Elmore County Living by Price Publications

Elmore County

Living M A G A Z I N E

SUMMER 2012 | COMPLIMENTARY

Elmore County Living • Summer 2012

editor’s

note “T

Enjoy these leisure moments to the fullest

here’s a time in each year That we always hold dear, Good old summer time ... No trouble annoying, Each one is enjoying, The good old summer time.” The foregoing words are excerpts from the Tin Pan Alley song, “In the Good Old Summer Time,” first published in 1902. More than a century later, summer continues to be the time of year “we always hold dear.” Some of the activities featured in the song even continue to be favored summer activities - walking in the shade, swimming and enjoying the birds, trees and breezes. Of course, there are countless other pasttimes we enjoy during summer today – boating, beach trips, theme park visits, movies, concerts and much more. But the spirit that moves us in summer remains the same – enjoying our leisure moments to the fullest.

While you’re lounging by the pool or underneath a spreading shade tree, take time to enjoy the stories in this issue of Elmore County Living. In these pages you can find out when and where musical entertainment will be on stage throughout the county, learn about Eclectic’s Chicken Auction, read up on Tallassee’s champion tree, discover a Facebook page devoted to preserving the county’s historic photos and recording current images, and check out the events calendar for the summer months. So, go ahead and enjoy everything the season has to offer, because as the song says (when summer is at its end): “Those days full of pleasure We now fondly treasure.” Peggy Blackburn is managing editor of Price Publications, Inc. Her email address is Peggy.Blackburn@ TheWetumpkaHerald.com.

Elmore County Living • Summer 2012

Inside

Volume 4

Out and About 14

8 27 AMPalooza

Images of Elmore County residents and visitors captured at events around the area.

Summer music party going ashore this year.

30 Going Once,

Yesteryear & Today 8

Going Twice, CLUCK!

Collection of Elmore County’s past, present on Facebook.

Crowning Legacy 16

Number 4

County continues tradition of producing rodeo royalty.

Every Friday night Eclectic is bustling and the auctioneer is chattering over the chickens.

30 34 Brought

Back to Life

Tallassee retells the story of Tecumseh.

Standing Tall 18 State’s second-largest White Oak found in Tallassee.

Summertime Tunes 24 A number of music festivals ahead this summer.

38 Calendar A guide to local events from June through late August.

Elmore County Living magazine is published by Price Publications, Inc. in conjunction with The Wetumpka Herald, The Eclectic Observer and The Tallassee Tribune. Copyright 2012 by Price Publications, Inc., all rights reserved. Any reproduction of this publication is strictly prohibited without the express written permission of Price Publications, Inc. Tallassee Peggy Blackburn - Managing Editor David Goodwin - Political Editor Ashley Vice - Managing Editor Jay Goodwin - Operations Manager Griffin Pritchard - Sports Editor Willie Moseley - News Editor Shannon Elliott - Ad Manager Kevin Taylor - Copy Editor Lauren Newman - Staff Writer Christy Cooper - Ad Sales Wendy Wilson - Ad Sales P.O. Box 99 • 300 Green Street • Wetumpka, AL 36092 • 334-567-7811 On the cover - Stretch out by the pool or wherever your favorite summer spot is and enjoy.

Elmore County Living â&#x20AC;˘ Summer 2012

Out and about at ... Disaster remembrance

French & Indian War Encampment

Easter Egg Hunts

Elmore County Living â&#x20AC;˘ Summer 2012

Depot Players Productions

Chamber Business Expo

Tallassee FFA Day

Elmore County Living â&#x20AC;˘ Summer 2012

Bibb Graves Bridge in Wetumpka. PHOTO BY PEGGY BLACKBURN

Elmore County Living • Summer 2012

Members of the Holtville Fire Department. The date is unknown.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Preserving history one photo at a time

ometimes one thing just leads to another; and what begins as a one-time activity can turn into something much more extensive and time-consuming. That’s the case with a Facebook page dedicated to preserving old photographs and information about Elmore County. The page was started last August by Peggy Blackburn, managing editor for Price Publications Inc., and it already contains hundreds of images. But collecting the photographs began years ago. “At the newspaper (The Wetumpka Herald), people have occasionally sent in old photos, postcards and similar items,” said Blackburn. “I was interested in those; and when everything began to go digital I started to keep electronic copies of things we received.” To begin with, the items collected weren’t organized in any particular way,

Bibb Graves Bridge under construction. It was completed in 1931.

she said. Photos were transferred to CDs or DVDs and eventually found their way to her home computer. Sometimes stories about various historic places or events

were added as well. Over time, Blackburn connected with other people who have a similar passion for preserving the past. The photographs of bygone days hanging on the office walls of Kathy Ellis, who works for the CIty of Wetumpka, led to a treasure trove of pictures and information. “It turned out the city had a large binder filled with old photos that was started years ago and Kathy had added to it,” said Blackburn. “She emailed some images to me, then I eventually wound up borrowing the book and scanning everything in it.” By that time, the search for historic photos was in full swing. Jan Wood, then executive director of the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce and president of the Elmore County Historical Society, also had a collection of photographs at the chamber office. Those, too, were borrowed, scanned and electronically pre-

The Yates Dam generator floor, June 6, 1924, in Tallassee.

