scientists had another huge win in ’53 with the discovery of the polio vaccine. When’s the last time you had polio? Yeah, me neither. Thanks science!
time — the color TV! That’s right, folks, in 1953, for a measly $1,175 ($9,611.50 by today’s standards) you could buy your very own colored television.
Men and women of 1953 were also introduced to WD-40, God’s gift to silencing all things squeaky. And no ‘50’s household was complete without that annoyingly clingy material to preserve all those leftovers — Saran Wrap!
That might have been a lot of money, but owning a color TV would have been worth it back then because it wasn’t too long before the doo-wop culture of the ‘50’s met the protest culture of the ‘60s, and you would have wanted to watch as history unfurled.
But wait, kids, there’s more! Your grandparents probably headed over to the drive-in movies in their new Chevrolet Corvette after it was released in ’53. They also probably brought along their newly released transistor radio so they could hear the movie without running the car battery down while they watched “House of Wax,” which originally hit the big screens in — you guessed it — ’53. But, we can’t go any further without mentioning the greatest entertainment achievement of all
Honestly, “history in the making” was what 1953 was all about. There were so many great inventions released that we still use on a daily basis. It’s not far-off to say that these inventions have truly changed the way we live today.
STORY BY PACE HOLDBROOKS
6 SPECIAL FEATURE
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Listerhill Credit Union was founded in 1952!
In 1953, a postage stamp was only $.03.
BLAST FROM THE PAST A QUICK LOOK INTO EVENTS AND LIFE IN 1953 FEB. 20
F3 tornadoes ripped through Colbert and Cullman counties. One fatality, 14 injuries and one church building were destroyed.
MARCH 2
The Academy Awards are first broadcast on television by NBC.
MARCH 9
Listerhill Employee Credit Union opens in a small office at Reynolds Metals.
MARCH 26 JAN. 1
Alabama native, Hank Williams, passes away at the age of 29.
JAN. 13
The Cullman courthouse was destroyed by fire for a second time. However, records were saved and a new building was built up from the basement at the same site.
Jonas Salk announced that he has finally created a vaccine against polio.
APRIL 17
Mickey Mantle hits a 565-foot homerun, believed to be the longest homerun in baseball history.
APRIL 25
Scientists identify DNA.
JAN. 20
Dwight D. Eisenhower is inaugurated as the 34th president of the United States.
FEB. 5
“Peter Pan,” produced by Walt Disney, is released.
JUNE 2
Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom at Westminster Abbey.
JULY 12
Milner Rushing Discount Drugs celebrates 100 years serving the Shoals.
JULY 18
Florence, AL native, Sam Phillips records Presley’s rendition of “That’s All Right.”
JULY 27
The Korean War ends. A list of some of our heroes serving from Lauderdale County who were killed in action: James Barrier, Ralph Bruce, Robert Guthrie, Morris Hughes, William McGee, Grady Miller, James Oakley, James Olive, Oscar Parker, Carl Sloan, Grover Spence, Jr., Marvin Springer, Gerald Steen, James Trent
AUG. 28
The Red Sox, a Little League team from Birmingham, defeated a team from New York in the Little League World Series to claim the title as Little League World Champions.
SEPT. 27
The plans for Weeden Heights Elementary in Florence, AL were announced.
OCT. 1
The Franklin County Times in Franklin County, AL runs its last publication.
OCT. 8
Birmingham, Alabama barred Robinson’s Negro-White All-Stars from playing there. Robinson gave in and dropped white players from his group.
DEC. 16
The Maury Regional Medican Center opens with 57 employees and 27 doctors.
MAY 9
The Pepsi Bottling Company was established in Winfield, AL.
MAY 25
The United States conducts nuclear artillery testing at sites in Nevada.
STORY BY EMILY RUSSELL
8 HERO
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Rosenbaum means “rose tree” in German/Yiddish.
MAY 2014
Mildred was recognized as a leading citizen in AL.
HERE’S TO YOU, MRS. ROSENBAUM AN UNSUNG HERO OF THE SHOALS The name Rosenbaum is a familiar one to the community of Florence, AL. Each time that name is heard, members of the community automatically think about The Rosenbaum House, a house that was built for newlyweds Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum by the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. This particular home has become an icon for the Shoals area, something that members of the community are proud to show off. However, there are
only a handful of people who could tell you who the Rosenbaums actually were and what they contributed when they were active members of the community. Mildred Rosenbaum, in particular, was extremely active in the Shoals community. A native of Bronx, New York, Mildred moved to her new husband’s hometown of Florence after the wedding. Moving from the Bronx to the Shoals, even in the ‘40s, was an obvious culture change for Mildred, but she embraced the calmer way of life, made friends and found ways she could help her community. Despite having a houseful of rambunctious boys, Mildred still found time to give back to the town she lived in. She spent a lot of time volunteering with a number of different nonprofits, particularly ones that focused on mental health, human rights, civil liberties and the Jewish community. She also did a lot of volunteer
Her involvement in the community stemmed not only from a passion to help, but was also encouraged by her husband and his family’s love for making the Shoals a better place to live. Mildred’s husband, Stanley, and her father-in-law, Louis were very big investors in the Shoals community in the ‘40s and ‘50s, so she was constantly aware of the needs of the Shoals. While she worked on many volunteer projects, one of Mildred Rosenbaum’s greatest community accomplishments was helping raise the funds for a library, what we know now as the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library.
work for Temple B’Nai Israel, where she and her family attended. On top of all her own community work, she also helped with her husband’s community projects.
STORY BY LINLEY MOBLEY
MAY 2014
NONPROFIT 9
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In 1885, you had to pay $1 per year for membership to the library.
