Culture Focus - Macon County Tourism Guide

R E S OU R CE G UI D E

August 2010

and Unincorporated areas

Macon County, Alabama

History

Heritage

Hospitality

OR MORE THAN A CENTURY,

F

TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY

HAS IMPACTED SOCIETY IN NEARLY EVERY

INDUSTRY BENEFICIAL TO MANKIND.

WASHINGTON’S

VISION IN

1881

FROM BOOKER T.

TO TODAY’S EVIDENT

REALIZATION OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE,

TUSKEGEE

CONTINUES TO SOAR TO GREATER HEIGHTS, MAKING ITS MARK ON A GLOBAL COMMUNITY.

FOR INFORMATION

VISIT WWW.TUSKEGEE.EDU OR CALL

(800) 622-6531

Tuskegee University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award doctoral, professional, master’s and bachelor’s degrees.

Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Tuskegee University.

T

he production and publication of this Macon County Tourism Resource Guide was made possible through the a USDA Cooperative agreement with Tuskegee University Rural Business and its Economic Development Program. Tourism can bring prosperity and change to long-isolated communities.

It is impossible in this first of-a-kind guide, focusing on Macon County’s rich past and evolving present to survey the topic comprehensively, or even to include all significant historical sites. This work is necessarily selective rather than all encompassing. By using photographs to highlight a few examples, Dr. Youssouf Diabate this resource guide attempts to call attention to the composition of our rural landscapes and tourism assets. By tracing the stories of a few local, state, and national patterns of development and by looking closely at a few communities, congregations, families, and individuals as well as their hopes, purposes, and endeavors, it hints at the complexity of the stories that permeate Macon County and its affiliated towns and cities.

This resource guide will be used as a tool for economic development in Macon County and others like it will be replicated for other Black Belt communities. It is a tool to be used along with other strategies to grow tourism business. As the volume of tourists increases, so will the need for restaurants, souvenir and novelty stores, other retail establishments, tour guide services, still and video photography and other businesses throughout the county all of which can derive income from visitors. This may spawn additional tourism infrastructure including new hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfast operations. The resource guide will increase awareness, trigger interests and boost tourism, thereby creating business opportunities, jobs and new income. Tuskegee University’s Rural Business and Economic Development Program is grateful for the steady encouragement and expert assistance from economic and business developers from USDA Rural Development’s state office, especially Mary Ann Clayton; and Quinton Harris, who often remind us of what rural development is all about.

The mission of USDA Rural Development and Tuskegee University Rural Business and Economic Development Program is to: enhance the quality of life for all rural Americans by providing leadership in building competitive businesses and cooperatives that can prosper in the global marketplace. Rural Development accomplishes this mission by investing its financial resources and/or technical assistance in businesses, cooperatives, and communities, and by building partnerships that leverage public, private, and cooperative resources to stimulate rural economics.

Finally, I want to thank Mr. Edgar L. Lewis, Program Manager, USDA Rural Development, Cooperative Programs, USDA’s Alabama state office and it’s Director, Mr. Ronald W. Davis and Acting Administrator of Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program, Dr. Ntam Baharanyi for encouraging and supporting this project. We hope that this publication will help to convey the message and mission of USDA and the university to a wider audience, and thereby promote and expand the appreciation and preservation of Macon County’s historical legacy.

Respectfully,

Youssouf Diabate, Ph.D Director Rural Business and Economic Development Program Tuskegee University Tuskegee, Alabama

The mission of the Alabama Rural Action Commission (ARAC) is to measurably improve the quality of life in Alabama's rural areas by working with citizens of Alabama and external parties who offer support.

I am honored to co-chair the ARAC South Central Alabama Action Commission Tourism Committee, which consists of 11 counties; Autauga, Bullock, Butler, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Montgomery, Pike and Russell. The hard working, dedicated committee members visited every single county in our jurisdiction over the last year.

The committee discussed the many ways to build on the tourism assets that we have in this diverse region. We shared ideas, from a mobile unit for customer service training to helping the incentive bill for the film industry get passed to vacationing in our own backyards. I am happy to say that the Region 5 meetings over the last year have energized leaders throughout the region about the very real prospects of growing tourism from where it is now to a much bigger and stronger industry.

I look forward to another year of working with all 11 counties, engaging in the productive dialog that takes place, marveling at the creative sparks that get ignited and articulating a healthy respect for the leadership of the governments and institutions in Region 5 counties, cities and towns. Our work is an on-going process intended to maximize tourism in each of the communities within our target area.

For this reason, I applaud the Macon County Tourism Resource Guide for being a tangible example of the commitment to tourism growth. This publication showcases highly visible treasures and also brings attention to hidden tourism gems.

It provides yet another tool for enhancing the tourist experience when people visit Macon County and may even entice local citizens to become tourists right here at home for a day or a weekend.

The goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and businesses and the Macon County Tourism Resource Guide is a step in the right direction.

Respectfully,

Pebblin W. Warren Alabama State Representative & Co-Chair, ARAC Region 5 Tourism Committee

Tuskegee Airmen Museum

Lifting the Veil of Ignorance

Historic Homes

Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

Hunting and Fishing George Washington Carver Museum

Little Texas Tabernacle

Harris Barrett School

Victoryland Casino

All Macon County Day Parade

NOTASULGA

FRANKLIN

SHORTER

TUSKEGEE

Macon County was created by the Alabama Legislature on December 18,1832 from territory acquired from the last cession of the Creek Indians, March 24,1832. It was named for Nathaniel Macon, a distinguished soldier and statesman from North Carolina. Macon County received its present dimensions in 1866.

It encompasses 614 square miles. The county seat is located at Tuskegee, which means "warrior" in the Muskhogean dialect of the Creek Indian language. Tuskegee is also the site of Tuskegee University.

Other towns and communities include Shorter, Franklin, and Notasulga. The Tuskegee National Forest is located in Macon County.

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Macon County Little Known Facts 1. Tuskegee University’s band is the oldest HBCU marching band.

2. Tuskegee University was the first HBCU to have a football stadium.

3. Osceola, the legendary Seminole Chief, was born in Macon County.

4. Macon County originally included neighboring cities, Union Springs and Auburn.

5. Tuskegee National Forest is the smallest national forest in America.

6. Macon County was once covered by a prehistoric ocean.

7.

8.

The Rosenwald School program was originally started by Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University).

The Town of Shorter was named after Governor John Gill Shorter.

9. In 1842, Amos Moore purchased 160 acres of land and the area became known as Moore’s Cross Roads. In 1849, the name was changed to Notasulga.

10. Railroad service first came to Macon County in 1840 when the Montgomery Railroad reached Franklin.

11. Tuskegee suffered a fire in 1858, which destroyed most of the downtown area.

12.Tuskegee was named after a nearby Creek Indian village.

7

Contents

8 9

10 11

12 13

16-17 19-20 21 22

23-24 25-26 27 28 29 29

REDISCOVER TUSKEGEE ON THE SQUARE

TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY

TUSKEGEE AIRMEN MUSEUM THE OAKS

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER MUSEUM TUSKEGEE MULTICULTURAL CENTER

WHERE TO WORSHIP IN MACON COUNTY

HORSING AROUND IN MACON COUNTY THE TOWN OF NOTASULGA, ALABAMA SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH THE CHEEK COLLECTION

WHIPPOORWILL VINEYARDS

THE TOWN OF SHORTER, ALABAMA

THE TOWN OF FRANKLIN, ALABAMA LITTLE TEXAS TABERNACLE HARRIS BARRETT SCHOOL

PUBLISHER

Noah Anthony Hopkins

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Karin Grant Hopkins

EDITOR

Dionne Y. Inman

ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGN Noah Anthony Hopkins

PHOTOGRAPHY

Noah Anthony Hopkins

COMMUNITY TOURISM NETWORK, INC. 608 Dibble Street Tuskegee, Alabama 36083 334.725.8496

tourismresource@gmail.com A SPECIAL THANKS Information Courtesy of: Tuskegee Human & Civil Rights Multicultural Center

c 2010 Community Tourism Network, Inc.