served. “It occurred to me that if Kathy, Jan and I were interested in these things, there were bound to be other people who were too,” Blackburn said. “I decided to get the photos I had into some kind of order, put them on CDs and give those to the city and to the Wetumpka Library.” Another unique item came along when C.E. “Bubba” Weldon told Blackburn about a 1913 Fifth District Agricultural School yearbook that had come into his possession. FDAS was the original name of Wetumpka High School (1897-1916), and it was later renamed the State Secondary Agricultural School (1917-1931). “Bubba said a friend of his ran across it at a yard sale, bought it and gave it to him,” said Blackburn. “He was kind enough to lend it to me so I could scan it. There was also a hand-drawn floor plan of each of the building’s floors and I recreated those on my computer. I put copies of the yearbook and floor plans on discs and gave those to the school and the library.” Every new addition to the collection spurred her to look for more items. “I’m pretty shameless about asking people now,” she said. “All of the photos I’ve already collected have just made me want to get more. There is so much of interest that other folks might never get to see – buildings that are no longer in existence, floods, people, events – you name it. “The great thing about today’s technology is that you can borrow items, scan them and return them to the original owner and everybody can be happy. The person who owns something can keep it, but everyone else can then enjoy it.” Blackburn said sharing the photographs expanded exponentially when one of her Facebook friends posted a few historic photos on their page. “Quite a few people made positive comments about the pictures and how much they enjoyed them,” she said. “So I thought I would post some of those I had.” The response was immediate and positive. A number of her friends shared the photos and many of those who saw the pictures made comments about the possibility of them being published in book form. “I knew I couldn’t afford to have a book printed, but by that

Elmore County Living • Summer 2012

Elmore County Living â&#x20AC;˘ Summer 2012

Elmore County Living • Summer 2012

The Green Corn Dance House sat on the hill in Coosada where the Indians held their annual corn dance festival each corn harvest season. The house was not there at that time, but it was built on that spot. Pickett's "History of Alabama" mentions the green corn dance.

time I had learned about creating and managing Facebook pages, so I decided to do that instead,” she said. “My photos were mainly from Wetumpka, but I had some from other places in the county too.” But as she set about organizing pictures for the Facebook page, another idea surfaced. “One day as I was scanning pictures, I was thinking about how grateful I was that people 50 or 75 or 100 years ago took those photographs,” she said. “That’s when it occurred to me that it would make sense to include current photos as well.” So, instead of being a page devoted strictly to historic images, it became one to include both ‘yesteryear and today’ pictures. As people discovered the page, some of them contributed photos of their own, expanding the image archive even further. John Enslen is one of those who

Robinson Springs United Methodist Church in Millbrook in 1935. COURTESY OF ROBINSON SPRINGS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Elmore County Living • Summer 2012 has provided numerous photographs. And along with the pictures, he typically includes a glimpse into the history of the place or people involved. “John is as fascinated with local history as I am – maybe more so since his family has lived in the area for such a long time,” Blackburn said. “He has been great about sending photos to me or lending them, and he has a wonderful knowledge about the items he gives me. Scarcely a week goes by that he doesn’t send something.” Local photographer Barry Chrietzberg has contributed to the ever-growing collection as well. “Over the years, a lot of old photos have come Barry’s way,” said Blackburn. “And although he is usually really busy, he takes time when he can to put pictures on CDs to share with me.” But progress on the project so far has barely scratched the surface of what she eventually hopes to accomplish. Blackburn said she sorts through her own photo archives at the newspaper as well as older pictures stored

Wetumpka was the site of the first State Penitentiary, completed in 1841.

there when time allows. She also photographs selected stories in bound volumes of the newspaper. And, she is trying to combine a long-time pet project with the new one. Over a period of more than a decade, she has searched out and transcribed reports of Wetumpka High School football games, dating from as early as 1903. Much of that information came through visits to the Alabama Department of Archives and History, where she spent many Saturday mornings scrolling through microfilm reels of old newspapers. “That’s been kind of on the

back burner since I started collecting the historic pictures,” she said. “But some of the football information creeps into the photo project from time to time.” Her goal is to attract more people with photographs and information to share. And, while there is still much that can be gathered from Wetumpka, she knows there are historic items waiting to be discovered from around the county. She hopes to find those willing to share such memories. “There is so much that can be added to this collection,” she said. “I would love to have more photos from other

Members of the Wetumpka Fire Department during a training exercise. Date unknown.

parts of Elmore County. A lot has happened here in our area since cameras first came into use. “There’s just no way to know what wonderful things are stowed away in people’s attics and closets. The sad part is that those folks’ relatives may not care about pictures or postcards or old yearbooks and will throw them away when someone dies. And sometimes things can get water damage or burn up in a fire. Whatever happens, they’re gone for good.” Anyone who is interested in seeing the old photographs collected so far, can find them in the albums of the Yesteryear & Today in Elmore County Facebook page. The photos were all uploaded in high resolution, and can be downloaded the same way and printed if anyone so desires. Those who have their own photos to share can reach Blackburn through the Facebook page as well. “I hope more and more people find the page and enjoy it – and share their own pictures too.”