A NEW HOME
THE ORIGINAL FLORENCE-LAUDERDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
THE FLPL GETS A HOME TO CALL ITS OWN The Ladies’ Library, what we now know as the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library (FLPL), was formed in 1885. In 1893, the library was renamed The Southern Library and moved its location to City Hall and then, not long after that, to the Lauderdale County Courthouse. Years later, the library had to be moved yet again, this time finding its home in Bibb-Graves Hall on the campus of Florence State Teachers College, which is presently University of North Alabama. With the many location changes to the library, there had never really been a permanent home for it. So in 1945 Louis Rosenbaum, Mildred Rosenbaum’s father-in-law, donated a total of $25,000 (the equivalent of about $270,000 today) to go toward the construction of a permanent building. So what was Mildred’s role in this project? Her husband, Stanley (Louis’s son), was involved in the Florence Rotary Club. As a Rotary member’s wife, Mildred actually had a lot of responsibility in helping raise money to complete the construction of the library. She was tasked with hosting many luncheons, teas and parties in the effort to help raise the
funds. She planned, organized and hosted dozens and dozens of these events, encouraging the women of the community, who were wives of welloff men, to donate to this great cause. After months and months of hard work, Mildred got over 100 families to donate enough money to complete the library. In 1949, construction was complete; the library was stocked and able to open the doors of their very first home on 218 N Wood Ave. The FLPL remained in that location for 53 years, until a new building was built in 2002 just a block over. Today, on the main floor you will find a bronze plaque with many names of people who helped in the effort to give the library a home. You’ll find Louis and Stanley Rosenbaum’s name, but you won’t find Mildred’s. Even though she spent hours, days and months raising money to see the project completed, all her hard work was credited to her husband.
STORY BY LINLEY MOBLEY
10 FEATURE
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Kahri Member Since 2013 Abby Member Since 2013
Drew Member Since 2013
Rebecca Member Since 2013
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FEATURE 11
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BUSINESSES THAT THRIVED IN THE ‘50S AND ARE STILL SUCCESSFUL TODAY. The 1950s in America were part of the golden age, a prosperous time when jobs were plentiful and the money was flowing into the U.S. The end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War pulled Americans to the top of the economic ladder. A great number of people took advantage of this productive economic time and opened businesses all over. Doors were opening left and right to the promise of success, and success is what many of these businesses achieved. Several businesses that opened around the 1950s are still in the family and continue to thrive today.
STORY BY HANNAH BOYD AND TOSHA-PAIGE BREWER
12 FEATURE
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MAY 2014
TED’S SPORTING GOODS 1955 - PRESENT In 1955 Ted and Faye Davis opened Ted’s Sporting Goods in downtown Columbia, TN. The store first sold army supplies, but as the community’s interests and needs changed, so did the store. Ted’s now offers anything from sporting wear to guns and ammunition. Ted’s has remained in downtown Columbia since it opened, even when all the other stores moved to shopping centers. The store’s 50 years of success is due in part to providing excellent customer service and a personal touch people can’t find anywhere else. It is easily spotted on South Main Street because of its unique upside down sign. In the ‘60s Ted Davis hired a man to paint a sign for his store. The man accidentally painted Ted’s backward. Instead of having a new sign made, Davis flipped it upside down, creating the now popular logo. Ted’s Sporting Goods is still running today and is a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
ALL STEAK RESTAURANT 1934 - PRESENT
THE RITZ THEATRE 1927 - PRESENT
In 1934, Millard Buchman opened up a restaurant in Pulaski, TN. He intended to call the restaurant All Steak Hamburgers, but he didn’t have enough money to add “Hamburgers” to the sign. In the end, the restaurant became known as All Steak. Four years later Buchman moved the restaurant to Cullman, AL. This restaurant offers the Cullman community more than just steak. You can look forward to having a delicious meal during any part of the day. For early morning go-getters, All Steak serves a traditional country breakfast that would include country ham, bacon, sausage, pancakes, grits, biscuits and gravy. At lunch you can expect fried chicken livers, meatloaf and chicken pot pie. During dinner, the menu features chicken, pasta, seafood and, of course, steak. Before you leave, be sure to grab their famous orange rolls, you won’t regret it!
The Ritz Theatre was built in 1927 and was opened in 1928 as a silent movie house. The first film played was “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” In 1933, “talkies” (movies with sound) were introduced to the theatre. While business was good at first, newer theatres came into the area and viewers began watching movies elsewhere. The Ritz was forced to close its doors and remained inoperative for more than 30 years. In 1983, the Tennessee Valley Art Association purchased The Ritz and restored it to its original grandeur. The theatre reopened in 1985 as a performing arts venue. Now, the association provides the community with concerts, occasional movie showings and educational theatre arts programs like Center Stage, New Stage, Time Out for Theatre and SummerStock.
GEORGE’S STEAK PIT 1956 - PRESENT The well-known George’s Steak Pit is unlike other restaurants in Sheffield, AL. The steakhouse opened its doors for the first time in August 1956 by owners George and Vangie Vafinis. It was moved to its current location on Jackson Highway in 1965. After several years of successful operation, the couple decided to retire. They passed George’s on to their son Frank Vafinis, who has carried on the family business since 1984. When George’s first opened it became a hit due to its famous open pit where chefs grilled fresh cut steaks, chicken and fish over hickory logs. On top of these delicious entrees, George’s also provides excellent homemade desserts. The family owned steakhouse continues to be a success today due to its unique restaurant layout and its professional service.
STAGGS GROCERY 1936 - PRESENT Once a “mom and pop” grocery store, Staggs has become an East Florence legendary eatery. Staggs opened its doors on Huntsville Road in 1936 and has been in the same spot ever since. In the ‘50s, Staggs’ walls were lined with groceries and at the back of the building was a meat market.
The Staggs family decided to turn the store into a restaurant in 1971 once larger grocery stores began to open and they have been serving up the best burgers in town ever since. The family-owned restaurant survived a fire in 2005, which only put them out of business for two months as they worked to restore their building. Today, business is still booming and Staggs is still in the family with fourth generation owner, Lynn Staggs.