USDA Rural Development, Cooperative Programs Alabama State Representative, Pebblin W. Warren Rural Business and Economic Development Program Tuskegee University Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program *Historic photos courtesy of Tuskegee University Archives

UBT is a financially sound, professional organization providing benchmark quality electric, water and wastewater services to residential, commercial and industrial customers within the Macon County service area. UBT seeks to be a proactive leader in delivering utility services throughout Macon County Alabama.

101 Fonville Street Tuskegee, AL 36083 Phone: 334.720.0700 www.yourubt.com

7

City Hall and Municipal Complex

he rediscovery process is fascinating. The journey T engages you in Tuskegee's glorious history, welcomes you to Tuskegee's present-day rebirth and tempts you to

explore Tuskegee's promising future. It is believed that the City was named after an Indian tribe called the Taskigis and that the land was also home to other Indians including the Channuanugee, Chehaws and Tallassee tribes.

Tuskegee began its transition to a developed city in 1833 when it was founded and laid out by General Thomas Simpson Woodward who fought in the Indian Wars under Andrew Jackson.

Tuskegee was incorporated in 1843. The momentum that occurred during the rest of the 1800's established the City's reputation as an educational powerhouse.

The Baptist College for Women Tuskegee Female College (Later moved to Montgomery as Huntingdon College) Tuskegee University Dr. George Washington Carver Joins Tuskegee University Faculty

1848 1856 1881

1896

Tuskegee has wisely preserved its history while simultaneously preparing for the years ahead. Today it still has old world charm, with a city center dominated by the town square. There you will find a serene park, quaint storefronts and genuine southern hospitality. The future will usher in a new era of progress and prosperity that will include healthy nurturing of tourism by business and government leaders and friendly overtures to tourists. We hope you take us seriously when we say it's time to REDISCOVER TUSKEGEE. Cruising the pages of this tourism guide is a step in the right direction.

TUSKEGEE, the home of Tuskegee University, is located 40 miles east of Montgomery. The population is approximately 12,500, including approximately 3,600 students at Tuskegee University. Tuskegee is “the cradle of Black aviation� in America and home of the famous Tuskegee Airmen. Visitors will find Tuskegee a beautiful city with a topography of rolling hills, spruce pines, lakes, streams and meadows.

Beautiful Lake Tuskegee

Home on Lake Tuskegee

Municipal Government

Mayor Council-at-Large Council District 1 Council District 2 Council District 3

Omar Neal Mae Doris Williams Lutalo K. Aryee Willie Louise Fields Georgette White-Moon

Senior Management Team

City Manager Deputy City Clerk Economic & Community Development Director Finance Dept.

Acting Fire Chief Chief, Public Safety Director, Senior Citizens

Alfred J. Davis, Sr. Gwendolyn Hughley Diane White Harvey Smith Fred Iverson Lester Patrick Jeanette Alexander

101 Fonville Street Tuskegee, Alabama 36083 Phone: (334) 720-0500 www.tuskegeealabama.org

334-720-0515 334-720-0537

334-720-0555 334-720-0542 334-720-6107 334-720-0200 334-724-2137

c 2010 Community Tourism Network, Inc.

8

C

Charlie and Lyn Thompson

harlie and Lyn Thompson did something many couples do each night, fall asleep with the television set on.

Around 3 a.m., the set’s flickering light woke Lyn, and as her eyes slowly began to focus on the screen, she could see something that had her about ready to jump through the roof.

It was comedian Bill Cosby and he was wearing a Tuskegee University T-shirt that the couple’s company had designed.

“Wake up, Charlie, wake up and look at the TV,” she told her husband. “Bill Cosby is wearing your T-shirt.”

One look at the screen through blurry eyes produced the same reaction from the professor-coach-businessman.

“My mouth dropped open and I couldn’t believe it,” recalled Thompson, 64. “We sold thousands of the shirts in the weeks after the episode ran.”

What they saw early that morning was a brief preview of Cosby’s final program and Lyn

just happened to wake up at that moment early in the morning.

For a man who spent much of his academic career as a coach and teacher, Thompson couldn’t have had a bigger thrill. It was as though he had just made a last second full-court desperation shot that zipped through the net at the buzzer.

Most of Thompson’s adult life has been spent in college classrooms working toward a doctorate in physical education. His foray into the business world was something he hadn’t expected two decades ago.

He eventually retired from teaching and coaching at Tuskegee University and concentrated full-time on his T-shirt business.

The orders kept coming, and the couple found themselves working overtime to keep up with everything at “Charlie T’s,” which is named for the owner and his product.

Lyn handles orders over the phone and takes care of other details at the business, which is located at the courthouse square in downtown Tuskegee.

They also sell other Tuskegee University paraphernalia, ranging from bomber jackets to baseball caps. Tuskegee Airmen items are popular sellers too.

With his success in coaching and business, don’t be surprised if Charlie Thompson can help bring prosperity to the whole town.

If it happens, it should suit everybody to a “T.” *Courtesy of the Montgomery Advertiser Written by: Al Benn

2010 Macon County Alabama Tourism Resource Guide

A

In Tuskegee

llen aka “Bobo” and Beverly O’Rourke were enjoying the sweet serenity of retirement when they switched gears and opened a business selling sweets. The couple owns Tiger Pause, a popular coffee shop located on the Square in downtown Tuskegee, which offers 100% fruit smoothies, sandwiches, salads, chips, fresh baked cookies and pies.

This a second career for both Allen and Beverly. In 2001, he retired after 30 years as an executive administrator for Los Beverly and Allen O’Rourke Angeles Housing Authority.

Though the grandchildren Long before, she had retired motivated them initially to open from her job at the Los Angeles a business here Bobo actually County Department of Mental has old ties to this place. His Health. Leisure activities like mother was born and raised in movies, finding new places for Tuskegee though she moved eating out and traveling became away and never brought her son their full time hobbies. But all to her hometown and his father four of their granddaughters de- attended Tuskegee University. cided to attend Tuskegee Uni- So, coming here reconnected versity. the family with their roots.

While visiting the city, the O’Rourkes noticed the city lacked a standard college town amenity—a coffee shop with technology bells and whistles.

This void became their business opportunity. They opened Tiger Pause offering free wi-fi and tasty coffee shop delectables.

The shop recently added a backroom lounge serving beer, wine and cocktails.

Today, Tiger Pause is embraced by local citizens and also patronized by university students. The O’Rourkes have become permanent residents of Tiger Pause hours are 7am to Tuskegee and are active in the 8pm Monday through Friday and 10am to 2pm on Saturday. community.

Coffee Smoothies Sandwiches Cookies Pies Free Wi-Fi

Tuskegee University Continues to Make Mark of Excellence in Global Society

9

“What I saw was an incredible openness and interest in ideas to allow faculty to better serve their VWXGHQWV 7KH\ WUXO\ XQGHUVWDQG WKH LQVWLWXWLRQ¡V mission,â€? he said. “There are too few major institutions that are doing what Tuskegee does.â€?