COURTESY OF BARRY CHRIETZBERG

Elmore County Living â&#x20AC;˘ Summer 2012

Elmore County Living • Summer 2012

Crowning legacy

Wetumpka’s Samantha Butler, above, served as the Alabama High School Junior Rodeo Association Queen, while Wetumpka’s Cally Stubbs, right, served as the Alabama High School Rodeo Association Queen. In addition to serving as queens, they also competed in pole bending, barrel racing and goat tying throughout the year. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Elmore County Living • Summer 2012

Stubbs, Butler join elite group of rodeo queens By Kevin Taylor Cally Stubbs is your typical teenage girl. She likes to dress up in glitsy outfits and flash her bright smile. But when she has dressed up through much of this past year in glittery outfits, it always comes accompanied by a white cowboy hat and sash. And near the end of June, Stubbs no longer will wear her sash since it will be passed on to another Alabama teen. For the past year, Stubbs has represented the state as Alabama High School Association Rodeo Queen. If the title sounds familiar to those who hail from Elmore County, it should. Elmore County has had a long history of producing young women who have represented the state as Alabama High School Association Rodeo queens. And Stubbs joins that long list. “It feels good to be a part of a group like that,” said Stubbs, who also doubles as the mascot which rides onto Hohenberg Field before Wetumpka High football games. “This is a unique group to be a part of, and I will cherish that.” While Stubbs relinquishes her crown in June, she will continue to participate in high school rodeos. Rodeo has been a part of Stubbs’ life since she was in third grade. Stubbs competes in pole bending, barrel racing, goat tying and cutting. Since her first competition on her pony in the third grade, Stubbs amassed a huge collection of ribbons and trophies to accompany her pageant crowns in her room. And horsemanship is just as important as a great smile when it comes to becoming the Alabama High School Association Rodeo Queen. Contestants are judged not only on their modeling ability, but speech and a written test as well as horsemanship.

“There’s that adrenaline rush I get when I’m out there with my horse at a rodeo,” Stubbs said. “I love it!” Stubbs has competed in a number of rodeo competitions throughout the Southeast and since she has been the Alabama High School Association Rodeo Queen, she has also gotten to visit other parts of the country. She represented the state at the National High School Association Rodeo in Wyoming, as well as took part in appearances in Special Kids Rodeos as well as numerous rodeos throughout the state. “My favorite part of every rodeo is get-

ting all dressed up and riding out into the arena carrying the American flag,” Stubbs said. When Stubbs isn’t competing in rodeos she competes in beauty pageants, too. “But if I have to choose between a beauty pageant and a rodeo, I’ll do a rodeo without question,” Stubbs said. Stubbs had been involved in some beauty pageants growing up, and never thought about becoming a rodeo queen until her older sister Chrissy competed. Chrissy Morris was the Alabama High School Association Junior Rodeo Queen and was the Southeastern Livestock Exposition Junior Queen in 2009. This year’s Alabama High School Junior Rodeo Queen is Samantha Bulter, who also is from Elmore County. Butler also will be relinquishing her crown this summer after traveling all over the state. Like Stubbs, Butler has competed in rodeo since she was 5 years old. “My dad had friends who like to ride horses and then I started to ride and later came rodeo,” she said. Just like Stubbs, Butler achieved her crown after being judged on her beauty, speaking ability and horsemanship. Other recent rodeo queens from Elmore County include Kendall Atkins who was the former Junior Miss Southeastern Livestock Exposition Rodeo Queen as well as Sara Grace Dixon-Chapman who served as Miss Rodeo Alabama. “It’s really special to me to be part of a line of rodeo queens from Elmore County. It just goes to show how hard girls from the area work,” Butler added.

Elmore County Living â&#x20AC;˘ Summer 2012

STANDING TALL ‘The General’ outranks them all

By Ashley Vice

Elmore County’s oldest general stands sentinel over an army of live oak, pine and magnolia. The second-largest white oak in Alabama, “The General,” is located on Upper River Road in Tallassee at the home of Pam and Jere Van Etten. One hundred feet tall, with a crown of branches spanning 203 feet and a girth of 15 feet, the General is just inches smaller than Alabama’s largest white oak, which is located in Montgomery County. The trees are measured as part of Alabama’s Champion Tree program sponsored by the Alabama Forestry Commission. The General was last measured in 2010 when the Van Ettens contacted the forestry commission to take a look at this very special oak. “Having seen the redwoods and the sequoias in California this is an amazing tree,” said Jere. Pam and Jere Van Etten with “The General.” PHOTO BY ASHLEY VICE

Elmore County Living • Summer 2012 Alabama Champion trees are determined by a formula set by the nonprofit conservation organization American Forests. The formula assigns points based on the tree’s circumference in inches, plus the tree’s height in feet, plus one quarter the tree’s crown or spread. According to the Alabama Forestry Commission, the spread is determined by finding the farthest distance between any two points on the drip line of the tree. The drip line is the outline on the ground of the outermost leaves of the tree. Once the widest point has been determined, the spread is measured again at a 90 degree angle from the widest point and those two numbers, in feet, are averaged together to find the crown measurement. According to Jere, the General fell just 50 points behind the champion white oak when it was measured two years ago. The Van Ettens didn’t want to risk the tree’s health by having a core sample taken to determine its age, but from the forester’s estimate and accounts from

the Nichols and Hamilton family members who owned the house before them, the tree is more than 150 years old. Pam said the General provides unique perspective on size, time and change. “I imagine what this tree has seen,” she said. “It’s such a beautiful thing because it changes with the seasons; even without any leaves it’s a work of art.” The General dwarfs all of the other trees around it, including “the Private,” a white oak located just past the edge of the General’s crown. At approximately 30 years old, the Private is less than 15 inches around, but is still growing. The Van Ettens enjoy having the General stand witness through their part of its long history. According to Jere and Pam its beauty and stateliness are as important as its size, and the shade’s not bad either. “Even on the hottest days it’s bearable out here,” Pam said. According to the Alabmaa Forestry Commission, Elmore County is also home to Alabama’s champion Plum and Blackgum trees. For more information about the champion tree program, visit www.forestry.alabama.gov.