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FEATURE 13
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ROGERS DEPARTMENT STORE 1894 - 2001
TROWBRIDGE’S 1927 - PRESENT Florence’s popular ice cream shop, Trowbridge’s, was opened in 1918 and remains a go-to for locals and tourists. In 1917, Paul Trowbridge stopped in Florence while he was on his way to a dairy convention in North Carolina. He fell in love with the town and decided to move from Texas and make Florence his permanent home. A year later, he developed his famous orange pineapple ice cream and opened Trowbridge’s Creamery. The ice cream shop has been owned by three generations of Trowbridges. The current owner, Don Trowbridge, was in high school during the ‘50s and worked alongside his father scooping ice cream. He remembers the large jukebox in the back of the restaurant being a big hit with the customers during those days. Don bought Trowbridge’s from his mother in 1984 as she told him, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” After 94 years of scooping ice cream for the Shoals, Trowbridge’s has maintained the same look and fun service.
CULPEPPER’S BAKERY 1952 - 2005 In 1952 Bob and Margaret Culpepper opened Culpepper’s Bakery in downtown Florence. Culpepper’s competitors said the bakery would never last more than six months. Despite the negative comments, Culpepper’s became a huge success and was a Florence favorite for more than 53 years. Specializing in donuts, birthday cakes, wedding cakes and their ever-popular apple fritters, Bob and Margaret Culpepper made it a priority to keep the Shoals staying sweet. However, all great things must come to an end, and in May 2005, Culpepper’s Bakery closed its doors as the owners retired. Even though you can’t experience all of their sweet creations, there is still a little Culpepper’s lingering in the Shoals. After the bakery closed, the Culpeppers sold the recipe for their famous apple fritters to The Donut Shoppe, so be sure to head over there and get a little taste of the ‘50s.
Rogers Department Store was the place to shop in the Shoals for more than a century. The store was family-established in 1894 and opened as The Surprise Store, selling general merchandise on Court Street in Florence where Alabama Outdoors, Joseph A. Banks and Yumm are currently located. In the beginning, the Rogers family sold general merchandise, but as the retail industry expanded so did the store. The Surprise Store soon became Rogers and they began selling clothes, shoes, makeup and household goods. In 1910, after the building was damaged from fire, the owners decided add a second story as they rebuilt. When business began booming in the late ‘40s and early ‘50s, a third floor was added. As the store expanded so did its locations. Another Rogers’ opened in Southgate Mall in 1968 and stores in Decatur and Athens were added just a few years later. In 1998, Rogers was sold to the Dunlap Co. based out of Texas. Rogers had been in the family for a total of four generations, but when approached by Dunlap, they decided it was best to sell. In 2001, Dunlap decided to close Rogers Department Store, due to the 9/11 terrorist attacks effect on the economy. Although the iconic Florence building houses a few different stores now, everyone still refers to it as “the Rogers building.”
BOB AND BILL’S BARBER SHOP 1930S - PRESENT Sometime in the 1930s a little place called Second Street Barber Shop opened in Sheffield, AL. It thrived throughout the ‘30s and ‘40s and in 1957, Shoals resident Bill Gober came back from serving in the Korean War and bought the shop. When Gober took over, business was booming. Men of all ages would come in for the classic flat top, taper sided-part or a buzz cut. The barber shop went through some hard times in the ‘60s and ‘70s, after The Beatles ushered in the trend of long, shaggy hair. Since barbers were traditionally only trained to do short cuts, guys started going to beauticians to trim their long hair. But the little shop on Second Street weathered all the storms and still remains open today. Men of all ages can go in for haircuts, hot lather neck shaves, eyebrow trims and more.
KING’S DRIVE-IN 1949 - PRESENT There’s no better way to get the ‘50s feel than to go to the drive-in movie theater. King’s Drive-In, located in Russellville, AL, is among the last of its kind. The King’s Drive-In opened in 1949 and quickly became a popular spot for all ages. Traditionally, the drive-in would only operate during the summer when children were out of school. Now, the theater
operatesfrom late spring and continues previewing features through early fall. Double features are shown on Fridays and Saturdays and tickets only cost $6 for adults and $3 for children. They used to have speakers you could hook onto your car windows, but new technology made its way in and you can now tune into a specific FM channel to listen to the movie. King’s Drive-In does have a concession stand, but they’re not against you bringing in your own drinks and snacks to enjoy the movie.
14 FOOD
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Gas cost about $0.20 a gallon during the ‘50s.
MAY 2014
Alaska and Hawaii joined the U.S. in 1959.
ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CLOCK TRAVEL BACK TO THE ‘50S AND ENJOY THE FOOD, OUTFITS, MUSIC AND DÉCOR! The 1950s were an important time in American history. When World War II ended in 1945, a newfound energy came over America, making the ‘50s a time of growth and change. Highways were built to move people across the county, rock ‘n’ roll music exploded and television became dominant. Don’t you wish you could go back and experience some of the fun? Well, you’re in luck! Jump into your ‘50s inspired outfit, follow these recipes and instructions and host your very own 1950s themed party.