The world and beyond

7XVNHJHH¡V VWXGHQWV UHJXODUO\ SDUWLFLSDWH LQ UHVHDUFK DQG SURMHFWV WKDW EHQHÀW QRW RQO\ 0DFRQ &RXQW\ where it is located, but the world and beyond. Each program exposes students to innovative research and valuable projects that reach beyond the classroom.

TUSKEGEE, Ala. – Tuskegee University is continuing a legacy of academic excellence and innovation. The living history of great early contributors, such as Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, Robert Taylor and the Tuskegee Airmen are etched in American history. The contemporary and global reputation of the university attracts thousands of students to the internationally recognized institution each year. Its nationally ranked accredited programs make the University a vibrant and relevant higher education option.

´7KH VSLULW RI H[FHOOHQFH WKDW SHUVRQLÀHV Tuskegee has never been more evident,� said Dr. Benjamin F. Payton, Tuskegee University President.

Tuskegee is an independent and state-related institution of higher education. Its programs serve a student body of over 3,000 that is coeducational as well as racially, ethnically and religiously diverse.

With a strong orientation toward disciplines which highlight the relationship between education, research and work force preparation in the sciences, professions and technical areas, Tuskegee also emphasizes the importance of the liberal arts as a foundation for successful careers in all areas.

The academic programs are organized into ÀYH &ROOHJHV WKH &ROOHJH RI $JULFXOWXUDO (QYLURQPHQWDO DQG 1DWXUDO 6FLHQFHV WKH &ROOHJH RI %XVLQHVV DQG ,QIRUPDWLRQ 6FLHQFH WKH &ROOHJH of Engineering, Architecture and Physical Sciences;

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The University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges DQG 6FKRROV 6$&6 DQG WKH IROORZLQJ SURJUDPV DUH DFFUHGLWHG E\ QDWLRQDO DJHQFLHV $UFKLWHFWXUH %XVLQHVV (GXFDWLRQ (QJLQHHULQJ &OLQLFDO /DERUDWRU\ Sciences, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Social :RUN DQG 9HWHULQDU\ 0HGLFLQH

´, DP FRQĂ€GHQW WKDW RXU SURJUDPV DQG this institution are stronger as a result of these accreditations,â€? Payton said. “They exemplify rigor, innovation and success in academic and professional work environments and underscore the contemporary global reputation of the university.â€?

Excellence noticed

Often recognized by U.S. News and World Report and other national publications, Tuskegee is recognized for its small class sizes, and dedicated faculty and staff. The institution was most recently QDPHG WKH 1R +%&8 +LVWRULFDOO\ %ODFN &ROOHJHV DQG 8QLYHUVLWLHV LQ WKH VWDWH RI $ODEDPD DQG WKH 1R 6 HBCU in the nation.

Philip Uri Treisman, regarded as one of the leading experts on the development of programs aimed at increasing minority participation in mathematics at all levels, recently served as consultant for a two-day faculty development workshop at Tuskegee University. He said he was impressed with the eagerness of the Tuskegee University faculty to learn from him and others, as well as the innovative programs the institution offers to impact student success.

“The spirit of excellence that personifies Tuskegee has never been more evident.�

— Dr. Benjamin F. Payton

For example, through a partnership with NASA, students were able to help the agency discover ways to grow food in space and more. In recent years, the focus has been on previous research conducted on sweet potatoes and peanuts, hydroponic production of salad crops, waste recycling on mission, and pursuing commercialization on earth of products already developed for space.

Architecture students have been able to compete in solar house competitions, as well as build a fully functioning “greenâ€? house and participate RQ PDQ\ RI WKH XQLYHUVLW\¡V FDSLWDO SURMHFWV +HDOWK professions students are engaged in rigorous preparation to impact both human and animal health. Business students participate in annual competitions that not only hone their sales and marketing, and analytical skills, but expose corporate leaders and recruiters to a new generation of potential talent. And, many of engineering students are participating in robotics, materials design and DXWRPRWLYH UHVHDUFK WR LPSDFW WKH UHJLRQ¡V JURZWK The possibilities are endless.

The ultimate goal of such research and programs echoes what Tuskegee is all about, Payton said.

´7XVNHJHH¡V PLVVLRQ KDV DOZD\V EHHQ VHUYLFH WR people, not education for its own sake ‌ stressing the need to educate the whole person – the hand and the heart as well as the mind.�

For more information about Tuskegee University, visit www.tuskegee.edu.

10

N

National Historic Site

ested right off of Interstate 85, exit 38 (Tuskegee/Notasulga), in Tuskegee, AL, is one of the most captivating and riveting historical attractions recently established by legislation, Public Law 105-355, and identified as a unit under the National Park Service – The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. This legislation established the park in order to commemorate and interpret, in association with Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., and Tuskegee University, the heroic actions of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. Congress authorized up to $29.1 million to develop visitor facilities and restore Moton Field, home of primary training for the Tuskegee Airmen, in accordance with the 1998 Moton Field/Tuskegee Airmen Special Resource Study.

As you make your way off the interstate to Moton Field, where it all began for the Tuskegee Airmen, you will find a temporary Visitor Center, erected and open to the public in 2002, complete with exhibits, a video presentation, and informational maps and guides that will lead you to the historic core of Moton Field to begin your tour. Hangar 1, the first structure built at Moton Field in 1941, has been totally restored and would provide you with a “stepping back in time” experience you will always treasure! The museum is housed with a variety of interpretive materials ranging from unique exhibits to oral history stations to trainer planes to museum objects – the list goes on! A National Park Service Park Guide or Park Ranger will provide you with a guided tour, ranging anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour (depending on the number of visitors in your party), or feel free to roam the museum at your leisure with your map.

In addition to Hangar 1, there will be three other museums onsite that you will be able to visit once they are fully complete. They include: Hangar 2, the Control Tower, and the Skyway Club (or the All Ranks Club). Two of the three structures have been restored with Hangar 2 being a reconstruction item.

Planning for the interpretive media for these museums is currently underway.

The National Park Service in conjunction with their legislative partners and other stakeholders are working diligently as they step into this all important phase.

Historic preservation within the National Park Service does not only apply to structures, but also to the surrounding land areas of those historic structures. Therefore, a very robust historical landscaping plan has been adopted and will be carried out in the final construction phase to begin Fall of 2010. Within the 44 acres of the entire historic site, plantings, ground cover, and the like, that are indigenous to this particular area of Alabama, will adorn the land area. All in all, the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site will be nearing completion within the next couple of years.

As you can see, the National Park Service is truly dedicated to this project and its mandate to protect and preserve the legacy of the famed Tuskegee Airmen and Moton Field. The educational impact the site has had on children and adults of all ages is evident on a daily basis as people from all of the nation and the world leave the site with deep appreciation of these WWII heroes.

We are located at:

Top inset: Moton Field Airport Sign, Top full: Hanger #1 houses the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Museum, Second from Top: Parachute Folding Table, Third from Top: PT17 Steerman used for training airmen Bottom: Engine and photo of mechanic installing an engine.

2010 Macon County Alabama Tourism Resource Guide

Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site 1616 Chappie James Avenue Tuskegee, AL 36083 Main Telephone: (334) 724-0922 Reservations: (334) 724-0906 (Recommended for groups of 10 or more) Fax: (334) 724-0952 Website: www.nps.gov/tuai Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST, 7 days a week (Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day).