Hot fun in the su

ummertime Summer music season gets cranked up By David Goodwin The summer music season at the Lake Martin Amphitheater got off to a strong start on Memorial Day weekend, with hundreds of Southern music fans packing the hillside to hear Atlanta’s Blackberry Smoke. The summer’s biggest event will be when the “Devil comes down to Lake Martin,” as the legendary Charlie Daniels plays AMPalooza. The event July 28 was organized as a landbound alternative to the popular AquaPalooza shows that have drawn thousands to the waters near Kowaliga Bridge the past three years. Robert Gunn of Russell Lands on Lake Martin said they decided to keep the mid-summer celebration off the water this year as a safety consideration. “We’ve been very fortunate since Alan Jackson was here that no one’s been seriously injured on the lake,” Gunn said. “We’re just better prepared at the amphitheater for the kind of crowds these big acts draw.”

Elmore County Living • Summer 2012

And AMPalooza promises to match the excitement of the lakefront shows, with an artist in Charlie Daniels whose style crosses almost every genre and generation. “It’s going to be a huge event for us,” he said. The AMP will also host the annual Fourth of July festivities. Though popular regional band Nationwide Coverage will return to entertain Lake Martin, the true headliner July 4 will be the fireworks display, one of the south’s most impressive. Gates will open at 5 p.m. and the fireworks blast launches at 9. The show is visible from the amphitheater, as well as surrounding roadsides, fields and in boats on the lake. The much anticipated appearance by Robert Randolph and the Family Band was unfortunately cancelled June 9, after a persistent coastal weather system soaked the area with rain all weekend. Aug. 4, the amphitheater will also host Obsessed, a Christian music revival and festival. The event, organized privately, will be headlined by Alabama-based Rush of Fools. Gunn said they were still lining up an act for the summer-closing Labor Day weekend show, but he was sure they’d soon be able to announce “something that appeals to everyone.” For more information on the summer music at Blackberry Smoke performed at The AMP during the Memorial Day Concert. the amphitheater, check www.lmat.org. PHOTO BY DAVID GOODWIN

Elmore County Living • Summer 2012

Street Dance

Summerfest

July 4, 7 p.m.

July 27, 6 p.m.

As part of its annual July 4th celebration, Wetumpka will again offer an evening of music and dancing in the parking lot and park area behind the city administrative building. Headliner will be The Sweet Young’Uns, performing old favorites. Attendees can participate in an assortment of holiday activities before the concert, and enjoy an extended fireworks display visible from the riverwalk about 8:30 p.m.

Millbrook’s annual Summerfest at The Pines Golf Course will feature live music provided by a variety of area bands. The celebration will also include concessions offered by local vendors. The evening will culminate with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. There will be no admission charge. Attendees should bring their own chairs or blankets for seating. For information, call 334-285-6428 or visit www.cityof millbrook.org.

Fourth of July Fireworks Blast

July 4, 7 p.m.

The music takes a back seat to pyrotechnics and patriotism for the 12th annual Russell Lands on Lake Martin Fourth of July fireworks show. But there will be music as well, with the night opened by Eat a Peach, bringing the music of the Allman Brothers to Kowaliga’s Lake Martin Amphitheater. After a Hula Hoop and Twist contest at 8, one of the South’s most spectacular fireworks shows will light up the lake beginning at 9 p.m. Nationwide Coverage will play a set before and after the fireworks show.

River and Blues Music and Arts Festival

July 21, 2 p.m.

Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas will headline the inaugural River and Blues

Will Hoge performed with Blackberry Smoke during this year’s Memorial Day Concert at the Lake Martin Amphitheater. PHOTO BY DAVID GOODWIN

event in downtown Wetumpka. This year, Nathan received the lifetime achievement award presented by the Zydeco Music Association. Other performers on the stage behind the city administrative building will be Henry Pugh of Sous la Terre fame, The Hotheads (string band), Brian Hinton (blues) and John Bull Band (blues). “Our goal is to have a festival in which the featured music isn’t the same music you can turn on the radio and hear any old time,” said Thad Hankins, one of the event organizers. “It will be a little slice of New Orleans and its music in Wetumpka.” A second stage, located just down the riverwalk in Gold Star Park, will feature local performers and a talent competition. In addition to the music, there will be arts and crafts exhibitors, Cajun food vendors and an area offering activities for children and families. There will be no admission charge. For more information, visit the festival’s Facebook page. The Cookin’ on the Coosa barbecue competition, hosted by the Elmore County Community Foundation will be held in conjunction with the

music festival.

Sweet Summer Night XVII Obsessed Music July 21, 4 p.m. - 12 a.m. and Ministry Festival

Tallassee’s annual music event features a street dance with live music in the Tallassee Historical District (James Street Downtown Area). Admission is charged. For information, call 334283-5151 or visit www.tallasseechamber.com.

AMPalooza

July 28, 5:45 p.m. This year’s edition of the massively popular AquaPalooza event will be landbound at the Lake Martin Amphitheater. Russell Lands on Lake Martin will bring “the Devil on down to Kowaliga,” as the Charlie Daniels Band rocks The AMP. Also performing are The Vegabonds, Rexton Lee and Brent Cobb. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 the day of the show. They are available at www.lmat.org.