FOOD
Parties in the ‘50s were all about finger foods. This included everything from fondue (chocolate or cheese, your choice) to meatballs speared with toothpicks. One of the most popular appetizers was, of course, deviled eggs. Follow this recipe for a simple, tasty snack for your guests. Deviled Eggs Ingredients: • 6 eggs • 1/4 cup mayonnaise • 1 tsp white vinegar • 1 tsp yellow mustard • 1/8 tsp salt • Freshly ground black pepper • Smoked paprika
Directions: Boil eggs. After taking eggs out of your pot, rinse them under cold water for one minute. While still under the water, carefully crack and peel away the shell. Gently dry. Slice the eggs in half, lengthwise, and remove the yolks. Set the whites on a platter and then mash the yolks. Mix in the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper. Then disperse the yolk mixture into the egg whites and sprinkle with paprika. This recipe serves four. Now, you absolutely can’t host a ‘50s party without offering ice cream floats! Find an area of your party venue to turn into an ice cream shop and offer your guests this timeless treat. Of course, ice cream floats are very easy to make, so here’s a recipe for a not-sonormal ice cream float. Pink Lemonade Float Ingredients: • 2 scoops of lemon sorbet • 1-2 cups of sparkling pink lemonade • 1 lemon wedge Directions: Scoop the ice cream into your glass, pour in the pink lemonade and garnish the glass with a lemon wedge. Easy as pie!
DECORATIONS
Part of the fun when hosting a ‘50s themed party is transforming your
party space to make guests feel like they’ve stepped back in time. One cheap way to add some ‘50s flair is by using old records to decorate! Everyone knows a party isn’t complete without pictures to prove it happened, so run out to a thrift store like Second Time Around in Columbia, TN or the St. Vincent De Paul Society in Florence, AL and rack up on old records to make the coolest photobooth backdrop there ever was. Creating this masterpiece will probably only take about 30 minutes. Vinyl Record Photobooth Supplies: • Records (about 32) • Command mini wall hooks • A blank wall Directions: Put together your wall hooks following the instructions in the pack. Put the little hook through the record, peel off the back of the hook and
stick to the wall. Once the first row is up, start filling in the gaps with the second row. Once the party is over, you can simply peel the hooks off the wall and hand out the records as party favors. Music is another important aspect of a good party, so be sure to have a ‘50s themed playlist playing in the background. Artists such as Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry will get your friends up outta their seats and showing off their killer dance moves. As you may have heard your grandparents say, the ‘50s were “the good ole days,” so use some of these tips to hop back in time with your friends.
STORY BY ALLIE SOCKWELL
MAY 2014
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SET isn’t just a magazine looking for people to share their 2 cents. It is entirely comprised of content provided by the 15 - 29 year olds of our community. No one else writes the articles, no one takes the pictures and no one else decides what runs. That’s why we need you. Attend our next editorial meeting, drop us a line or send us an idea for your story. We want your photography, art and music. Get on SET’s team.
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FOOD 15
16 FASHION
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RETRO IS BACK Right now, a lot of what’s “hot” in fashion has been inspired by the looks from the 1950s. Of course, they’ve been updated, but we definitely can’t claim that we made them up. Fashion goes in cycles, and the style from the ‘50s has always been a keeper. Here is a look at some of today’s trends that were inspired by the ‘50s and happen to be sold right here in town!
CROP TOP JEWELL’S $58 SUNGLASSES TRU IDENTITY $19.95
HIGH-WAISTED SHORTS JEWELL’S $78
SUNDRESS FROLIC
JUMPSUIT JEWELL’S $118
HANDBAG TRU IDENTITY $69.95
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FASHION 17
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A FEW OF TODAY’S MOST POPULAR LOOKS INSPIRED BY THE ‘50S. FEDORA YE OLE GENERAL STORE $41.95
PATTERNED BUTTON-UP JAR & COMPANY, $98.50 DENIM JACKET YE OLE GENERAL STORE $59
JEANS TRU IDENTITY $59.95
OXFORDS TRU IDENTITY $99.95
STORY BY ELLE CLAYTOR
18 MOVIES
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MAY 2014
MAY 2014
MOVIES 19
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In ‘53, Audrey Hepburn won an Oscar for best actress.
Columbia is known as “the mule capital of the world.”
WILL THE POLK THEATRE RETURN? HOPES FOR THE POLK THEATRE The Polk Theatre, located on South Garden Street in Columbia, TN, opened in 1951. At the time it opened, the lavishly decorated space was the largest wide-screen theatre in Maury County, able to seat 1,250 people. The theatre was “twinned” in 1977, meaning it now had two screens for showings. Unfortunately, with new theatres popping up, the Polk went out of business in 1983. The building passed through many hands
but is now owned by Rick and Jane Alexander and being used as retail space for Alexander’s Mattress World. Even though years have passed and the building is full of mattresses, the space remains much the same. The building still has its large proscenium stage, columns, crying room and balconies. In 2005, Hollywood director Quentin Tarentino came to Columbia, TN to shoot scenes for his movie “Daltry Calhoun.” When he saw the Polk Theatre’s still intact sign and marquee, he fell in love. He bought them both from Alexander and planned to have them shipped to Hollywood. In 2010, the Maury County Arts Guild made plans to restore the theatre to its former glory. Susan Manning was put in charge with the goal to “create a comprehensive, nonprofit cultural arts center as part of the revitalization
of Columbia’s downtown area.” The plans for restoration would bring back screenings and would include an art gallery, reception hall, classrooms and other new additions. With the plans to bring this project together, Manning wanted to be sure
to obtain the most important parts, the sign and marquee, which Tarentino had never shipped to Hollywood. She called all over Los Angeles trying to get in touch with Tarentino, and finally found him. He gladly donated the two key pieces of the theatre to the Arts Guild. After beginning fundraising, the Arts Guild hit a roadblock in the purchasing of the theatre. As of right now, the project has been put on hold as they try to come up with a solution to purchase the building and return it to a theater space. Keep your eyes peeled for ways you can help bring the Polk Theatre back to Columbia.
STORY BY ABBY LEE HOOD
20 CALENDAR
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EVENTS
MAY 2014
MAY 1 - MAY 31 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
PENNY AND SPARROW AT 116 E MOBILE ON MAY 14.
MAY 1
24-HOUR STUDY DAY @ UNA Collier Library, Florence, AL NBA PLAYOFFS: ROUND 1, GAME 6 @ Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA RED, WHITE & BLUE CAREER DAY @ Columbia State Community College, Columbia, TN 11:30am LIVE TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN 7:00pm OPRY COUNTRY CLASSICS @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN 7:00pm ARCADE FIRE @ Bridgestone Arena,
Nashville, TN 7:30pm KARAOKE NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 8:00pm BOXCAR VOICES @ The End Theatre, Florence, AL 8:00pm HOUNDMOUTH & THE CLEAR PLASTIC MASKS @ 116 E. Mobile, Florence, AL 8:00pm
MAY 2
UNA FINAL EXAMS UNA SOFTBALL GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT @ Cullman, AL
2ND ANNUAL FLORENCE MAIN STREET GOLF TOURNAMENT @ Florence, AL 12:30pm ATLANTA BRAVES VS. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS @ Turner Field, Atlanta, GA 7:35pm EST LANA DEL RAY @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN 8:00pm ISAAC CD RELEASE PARTY @ Pegasus Records, Florence, AL 9:00pm THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 @ Your Local Theater WALK OF SHAME @ Your Local Theater
MAY 3
UNA SOFTBALL GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT @ Cullman, AL FREE COMIC BOOK DAY @ Pegasus Records, Florence, AL THE ORIGINAL MUD RUN @ Tap Root Farm, Franklin, TN COLOR ME PURPLE & GOLD 5K AND 1-MILE FUN RUN @ Flowers Hall, Florence, AL 9:00am CPA AT THE RYMAN @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN 7:00pm
IF YOU HAVE ANY EVENTS YOU WOULD LIKE LISTED, EMAIL CALENDAR@GETSETMAG.COM
ATLANTA BRAVES VS. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS @ Turner Field, Atlanta, GA 7:10pm EST SHOALS SYMPHONY: FAREWELL CONCERT CELEBRATION @ Norton Auditorium, Florence, AL 7:30pm ROCKET CITY ALL-STAR COMEDY FESTIVAL @ Von Braun Civic Center, Huntsville, AL 8:30pm ADAM FAUCETT & PONY BOY @ 116 E. Mobile, Florence, AL 9:00pm KARAOKE NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 9:30pm
MAY 2014
MAY 4
UNA SOFTBALL GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT @ Cullman, AL ATLANTA BRAVES VS. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS @ Turner Field, Atlanta, GA 1:35pm EST
MAY 5
CINCO DE MAYO UNA FINAL EXAMS UNA SOFTBALL GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT @ Cullman, AL POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 7:00pm
MAY 6
UNA FINAL EXAMS UNA SOFTBALL GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT @ Cullman, AL LADY GAGA @ Philips Arena, Atlanta Georgia LIVE TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN 7:00pm KEITH URBAN @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN 7:00pm
MAY 7
UNA FINAL EXAMS SHANE BAKER @ On the Rocks, Florence, AL 6:00pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 7:00pm
MAY 8
OPRY COUNTRY CLASSICS @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN 7:00pm LIVE TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN 7:00pm KARAOKE NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 8:00pm DOOBIE BROTHERS @ Von Braun Civic Center, Huntsville, AL 8:30pm
MAY 9
CALENDAR 21
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FLORENCE RESTAURANT WEEK @ Florence, AL ATLANTA BRAVES VS. CHICAGO CUBS @ Turner Field, Atlanta, GA 7:35pm EST MAMMA MIA @ BJCC, Birmingham, AL 8:00pm LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN @ Your Local Theater NEIGHBORS @ Your Local Theater
MOMS’ NIGHT OUT @ Your Local Theater CHEF @ Your Local Theater
MAY 10
FLORENCE RESTAURANT WEEK @ Florence, AL JEFF DROPO RUN 4 KIDS 5K @ Florence, AL STRAWBERRY FEST 5K/10K @ Cullman, AL CSCC SPRING GRADUATION @ Columbia State Community College, Columbia, TN 10:00am UNA SPRING COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY @ Flowers Hall, Florence, AL 10:00am UNA SPRING COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY @ Flowers Hall, F lorence, AL 2:00pm MAMMA MIA @ BJCC, Birmingham, AL 2:00pm A PRAIRIE HOME COMPETITION @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN 4:45pm ATLANTA BRAVES VS. CHICAGO CUBS @ Turner Field, Atlanta, GA 7:10pm EST MAMMA MIA @ BJCC, Birmingham, AL 8:00pm KARAOKE NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 9:30pm THE SPRINGS @ Flobama, Florence, AL 10:00pm
MAY 11
MOTHER’S DAY FLORENCE RESTAURANT WEEK @ Florence, AL ATLANTA BRAVES VS. CHICAGO CUBS @ Turner Field, Atlanta, GA 1:35pm EST
MAY 12
FLORENCE RESTAURANT WEEK @ Florence, AL CHER @ Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 7:00pm NEON TREES @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN 7:30pm CIRCLE TAKES THE SQUARE @ Pegasus Records, Florence, AL
MAY 13
FLORENCE RESTAURANT WEEK @ Florence, AL LIVE TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN 7:00pm
MAY 14
WILLIE NELSON & ALISON KRAUSS @ BJCC, Birmingham, AL 7:00pm UNECESSARY FARCE @ Shoals Theatre, Florence, AL 7:30pm WATER LIARS @ 116 E. Mobile, Florence, AL 9:00pm TBA CD RELEASE PARTY @ Pegasus Records, Florence, AL 9:00pm KARAOKE NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 9:30pm HOBO HIPPIE @ Flobama, Florence, AL 10:00pm
MAY 24
FLORENCE RESTAURANT WEEK @ Florence, AL OPRY COUNTRY CLASSICS @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN 7:00pm LIVE TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN 7:00pm UNECESSARY FARCE @ Shoals Theatre, Florence, AL 7:30pm KARAOKE NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 8:00pm BOXCAR VOICES @ The End Theatre, Florence, AL 8:00pm
MAY 18
MAY 25
MAY 16
POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 7:00pm
FLORENCE RESTAURANT WEEK @ Florence, AL SHANE BAKER @ On the Rocks, Florence, AL 6:00pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 7:00pm PENNY AND SPARROW & GRACE AND TONY @ 116 E. Mobile, Florence, AL 8:00pm
MAY 15
UNA RELAY FOR LIFE @ UNA Turf Field, Florence, AL 8:00am FRONT PORCH STORY TELLING FESTIVAL @ Guillot University Center, Florence, AL 9:00am TRUTV’S CAST OF IMPRACTICAL JOKERS FT. THE TENDERLOINS @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN 7:00pm UNECESSARY FARCE @ Shoals Theatre, Florence, AL 7:30pm GNARLY CHARLIES CD RELEASE PARTY @ Pegasus Records, Florence, AL 9:00pm GODZILLA @ Your Local Theater MILLION DOLLAR ARM @ Your Local Theater
MAY 17
ARTS ALIVE FESTIVAL @ Wilson Park, Florence, AL ARTS ALIVE GALLERY EXHIBITION @ Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, Florence AL MAURY REGIONAL HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION 5K @ Maury County Park, Columbia, TN 8:00am FRONT PORCH STORY TELLING FESTIVAL @ Guillot University Center, Florence, AL 9:00am DENNIS MILLER @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN 7:00pm
ARTS ALIVE FESTIVAL @ Wilson Park, Florence, AL ARTS ALIVE GALLERY EXHIBITION @ Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, Florence AL UNECESSARY FARCE @ Shoals Theatre, Florence, AL 2:00pm BILL BURR @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN 7:00pm
MAY 19
MAY 20
LIVE TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN 7:00pm
MAY 21
SHANE BAKER @ On the Rocks, Florence, AL 6:00pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 7:00pm INGRID MICHAELSON @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN 7:30pm
MAY 22
OPRY COUNTRY CLASSICS @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN 7:00pm LIVE TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN 7:00pm KARAOKE NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 8:00pm
MAY 23
ATLANTA BRAVES VS. COLORADO ROCKIES @ Turner Field, Atlanta, GA 7:35pm EST RIDGE & CHARNEL GROUND @ Pegasus Records, Florence, AL 9:00pm X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST @ Your Local Theater BLENDED @ Your Local Theater
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LIVE TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN 7:00pm ATLANTA BRAVES VS. COLORADO ROCKIES @ Turner Field, Atlanta, GA 7:10pm EST KARAOKE NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 8:00pm EDDIE IZZARD @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN 8:00pm SEAN RIVERS @ Flobama, Florence, AL 10:00pm ATLANTA BRAVES VS. COLORADO ROCKIES @ Turner Field, Atlanta, GA 5:10pm EST
MAY 26
MEMORIAL DAY POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 7:00pm
MAY 27
SHANE BAKER @ On the Rocks, Florence, AL 6:00pm LIVE TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN 7:00pm
MAY 28
POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 7:00pm MORRISSEY @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN 7:30pm
MAY 29
LIVE TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN 7:00pm KARAOKE NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 8:00pm
MAY 30
ARTS ALIVE GALLERY EXHIBITION @ Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, Florence AL FLORENCE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION MALEFICENT @ Your Local Theater A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST @ Your Local Theater
MAY 31
KARAOKE NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN 9:30pm
22 SPOTLIGHT
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SAY CHEESE!
SET READERS IN ACTION
PHOTOS BY KAT FORT, JUSTIN ARGO AND JAMES THIGPEN
MAY 2014
PHOTOS BY NAME AND NAME
2STEEL GIRLS PUCKETT’S GROCERY AND RESTAURANT, MARCH 22, PHOTOS BY KAT FORT
SAMANTHA & JOSH REINOHL
SETH AND EMELIA TRUELOVE
JAMESON STINNETT AND LORI BEARD
SARAH AND THAD POWELL
KRYSTAL STEEL OF 2STEEL GIRLS
HOWAIDA & JIMMY MOUSA
SYDNEY MILLER, KELI BARNETT, JESSICA SMALLEY, DANIEL BARNETT, SARA GREGORY, LAURA PICKARD AND ADAM CARPENTER
“I’M THE FIREBALL OF THE PARTY”
FIRST FRIDAYS DOWNTOWN FLORENCE, APRIL 4, PHOTOS BY JUSTIN ARGO
MAY 2014
SPOTLIGHT 23
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ERIN WILLIS & BRANDON CREASY
CHELSEA KEENUM, JAKE DENNISON, ALLISON MOORE, CLARK GREER & JOSH MEZA
ANDREW MAHAN
AMY DOTSON & TORI WHITEHEAD
MACKENZIE TUCKER
DOGWOOD VANDALS PEGASUS RECORDS, APRIL 4, PHOTOS BY JUSTIN ARGO
JAY BURGESS
PARKER NATHAN, LILLY LANTER AND JOSH ALLISON
MARY BETH COATS AND PAIGE HAMPTON
ALEX RICHEY, BRETT BURGESS AND RHEAGAN HENRY
24 SPOTLIGHT
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MAY 2014
MULE DAY PARADE COLUMBIA, TN, APRIL 5, PHOTOS BY KAT FORT
SABRINA TURNER AND CHAD MILLS
J.C. HAHN, BRANDI RUMMAGE, KATHRYN BRYANT AND MICHEAL MARLIN
PARTICIPANTS OF THE 2014 MULE DAY PARADE
SIDNEY BAXTE, AMBER ROBERTS AND LAYLA WOODSON
CHS NAVY JROTC
MAY 2014
SPOTLIGHT 25
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HORSE FEATHERS 116 E MOBILE, APRIL 9, PHOTOS BY JAMES THIGPEN
OLIVIA AND RYAN BACKER
MARY CATHERINE SMITH AND PHILLIP BLEVINS
PHILIP TOWNS AND KATELYN JOHNSON
KENNY HELMS AND ASHLEY WHITE
DYLAN LEBLANC
NATALIE EASTON AND RACHEL NIX
SAMANTHA THOMAS, ERIN MCALLISTER AND JENNIFER THOMAS
RHETT THIGPEN
LINDSAY KONIG AND KATIE KONIG
RECORD STORE DAY PEGASUS RECORDS, APRIL 19, PHOTOS BY JUSTIN ARGO
KRISTI O’DELL
26 MUSIC
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Country music was originally called ‘hilbilly music.’
COUNTRY REBORN
THAT’S HOW THEY ROLL.
A REVIVAL IS PUTTING THE TRY BACK IN COUNTRY Country music is a relatively young style of music. It makes sense that 100 years into it we would be at this place of desperation. We are at a time in the genre where country artists Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan need BMX stunt bikers and pyro to keep our attention — because that’s “how they roll.” How much further can we take it from here? More pyro? Two rap verses? I could be convinced country music has reached its crossover limit. “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” I’m reminded that Newton’s Third Law of Motion holds true to more than gravity. There’s a new, but familiar, sound coming from country music, and it’s not being delivered from your television set. Any time in society that we get to a place of extreme, there seems to always be a counterculture bringing it back to the basics (organic food anyone?). We are seeing this in country music now.
It’s not a glorification of better times, but rather a restoration of a simpler, more genuine approach to the music that makes us uniquely southern. The Kernal of Jackson, TN is doing just that. “I think that things are moving in a good direction culturally in the U.S. and that the poptimism of country music will get boring to more and more people,” said singer Joe Garner. “There’s always been good country music and there always will be.” We have the opportunity to witness this movement firsthand as regional country artists such as The Kernal, Jonny Fritz and Robert Ellis have been routing through our town. But it’s more than a new sound coming from the south; it’s a new attitude — one that embraces honesty (and doesn’t need pyro to keep your attention). “Life is full of cycles, but I like the cycles that have a triangle shape; they have a long green hill you can climb for a better view than anyone else, but then it’s time to go down and wait your turn again,” said Garner. This revival will most likely not result in a takeover of the country music charts, but like most counterculture movements before it, it will leave its mark by foreshadowing and influencing the music of tomorrow.
STORY BY CHRIS ANDERSON
MAY 2014
MAY 2014
SPECIAL FEATURE 27
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Amish people believe photos capture their souls.
Amish schooling goes only until the 8th grade.
LIVIN’ IN AN AMISH PARADISE AN UNEXPECTED DAY IN THE AMISH WORLD
RAISIN’ THE ROOF. When spring break 2014 finally arrived, you can only imagine where everyone and their grandma vacationed — the beach. Personally that didn’t tickle my fancy one bit. Those who know me well know that I’ve always had an insane infatuation with the Amish culture. I try and make my way to Lawrenceburg every few months to stock up on their homemade goods, but one thing I’ve always dreamed of doing is actually hanging out with a real Amish person. So, for spring break I traveled to Lawrenceburg, TN … alone. Some might think that’s silly, and that’s a perfectly suitable opinion, but traveling solo can sometimes open your eyes to new things you’d never have envisioned otherwise. In my case, I got to kick it with a real-life Amish man … for three hours. Here’s
how it all went down… On the day I drove to Lawrenceburg, I considered taking a horse and buggy tour through the Amish “community” by my lonesome, but I told myself, “Okay Alicia, that’s going a little too far. You’re already spending your spring break alone in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.” So, instead I drove through myself. After slowly passing a seemingly normal Amish home, my intuition told me to turn back around. The sweet, elderly Amish man who lived there was cute as a button! He was dressed in very basic attire: a white button-up, light blue pants, lace-up boots and a big hat. I made my awkward way over to his little “station” where he was selling things like pickles, salsa, bread and cookies (holy cow, talk about some top-of-the-line, divine foods). I
picked out a few things, purchased them and then we began to chat. I asked him about his family; he asked me about my family. What really sparked this conversation was when I mentioned the word “divorce.” In the Amish culture, divorce is an absolute no-no and “ruins families.” He believes that divorce is far more abusive to the children than actually spanking them for acting up, and I couldn’t have agreed with him more. I felt so comfortable talking with this random Amish man who I hadn’t any connections with whatsoever. He spoke with so much wisdom and insight, which made me want to talk even more, and so we did. If you weren’t aware, the Amish are pretty darn smart and can make pretty much anything. He ended up showing me some of the beautiful
furniture pieces he made. The neatest little contraption he showed me was a high chair, rocking horse and a school desk … all in one. I’m not gonna lie, it kind of blew me away. So here comes the best part — I was invited inside his home. Little ole me, kicked back in a beautiful rocking chair that he had made himself. I was in a state of exhilaration. I told him about my travels to Ireland and he questioned me on my experience for a while. He had a lot of questions about their culture and how they lived. It was so refreshing being able to share my experiences of travel with a man who was so eager to know more about places he probably would never be able to go himself. I’ve always kept a mental list of questions I’ve wanted to ask an Amish person and he was ever so willing to provide answers to everything I asked. What really blew me away was when he had no idea what a text message was (crazy, but not surprising)! So, I got up out of my chair and showed him how it all works. He laughed a little, giving me the hint that he had no interest in any of it. I don’t blame him. As our hangout session came to an end, he said to me, “I really respect you for respecting the Amish culture. You being the young woman you are, coming here alone and eager to learn more about my culture truly means a lot and I respect that.” Whoa. To say I was honored and overjoyed is an understatement. I told him that on my next trip to Lawrenceburg, I would be sure to pack a car full of friends and introduce them to the Amish lifestyle/culture. Moral to this story: Dive into new cultures. Become knowledgeable on ones you don’t know anything about. Be spontaneous. Don’t be afraid to do something you’re afraid of doing. Always have an open mind and an open heart.
STORY BY ALICIA THREET
28 HEALTH
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Urea, a chemical in urine, is found in cigarettes.
MAY 2014
Smoking near Macs voids the warranty.
THINK BEFORE YOU PUFF ARE E-CIGS THE ANSWER? In the late 1930s, everyone smoked, including women who were pregnant, and nobody knew it was bad for them. This continued until 1953, when scientific studies proved that cigarettes were extremely fatal to one’s health. Despite all the proven health risks caused by cigarettes, smoking is still an ongoing issue today. Some people who are trying to kick the habit have picked up on e-cigs, an electronic device that vaporizes liquids that can contain nicotine. E-cigs allow smokers to get smaller amounts
of nicotine, which is supposed to ‘wean’ them completely. But is this too good to be true? A Florence resident, who wished to remain anonymous, has been using e-cigs on and off for two years, but knows of others who are avid users. She feels that although it decreased their use of actual cigarettes, it increased their nicotine intake. This is because e-cigs are free of the cigarette odor, which allows users to puff wherever they please without consequence. Unlike other Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT), such as patches and gum, the FDA does not regulate e-cigs. Without regulation, e-cig companies can technically market to whomever they please, including children and pregnant women. Independent studies have shown that e-cigs still contain small amounts of Nitrosamines, Formaldehyde,
Acetalhyde and Acrolein in the vapor — which can also be found in cigarettes. Long-term use of e-cigs can still mutate our body’s cells just like cigarettes do. Jeremiah Sanders, manager at Ricatoni’s Italian Grill in Florence, sees a lot of customers using e-cigs in the restaurant. “E-cig users should be more considerate of non-smokers’ health and keep the using to a minimum inside,” he said. The lesson here is to educate yourself on what you’re putting into your body. History is history for a reason – let’s keep it that way.
STORY BY CATHERINE COUNTS
MAY 2014
SPECIAL FEATURE 29
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20% of women in the ‘50s worked outside the home.
Avg. annual income in the ‘50s was under $3,000.
PHOTO BY SARAH WALLEY
YOU’VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY TIMES HAVE CHANGED FOR WOMEN IN AMERICA (THANK GOODNESS!) Honestly, I could watch the AMC drama “Mad Men” all day. I love watching the glamorous women prance around in feminine dresses, sip cocktails and chat about their latest shopping trip. I imagine living in that time and trying to be as sensational as Joan, Megan and Betty from the show. But was it really that fabulous? We have come to think that this was a simpler time to live, but the more you delve into women’s roles in the 1950s, the more it seems like this time wasn’t such a golden age for us. During World War II, women in America were pushed into the workforce. With Rosie the Riveter being the poster child for strong empowered women, many ladies were leaving their household duties behind during the day and helping the war effort by working outside of the home. Women were emboldened, and learning trade skills gave us a surge in confidence that we hadn’t previously been able to attain. But, as soon as 1945 rolled around and the soldiers came home, many women were guided back into the home. If they did continue to work, they were moved from some of their more serious jobs into what were called “lace-collar” jobs, like clerical and secretarial work and department store sales. In the era of the baby boom, with over 78.3 million Americans being born between 1946 and 1964, the focus for most women was on the family unit. People were getting married and having babies (a lot of babies). From 1940 to 1960, the number of families with three children doubled and the number of families having four children quadrupled. Many women were married very soon after
the end of the war. Some dropped out of school, got married and pregnant and never looked back. According to the census bureau, in 1952, 75% of women were married with the average age for marriage being 21 years old. Culturally, a women’s place was firmly expected to be in the home, which was somewhat staggering to those who had worked during the war. This was the era of the ‘cheery homemaker.’ You can see it painted across the ads of the ‘50s portraying women as only cooks, wives and maids in their household. For young mothers in the 1950s, domesticity was culturally idealized and women were mostly encouraged to stay at home if their family could live off one paycheck. Women who chose to work when they didn’t need the paycheck would be considered selfish and seemed to be putting their needs before the needs of their family. I asked Muscle Shoals resident Jan Hopper about what she remembers from growing up in the ‘50s. “I only remember two moms in my entire neighborhood working when they had children. It was just assumed you would stay at home,” she said. “I remember it was very rare for mothers to work unless their family was in serious financial danger.” By the beginning of the 1960s and ‘70s, a quiet revolution began during which working women became more and more commonplace. Hopper’s mother, Ruth, said “I remember a Virginia Slims advertisement that bragged that women could now ‘bring home the bacon then fry it in a pan’ — it was kind of an empowering concept for women at that time.” Unfortunately, we had a steep hike to get where we are now. Many women today choose to be homemakers, and
there’s nothing wrong with that, but it is nice to live in a world with a choice, and women in the ‘50s didn’t seem to have many options. Not until 1957 was the ratio of male to female voters 1:1, and not until 1961 did President Kennedy establish the President’s Commission on the Status of Women, which dealt with issues of discrimination against women in the workplace, specifically targeting fair hiring practices, paid maternity leave and affordable child care. So ladies, lets emulate 1950s women by wearing vintage style
bathing suits, putting barrel curls in our hair and maybe even wearing those little gloves if we want to feel fancy. At the same time, let’s remember that we have a plethora of opportunities available to us that weren’t easy options then. We have it pretty good now, but it has taken us a long time to get here.
STORY BY CLAIRE STEWART
30 FREESTYLE
FREESTYLE
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MAY 2014
ONE FINAL THOUGHT
DOWNTOWN FLORENCE
MAY 2014
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FREESTYLE 31
account on campus at the University of North Alabama or any of our CO-OP Shared Branches located worldwide. To find the location nearest you, go to co-opsharedbranch.org