The Oaks

11

THE HOME OF BOOKER T. WASHINGTON

The Oaks

The Oaks was Washington's command center and Tuskegee Institute's social center. It was a place of employment and an on-the-job training site for students.

African-American educators, businessmen, and farmers were entertained there. Faculty members often called on Sunday afternoons but Washington often "cloistered himself in his office on Sunday afternoons, while his wife Margaret was entertaining young faculty members in the parlor."

Tuskegee's 25th anniversary in 1906 brought prominent people to the home, including Secretary of War William Howard Taft, Harvard The Study president Charles W. Eliot, and philanthropist Andre Carnegie.

The Oaks housed a reception for President Theodore Roosevelt and another for the wedding of Washington's daughter, Portia.

The Parlor The Oaks was designed by Robert Taylor who was the first African American to graduate from MIT and is credited with organizing the Institute’s architecture department. Construction of the home began in 1899 with the family moving into the house in 1900. The Queen Anne-style home was the first home in Macon County to have indoor plumbing and electricity. Booker T. Washington was on vacation in Europe the year construction began. The frieze murals in the parlor, library and dining room depict highlights of this trip.

Booker T. Washington in his office at Tuskegee

Bricklaying, a practical, productive skill, was taught at the school. The bricks at the home were made by students who were also responsible for the construction of the building, with the assistance of faculty members. The Tuskegee brickyard produced enough bricks to sell the surplus to the community and provide the school with an income. Brick making began in 1883, but was not an instant success. Only after ruining many bricks did the novice brick makers finally master the craft. Tuskegee students used brick fired from clay dug on the Tuskegee farm to erect many of the school's buildings. The wood used for the construction, as well as the many Oak trees planted near the home, was the inspiration for its name. The Oaks sat on three acres of gardens, orchards, and pastures and provided tangible evidence of Washington’s success.

After a grueling speaking tour, Washington was hospitalized in New York City. Desperately ill with what some now believe to be kidney failure and with a short time to live, he said, "I was born in the South, I have lived and labored in the South, and I expect to be buried in the South."

He insisted on going home. On November 14, 1915, Booker T. Washington died at his home in beloved Tuskegee.

The National Park Service manages Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site which includes the George Washington Carver Museum and The Oaks, Booker T. Washington’s home.

Tours of the Oaks start at the George Washington Carver Museum–check at the front desk for tour times or call 334-727-3200. c 2010 Community Tourism Network, Inc.

The George Washington Carver Museum

12

"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these." George Washington Carver

While living on a farm in Missouri, George Washington Carver dreamed of getting an education. At that time, he couldn’t have known how he himself would positively impact the educational dreams of so many people. Carver had several strikes against him as a child. He was born a slave and contracted whooping cough early which made him physically weak. His father was killed in a logging accident before he was born and Carver and his mother were both kidnapped by slave raiders when he was a baby. Carver was located and returned to Missouri, but his mother was never found. All of these obstacles didn’t deter him. Carver was an inquisitive child and wanted to learn everything he could about the plants, rocks, and animals that he discovered in the woods, prairies and creeks in his rural Missouri home.

Carver became very skilled at reviving sick plants that he nurtured and his reputation became so well known that he was nicknamed the “Plant Doctor”.

Carver left his birthplace at the age of twelve in search of an education that led him from Missouri to Kansas to Iowa.

It was in Iowa that he said that he was treated like a human being for the first time. He was the first African American to attend and graduate from Iowa State and then became a faculty member of his alma mater. It was while he was in Iowa that he received a letter from an educator in Alabama named Booker T. Washington. He invited him to join him at Tuskegee Institute to establish the school’s agricultural department. While he loved Iowa, he felt a calling to go to Tuskegee. Thus began the next stage of his life that would 2010 Macon County Alabama Tourism Resource Guide

begin and end in Tuskegee Institute. While in Tuskegee he taught and conducted research – two of his favorite things. It was here that he became famous for his research with peanuts and sweet potatoes.

While visiting the George Washington Carver Museum you will learn not only about the life and research of Carver but you will also see items from his laboratory, paint samples that he created from Alabama clay and several of his paintings. The story of Tuskegee Institute is also told through displays, exhibits and artifacts. The Booker T. Washington Moveable School on Wheels can be seen as well as P.H. Polk’s camera.

The historic site is the only national park on an active college campus with Tuskegee University being the only college campus designated a National Historic District. The Carver Museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. There is no charge for visiting the museum or the home. For more information, call 334-727-3200 or access www.nps.gov/tuin.

The National Park Service manages Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site which includes the George Washington Carver Museum and The Oaks, Booker T. Washington’s home.

Check at the front desk for tour times or call 334-727-3200.

Local tourism treasure...

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The Tuskegee Human and Civil Rights Multicultural Center

The first gallery covers local history. It begins 65 million years ago, specifying the first plant and animal life in the area. It then progresses to detailing the arrival of Native Americans, Europeans and Africans and how they interacted with one another to form modern day Macon County. The middle gallery details the history of the syphilis study. It also acts as a memorial to the research subjects of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. The third gallery outlines Macon County’s role in the civil rights movement. It is divided into three sections including the vital role law played in civil rights and Tuskegee’s involvement in voting rights. The last section features the Tuskegee Land Utilization Project, which redistributed land f you’re a history buff seeking a good find, or are to poor black farmers in the 1930s. It also focuses on traveling along I-85 approaching Tuskegee looking for tourism and recreational activities in and around the county.

The Center also spotlights modern culture. An open a stopping point, look no further. gallery, on the second floor, at times exhibits art, hosts Your air-conditioned, restroom equipped, conferences and lectures and other events. destination spot in Macon County is only a A new exhibit is currently being planned on few miles away. From Exit 38 or Exit 32, Macon County’s musical legacy, including travel to downtown and stop at 104 South Tuskegee and Tuskegee Institute. This Elm Street. exhibit is being created as part of the The Tuskegee Human and Civil Alabama Tourism Department’s 2011 Rights Multicultural Center’s mission is Year of Music activities and events. to recognize and preserve the legacies of For more information, contact the Native Americans, African Americans Tuskegee Human and Civil Rights and European Americans, that were Center at (334) 724-0800 for a schedule influential in establishing Macon County. of hours to tour the museum, or get a sneak In fact, the center’s logo depicts the faces peek online at www.tuskegeecenter.org. of the county’s three founding ethnicities. The museum, designated the official visitor’s center Used and excerpted with permission from the Utilities Board of Tuskegee. for Macon County and the City of Tuskegee and located in downtown Tuskegee, also assists in guiding tourists to other points of interest in the county.

Founded in 1997, it unlocks the well-kept secret of Macon County’s rich history. Although well known to natives who take pride in being from a historically important community, by and large, Thomas Coley, Executive Director of the Center, said others are generally unaware of its history. The Center represents, by gallery, the presentation of the small county’s big history.

“This is a place for learning, educating and broadening the minds of people that would otherwise never be exposed to it,” said Coley.

The Center’s exhibits are divided into three galleries.

I

c 2010 Community Tourism Network, Inc.

Tuskegee Heritage Museum

Type of farm tools used

by Dr.Carver

Charles Kirk with early 1900s wood stove

125 National Forest Road 949 Tuskegee, AL 334-727-2652

2010 Macon County Alabama Tourism Resource Guide

Charles C. Kirk, the founder of the Tuskegee Heritage Museum started collecting artifacts in 1950 to preserve the history of Tuskegee and Macon County. Many of the items displayed are more than 100 years old. The artifacts range from artwork carved in stone by Macon County indian tribes, farm tools used at the turn-of-the century, coin collection with Dr. George Washington Carver likeness, Tuskegee Airmen memorabilia and thousands of other interesting items.

The building housing the museum is itself historical and was constructed over 150 years ago. (located at 109 Westside St., Tuskegee, AL.)

Program for 1939 visit

by Pres. Roosevelt

Turn-of-the century telephone

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

I

t is known that a congregation worshipping as the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church was organized no later than the year 1882. Historical records state that a Rev. Anderson, who was known as a revivalist, served as pastor of the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church and also served the congregation at Bethel. The congregation held services on Alexander Street, which was then known as Bethel Hill. Rev. Anderson's tenure was evidently short, for this is the only known reference of him.

The first pastor that Bethel would call was Rev. D. T. Gulley, a product of Selma University. He worked faithfully until his death. The church then secured the leadership of Rev. Hawthorne of Union Springs, Alabama. It was under his leadership that the congregation moved to Brooks Circle. Rev. Hawthorne served until his death. Rev. Archie of Tuskegee accepted the pastorate and held the Church together during some difficult times. In the midst of his labors, God called him to rest.

This rapid turnover in the pastorate came to a halt in 1917 when Rev. B. J. Smith was called as Pastor. During his tenure as Pastor, the structure in which the congregation had been worshipping, was destroyed by a windstorm. The congregation purchased the present site and built another edifice, which was soon destroyed by fire. Undaunted, the membership, under Rev. Smith's leadership, built a second structure. Rev. Smith served until his death in 1933.

Again, Bethel was without a pastor, and Rev. H. H. Harris accepted the pastorate. It was under his leadership that

15

"We are a Spirit Filled, Community and Family Oriented Church on the move for God. "

the present building was erected. The church flourished under his administration until his death in June 1961.

Rev. K.G. Jones From 1961-1973, the following men served as Pastors: Rev. V. C. Provit, Rev. C. C. Garrett, Rev. W. F. Goynes (under whom the church building was remodeled) and Rev. J. Wilkerson.

In 1973, Rev. Leonza Harris accepted the pastorate and served 17 years. It was during Rev. Harris’ leadership that the church began its radio ministry and operated a day care center.

From March 1990 to April 1993, Rev. Ervin D. Ward served as pastor. Bethel’s present pastor, Rev. Kenneth G. Jones served the church as Pulpit Conductor in May 1993. Later as the church searched for a pastor, Rev. Jones served as Interim Pastor. He accepted the Pastorate in December 1993.

Web address: www.betheltuskegee.org, Live radio broadcast on WBIL radio 11:30-12:45 every Sunday except 5th Sundays.

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

802 Bethel Street • Tuskegee, Alabama 36083 334-727-7961 • 334-727-9946 Sunday Morning Service: 10:45 a.m.

Bible Study Wednesday 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Sunday School every Sunday at 9:15 a.m.

c 2010 Community Tourism Network, Inc.

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Where to Worship in Macon County

Antioch Baptist Church 1220 County Rd 5...........334-727-5824

Greater White Church 35779 Cnty Rd 2 Shorter..334-725-0091

Nebraska Missionary Church Hardaway........................334-727-4603

Bethel Baptist Church 802 Bethel St Tskgee.......334-727-7961

Jehovah’s Witnesses Tuskegee AL 1410 Notasulga Hwy........334-727-3152

New Hope Baptist Church 1903 Chappie James Dr...334-727-0613

Apostolic Faith Mission Inc 3820 Washington Av........334-727-2631

Bradford’s Chapel UMC 2091 County Rd 29.........334-727-6333

Butler Chapel AME Zion Church 1002 N Church St Tskgee334-727-3550

Greenwood Missionary Baptist Church 1510 Washington Av........334-727-0871

Jubilee Christian Fellowship Intl Midway............................334-727-5833

Chehaw AME Zion Church Highway 199....................334-727-9159

Pit Stop People in Transition 302 S. Elm St Tuskegee...334-727-6940

Divine Inspirational Gospel Church 4771 Hwy 199 Tskgee......334-727-9846

Macedonia Baptist Church 1260 County Rd 10 Tskg..334-727-6468

Faith Ministries PAW 2501 Holy Ghost Circle...334-727-1491

Masjid Ash-Shura 906 Franklin Rd, Tuskegee, AL 36088

Fort Hull Community Church 4774 County Rd 45.........334-727-1287

Franklin Church 2700 Cnty Rd 27 Tskgee..334-727-4411 Friendship Baptist Church Brown St...........................334-727-3455

God House Of Prayer 408 S Elm St...................334-724-9961 Greater St. Mark Missionary Bpt Church 3403 W MLK. Hwy...........334-727-1780

New Mount Pleasant Baptist Church 426 County Rd13 Shrtr.....334-727-9026

Pine Grove Baptist Church 7936 County Rd 40.........334-724-0020

Daniel Baptist Church 1201 Gautier St..............334-727-1900

Eternal Life Temple of God 89 West Ave Tuskegee....334-725-1555

New Hope Baptist Church 1 1585 Banks McDade Rd..334-727-5004

New Life Church of God In Christ 1205 E MLK Hwy Tskgee.334-727-5011

Church Of Christ 1702 S. Main St...............334-727-7200

Divine Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Central Milstead Rd Shrtr.334-727-1317

New Elam Missionary Baptist Church 1707 County Rd 48.........334-724-9907

Pleasant Springs Baptist Church Pleasant Springs Dr.........334-727-1166

Providence Missionary Baptist Church Society Hill Rd.................334-727-2063

Mary Magdalene Baptist Church 4294 Cross Keys Rd Shrt.334-727-2923

Rising Star Baptist Church 2603 County Rd 53..........334-724-6600

Mt Calvary Missionary Christian Church 1504 Bruce St..................334-727-1006

Saint James AME Church 609 White St.....................334-725-1486

Mt Nebo Baptist Church 7677 US Hwy 29S Tskge..334-727-5113

Mt Olive Missionary Christian Church 410 Cedar St Tskgee........334-727-3080 Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church 33800 County Rd 2 Shrtr..334-727-2439 Mt Pleasant Baptist Church Highway 26......................334-727-5383

2010 Macon County Alabama Tourism Resource Guide

Rock Of Ages Baptist Church 3004 County Rd 27.........334-727-4179

Saint John AME Zion Church 1406 Clark Av Tuskegee..334-727-0970

Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church Shady Grove Rd..............334-727-4477 Solomon Chapel AME Zion Church 4214 MLK Jr Hwy Tskgee334-727-2308 Springhill Baptist Church Morgan Russell Rd......334-727-1725

Where to Worship in Macon County

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St Andrews Episcopal Church 701 W Montgomery Rd.......334-727-3210 St Paul’s AME Zion Church 18716 US Hy 80 W Shrtr....334-727-2967

St Paul Baptist Church Society Hill Rd....................334-724-9467

Sweet Canaan 6067 US Hwy 80W Tskge...334-727-5795 Sweet Gum AME Zion Church 560 Old Montg Hwy Shrtr....334-727-0680

Sweet Pilgrim Baptist Church Crossroads.........................334-727-7634 Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church 1325 County Rd 14............334-724-9396

Tuskegee AOH Church of God 1701 Tolbert Cir Tskgee......334-727-9069 Tuskegee Christian Center 711 W MLK Hwy.................334-725-1700

Tuskegee Islamic Community 1103 South Main St., Tuskegee, AL 36088 Tuskegee Seventh Day Adventist Church 377 Lennard Av...................334-727-7198 Washington Chapel AME Church 2508 Old Montgomery Rd...334-727-4821

Westminster Presbyterian Church 1806 Franklin Rd Tskgee....334-727-4994

c 2010 Community Tourism Network, Inc.

We’re in your neighborhood!

At RBC BankTM, we have a longstanding commitment to listen to our customers and understand their needs. Based on that commitment, we’ve developed products and services that provide more variety, more options, and real financial solutions.

Inside our banking center, you’ll discover a complete array of answers to your financial needs - from checking to savings to mortgage lending and investment options - as well as a broad spectrum of business solutions. You’ll find technology that makes your personal and business banking easier and more secure.

And you’ll meet our friendly staff, who are genuinely interested in your goals and determined to help you reach them. Please consider this our personal invitation to visit us soon. We look forward to telling you more about RBC Bank and what we can do for you.

Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m 2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

102 W. Rosa Parks Avenue Tuskegee, AL 36083 ** 334-727-1730

© RBC Bank (USA) 2009. Member FDIC. ® Registered trademark of Royal Bank of Canada. ™ Trademark of Royal Bank of Canada.

Used under license. RBC Bank is a trade name used by RBC Bank (USA) and its branch offices operate under this trade name.

19

We Are Not Just Horsing Around In Macon County

Logo & 2 photos below by Jerri Caldwell

Stephen and Kristen Freeman

By Noah Hopkins

A love for horses and a passion for horse training brought Stephen and Kristen Freeman to Macon County.

The Freemans are the owners and operators of Old South Equine, a horse training facility located off Highway 80 West on County Road 26.

The young couple is determined to succeed using traditional horse training techniques and modern marketing strategies including a Web site and Facebook page. On Facebook they describe their facility this way. “We start colts, work with problem horses, and show in Working Cow Horse, Reining, Ranch Pleasure and Trail events.”

Stephen was born in Lee County and his family still lives there. The couple was attracted to Macon County because this area is economically low-cost, geographically lush, and aesthetically beautiful.

After they made the move to Macon County 4 years ago, they were even more pleased with the decision. “We like the area…couldn’t ask for a better community and the neighbors are great.”

Horse training involves having a team of professionals including vets and a good farrier (Horse shoer). “Being close to two great vet schools and having several mobile large animal vets that service this area is another plus,” Stephen said. His farrier is Philip Box who owns Box Forge. He does an excellent job in keeping the horses at Old

South Equine sound for everyday riding and showing. He makes a lot of his own shoes in his forge.

Stephen and Kristen met while she was attending Auburn University, which was the beginning of their personal and professional partnership. Kristen says, “My job mostly consists of making sure we have feed and hay in the barn and

Stephen is working “Mecom Doc Blue” in the corral at Old South Equine

taking care of the paperwork. I ride and show some of our horses, but I usually leave the training up to Stephen.”

Kristen’s expertise is in aviation. As a flight instructor, she trains aspiring pilots seeking their private pilot’s certificates.

For many years, Stephen worked in the construction business and also trained horses for other people. But then something clicked and he found his purpose in life. “When I got my first horse…I realized that this is what I wanted to do full time; I just really enjoy riding.” c 2010 Community Tourism Network, Inc.

20

Horsing Around In Macon County

With Kristen’s nudging, he gave horse training 100% of his attention.

“My wife kind of pushed me over the edge to go full time. When I was in the construction business, I was just trying to train part-time when I got home but I had too many horses to do both, so we discussed it and she encouraged me to do what I loved doing. I was a little bit skeptical at first, because of the financial risk.”

Now, he is working for himself at the Old South Equine facility, on the 37 acres of land he and his wife Kristen bought in Macon County.

While interviewing the Freemans for this article in the Macon County Tourism Resource Guide, thoughts of the 1998 hit movie entitled “The Horse Whisperer” emerged, eliciting a question about communicating with horses.

Stephen said, “The basis of all my horse training is release of pressure. I apply pressure of some type on a horse and when he does the right thing, I release the pressure. That lets him know that he did the right thing.

All horses learn from release of pressure. You should be able to apply pressure on any part of a horse’s body and have him move accordingly.”

Old South Equine also offers horsemanship clinics and riding lessons. They also participate in organized trail rides in the local area.

Last year they and some neighbors

Top: Stephen is working “Impressive Edana” with a great shot of the training facility in the background. Left: The Mare “Impressive Edana.”

Below: Emily Hughes riding English style on her horse “Walter”

organized a benefit trail ride to help raise money for a little girl who needed a kidney transplant.

Emily Hughes, a student at Auburn University, boards her horse at Old South Equine and also helps out with routine chores at the facility.

2010 Macon County Alabama Tourism Resource Guide

To contact Stephen or Kristen call 334-740-9527 Visit Old South Equine website at:www.oldsouthequine.com or post a message on facebook

If you are interested in being in the next Macon County Tourism Resource Guide or having your business showcased before thousands of potential customers, contact: Community Tourism Network, Inc 334-725-8496 email: tourismresource@gmail.com

21

Notasulga Alabama

Notasulga was incorporated in 1893 and Municipal Government is in Lee and Macon Counties in the S t a t e o f Alabama. As of the 2000 Mayor Frank Tew census, the population of the town is 916.

Council District 1 David Waldrop The portion in Lee County is part of the Council District 2 Terry Broach Auburn Metropolitan Area.

Council District 3 Coy Bass Author Zora Neale Hurston, born in Council District 4 Baxter Garner Notasulga (January 7, 1891 – January 28, Council District 5 Robin Collins J.W. Tapley 1960) was an American folklorist and author during the time of the Police Chief Michael Whitman Harlem Renaissance. Of Hurston's four novels and more than 50 Fire Chief City Clerk Wanda Ingram published short stories, plays, and essays, she is best known for her 1937 Water Department novel Their Eyes Were Watching God. In 2002, scholar Molefi Kete Tony McCarty Asante listed Zora Neale Hurston on his list of 100 Greatest African Superintendent Americans.

76 West Main Street Hurston was the fifth of eight children of John Hurston and Lucy Ann P.O. Box 207 Hurston (nĂŠe Potts). Her father was a Baptist preacher, tenant farmer, Notasulga, AL 36866 and carpenter, and her mother was a schoolteacher. Though Hurston Phone: (334) 257-1454 claimed as an adult that she was born in Eatonville, Florida in 1901, she was actually born in Notasulga, Alabama, where her father grew up; her family moved to Eatonville, the first allBlack town to be incorporated in the United States, when she was three. Her father later became mayor of the town, which Hurston would glorify in her stories as a place black Americans could live as they desired, independent of white society. Hurston spent the remainder of her childhood in Eatonville, and describes the experience of growing up in Eatonville in her 1928 essay "How It Feels to Be Colored Me." In 2009, a historical marker was erected in Notasulga at the Macedonia Baptist Church honoring Zora Neale Hurston and her accomplishments.

c 2010 Community Tourism Network, Inc.

Notasulga, AL

Shiloh

Missionary Baptist Church

In 1869, and just out of slavery, blacks wanted a building of their own in which to worship. A division between the white and black membership occurred in 1869. This division led to the establishment of the Second Baptist Church of Notasulga. The name was later changed to the Beulah Baptist Church. As Beulah grew, some of the members decided to leave Beulah and relocate to another place. In a bush arbor, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (SMBC) was organized in 1870. Since its organization, there have been 20 pastors. The current pastor, Reverend Christopher Dunlap, became SMBC’s 21st pastor in June 2006.

In 1932, following worship services, Ms. Eunice Rivers, a Public Health Services nurse, came to Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and recruited men for a health-related research project. In exchange for their participation, they received free medical care. None were told they would be used as human subjects. They were told they were being treated for “bad blood.” Today, this research project is known as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. Many of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study participants were members of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. The Church was also used as a site to recruit other men in the area.

After the Civil War, African Americans established not only their own communities and churches but also their own burial places. The earliest marked grave located in the Shiloh Cemetery is dated 1902. It is believed that some unmarked graves may date back to 1875. Burials continue to be held in the cemetery.

The Shiloh Rosenwald School grew out of a partnership between African American educator Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald, President of Sears and Roebuck. Washington and Rosenwald were concerned about the state of education for Blacks in the South. In 1917, Rosenwald established the Julius Rosenwald Foundation for the “well being of mankind.” He donated millions of dollars to public schools, colleges and universities. Among those colleges was Tuskegee Institute, of which he became a Trustee. Amazingly, 5,300 rural schools and teachers’ homes were cooperatively built with assistance from the local African American communities. Donations of land and labor by the local community were matched by financial contributions from the Foundation. The Shiloh School was one of the first six schools built by the Rosenwald Foundation.

THE CHEEK COLLECTION

S

am Cheek with two of his favorite pieces; a wall hanging made of metal and a large vase made from Alabama clay. He started creating art made from discarded materials 14 years ago after retiring from an evironmental engineering firm in Canada. When asked if his job with an environmentally sensitive company influenced his creation of recyclable art, he replied, “that’s a good question, I had never put the two together before, but maybe so.”

Sam says, he has been making things from stuff every since he was a child. (continued on next page)

SAM CHEEK

24

The Cheek Collection

Sam Cheek has traveled all over the world and landed in Notasulga, AL eight years ago where he now calls home. He just happened to find the perfect location with gallery space, work space and a wonderful living space. The Cheek Collection is one of those great finds in a small town where you can discover something for everyone.

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER

A r t s & C r a f t s Fe s t i v a l

Save the

Each Year Every Mother’s Day Weekend Tuskegee, Alabama • On The Square Downtown 334-727-6619

Homegrown harvest

25

J

Local vineyard operation is a family affair

Muscadines on the vines will be harvested and used later this year to make the wine produced by Whippoorwill Vineyards in Notasulga

By Lauren Smith

ust as a fine wine gets better with age, Whippoorwill Vineyards, though still in its infancy, has all the ingredients to age just as gracefully as the wine it makes.

Whippoorwill Vineyards, located just outside of Tallassee in Notasulga on Alabama Highway 14, is the brainchild of Tim Watkins and Chad Ledbetter.

Amy Ledbetter, wife to

Chad and sister to Tim, said her family grew up making wine at home as a hobby.

“Tim always wanted his own business,” Amy said.

“He pitched his idea to start his own winery to my husband, and Chad agreed. Now we are the only farm winery in central Alabama.”

Tim’s wife, Vickie Watkins, agreed and added that it’s not about the quanity of wine they produce, but rather the quality -- so much so that they supply their fruit to other wineries

in north Alabama.

“You can get just as fine a wine here as you can get out in California,” Vickie said.

But there are some significant differences between West Coast wine and what’s being made in central Alabama.

For starters, the grapes are different.

Whippoorwill Vineyards uses muscadines, which are native to the Southeast because they can handle the humid climate. Muscadines are rich in polyphenols, making it

healthy and sweeter. And it has been proven that wines made with muscadines contain more than five times more reservatrol, a polyphenol, than ordinary red wines.

Everything at Whippoorwill Vineyards is done by hand. As its owners say on their web site, www.whippoorwillvineyards.com, all operations--from harvesting and bottling to corking and sealing are done by the family.

And that’s exactly the way they want it.

c 2010 Community Tourism Network, Inc.

26

Homegrown harvest

“We wanted something the whole family could do,” Amy said.

It’s been a family event, doing the research and getting the harvest perfect. Tim Watkins and Amy Ledbetter’s father, Bobby, had a big role in the planning process. He owns the land the vineyard is on, but he also put the “Whippoorwill” in Whippoorwill Vineyards after hearing the bird’s sound around the vineyards after dark.

The word is getting out about this winery and it is now a part of the North Alabama Wine Trail in association with the Alabama Wineries Association.

So far, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive and the Ledbetters and Watkins say they are grateful to the community for its support.

Whippoorwill Vineyards welcomes guests for wine tasting and tours of the property. It is open Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.

Whippoorwill Vineyards 4282 County Road 31 Notasulga, AL 36866 Phone: 334-257-2711 www.whippoorwillvineyards.com The only winery in Southeastern Alabama Located in Macon County, AL

Left photo: One of the owners, Tim Watkins is standing next to the fermentation vats at Whippoorwill Vineyards.

Right photo: Bottle left is the Lenoir (Bunch Grape), bottle right is the Confederate Rose (Blend of Muscadines). With the Vineyard opened only a little more than five months, both wines placed in the top 3 in the 2010 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

Used and excerpted with permission from the Elmore County Living Magazine Published by Price Publications, Inc.

PA R A D E • F O O D • M U S I C • G A M E S • H E A L T H S C R E E N I N G

BIGGEST PARADE EVER BBQ BBQ

GRILL-OFF GRILL-OFF To To Crown Crown the the 2010 2010

Macon Macon County County MASTER MASTER GRILLER GRILLER Information Call: For Information Call:

334-724-2563 2010 Macon County Alabama Tourism Resource Guide

ALL

MACON COUNTY DAY CELEBRATION August 27 - 28, 2010

On the Square in Tuskegee

27

T

he Town of Shorter is located in Macon County, and although the community has existed for over a century, the Town was not officially incorporated until February 29, 1984. The Alabama Legislature created Macon County on December 18, 1832 from territory acquired from the last cession of the Creek Indians on 24 March of the same year. The county was named for Nathaniel Macon, a distinguished soldier and statesman from North Carolina.

Municipal government in the Town of Shorter is a mayor-council form. The Shorter Town Council has five elected members serving four-year terms. Appointed committees include the Shorter Planning Commission and Board of Adjustments and appointed positions are the town clerk, the building official, police chief, fire chief, municipal judge, court clerk, municipal prosecutor, and the town attorney.

Shorter, Alabama, located at exit 22 off of Interstate 85, is conveniently positioned between major cites such as Atlanta to the North East and Montgomery to the South West.

Shorter sits close to everywhere, yet is far enough from everything to ensure peace and tranquility from the hustle and bustle of more commercialized environments.

We are proud to boast about our excellent transportation

access (interstate, highways, rail, water) and abundance of affordable undisturbed land.

We are currently moving to develop a downtown in Shorter and invite you to claim your part of it. Shorter is a new Small Town with great potential for growth and development. Each day, new jobs and homes are developed here. The only thing missing is you. Stop by and find out why Shorter, Alabama is “A Town on the Move!�

Municipal Government

Mayor Councilman Councilman Councilwoman Councilwoman Councilman Police Chief Fire Chief Town Clerk

Willie Mae Powell Desiev Howard Edward Pollard Betty Jeter Rhonda McCloud Derrick McCloud Sandor Maloy Jimmy Ellis Harold D. Powell

2521 Old Federal Road Shorter, AL 36075 Phone: (334) 727-9190 Fax: (334) 727-9298

c 2010 Community Tourism Network, Inc.

28

As of the census of 2000, there were 149 people, 59 households, and 44 families residing in the town of Franklin, Alabama. The population density was 43 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was 56% African American and 44% White.

The median income for a household in the town was $45,923, and the median income for a family was $53,111. The per capita income for the town was $45,495.

Most, if not all, residents in Franklin are served by UBT for electricity. Water providers are Town of Franklin, Macon County Water Authority and Star-Mindingall.

At this time all residences must install their own septic tank for sewer.

There is no natural gas service to this area at this time.

There are several providers for propane in the area, these include Cooperative Propane and Superior Gas. Cable television services are only available along Hwy 2010 Macon County Alabama Tourism Resource Guide

49, the provider is Charter Communications. Satellite services are numerous and can be found in the yellow pages of the phone book. Local land-line telephone service and internet service is provided by AT&T. Local law enforcement is provided by Macon County Sheriff's Department.

Municipal Government

Mayor Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember

Rufus C Carson Alvin G. Sears Jay Raney Memphis Boston Robert Segrest Sr

Utilities

Macon County Water Authority Star-Mindingall Cooperative Propane Superior Gas Charter Communications AT&T

334-727-2381 334-727-5000 334-283-4042 334-257-3367 877-728-3121 1-888-757-6500

1660 Alabama Hwy 49 • Tuskegee, AL 36083 • 334-727-2111

e l t t i L TEXAS TA B E R NAC L E

The Little Texas Campgrounds and Tabernacle is one of the only remaining tabernacles of its type in Alabama, built in 1848, it is virtually unchanged with its original construction of logs, wooden pegs and wooden pews. Built by slaves, this remarkable opensided wooden structure has no nails, and is fastened together with large wooden pegs. Cut, hewn with axes, exposed beams of logs support the roof and are mounted in the shape of a “V”. With seating for 800, people from surrounding areas would gather here at least once a year for a week of worship and social activities.

HARRIS BARRETT SCHOOL

Built in 1903 by students of the Tuskegee Normal School, later named Tuskegee Institute and now Tuskegee University. The Students made the bricks by hand and built the two room school under the directions of Dr. Booker T. Washington. It was constructed for the descendants of slaves. Located on three acres of land and restored to its originality, today it is a developing historic museum that tells the story of early school life and living in rural Alabama. The school houses the exposition of local African Americans education and achievements from the slave ships to the space ships, highlighting those of Tuskegee University who help develop the NASA project of growing food in space. Tours daily by request, 8-5.

Tuskegee-Macon County Community Development Corporation

334-725-8496

Small Business Incubator & Tech Center • Home Ownership & Housing Rehabilitation

“Linking organizations and governments together to develop the Tuskegee-Macon County area”

c 2010 Community Tourism Network, Inc.

'

ollow the visitor center signs to downtown Tuskegee and find the “official visitor center” for the city of Tuskegee,

and for Macon County. From historic buildings and notable people to recreational activities and the great outdoors, you’ll find it all showcased at the visitor center. While you’re there, be sure to check out the gift shop for a great sampling of a variety of items, art, books, souvenirs, and locally-made products.

Before Booker T. Washington lifted the veil of ignorance, Tuskegee and Macon County were an important part of many historic moments that have made America the country that it is today – Creek Indian War…American Slavery…the Civil War…Reconstruction…

Jim Crow Era…World Wars…and Civil Rights.

' Learn the true origins of Tuskegee University. ' Pause and reflect upon our solemn memorial and exhibit on the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. ' Discover the Tuskegee that is one of America’s best kept civil rights secrets. ' Stay a while and let us share our stories that shaped America.

104 South Elm St., Tuskegee, AL | PH: 334.724.0800 www.tuskegeecenter.org

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Realty Property Management

Margaret Fraser Broker

608 Dibble Street Tuskegee, AL 36083 cloudrealtors.com mfraser@cloudrealtors.com 334.725.8496 ofc 334.444.1528 cell 334.727.9995 fax

University Cleaners

et us impress you!

334-727-1670

203-A West Montgomery Road • Tuskegee, Alabama 36083

c 2010 Community Tourism Network, Inc.

34 1 Booker T. Washington Blvd.

Tuskegee, AL 36088 800.949.6161

334.727.3000 ph

334.727.5119 fax

www.tuskegeekelloggcenter.com

Tuskegee University Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center Located on the historic campus of Tuskegee University, the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center is a full-service hotel facility. The southern grandeur of the past and the stately Georgian architecture of the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center are blended together to offer state-of -the-art services and first-class accommodations, ranging from double sleeping rooms to elegant suites. Additional amenities include an indoor heated swimming pool, a fitness center, a full service restaurant, an on-site gift shop, and 17,000 square feet of meeting space, which includes a 300-seat auditorium.

Make Reservations Today Use code: mcrg744 for a 10% discount on room rate - Offer expires December 31, 2011

TO U R I S M D E V E LO P M E N T I S W H AT W E D 0 W e H e l p S m a l l To w n s a n d C i t i e s I d e n tify a n d Pr of it f r o m t h e i r To u r i s m A s s e t s C ALL

334.725.8496 or 205.567.6397

Community Tourism Network, Inc.

Community Tourism Network, Inc.

608 Dibble St. • Tuskegee, Alabama 36083 • 334-725-8496 ofc • tourismresource@gmail.com

2010 Macon County Alabama Tourism Resource Guide

Soar to greater heights

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FOR INFORMATION MATION,

VISIT V ISIT W WWW WW.T TUSKEGEE USKEGEE.E EDU DU O OR R C CALL ALL

(800) 622-6531

Tuskegee T uskegee University is accredited accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Souther Southern n Association of Colleges and Schools to awar award d doctoral, pr professional, ofessional, master’s and bachelor’s degrees. degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Southern Lane, Decatur, Decatur, Geor Georgia gia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation accr editation of Tuskegee Tuskegee University.

University

Central Alabama Comprehensive Health, Inc.

203 West Lee St. • Tuskegee, AL 36083 • 334-727-6880

CARE Ambulance Services Available

• • • • • • •

NOW OFFERING THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:

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Tuskegee Health Center 203 West Lee Street Tuskegee, Alabama 36083 334-727-6880 Hours of Opera'ons M-F: 8:00am to 7:00pm Sat: 9:00am to 3:00pm

Central Care Pharmacy

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• • • • • •

Nutri'on Counseling Cervical Cancer Screenings Dental Services Specialty Care Referrals Chronic Illness Treatment Immuniza'ons

Dental Clinic

203 West Lee Street Tuskegee, Alabama 36083 334-727-6880 Hours of Opera'ons T-F: 8:00am to 5:00pm

Hurtsboro Medical Center 242 Long Street Hurtsboro, Alabama 36860 334-667-7734 Hours of Opera'ons M &W: 8:00am to 5:00pm

Central Care Pharmacy

203 West Lee Street Tuskegee, Alabama 36083 334-727-7636 Hours of Opera'ons M-F: 9:00am to 6:00pm

Lafaye(e Health Center 404-B Ninth Avenue SW Lafaye e, Alabama 36862 334-864-0084 Hours of Opera'ons Friday: 8:00am to 5:00pm