Aug. 4, TBA

The Lake Martin Amphitheater will host a privately organized Christian music festival, headlined by No. 1 selling Alabama-based Rush of Fools. Tickets and Tshirts can be purchased in advance by contacting Mt. Olive Church at 334-4159086. For more information, call Katelyn Hamilton at 334283-4810 or 334-799-3797.

Labor Day

Sept. 2, 6 p.m.

The AMP will close Lake Martin’s summer music season with another big show, though the night’s headliner has not been announced yet. Last year, Blues Traveler headlined the show, and Sister Hazel has been perennial end-of-summer entertainment.

AMPalooza Charlie Daniels Band set to rock The AMP

By Kevin Taylor

For the last two years the biggest party on water has been held on Lake Martin with headlining acts like country music legend Alan Jackson and John Anderson. And for the last two years, thousands of people from across the Southeast have enjoyed great music, great fellowship and a cold drink or two. But this time, the biggest party on water is going ashore. The inaugural AMPalooza will be held July 28 at the Lake Martin Amphitheater with the famed Charlie Daniels Band serving as the headlining act. Acts preceding the headliner will be The Vegabonds, Rexton Lee and Brent Cobb. Russell Marine, which sponsors the concert, cited safety concerns regarding AquaPalooza. So, it was time for a change. For ticket information go to www.lmat.org

Elmore County Living â&#x20AC;˘ Summer 2012

Elmore County Living • Summer 2012

Going once, Going twice, cluck! Chicken auction a big attraction in Eclectic By David Goodwin

here’s a place near Eclectic where you can get anything from an antique couch to a clutch of baby chickens every Friday night, if the price is right. The Chicken Auction is held every Friday night by owner Jerry Speake. The auction house sits near the epicenter of last April’s devastating tornado, and it only returned with the help of volunteers who descended on the neighborhood looking for ways to help. The auction’s partially an exercise in cutthroat capitalism, and partially a weekly get-together where friends catch up on the latest gossip. Local farmers and hobbyists get the chance to make a few extra dollars and unload the offspring of their goats, ducks, rabbits and, of course, chickens.

Chicken Auction owner Jerry Speake, top right, awaits bids on a full-grown rooster.

PHOTOS BY DAVID GOODWIN

Elmore County Living • Summer 2012

Owner and auctioneer point emphatically as another bid is called out for a young goat at the Chicken Auction, the weekly gathering of commerce and conversation on Middle Road near Eclectic. Below, April Duck keep track of each auction and the winning bid. PHOTOS BY DAVID GOODWIN

“It gives the older people a chance to get together and socialize,” Speake said, pausing when a young girl brushed his overalls leg as she swooshed past. “And it gives the younger ones a chance to learn something about living on a farm.” Gaius Dean sat by himself on the front row, watching for an animal that caught his eye. “Well I may try to get a bunny or something to give to my niece,” Dean, who has a few animals at his home in northern Elmore County, said. “But also, I’ve got some land up near Goodwater where I may put some goats to start clearing it out for a farm.” Folks start getting to Speake’s place before 6 p.m. each Friday. Sellers line up outside the wide garage-style doors. The cages cluck, neigh and baa at passersby as their owners wait to be called to the auction block. For the first hour, you can bid on just about anything. A refrigerator changed hands for $40. A handful of rusty “barn tools and railroad pick axe” brought six bucks to its seller. As the auctioneer barks bids with the traditional “going once, going twice, sold” cadence, Connie Gore picks bits of straw from the cotton-ball fur of an Angora rabbit. She got started at the Chicken Auction eight years ago, selling rabbits of mixed

French and English breeds. Around a year ago, she discovered the Angora breed. “The little girls, especially, love them, and a lot of dads bid on them as gifts,” Gore said. “And you can spin the fur into yarn.” Among the folding chairs arrayed in front of the auction block is a faded green, Victorian-style wood-trimmed couch. A hand-scrawled sign marks it “Reserved.” The couch caught the eye of Lee Churchill, who comes just about every Friday night to socialize and see what items and animals are for sale. “We come for the fun of it, and the atmosphere,” she said. “It’s family-ori-

ented, and you always have something interesting happen.” Churchill said she liked the green couch, and there wasn’t much interest in it, so the price kept dropping. Finally, she bid on it and won. So every Friday night, they’ve got the softest seat in the house, positioned in the back left corner so they can cut up without interrupting the auction. The chickens range from fully grown roosters and hens to tiny little bitties that go for around a dollar a peep. Geese, flop-eared bunnies, goats and lambs are interspersed on the auction block. The April 27, 2011 tornado seemed to have wiped the auction off the block, as it ripped the auction house asunder and scattered it among the devastation that struck the Middle Road community that night. But the next morning, as Speake rode around surveying the damage, he said he never doubted they’d be back in business one day. Brothers Jason and Will Smith were hired for the rebuilding process, and they still help out at the weekly auctions. But it took “a lot of 12hour days since April” to get back in operation. They also received a lot of help from volunteers. The Chicken Auction happens every Friday night around 6 p.m. just off Middle Road in Eclectic.

Elmore County Living â&#x20AC;˘ Summer 2012

Elmore County Living • Summer 2012

Brought back to life

Actors perform “Tecumseh at Tuckabatchee” to give a unique history lesson of Tecumseh.

By Lauren Newman

t began as a conversation around a dining room table. And it flourished into an unexpectedly popular play, drawing in a crowd of more than 650 people for one night. It’s “Tecumseh at Tuckabatchee.” Jeanna Kervin, executive director of the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce and part of the group that brought Tecumseh back to life, said she and several others saw the need to keep history alive. “When we had The Year of Small Towns and Downtowns here in 2010, one of the things we did was bring in the Muscogee dancers,” Kervin said. “It triggered a realization that we really need to preserve that history and educate people on the history here. Next thing we knew we had a play.”

PHOTO BY ASHLEY VICE

Tallassee retells story of Tecumseh Kervin, along with Liz Britt, Ann Christian, Tripp Storm, Deborah Hughey and Charles Pollard, managed the logistics of transforming the round-table idea into a full-on performance. “Everyone had their own area of expertise,” Kervin said. “Ann sewed the costumes, Tripp was creative director and wrote the play, Liz and I managed the business end of things and Charles and Deborah made sure everything remained historically accurate. We were all hands-on.” “Tecumseh at Tuckabatchee” is the story of Tecumseh, a Native American leader of the Shawnee tribe who journeyed to Tuckabatchee and delivered a historic speech to the Muscogee Creeks in defiance of the oppression from white settlers. With nothing similar having been

done previously, the group had to get creative to fill the cast list. “We got down to maybe six weeks out and we still did not have a Tecumseh – and he is vital,” Kervin said. “Finally, Ann saw Hubert (Boatwright) at a ribbon cutting and said, ‘He’s got the look.’ And he turned out to be a great Tecumseh.” The rest of the cast was filled through around-the-town recruiting and volunteers. While funding the elaborate idea was seen as an obstacle at first, Kervin said many people and organizations reached out to help. Among those who assisted with funding were the Mildred W. Blount Foundation, the City of Tallassee and the Alabama Department of Tourism. Elmore County Commissioner (D2) Trey Taylor also helped.

Elmore County Living • Summer 2012 “Trey did the monument to Tuckabatchee,” Kervin said. “(The Muscogee People) were very appreciative of the monument to their people.” Tallassee is not always known as the center of “what’s happening” in the area, but “Tecumseh at Tuckabatchee” changed that way of thinking. “We had high hopes and it exceeded our expectations,” Kervin said. “Afterward we had so many people praising it. We were awestruck. It just confirmed to us that people want to know Native American history.” Some of the highest praise came from the Muscogee Creek people, who traveled from Oklahoma to see the performance. “They were very humbled and they said we kept it true to history,” Kervin said. “They told us there was still a lot of hurt left from being chased off their land, so they still have a tender heart for Tallassee. It made them want to be more involved here.” They weren’t the only ones traveling to see the play. Several people from out of state came to Tallassee to see history come alive. After such overwhelming success, no one hesitated in plan-

ning to make “Tecumseh at Tuckabatchee” an annual event. “It’s back by popular demand,” Kervin said. But there will be a few minor changes this year. For starters, festivities will begin the day before. “This year we’re adding an educational day on Friday,” Kervin said. “We’re wanting to educate everyone on the impact the Native Americans had on our area.” There will be activities like storytelling, songs, dances and children’s games. Kervin said this will serve as a great field trip for students. “On Saturday (for the play), we’re enhancing the village life and we’re adding a horse,” Kervin said. The script, she said, will remain more or less the same as last year. There are a number of benefits to hosting a performance of this nature, Kervin said. “One is tourism,” she said. “We bring people here and they see Tallassee and purchase items while they’re here. Another (benefit) is the historical aspect. This could lead us into a real museum of Tuckabatchee and the Creeks. We can enhance what we already have here.”

A dedication ceremony was recently held to commemorate Tukabatchee and its role in Alabama history.

PHOTO BY ASHLEY VICE

Elmore County Living â&#x20AC;˘ Summer 2012

Mark Your Calendar Dream Big Read Summer Library Program When: Tuesdays through July 17, 2 to 3 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: For children entering first through sixth grades. Free. For information, call 334-567-1308 or visit wetumpkalibrary.com. Millbrook Farmers Market When: Tuesdays through Aug. 28, 3 to 6 p.m. Where: Village Green Details: For information, call the Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce, 334285-0085. Own the Night Summer Library Program When: Thursdays through July 19, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Where: Jeanette Barrett Civic Room, Wetumpka Details: For teens entering seventh through 12th grades. Free. For information, call 334-567-1308 or visit wetumpkalibrary.com. Jasmine Hill Gardens Open When: Fridays-Sundays, through June 30;

Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m. Where: Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum, Wetumpka Details: The 20-acre gardens are filled with colorful flowers, stone paths, statuary, fountains and Greek temple reproductions. Admission charged. For information, call 334-567-6463 or visit www.jasminehill.org. Trinity Farmers Market When: Saturdays through July 28, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: Trinity Episcopal Church, Wetumpka Details: Fruits, vegetables, plants, eggs and handcrafted items available for purchase. Tallassee Farmers Market When: Saturdays through Sept. 3, 7 to 11 a.m. Where: Green at Tallassee City Hall Details: The market will be open every Saturday through Sept. 3. Fishing Weekend When: June 16, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; June 17, 1 to 6 p.m. Where: Alabama Nature Center, Mill-

brook Details: Bring a fishing pole and bait and fish at one of the ANC ponds for catfish, bream and bass. Rods and reels available for a small fee. Catch and release. ANC admission charged. Public Meeting / Final Plan Presentation When: June 18, 6 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: The final Wetumpka Downtown & Riverfront Development Plan will be presented. Representatives from the planning team will be present to answer questions and gather the final public input before presenting the completed plan to the City of Wetumpka. Depot Players Acting Up Drama Camp When: June 18-22, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Depot Theatre Details: Open to youth who have completed third grade and higher. Fee $125 per camper, which includes T-shirt. Student performances June 22, 4 p.m., and June 23, 2 p.m. For information, call 334868-1440 or email kmeanor@wetumpkadepot. com.

Elmore County Living • Summer 2012

39 Where: Starts at Papa T’s, Atlanta Highway, Montgomery Details: Sponsored by the Predator’s Motorcycle Association with all proceeds donated to the Humane Society of Elmore County. Registration starts at 12 p.m.; last bike out at 1 p.m. Fee $15 per hand, which includes an event patch, food, door prize and live rock and roll. There will be bike related items for sale and motorcycle games. Best hand $250, second best $100, worst $50. Sponsorships available. For information, call 334-294-7154 or email hselco@bellsouth.net. Mastering the Mysteries of Love: Couples Retreat When: June 23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Old Robinson Springs School, Millbrook Details: Free workshop for non-married or pre-married couples. Lunch and a drawing for door prizes will be included. To preregister, call 334-567-6301. BAMA Boosters Sundae Sunday Freshman Send-off When: June 24, 2 p.m. Where: Emerald Mountain Clubhouse Details: Any Elmore County entering freshman at the University of Alabama in the fall of 2012 is invited to attend. Art Camp 2012 When: June 25-29, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: First Baptist Church of Wetumpka campus Details: A summer arts enrichment program for children 6-13 sponsored by local artists Jennifer Ellis and Hollie Jones. Offering a unique, intensive arts enrichment experience. Areas of instruction - drawing, painting, pottery, sculpture, dance and creative movement. Tuition is $100 per child. For info or to register, call Ellis at 334-430-9383 or Jones at 334-399-6975. “Ladies Can” Workshops: Couponing, Budgeting and Nutrition When: June 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Elmore County Extension Details: $5 registration fee. For information, call 334-567-6301.

Millbrook Community Players Summer Acting Camp When: June 19-22 Where: Millbrook Community Theatre Details: Open to youth 8-18. For info or to register, call 334-7827317. “Ladies Can” Workshops: Water Bath Canning When: June 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Elmore County Extension Details: Learn how to can using a water bath (jams and jellies). $5 registration fee. For information, call 334-567-6301. Ocean Monster Odyssey When: June 20, 2 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Depot Theatre Details: Bring the children to a colorful puppet show that tells the tale of three brave adventurers on a mission to defeat a monster that lives below the dark ocean. Crosstitch Productions will stage the show. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the door. For info, call 33-868-1440 or email kmeanor@wetumpka depot.com. 10th Annual Cruisin’ fer Critters Charity Ride When: June 23, 12 p.m.

Wetumpka’s 4th of July Celebration When: July 4, 4 p.m. Where: Gold Star Park behind both City Hall and the City Administrative Building Details: No admission charge. Wetumpka will pay tribute to the military during its Independence Day celebration. A concert by the Wetumpka POPS Community Band at 4 p.m. will begin the program. There will be displays relating to the military, food vendors and a children’s activities area. A parade will begin at 4:30 p.m. near First Baptist Church, cross the bridge and end at the Gold Star Park boat ramp parking lot. Also included will be the Freedom Riders, Adullam House Choir, a speaker and a special balloon release. The Sweet Young’uns will take the stage at 7 p.m. and attendees can “dance in the street.” Fireworks over the Coosa River will start at approximately 8:30 p.m. For info, call Gwen Turner at 334-567-1384 or email gturner@cityofwetumpka.com. Annual 4th of July Boat Parade When: July 4, 10 to 11 a.m. Where: Kowaliga Marine to Children’s Harbor Details: Boats decorated with flags with an Independence Day theme will parade. Awards for decorated boats in different categories. Free. Presented by Russell Marine. For information, call

40 334-857-2111 or visit www.russellmarine.net. 12th Annual 4th of July Music Blast and Fireworks Display When: July 4, 5 p.m. Where: Lake Martin Amphitheater Details: Presented by Russell Lands. Gates open at 5 p.m. Music, 6 to 11 p.m. Fireworks 9 p.m. For information, call 334-857-2111 or visit www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com. Santuck Flea Market When: July 7, Aug. 4, dawn to 2 p.m. Where: Area surrounding Santuck Baptist Church Details: An outdoor flea market with booths featuring arts, crafts, antiques, novelties, imports, food and more. Free admission to the public with free parking available. For information, call 334567-7400. Bluegrass Jam When: July 7, Aug. 4, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka Details: All acoustic instruments welcome - beginner, intermediate, advanced and listeners. Sit and Sew When: July 7, Aug. 4, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka

Elmore County Living â&#x20AC;˘ Summer 2012

42 Details: Free event. Bring sewing machine or hand sewing/knitting project. For information, call 334-578-9485. Camp ARTumpka When: July 9-13, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka Details: A variety of arts activities for youth 6-14, including clay slab art, design/stencil making, creative writing, music/voice/puppetry/drama, sculpture, sewing/handcrafts, discovering painting materials and more. Members $85/week, nonmembers, $95/week. $15 nonrefundable registration fee per child. Download forms at arrac.org or email artsclub@arrac.org. Space is limited. For information, call 334-578-9485. Friends of the Wetumpka Library Summer Somethin’ When: July 10, 7 to 10 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Featuring bestselling author Gregg Hurwitz, international bestselling author of 12 thrillers. He has also written comics for Marvel (Wolverine, Punisher) and DC (Batman, Penguin) and produced and written screenplays for film and television. Tickets $40 each, include a meal, presentation by the author and a copy of

Elmore County Living • Summer 2012 his latest book. For information, call 334567-1308 or visit wetumpkalibrary.com. “Ladies Can” Workshops: Pressure Canning When: July 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Elmore County Extension Details: Learn the safe way to pressure can produce. $5 registration fee. For information, call 334-567-6301. Central Alabama Chapter of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Big Game Banquet When: July 13, 6 to 10 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: A night of fun to preserve the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. Raffles, live and silent auctions and meal. All proceeds benefit the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. For information, call Barry Estes at 334 301-0179 or Richard Henninger at 334 558-7248. Trade Days When: July 14 and Aug. 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Warehouse and Main Street, Eclectic Details: Arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, entertainment, yard sale vendors. Activities for children - face painting, chalk

art, spin art and more. For info on renting booth space or providing entertainment, contact Ted McGinty at 334-850-4772, tedmcginty @ymail.com or verdie nummy@live.com. Mastering the Mysteries of Love: Married Couples Retreat When: July 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Old Robinson Springs School, Millbrook Details: Free workshop. Re-energize relationship and strengthen commitment. 9:00am - 4:00pm. Lunch and a drawing for door prizes will be included. To preregister, call 334-567-6301. “Ladies Can” Workshops: Container Gardening and Cooking with Herbs When: July 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Elmore County Extension Details: $5 registration fee. For information, call 334-567-6301. Millbrook Community Players: “State Fair” When: July 19-21 and 26-28, 7:30 p.m.; July 22, 2 p.m. Where: Millbrook Community Theatre Details: Set against the colorful backdrop of an American heartland tradition, “State Fair” travels with the Frake family as they

Elmore County Living • Summer 2012

leave behind the routine of the farm for three days of adventure at the annual Iowa State Fair. Set to an Academy Award-winning score. For info or tickets, call 334782-7317 or visit www.millbrooktheatre.com. River and Blues Music and Arts Festival When: July 21, 2 to 10 p.m. Where: From Gold Star Park to park behind city administrative building Details: A free event featuring jazz, zydeco, blues and similar music, along with arts and crafts exhibitors, food vendors, a talent competition and activities for children and families. Confirmed entertainers on the main stage – behind the city administrative building – will include Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, Henry Pugh, The Hotheads (string band), Brian Hinton (blues) and John Bull Band (blues). A second stage, located just down the riverwalk in Gold Star Park, will feature local performers and a talent competition. Deadline to apply for a booth is July 7. For info, contact Tiffany Robinson at 334567-5147 or trobinson@cityofwetumpka.com, or visit www.riverandblues.net or the festival’s Facebook page. The second annual Cookin’ on the Coosa barbecue competition will be held in conjunction with the River and Blues event. Sweet Summer Night XVII Street Dance When: July 21, 4 p.m. to midnight Where: Tallassee Historical District Downtown Details: Live music. Admission charged. For information, call 334-283-5151 or visit www.tallasseechamber.com.

Countywide Football Celebration and Low Country Boil When: July 23, 6:30 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Fans of high school, college and pro football are invited to celebrate the start of the season. Come dressed in favorite team colors, talk about football and enjoy some great food. There will be door prizes and a silent auction. Tickets are $20 per adult and $15 for ages 18 and younger. Tickets available at The Wetumpka Herald or Collier Ford. 7th Annual Wags & Whiskers “Bone-A-Fit” Silent Auction When: July 27, 6 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Elmore County. $15 per person, $25 per couple, $300 for a sponsor table for eight. Tickets may be purchased at the Elmore County Humane Shelter or at the door. Auction items may be previewed at www.elmorehumane.com. Wetumpka Depot Players: “Panache” When: July 26-28, Aug. 2-4, Aug. 9-11, 7:30 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Depot Theatre Details: A romantic comedy. For info or tickets, visit www.wetumpkadepot.com or call 334-868-1440. Summerfest When: July 27, 6 p.m. Where: The Pines Golf Course, Millbrook Details: Bring the family and enjoy Millbrook’s summer celebration. Live music provided by a variety of area bands. Free. Concessions available on site. The evening culminates with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. Quilts and lawn chairs encouraged.For information, call

334-285-6428 or visit www.cityofmillbrook.org. AMPalooza When: July 28, 5:45 p.m. Where: Lake Martin Amphitheater Details: In concert - the Charlie Daniels Band, The Vegabonds, Rexton Lee. For information, call 256-212-1479 or visit www.russellmarine.net or www.lmat.org Ask the Experts Series: “Keep Your Customer” When: Aug. 21, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Where: Jeanette Barrett Civic Room, Wharf Street, Wetumpka Details: Hosted by the Minority and Women Owned Business Development Task Force (MWB) of the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of the workshop series is to help build relationships between chamber small businesses and resources located in the community. Industry professionals will be on hand to offer tips, answer questions and develop working relationships with member businesses that may need their services. This session will discuss how to provide top notch customer service. For information, call the chamber at 334-5674811. Labor Day Weekend Concert When: Sept. 2 Where: Lake Martin Amphitheater Details: An end-of-summer celebration with headliner entertainment presented by Russell Lands. For info, call 256-3971019 or visit www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com. To submit calendar information, email news@thewetumpkaherald.com.

Elmore County Living • Summer 2012

A LAST LOOK

“Down sank the great red sun, and in golden, glimmering vapors veiled the light of his face, like the Prophet descending from Sinai.” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow