Hometown Alabama

Hometown, Alabama THE HISTORY. THE COMMUNITY. THE PURPOSE.

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Talladega: More Than A Speedway By: Brian J. Stultz

Talladega, Ala. - More than 100,000 people come to Talladega County more than once a year to fill the Talladega Superspeedway, located just north of county seat Talladega. They arrive from all parts of the world to watch their favorite driver and hope that he can outmaneuver his competition. The experience is seen as something almost religious; grown men arguing over whether Jimmie Johnson or Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is the better driver. Multiple generations of families crowd the stands and midfield.

They yell, drink and cheer when either their guy takes the lead or a rival crashes. It is the epitome of American overindulgence. “Going to a race at Talladega is like the Super Bowl and World Series combined,� said Brian Walker, a longtime fan of auto racing who visits Talladega Superspeedway yearly.

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However, walking through downtown Talladega gives few clubs that this small town in east central Alabama is a mecca for auto racing fans worldwide. The stores and restaurants on East Street are open, but, at this moment, vacant.

A woman hustles her toddler son as she tries to accomplish the auspicious task of entering and leaving a Piggly Wiggly with a child without having a nervous breakdown. A barber shop, most likely a hotbed for town news and gossip, is full of retired men who are no doubt still recalling the Iron Bowl from the previous year.

This is not the Talladega that the world knows, but is the one that the citizens, both longtime and new, love.

Like most small towns in Alabama, the epicenter is the courthouse. On this early spring day, it feels like a John Grisham novel, with attorneys entering and exiting the old building scurrying to get to their next billable hour.

Kids are playing in the park next to Oak Hill Cemetery, where citizens of the past lie for eternity

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A plaque erected on the southwest corner of Courthouse Square memorializes the Battle of Talladega that occurred on Nov. 9, 1813. On this spot, future U.S. President Andrew Jackson led his men, a bunch of Tennessee Volunteers and Indians, into battle and ultimately a victory over a bunch of “Red Sticks”. I find it ironic that a plaque, deep into Auburn Tiger and Alabama Crimson Tide territory, celebrates a bunch of men from Tennessee.

In Talladega, people seem to treasure the town’s past, while worrying about its future. “This town could be great, but I am pessimistic that it will ever be as good as it once was,” says one citizen sitting on a bench in the square. “Look at that view,” she says while pointing down appropriately named Battle Street. “Who would ever get tired of seeing those foothills in the distance?”

Old southern mansions line part of East Street, bringing to mind a time when Talladega was not even part of the United States. Founded in 1835, Talladega started attracting citizens of all kinds once the courthouse was finished in 1838, according to the Encyclopedia of Alabama. Images of Confederate soldiers in their grays and ladies in their dresses come to my mind. I am quickly brought back to the present when I see a large amount of trucks in one driveway, all there to cut down centuries-old trees.

Nancy Lutchendorf, Service Guild President for the Talladega Heritage Commission, state, “We have a lot of history that no one knows about.” Pointing toward the framed pictures of famous Talladegans in Heritage Hall Museum, including Robert Emmett Bledsoe Baylor, founder of Baylor University.

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The future of Talladega faces uncertainty, with a decreasing job market and a poor (money-wise) public school system, but the people of Talladega are not afraid, according to a patron at the Royal Café. “We are hard-working, honest and loyal people who love their town and will do everything to continue to bring excellence to a place that has long been known for it.”

On my last visit in early April, the town was blossoming from the oncoming spring and gearing up for the “April in Talladega” festival, which was taking place the upcoming weekend. There will be art experiences, dancing, wine mixers, films and plenty of events to celebrate all that is Talladega.

“We are much more than a raceway,” says Kelly Williams, director of Heritage Hall Museum.

I now agree.

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Culture And History Preserved At Museum By: Brian J. Stultz Auburn, Ala. - The first thing you notice is the pristine wood floors. There is no other way to describe them. I felt bad for stepping on them. Then, the art appears. An early morning fog over a lake during the fall. A snowcapped mountain with pine trees shivering in the valley. They are paintings, but looking at them you feel that you are looking into a window.

This is the experience I had during my visit to the Heritage Hall Museum on quaint South Street in Talladega, Ala. Located in the former Carnegie Library, the building was converted in 1982 to a place that now showcases local artists and celebrates the rich history of Talladega.

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“Concerned citizens got together,” explains Kelly Williams, director of the Museum, “and they didn’t want this building torn down.”

Wise choice, because the museum has become a gem in this town with just more than 15,000 citizens. Open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on TuesdayFriday, admission is free to the museum. Donations are accepted and welcome.

Rotating pieces each month in the central room, Williams says that she tries to showcase a variety of art.

“As far as the medium,” Williams states, “it’s not one particular thing. We try to keep a mix, whether they be oil paintings, water color or sculptures.”

In the sun-filled room to your left when you enter, a different local artist is featured each month with their pieces for sale. In April, the room featured artist Perry Austin, an Auburn University alumnus who, before pursuing fine art full time, was vice president of marketing and sales for an international process equipment company. Austin is quite adept at portraying the love of landscape and uses his background in rural Alabama as motivation.

Walking through the building, with each step reverberating from the wood floor, my eye immediately goes to a piece featuring a well-dressed man in Confederate grays.

You make eye contact with him and can’t look away. What is the story behind this man? Was this taken before he went to battle? Well, it was something different.

“That is Lyman Warren Clardy II,” Williams explains. “He is wearing the uniform that his grandfather wore during the war.”

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Not all of the featured paintings they bring in are done by professionals. This spring, the museum will feature works of art from the local elementary school. Beyond making the young students proud, it also exposes them to the art world. The museum also offers an art camp for kids twice during the summer.

Making sure to not knock anything over, I carefully followed both Williams and Nancy Lutchendorf, the Service Guild President of the Talladega Heritage Commission, around while they explained each painting like proud parents.

“When we founded the museum,” Williams says, “it was more of a historical-like museum. We then morphed it into an art museum.”

The site hosts community events such as the upcoming “Folk Art Experience”, during the annual Talladega in April festival. They invite me to come back for another visit to take part in the Wine and Cheese Gala and other events that occur during the festival.

I think I will take them up on that, if only to stare in Clardy’s eyes again and, of course, mop the floors to make up for mess I most likely left.

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Institute Provides Bright Future For Deaf And Blind

By Brian J. Stultz Helen Keller is one of the most inspiring people to not only come from Alabama, but our country as a whole. Despite going both deaf and blind due to an illness at 19 months old, Keller went on to become an esteemed author and a major figure in the women’s suffrage movement. With her legacy in mind and through efforts of thousands, the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB), located in Talladega, Ala., continues Keller’s work.

The institute, founded in 1858, contains the Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama School for the Deaf and the Helen Keller School for Alabama, among other locations throughout Alabama. During a visit this past March, I marveled at the sprawling campus. Each building had the look of an Ivy League campus, with trees swirling around in the not yet spring-not exactly winter breeze. Every kid that walked by had that same look that every school-aged kid has on their face: just hoping to get through the week.

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Talking with both students and administrators, they all had the same sense of purpose and focus on their task at hand. While it is at times challenging, some admitted, the reward is far greater.

“My friend’s mother taught here,” explains Michael Giddens, who grew up in nearby Childersburg, “and the experience she got teaching these children gave her life fulfillment.”

The front page of the institute’s website states that this is “a place where miracles can happen, where students can reach well beyond their expectations, a place where what if becomes I can.” If students need proof, they can take a look at The Blind Boys of Alabama. The five-time Grammy Award winning gospel group met while students at the institute in 1944. They went on to lift up audiences both emotionally and spiritually and continue to do so today.

The AIDB teaches the main curriculum that every student has to struggle through, but they also offer a variety of studies, including an equestrian center located just down the road from the main building. The MGH Special Equestrian Arena is a tribute to Marianna Greene Henry, who introduced hippotherapy, a form of physical, occupational and speech therapy where a therapist uses the characteristic movements of a horse to provide graded motor and sensory input, to AIDB. Before the center could open, however, Henry passed of a fatal heart disease.

The institute also features a new 5,500 square foot facility that give them actual experience with home and personal management. Along with the facility, the Alabama Industries for the Blind exists to provide training and employment to blind and deaf adults.

Helen Keller passed away in 1968, but with the help of the hard-working faculty, administrators, and, last but not least, students of the AIDB, her work is continued.

Relearning The Value Of A Small Town By: Brian J. Stultz I grew up in a small Kentucky town where there remains a weekly newspaper that, unless a miracle happens, will not be winning a Pulitzer any time soon. They worked their tails off giving the people what they wanted, whether it be news from the latest cow auction to sports news all the way down to T-ball baseball. As a kid, I remember getting giddy each time I was recognized in any way. It was a small publication, sure, but I was in print. People were reading about ME! After spending more than 10 years living in New York City, I forgot about the effect small town newspapers can have on their community. Reading the NY Times on a daily basis, I was more worried about what was going in the economy, world politics and major events. On my few visits back to my hometown, I would pick up the local paper and think, “Who is interested in this?” In my father’s words, I had “become a brainwashed New Yorker who thinks the world revolves around Manhattan”.

He was right.

Jumping into this project and going into a small southern town I knew nothing about, I was concerned of how people would treat me when asking hard questions about their beloved town. After all, I sound more like a Yankee than a student at Auburn University. My concerns were put quickly at ease.

I once again saw that spark that a local newspaper can give a community. These people want to hear more about the upcoming “Talladega in April” festival than they do the uncertainty in Ukraine. Each citizen I spoke to was proud not only of their town, but also The Daily Home, the local newspaper.

Picking up a copy each time while in town and following online, it was community journalism at its finest. No story was too small for coverage because that is what the reader wants. I saw youth basketball teams posing with their recently-won trophies.

There were articles focusing on a shop closing, or more happily, a store opening. Each news item reminded me of the newspaper I grew up with and brought me back to ap11

preciating the work and hours the people who work in community journalism dedicate not to themselves, but the community.

Maybe, one day in the near future, I will be the one covering a five generation birthday party or Little League game and putting a smile on the people involved.

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Friendly Feel Creates Family Atmosphere At Oskar’s By: David McKinney

“20 years and still going.”

That’s what it says on the 32 oz. cups of ice-cold sweet tea being served daily at Oskar’s Café, just off of highway 49 south in Dadeville, Ala. Customers walk out the screen door into the dusty, gravel parking lot with full stomachs and smiles on their faces.

As more and more Dadeville citizens file in for lunch, Mark Albertson, who has owned Oskar’s for more than 20 years, walks out to the hostess’ podium to greet every one of his customers.

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He addresses them as if they’re all his oldest and closest friends. “Y’all watch the game last night?” He says to a group of four men who have just been seated.

Albertson constantly keeps a smile on his face, as do most of the customers in his restaurant.

So, what keeps the customers so happy that they keep coming back again and again to get their Oskar’s fix? According to Albertson it’s a “mix of quality of service, quality of food, and quality of atmosphere.”

By any standards, Albertson is right.

The wait staff is just as warm and welcoming as Albertson is, paying special attention to each and every customer who comes in.

“Hey Mr. Larry,” one of the waitresses says excitedly, as an elderly man walks in for lunch. “Your table’s waiting for you.”

Albertson said, he sees a strong presence of people who are just in town for quick dip in the lake, tossed in with his regulars that live in Dadeville.

“After Labor Day, you start to see more of a Lake Martin crowd,” Albertson said. “It’s people who may be down for the weekend, or just a Saturday” The atmosphere is perfect for a restaurant in a small town close to a lake. Different forms of “welcome to the lake” signs hang on the wall near almost every table. Fish are mounted on the wall, and other aquatic themed paraphernalia covers the walls from floor to ceiling.

As for the food, it’s an added bonus on already enjoyable experience.

“Oskar’s is pretty good,” said Allen Hoskins, whose family has owned a house on the lake for more than three years.

The menu offers a wide variety of classic southern staple foods, and, of course, catfish.

“The catfish is pretty good,” Albertson said. “But I think people really like all the variations of chicken fingers.”

Hoskins said anything you get at Oskar’s will make other restaurants look like small potatoes…or catfish.

“It’s all great,” Hoskins said. “It and and Bob’s are probably my two favorite restaurants in town.”

One way to order the chicken fingers at Oskar’s is to have them put on the “Rooster” sandwich. The menu claims that “you’ll crow over this big guy!”

The hoagie sits on greasy piece of serving paper next to a substantial pile of fries. The American cheese melts from the heat of the chicken fingers and slowly drips out of the bread where the sandwich was cut in half. Under the chicken lies two tomatoes tucked into a bed of lettuce that sits atop the mayonnaise. All the ingredients combine for a deliciously warm first bite.

As Albertson carries on his conversation with the four men about last night’s game, he is sure to politely break and welcome everyone who comes in. He gives them a big smile and hello, and they give him one right back.

“I’m passionate about serving my customers,” Albertson said, and it’s obvious to anyone who has ever been into his restaurant.

Anyone who stops in for a bite at Oskar’s feels like they are among old friends.

Lake Martin: Big Time Water With A Small Town Feel By: David McKinney Allen Hoskins sits on his dock, cracking the top off his first Dos Equis beer of the day.

He takes a sip as he wipes foam and lime juice from the corner his mouth, glancing out at the water, he says, “I could definitely live here permanently.”

The water on Lake Martin is akin to green sheet of glass on this February Saturday.

Hoskins, a junior at nearby Auburn University, and three of his fraternity brothers have retreated to Hoskins’ family lake home in Dadeville, AL., for the weekend.

That lake is a sunny destination for vacationers in the Southeast, but it is infinitely more important to the citizens of Dadeville.

The money the lake brings the town flows in like the water itself from the Tallapoosa River. Wealthy citizens from all over the region have luxurious houses on the lake, full of intricate in-home entertainment systems and kitchens that could be featured on the Food Network.

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The lake serves as somewhat of a dividing line for the city. On the water, multi-million dollar houses and guest houses are abundant. In the heart of Dadeville, a town populated by barely more than 3,000 people, houses are noticeably smaller. But the two divisions thrive off of each other.

“Bob’s (Fine Foods) is a great place to eat,” Hoskins said. “Oskar’s is good too.”

Oskar’s owner Mark Albertson said the lake is great for his business.

“After Labor Day, you start to see more of a Lake Martin crowd,” Albertson said. “It’s people who may be down for a weekend, or just a Saturday.”

Dadeville Public Library Director Abbi Mangarelli said that lake-goers also give the library a little extra action.

“We are a vacation spot for a lot of families,” Mangarelli said. “They come to lake, and we do offer temporary memberships. The summer people come to the lake and sort of boost up our numbers a little bit.”

Martin is one of the biggest man-made lakes in the country, providing vacation homes to some elite public figures. Richard M. Scrushy, a Selma, Ala., native, founder and former CEO of HealthSouth owned a 15,000 square-foot house that was purchased by the company for more than $7 million in 2009.

Recently, Chik-fil-A President Dan Cathy purchased a home on the water, complete with a guest house that sits on a hill between the main house and the dock.

For Brannen McMahan, a now permanent resident of the lake, Martin represents much more than just a body of water off U.S. Highway 280.

“My family started going to the lake when I was just a baby,” MacMahan said.

McMahan added that the summer isn’t the only time the lake should be enjoyed.

“When people think of the lake they obviously think of the summer, but it’s really a year round place,” McMahan said. “In the fall, it’s great to watch football games out on the deck. During the winter you can deer hunt and do any work you need to on your boat.”

McMahan said that while the lake can be busy with tourists from Memorial Day through Labor Day, it still feels like home to him.

“I would say that’s the best thing about Lake Martin,” McMahan said. “Next to the beach, it has become Alabama’s best vacation destination location, yet maintains the small neighborhood feel for its year round residents.

On a surprisingly warm February Saturday, Hoskins and his buddies are virtually the only ones here that aren’t year round residents. With the water at an extremely low winter levels, as the sun sinks below the horizon, Hoskins and his friends have started a small campfire on the ground that will be the bottom the deep lake in a few months.

The fire crackles, the friends howl with stress-free laughter, and as the February night sets in and the temperature begins to drop, Hoskins gazes out at the water and cracks another beer.

Barbour Enjoys Making Impact In Small Town By: David McKinney

Police Chief David E. Barbour sits at his desk in his office inside the small Dadeville, AL., police department.

The seal of the department hangs on the wall above his head, with certificates sprawling out from it in every direction.

“I could give you the standard run of the mill answer,” said Barbour, as he explained why he decided to get into law enforcement. “Try to make a difference, that’s the standard answer.”

But Barbour said he got into his profession for more than just the cookie-cutter reasons.

“I would like to change people’s behavior,” Barbour said. “Writing tickets, at the end of the day, isn’t collecting money, its altering behavior. It’s a safety factor.”

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Barbour, a lifelong Dadeville resident and police chief for the last two years, thinks that he has achieved his goal of changing people’s behavior.

“I think I’ve changed some. Most definitely,” Barbour said. “I can certainly relate to teenagers and young adults that I have changed over the years.”

Even in a small town like Dadeville, Barbour said the city still sees all types of crimes.

“It’s mostly petty thefts,” Barbour said. “But we get a little bit of everything, just like Birmingham does, just not on the scale of them.”

The department has 13 full-time officers and two part-time to help keep the citizens of the town safe.

“I stand behind my officers,” Barbour said. “I’ve got a good crew. The officer is what makes me.”

According to Barbour, those officers are working with a crime rate that is on par for a town of Dadeville’s size.

“The crime rate is average for this size city, based on the 3,200 population,” Barbour said. “You do have a little bit more industry in here that brings the population up, but the baseline is 3,200.”

Barbour added that the department has a pretty good solve rate on most of the town’s crimes.

Barbour said that during the time he has left as chief, he has a few goals he’d like to fulfill.

“I want to try and lead the department into the 21st century, so to speak,” Barbour said.

“All my vehicles have computers and everything in it that they need for the officers to do their job.”

Barbour said he is at the age where retirement is about three years down the road, but he wants to be police chief for “as long they’ll have me.”

Barbour said that he has enjoyed his time as chief, though at times it can be challenging.

“It’s rewarding, but it has its downfalls,” Barbour said. “You have to deal with a lot of politics and budgets and that kind of thing. People do complain. If you get out here, and you do your job, you’re going to get complained on…but you have to sort through that.”

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On The Ground By: David McKinney “Being on the ground in town is the key to community journalism.”

David Goodwin, the editor of the Dadeville Record told me that early in the semester during an interview I conducted with him.

Those words would turn out to be overwhelmingly true.

Community journalism is a pretty tough gig if you’re not actually a citizen of the town. When I was trying to set up an interview with the police chief of Dadeville, I had to tear down walls just to get inside his office.

When I first called his office, his secretary promptly asked me “Is this a positive article?” then proceeded to tell me that if it was going to be at all negative, she wouldn’t even tell the chief that I called.

After about 10 or so calls, and a few trips to Dadeville that resulted in no interviews, I finally received a call back, after sitting in my car for an hour and a half in a Piggly Wiggly parking lot.

This ordeal taught me that in journalism, especially when covering a small town you have got to build trust and foster relationships in order to have people feel comfortable enough to take an interview.

Although, I didn’t have this problem with every story.

Mark Albertson, the owner of Oskar’s café, the restaurant I did the profile on, was extremely accepting. He invited me right in, offered me a drink, and was very open in his interview.

Not to mention, he fixed me up real nice with a delicious chicken sandwich.

So, I guess I have varying views on community journalism.

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On the one hand, I got stone walled for a story on a public figure, and had to break down several barriers to just get an interview with one source.

On the other, I was treated like an old friend, and got a great story out of it.

So I guess it really just depends on who you’re talking to. But I still agree with David Goodwin, being in town is the key.

After all, that’s where the stories are.

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H O MET O W N, A L A B A M A

Columbiana, Alabama

A picture of the city of Columbiana, Alabama from atop the Shelby County court house.

My Home In my last two semesters of college

learn about that place that I don’t al-

classes at Auburn University, I had the

ready know and It’ll be an easy write

opportunity to pick out a small town, in

up,” or so I thought. As the semester

Alabama, and do some pretty in depth re-

went on I kept finding out so many inter-

search and writing on the people and the

esting facts about the place that I am

history that surrounds that town. I chose

from and kept hearing of all these inter-

my hometown of Columbiana, Alabama.

esting people that, in a town of just 4,500, I had never had the opportunity

Initially I chose my hometown because

to meet or really talk to. So I decided to

I thought “Hey there’s really nothing to 23

wipe my slate clean and go in as a

feel a part of something. I learned to

stranger, with little to no predispositions

have pride of where you’re from, no mat-

about anything or anyone. This was the

ter how small or cliché it is.At one point,

best decision that I could have made. I

while I was taking pictures of the down-

started talking to people that I had al-

town area, I had the opportunity to go

ways seen but had never taken the time

up to the clock tower of the courthouse

to talk to. I started turning on roads that

and take some aerial shots of Columbi-

I had always just passed by and never

ana. When I got to the top and climbed

driven down. I lived in this community

out on to the roof, all of the emotions

for twenty years and was starting to feel

that I had been dealing with sort of came

ashamed that I had taken these wonder-

to a head. As I looked out over my beauti-

ful people and these beautiful places for

ful community and saw the clear blue

granted, but then I thought “it won’t do

sky, the pine green tree line, and the

you any good to feel ashamed, just start

high school I have so many wonderful

now appreciating and doing the things

memories from, my eyes began to well

you always should have.” So I did. I

up and tears began to trickle down my

started walking around smiling at every-

face. I realized in that moment that I

one that passed me by and I now wake

loved the place where I grew up. Colum-

up every morning excited for who I am

biana is my home and it always will be.

going to meet and what new experience

In that moment I felt pure and unaltered

that I am going to get to have that day.

love for the place that has made me the person that I am today.I am proud to be

I learned that my small town isn’t a place

from Columbiana, Alabama and I hope

that wants to hold you back. It is a place

to return to the community where I was

that wants to propel you forward, out

raised and contribute to its growth and

into the world, to do whatever it is that

future. I know that is the place that I al-

you want to do and at the same time be

ways will and want to call home.

the safety net that can catch you and protect you from pain when you fall. I learned that people can still be genuine and truly care for each other and the place that they live. I learned the meaning of community and what it means to 24

A Trip Through Prattville By: Amber Franklin

Fifteen minutes from Montgomery, off Interstate 65, sits a small town called Prattville. Founded by Daniel Pratt in 1839, Prattville has been many things to many people.

When it was founded in 1839, it was

been changing, growing and adapting

called “the birthplace of industry,” be-

since its birth.

cause of its famous cotton gin. It has

“Take your choice – you’ve got old down-

been called “the Fountain City,” for the

town Prattville, Prattmont, Prattville

abundance of artesian wells hidden

East, all the new growth, or further out

throughout the city. For many, it is the

west, you’ve got a little more rural [ar-

“Preferred Community.” Prattville has

eas],” said Mayor Bill Gillespie.

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If you’ve gotten off at exit 179, you’re

to school, there were not very many

smack in the middle of Prattville East,

places you could go to and buy really

the area with the largest expansion in all

nice clothes, so after we’d shop here,

of Prattville. In the past seven years, two

Mama would load us up and go to Mont-

new shopping centers have opened, host-

gomery,” Gillespie said. “When we got

ing big-name shops and eateries such as

into high school and started dating, if

Target, Kinnucan’s, Starbucks, Chipotle,

you wanted to take your date to some-

Panda Express and Chappy’s Deli, to

where nice to eat, you had to go to Mont-

name a few.

gomery.

Take her to

“Yes, we’re big

a nice

time in Pratt-

movie, had

ville now,” Jen-

to go to

nifer Hum-

Montgom-

phrey, Prattville

ery. And

resident, said

now we

with a laugh.

have a lot

Prattville East

of those

is also home to

things

the Robert

here.”

Trent Jones Golf Trail,

A historic marker gives visitors insight to the creek's rich history.

which hosts

Further into Prattville is

LPGA tours and

Prattmont, an area where large expan-

brings newcomers to the city each year.

sion began and then slowly faded. Many

This expansion has drawn many new

of the businesses, such as Gipson’s Tire

residents to Prattville and has been great

and Auto and Larry Puckett Chevrolet,

for the city’s growth. Mayor Gillespie

are owned by people in the community

sees the changes as positive.

everyone knows by name. Prattmont is

“One way I always sort of relate that

also where most of Prattville’s suburban residents live.

back to a little bit of my childhood, … back in my day, when we got ready to go 26

The Creekwalk stretches from historic downtown, past the canoe trail, the library and Pratt Park, ending by an artesian well across from Stanley-Jensen Stadium, home of the Prattville Lions.

In the fall, Pratt Park and the stadium will be jam-packed, full of excited students, parents and fans.

From here, Cobbs Ford Road becomes Main Street and continues all the way to

“People are serious about football in

historic downtown Prattville, home to

Prattville,” said Shea Davis, resident of

the Daniel Pratt Gin, Creekwalk, Prattau-

Prattville. “You don’t go to Prattville and

gan Museum and Buena Vista. This area

not like football.”

of town has also seen revitalization re-

If you veer off the beaten path, Prattville

cently.

has an abundance of hidden gems.

“The area down by the dam, not a day

There’s the Prattvillage Garden, nestled

goes by that you won’t see people down

between the quaint Village Clocksmith

there walking or taking pictures, and we

and the Prattauga Museum on Fourth

marketed some of that by adding a new

Street, which houses a small wooden

addition to our Creekwalk,” Gillespie

chapel, an antique sundial and bursts of

said.

blooming wisteria, azaleas and sweet

Making their way down the Creekwalk,

peas.

two older ladies stop to ask how your day

There are 21 parks to choose from, in-

is going and chat for a minute.

cluding the gargantuan wooden for-

“I hope you’re getting good pictures,”

tresses of Pratt Park, which are painted

said the woman in a bright red shirt. “It’s

to transform tunnels into alligators,

so pretty, I could walk here all the time.”

spaces into sailboats, and cut-outs into clowns, and the 26-acre Wilderness 27

Park, which boasts bamboo shoots that

of Mayberry here in Prattville,” Gillespie

grow up to 60 feet high and 6 feet thick.

said. “People coming through, [if] they

Beside Prattville High School, Upper

stay awhile, they might find it and decide

Kingston Park holds five soccer fields, a

to stay even longer.”

walking trail and a pavilion that has housed countless birthday parties and after-game celebrations. One of the newest parks, Overlook Memorial, also has a play area, outdoor pavilion and walking trail, but its main attraction is the Butch Ray Fragrance Garden, whose sights and smells attract visitors of all ages.

Despite the abundance of choices and continuing changes, Prattville still manages to keep its small-town feel. “Some people think Mayberry is a negative terminology, but to me, there is a little bit

28

H O MET O W N, A L A B A M A

Sowing More Than Clothes

If you were to drive down Thompson

“I started sewing 53 years ago, and I’ve

Street in Columbiana, Ala. any given day

sewn for the public off and on through-

you would see a number of things. You

out that time. I made costumes and

could see newly remodeled houses, chil-

made clothes and hemmed pants and

dren playing in their yards, people walk-

things like that,” said Edmondson. “I

ing their dogs and an elderly couple sit-

just do it because I enjoy it. I don’t even

ting on their porch waving as each per-

make enough to file income tax.”

son and car passes by.

Edmondson has lived in Columbiana

This sweet elderly couple are the Ed-

her entire life and attended Shelby

mondsons, and Margaret Edmondson,

County High School until she was in the

or Mrs. Edmondson, as most know her is

tenth grade.

the 80 years young town seamstress.

29

“At that point I thought I was smarter

and seem that there is, Edmondson has

than the teachers, so I just decided not

accumulated a large base of loyal custom-

to go back.”

ers.

Edmondson is the town “go-to” for sew-

“She does a great job and always has,”

ing jobs and prom dress and formal

says longtime customer Carol Harrison.

emergencies.

Harrison has been taking clothes to Ed-

“If there is a prom going on, I stay

mondson for over 17 years.

busy. I’ve been up till the early hours of

“She is always honest about the work

the morning fixing and making prom

that can do, and I’ve never seen anything

dresses from scratch,” Edmondson said.

that she can’t do,” said Harrison as she

The shocking part is that Edmondson is

laughed. “That’s what I like about her so

entirely self-taught.

much, she is honest and she is just so sweet.”

“Well, I had my oldest daughter, when she was born, my husband’s mother and

Edmondson genuinely loves her work

them owned a café and they bought flour

and has even done entire wedding par-

in bulk, big bags, and they were printed

ties, only charging

bags and I wanted to make her little sun

$70 per bridesmaids dress and $100

suits and little dresses and things like

for the actual bride’s gown.

that, with the help of the good Lord

“I enjoy doing this so there’s no need

that’s how I learned to sew. I’ve never had a lesson in my life,” Edmondson

for me to over charge for what I’m do-

said.

ing,” said Edmondson, “ I like that the challenge that comes with the jobs like

“This is what I call a gift from God,

that.”

can’t just anybody, and I’m not bragging

Edmondson and her husband are still

on myself I’m bragging on the Lord here, but can’t just anybody look at a dress

very active and she still sows as often as

and then make another dress just like it,”

she gets a job. All she advertises through

the modest Edmondson added

is word of mouth and she says that that is enough.

Due to having such skill and experience with almost every type of pattern, cloth, 30

“The lord has blessed me with sowing,” said Edmondson, “It’s something I enjoy doing, I’ve always said if you enjoy the job you’re doing you do a better job and I’ve always enjoyed sowing.”

31

H O MET O W N, A L A B A M A

What God’s Got For Me

Just past the Shelby County Board of

drive of a 25 year old trying to change

Education and right across from Shelby

the world.

County High School, appropriately

“I just love people, and I love to love on

placed between a fork in the road, lies a

people,” said Drake. “That’s why I have

small restaurant called Annie’s Place.

this place and that’s why I always

This restaurant is a treasure chest of

wanted this place. I want to use my pas-

memories, some fond and some not, of a

sions and gifts that God gave me to see

lifelong struggle and journey to get to

other people happy, especially those

this final goal. Annie Drake is the owner

kids.”

of Annie’s Place in Columbiana, Ala. She

When Drake says “those kids,” she is re-

has lived in this same community her en-

ferring to the students at Shelby County

tire life. At 61, Drake has the energy and

High School, where she has been a lunch32

room lady for the past 27 years. All of the

as she makes it, you wouldn’t have a

students here refer to her, simply as,

problem sitting on the floor and eating

Mrs. Annie.

it.

“Working over there gives me a lot of joy

Drake worked at the Alabama 4H Center

and when the government put so many

before she took a job at the high school.

new rules on what we could feed the kids

Her husband had many health problems

I knew that I wanted this to be a place

due to failing kidneys and could not

that they could come and get some good

work. After years of dialysis and a kidney

food.” Drake said, “ Not as many as I

transplant, Mr. Drake passed away in

would like come over here. I tend to have

the early 90s, leaving Drake with a

an older crowd, but I still work over

daughter to put through college.

there and get to see them all the time.”

“My daughter was going to go to col-

Yes, Drake owns her own restaurant and

lege,” said Drake. “I knew that was the

still works as a lunchroom lady at the lo-

only way to make it in the world today,

cal high school, but from what she says,

and she was going to make it.”

this is the easiest part of her life so far.

When it came time for her daughter to

Drake serves a meat and three style

go to college Drake went from working

menu with things like hamburger steak,

two jobs to working five, as a lunchroom

with gravy and onions, catfish, black

worker at both the Alabama 4H Center

eyed peas, squash casserole, mashed po-

and Shelby County High School and as

tatoes, butter beans and cornbread. All

the custodian at three different offices in

of these items are favorites of her custom-

Birmingham. Drake says that this was

ers. Drake has 5 gallon coolers full of wa-

the hardest she had ever worked and the

ter and sweet tea and of course her fa-

thinnest she had ever been stretched.

mous red Kool-Aid.

“College was so expensive, and I knew it would be,” said Drake.

Drake’s restaurant is a small and homey

After putting her daughter through

place that makes you feel comfortable.

school, Drake went back to saving for

It’s definitely nothing fancy but it

her dream, a small country restaurant.

doesn’t need to be. With catfish as good

In 2008 she finally had the money to 33

buy the building that would eventually

me, he doesn’t have for them and what

become Annie’s Place. It was right across

God has for them he doesn’t have for me.

from the high school and job that

It’s all in God’s will, and I knew that this

brought her so much joy. However,

is what he had for me so I was never

Drake said that opening a new restau-

really that concerned with it, I just kept

rant in such a small place isn’t always so

on moving forward.”

easy.

Move forward was exactly what Drake

“All the local businesses really didn’t like

did. Drake opened Annie’s Place in 2010

me wanting to open up a place here,”

and it is still a thriving business today.

said Drake. “I understand that Columbi-

She loves serving people and God and

ana is a small place and that there are

feels that she is right where she needs to

only so many customers to go around,

be.

but there are definitely enough. I met a

“I don’t know what God’s got for me next

lot of opposition in that area from other

but I am sure am looking forward to

local businesses. Some were even sort of

whatever it is.”

ugly about it, but what I tried to get them to see was that what God has for

34

H O MET O W N, A L A B A M A

It’s A Family Tradition

On Main Street in downtown Columbi-

Today, Jim Davis, a second-generation

ana cozily nestled right in the middle of

Auburn graduate and pharmacist, is the

the business district is what most citi-

backbone and heartbeat of the business.

zens consider the heart of this small

“ I’m just trying to keep up with the serv-

town, is Davis Drug. Davis. This classic

ice and quality people expected from my

small town drug store has been in busi-

dad and what people have come to ex-

ness so long only a few can remember its

pect from us, all while keeping up with

start. The same Davis family owns it that

the demands and needs of the commu-

has since the early 1950s, and the whole

nity.” Davis said. “I’m blessed with a fam-

family is still heavily involved in the com-

ily that is there for me and that under-

munity and the business.

stand what kind of service that our cus35

tomers expect and that I expect from

Lauren Davis Ruston, daughter to Jim

them.”

and Lisa, is a teacher at the local elementary school, Elvin Hill Elementary.

Davis’ wife, Lisa, has been a lifelong community servant in Columbiana.

“I’ve learned through watching my mom serve the community how to treat and

“I stole a pacifier from Davis Drug when

help people in and outside of the drug

I was 3 years old,” joked Lisa Davis.

store,” said Ruston. “If I see somebody

“That was the first time

in the drug store that

in a long line of ‘Stealing’

needs help or looks like

from the store.”

they have a question, my

Mrs. Davis has lived in

head says ‘Mom would

Columbiana her entire

help them!’ so, no matter

life and doesn’t plan on

how I look, I walk up to

leaving anytime soon.

them and say ‘is there

She has been serving her

anything I can help you

community since she

with?’ and I know they

was a senior in high

think I’m crazy because

school when she was

sometimes it’s right after

elected Ms. Shelby

my son’s baseball prac-

County High School. She

tice and I don’t look very

attended Auburn Univer-

professional I guess.”

sity and married Jim

Finally, there is Tread-

while in college. As a par-

well Davis, who is seen as

ent, she was heavily involved in her chil-

sort of the new face of Davis Drug. Tread-

dren’s school lives, and she taught at the

well also graduated from Auburn Univer-

First Baptist pre-kindergarten program.

sity, like his parents. He now works at

Now, she is a part of the Shelby County

the drug store and is increasing business

Arts Council and is working hard to raise

by implementing new strategies like

money for the community arts center

their new gift shop wing of the store.

that is being proposed for next year.

Thanks to this Davis you can now register for your wedding at Davis Drug, making the company a broader more sustain36

able business. Treadwell is also popular with the elderly women of Columbiana who come into the drug store, sometimes just too see him.

“It is funny that they like me so much but at the same time It makes you feel good that someone wants to see you and that someone is looking for you and all you have to do is give them a hug and you’ve made their day,” said Treadwell Davis. “it goes a long way when you stop and give someone your time. Even if it’s just 2 or 3 minutes.”

A family tradition of service seems to be holding strong at Davis Drug. With grandkids alreadyhere and on the way for Jim and Lisa , there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.

37

Art In The Artesian City By: Amber Franklin

When people first think of Prattville, cultural and creative arts are probably not the first things to come to mind.

Many do not know about a small building, nestled along the Creekwalk, that is home to a gallery of sculptures, paintings, postcards and an array of other artwork. Artists such as Peggy Milburn Brown, Walt Spradlin, Kelli Newsome and Charlie “Tin Man” Lucas have presented here, alongside local amateur artists from across the River Region.

All of this is possible because of the Prat-

The Prattauga Art Guild was established

tauga Art Guild, a community organiza-

approximately 10 years ago by a group of

tion that promotes local artists and the

art-interested citizens.

cultural arts in Prattville and throughout

“We had several artists who had been in-

the River Region.

volved in some other organizations throughout the city, or throughout the re38

gion actually, and there had been a guild here before and it sort of just went away, so we were really kind of starting a new one for those artists who wanted to have an organization right here in Prattville,” said Barbara Simpson, coordinator of cultural arts and special events, member and former president of the guild.

Peggy Raines, another member

80s, is open to anyone in the River Re-

of the guild, was instrumental in getting the guild off the ground.

gion with an interest in art.

“Peggy is one of the original instigators,”

“Most of our members are artists, but we do have a few that are not artists, but

said Helen Avery, guild member, laughing.

they enjoy the arts and want to be kept

Raines first started thinking about find-

what’s going on,” Simpson said. “We

up to date with what we’re doing and

ing a guild when she went back to college

have photographers, we have clay artists,

to get her art degree and had a desire to

we have painters, we have all kinds of

try to exhibit her work.

sculptors. We have attorneys, retired

“Several people would say ‘We need an

school teachers, we have people who are

art guild,’ and so, you know, I said

in the medical profession, we have peo-

‘Okay,’ and somebody says ‘Well let’s

ple who are artists full time … So we

just pick a day,’ and so, I go, ‘Okay,’ and

have a lot of different people from a lot

somebody else says [something else] and

of different backgrounds.”

I go, ‘Okay,’” Raines said. “So I never

The guild puts on programs, events and

really intended to start it, it just did.”

exhibits throughout the year in the Crea-

The guild, which has approximately 80

tive Arts Center. Some of their annual

members ranging in age from 18 to late

programs include fall and summer art exhibits, a children’s spring art show, chil39

dren and adult art classes, and themed

Although the guild enjoys putting on fun

exhibits that serve as fundraisers for

events, Simpson said the fundamental

other organizations in Autauga County.

purpose of the guild is much more mean-

This includes the Autauga Interfaith

ingful.

Care Center, a food and clothing bank

“Our goal is to promote local art, local

and the Autauga County Humane Shel-

artists,” Simpson said. “We try to pro-

ter.

mote our artists, get them out there, be-

One special event the guild hosted in

cause it is hard to get into a gallery.

2014 was an edible art show. Some of the

Some people don’t have time to commit

pieces included a painting made of

to a gallery, [or] they may only paint two

Cheez-Its, bouquets made of vegetables,

or three pieces a year, but they want to

and a three-dimensional still life of fruit

be known. They want people to see their

with a frame made of nutty bars and

artwork.”

spray gold.

Additionally, Simpson sees the guild as

“That was so fun,” Avery said. “I took an

bringing a better understanding of cul-

emu egg, a great big egg, and painted it

tural arts to Prattville and opening up

like an owl. It was the cutest thing, and I

new creative outlets for families, which

put it in a cage and made a nest of pret-

is why the guild tries to put on as many

zels and everything.”

programs and events as possible.

This includes classes for adults every Tuesday from 1 to 4 p.m., free quarterly children’s programs and tours of the gallery each weekend.

“We want to make people aware of the cultural arts, of the visual arts,” Simpson said. “We’re not just having a free event that’s fun for a lot of kids, we’re actually having an event that is teaching children about artwork, that 40

there is something there. Some people

we’re not a guild where you’ve got to

may not even know they’re creative until

pass a test,” Raines said. “All you’ve got

they come to one of these.”

to do is love art.”

However, despite their seemingly large

Although getting publicity and spreading

membership and utilization of many pro-

the word is slow going, Simpson said

grams, members of the guild still feel

some of the positive responses she’s re-

overlooked by the community some

ceived keep her pushing to keep the

times.

guild alive.

“It seems that each time we have a func-

“I’ve had two families in two different

tion or

years that

event, we

came up to me

have peo-

and thanked

ple who

us for doing

come up

the free art

to us and

events during

say ‘Oh

the holidays,

gosh, I

and said they

didn’t

were pleased

know this

to let me know

existed,’”

that they were

Simpson

moving to

said.

Prattville because of all the things they had been to

Avery and Raines agreed with Simpson,

that the art guild did,” Simpson said.

saying they have been trying to use pub-

“And I think that’s just one tiny drop,

licity to get “new blood,” but they haven’t

but it’s a step toward improving the cul-

been entirely successful.

tural arts.”

“We’ve tried a lot of stuff, but it doesn’t seem to get anybody,” Avery said.

“A lot of people think of themselves as not good enough to join, and that’s not – 41

The Heart Of A City By: Amber Franklin

Far away from the boom and bustle of the shopping centers of east Prattville is a single strip of small, quaint businesses.

Boutiques, cafés and shops that have been remodeled and restored hold unique treasures visitors can’t find anywhere else.

This is historic downtown Prattville. The

every so often, another remnant of Pratt-

shops are fenced in by the Creekwalk,

ville’s rich history.

with the entrance to a garden nestled be-

Fourteen shops make up Prattville’s His-

tween two brick buildings. The Daniel

toric Downtown, ranging from a “Village

Pratt Gin stretches behind the famous

Clocksmith,” to a bridal boutique, to a

fountain, and artesian wells pop up

rustic hardwood store. Children run down the sidewalk, their parents lagging 42

behind, peeking into a shop every so of-

allows customers to sample items before

ten.

they make their selection.

First is Uncle Mick’s Café, which was

“We let people taste the food before they

opened in 2009 by Mickey “Uncle Mick”

get it so they know what they like,”

Thompson.

Thompson said. “Whether they’re hunting for spicy, not spicy, this or that, sea-

Visitors are welcomed by Uncle Mick

food or not seafood. And we’re small

and his

enough that

daughter,

we can do

and their

that.”

delicacies, such as

The food

shrimp a la

isn’t the only

crème,

unique as-

grilled ti-

pect of this

lapia, dirty

small restau-

rice and crab

rant.

meat au

Everything

gratin, are

inside and

laid out cafe-

outside of

teria style.

“I retired back in 2005, and

the restauUncle Mick’s Cajun Market and Cafe’s welcoming facade was created by using restored and original windows, doors and brick.

rant is original and restored – the

didn’t like re-

heart pine

tirement, so

floors from

I decided to make a little Cajun café, be-

1895, the brick façade outside, and the

cause you couldn’t find any good Cajun

rustic windows and café-style doors. The

food through here to Mobile,” Thompson

historical aspect of the building is part of

said.

what drew Thompson, who has always had an interest in historical architecture,

Thompson learned to make Cajun food

to downtown.

from one of his master carpenters, and 43

“I’ve always loved historical buildings,”

Two doors down, at Fanci Free, Kayla

Thompson said. “And I’d much rather be

and Connie Dismukes also love the inter-

down here in a store, an old building,

action downtown allows them to have

than I would be down the street. … All I

with customers.

want is a little

“Ninety-nine per-

café; I didn’t

cent of the peo-

want a big res-

ple we know,”

taurant. And

Kayla said. “If

that’s what I’ve

we don’t know

got, and every

them when they

year it gets bet-

walk in, we’ll

ter.”

know them

Another perk of

when they leave.

being in a small

And we’ll talk to

downtown build-

them whether

ing is the ability

we know them

to interact with

or not.”

almost every cus-

Fanci Free, for-

tomer who

merly The Carou-

comes into the

sel, opened at its

restaurant.

current location

“I try to talk to

in 2008. Connie

all my custom-

and her two

ers when they

daughters, Kayla

come in, when

and Tracey, run

they’re leaving,”

A cut-out chef welcomes visitors to Fanci Free Garden Cafe and Boutique.

the store, which

Thompson said.

features a café

“If I’m not too

and an assort-

busy, I’ll go out to tables and talk to

ment of jewelry, clothing, knick knacks

them. That’s just the way it’s done. It’s

and gifts.

what I enjoy, that’s the way I do it.”

44

“We already had the café, which we were

support us simply because we are down-

already famous for our chicken salad

town and they want downtown to stay

and our pimento cheese,” Connie said.

alive.”

“So we started off just adding a few

Another thing Connie and Kayla enjoy

things, just a little bit of jewelry, a little

about working downtown is the neighbor-

bit of purses … and it got to where peo-

hood feel of the business community.

ple would come in and they could eat and then they would buy gifts while they

“If we need to borrow something, we can

were here.”

call across the street and if they have it we can borrow it and vice versa,” Kayla

All of the dishes in the café, which in-

said. “We’re all competing, but we’re all

clude casseroles of

doing the

any size, poppy

same thing

seed chicken,

too.”

chicken salad, pimento cheese and

This commu-

a variety of des-

nity also al-

sert, are hand-

lows the

made each day by

shops to sup-

Tracey and an-

port each

other woman,

other.

Marla. Many

“We’ll eat

times Kayla and Connie know someone’s

Mick’s in here, we’ll eat next door in

order as soon as they walk in the door,

here, we’ll go to the pizza place, and eat

and, while they’re chatting, as if right on

it in here because we’re all together,”

time, a woman walks into the store and

Connie said. “And [our customers] will

yells “Hey Connie, how are y’all today?”

do the same thing, and it’s okay.”

This interaction and love of their custom-

One of the newest additions to this down-

ers is one of Connie and Kayla’s favorite

town community is Quality Comix,

things about their shop.

owned by Brent Moeshlin.

“We have a lot of loyal customers,” Con-

Quality Comix opened two years ago,

nie said. “We have a lot of people who

and Moeshlin, like many of the other 45

shop owners, was drawn to historic

Other downtown owners agreed with

downtown because of the atmosphere.

Moeshlin’s characterization of downtown, and all agree that historical preser-

“I had an Internet comic business for

vation of downtown and the buildings is

about 12 years, and we had so much stuff

important.

that we decided to open up a comic shop and picked downtown because of the

“Obviously, you want to restore it and

character and the history, and we

keep all the history of that,” Thompson

thought

said. “Some

comic books

Quality Comix

would fit in

people may not know

well down

about it, even

here,”

from Pratt-

Moeshlin

ville, but it’s

said.

important, and once it’s

Moeshlin also

gone, it’s

has devel-

gone.”

oped a loyal customer

Connie said

base, with

she believes

over 150 peo-

preserving

ple sub-

the historic

scribed to

Comics cover the walls of Quality Comix.

downtown dis-

weekly com-

trict is the

ics. His store,

most impor-

with its high walls filled with comics and

tant thing Prattville can do, and Kayla

mannequins in costumes, feels like a su-

agrees.

perhero’s secret lair.

“It’s just beautiful down here,” Kayla

“A lot of people come in and ‘Wow!’ You

said. “I mean, it’s the heart of our city. If

know, it’s cool,” Moeshlin said. “You go

you take away the heart of our city,

into a strip mall, there’s no character.”

where would we go?”

46

Returning Home By: Amber Franklin Returning to your hometown is always a gamble.

There’s a chance your favorite secret spot has been replaced by a shopping center, or the ex-boyfriend you never wanted to see again will be walking out of a shop at the exact moment you’re walking in. Maybe the new residents of your former home have made it unrecognizable, or perhaps your best friend has moved away.

But on the other hand, things could have stayed unchanged. The park, with its tunnels painted like alligators and sailing ships, is still being climbed on by young children. The stately steeple of the church you grew up still stands. The downtown area continues to burst into bloom with spring.

When I chose Prattville for this project, I thought my time in the community was going to be either a breezy few weeks spent speaking with former friends, teachers and leaders, or a horrible few weekends of trudging through the community, seeing everyone I had wanted to forget forever.

But Prattville surprised me.

Through interviews, photographs and spontaneous conversations, I was given a chance to see Prattville in a beautiful way.

I didn’t speak with anyone I knew. Instead, I got to speak with the mayor, about the changes and progress Prattville has undergone, and the areas still needing work. I had the chance to scour the city for meaningful places that speak to what and where the heart of Prattville is. I was able to experience the hospitality and unquestioned friendliness of people in the community who wanted to reach out, to speak, to ask who I was and what I was there for.

I met women who are working to keep an organization they love together and running. I met a man who could have cafés in cities across the South but instead runs one

47

small cafĂŠ in downtown Prattville. Over and over again, I was met by the smiling faces of people who wanted to tell their stories and chat about their community.

Much of it was the Prattville I had known, but I had never taken the time to get to know.

By opening myself up to the unknown and looking deeper at people and places I had overlooked or taken for granted, I was given a glimpse of the uniqueness of this small town.

In the end, I wasn’t returning to my hometown.

I was discovering it.

48

Meet A Public Servant: Roosevelt Robinson

by Katie Wendland

State University in Montgomery, before earning his master’s in biology from

Roosevelt L. Robinson is a part of a

Troy State University. Robinson says his

community of people who have dedi-

sights weren’t set on the Extension sys-

cated their lives to teaching friends and

tem initially, but it is a

neighbors about

decision he has been

the world around

thankful for ever since.

them. His mission is to educate and

“I had no idea Exten-

enable the children

sion even existed,” Rob-

of Alabama to live

inson says. “I actually

a better life.

saw an ad in the newspaper for an Assistant

“I want to plant a

Regional Agent right af-

seed in the hearts

ter graduation. I didn’t

of these children

know much about the job, but I went

that will grow into something they share

straight to the agent’s office. We talked

with their own children one day,” Robin-

about some ideas I had and shortly after

son says.

I found myself serving the community

He is able to do just that as a Regional

with the Alabama Cooperative Exten-

Extension Agent for the Alabama Coop-

sion.”

erative Extension System, primarily serv-

Robinson’s official title is “Regional Ex-

ing Autauga, Elmore and Montgomery

tension Agent,” something he says

counties.

doesn’t mean what you’d think. He

The Montgomery native earned a bache-

laughed as he remembered the times he

lor’s degree in chemistry at Alabama

has spent in other counties across the 49

state helping other agents, putting on

Through Robinson’s partnerships with

programs and assisting with various ac-

schools in Eclectic, Wetumpka, Mill-

tivities. He says the Extension commu-

brook, Prattville and Montgomery to

nity “knows no regional boundaries.” He

raise these songbird houses, students are

says each agent is willing to pack up and

provided an opportunity to observe birds

head out to provide assistance wherever

nesting in the boxes and learn about

it is needed.

fledglings first hand.

His excitement

Autauga Academy

for his work is evi-

fourth grade teacher

dent in the tone

Dolly Williams says Rob-

of his voice and in

inson is providing an ex-

the hours of re-

perience for her class

search that go

that goes far beyond

into his programs

what she can facilitate in

for children at ele-

a classroom.

mentary schools

“Mr. Roosevelt comes

or with senior citizens.

to visit on a regular basis and always

In 2005, Robinson began implement-

brings something that will interest my

ing a program called the Blue Bird Trail.

students,” she says. “The children are ex-

With this program, he hoped to provide

cited about helping him track song birds

a resting place for the birds on their jour-

in Alabama. This will be an excellent ex-

ney to South America and a home for

ample of the importance of research in

those birds that cannot build shelter

maintaining and recording habitats for

themselves.

our Alabama wildlife.”

This program is expanding with hopes

The Songbird Trail is only one of Robin-

of providing shelter for the thousands of

son’s many projects. He is involved with

songbirds that migrate through Alabama

programs promoting forestry and wild-

each year. He also has an ulterior motive

life management, home horticulture, out-

— teaching students about the impor-

door classrooms, YES (Youth Environ-

tance of birds as insect controllers, polli-

mental Stewardship) Program and the

nators and important parts of our world.

No Child Left Inside Movement.

50

Robinson says he is passionate about

Robinson’s time is shared with the com-

giving children the resources to be suc-

munities’ senior citizens, high school

cessful on their own in a world where he

classes and college freshmen. In his field

believes water shortages and food short-

there is never an off-season. Each turn of

ages will potentially be an issue.

the season brings new program implementations and different focus areas for

“Most children don’t know the wonder

every audience under the sun.

of nature,” he says, lowering his voice.

“The difference between my

He claims there is no “typi-

generation and theirs is that

cal day” in the life of an Ex-

I was taught to love, enjoy

tension Agent. “That’s the

and take care of the out-

wonderful thing about Exten-

doors. I want to plant a seed

sion. You work with people

in the hearts of these chil-

of all ages and backgrounds,

dren that will grow into

and you are always learning

something they share with

something new that you

their own children one day.”

didn’t know yesterday.”

Much of his time is spent

The excitement is some-

with teachers and students working to

thing he looks forward to because it

create, enhance and maintain outdoor

keeps him busy and “on his toes.”

classrooms. He incorporates lessons on

“His passion for the people he serves

everything from fresh fruit and vegetable

embodies the mission of the Alabama Co-

growing to water quality, tree identifica-

operative Extension System as it strives

tion, water chemistry and everything in

‘to help people and communities expand

between.

their quality of life and economic well-

Though he does not spend all of his

being,’” Williams says.

time in schools, he knows he has a cap-

Roosevelt Robinson loves his job. “You

tive audience for 187 days each year and

see, there are jobs and there are careers,”

takes pride in utilizing that time to teach

he says. “But even better, are lovable ca-

school-aged children valuable life les-

reers that become lifestyles. Extension is

sons.

more like a lifestyle — a lifestyle devoted to developing the best in others.”

51

Songbird Trail Paves Way For Research, Making A

by Katie Wendland

series of musical sounds; birds that sing especially in an appealing way.”

“Move! Move! Move!” With a voice like an Army sergeant, Alabama Cooperative

Alabama is in one of the four major fly-

Extension Agent Roosevelt Robinson

ways for songbirds migrating South for

shouts orders for 18

the winter. The state ranks

fourth graders running

fifth in the nation in biodi-

around a school campus

versity. Robinson says song-

pulling a wagon, carry-

birds play a major role in

ing birdhouses on large

maintaining the health and

PVC pipes and lugging a

stability of forest ecosys-

drill that is every bit

tems. Songbirds disperse

their size.

seeds, pollinate flowers and consume massive amounts

With the world popula-

of insects that could cause

tion growing at an unbe-

major issues if left un-

lievably high rate, habi-

checked.

tats for songbirds in Alabama are quickly disap-

So, where have all of the

pearing. These fourth graders at

birds gone? With pesticide use in pre-

Autauga Academy have made it their mis-

dominantly rural areas of the state and

sion to research songbird patterns and

the remaining areas being whipped into

provide additional habitats with the help

neighborhoods and malls, songbirds are

of Robinson and Cooperative Extension

left with little natural habitat and low

resources.

food supply.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary de-

Researchers and agents with the Ala-

fines songbirds as birds that “produce a

bama Cooperative Extension System 52

have teamed up to build a Songbird Trail

to each of the boxes on school grounds

through the state to encourage more of

and record any activity. Now my stu-

the migrating bird species to call a bird

dents are even more excited to help Mr.

box home.

Roosevelt identify songbird species and record activity around campus.”

The Eastern Bluebird, Brown Headed Nuthatch, Carolina Chickadee, Downy

Experts determined that in order to

Woodpecker and Tufted Titmouse are all

save the bird species, habitats for breed-

part of the group of songbirds that regu-

ing and population rebirth would need

larly travel through Alabama.

to be introduced, maintained and monitored in hopes of keeping Alabama on

Implementation of the Songbird Trail

the map as one of the

began in 2005 as the

four major flyways.

Bluebird Trail. Not long after the pro-

This spring, stu-

gram began, research-

dents at Autauga

ers discovered a pat-

Academy scurried all

tern with songbird

over campus waving

migratory habits and

shovels, rakes and

a sharp decline in

spray paint. Robin-

population. Upon

son had students fol-

this discovery, re-

low a step-by-step

searchers decided to expand the trail to

process to properly install the boxes.

include more than just bluebirds.

Like a team of ants taking care of busi-

Autauga Academy fourth grade teacher

ness, the hole was drilled, box was in-

Dolly Williams said her class was a part

serted, ground was packed, and PVC

of the first round of Bluebird Trail boxes

sprayed in record time. Laughter filled

in 2005. Now her class is assembling

the air and echoed in the surrounding

boxes and creating an area with lots of

woods as the students marveled at their

habitats for all songbirds traveling

quick installation and made bets on the

through the state.

next one.

“My students then loved the experience,” Williams said. “We would go out 53

Fourth grade student Trevor Atcheson

Robinson said these projects are a

said he was worried about snakes, rac-

great way to show students that they are

coons and lizards stealing the eggs.

able to make a difference and see results.

“I hope we can keep predators away

“If I can spark an interest in these

from our boxes over the

young people, these pro-

summer,” he said. “I think

jects will be something

we could take turns and

they remember for a very

guard the boxes all night,

long time,” Robinson said.

but I don’t know if our ma-

“I have a bird box in my

mas would like that!”

back yard and my children love it. It has been so fun

Robinson explained that

for them to check the box,

the students would coat

see eggs and eventually

the PVC in a slick oil to

fledglings, and now to

keep predators from climb-

watch process begin

ing the boxes during the

again.”

summer and that they would be checked periodi-

More information

cally.

about the Songbird Trail and how you can participate can be found on

Back in the classroom, Robinson left

www.aces.edu. Contact your County Ex-

the sergeant behind. He carefully ex-

tension Agent for information about in-

plained the scientific method and how

stalling a bird box.

he was going to help the children use it to make predictions about songbird migrations through Alabama.

Agents across the state are seeking help from school-aged children to record information and to assist with the Songbird Trail installation and upkeep on school campuses.

54

Service Builds Sacred Place

by Katie Wendland

As the school bell rings, students stam-

year in preparation for planting this

pede through the doors eager to see what

spring.

yesterday’s showers and this morning’s

Existing beds have been tilled, fertil-

sun have coaxed out of the soil in the gar-

ized and revamped as planning for the

den.

summer bounty is under way.

Fourth grade students at Autauga Acad-

Three 10x6 raised flowerbeds, one 8x8

emy lead by an Alabama Cooperative Ex-

bed and two odd-shaped beds will in-

tension Agent, Roosevelt Robinson have

clude a mixture of vegetables and sum-

been working on the gardens and out-

mer annuals, carefully chosen by Robin-

door classrooms since February of this

son and the students for growth and survival during the hot summer months.

55

“Think of things that we use water for,” Robinson said. “The number one use of

Robinson said much of his passion for

our water is flushing the toilet. Flushing

teaching children about the great out-

adds pollutants to our water supply. If

doors stemmed from a childhood spent

we don’t find a way to reduce this effect,

reveling in and loving all Mother Nature

we could potentially face a water short-

had to offer.

age.”

“As a child I spent

Robinson travels

all of my time out-

Autauga, Elmore and

doors,” Robinson

Montgomery counties

said. “My parents

teaching people of all

didn’t have to make

ages home horticulture

me go outside be-

techniques and helping

cause I loved it.

them begin gardens of

These days kids

their own — whether in

play inside and are

pots in the back yard or

not introduced to

on an empty lot in the neighborhood.

the great outdoors. Teaching students to enjoy and respect the world we live in is

Needs differ from family to family, he

a personal goal of mine.”

said, but one truth remains — these skills will provide these young people

Not only is Robinson teaching children

with a means to provide for their fami-

a healthy respect for the wonders of the

lies in the future if the need arises.

world, he is teaching them responsibility and self-sufficiency in a world that he be-

Many of the tips Robinson shares with

lieves will face food and water shortages

students are part of his home horticul-

in their lifetimes.

ture programs, shared through the Cooperative Extension System.

“What do you mean by saying there will be a food and water shortage during our

Back in the garden, Robinson speaks as

lifetime, Mr. Roosevelt?” one of the

the students shift their gazes from his

young girls asked.

face back to the bed they have gathered around. They question him relentlessly, wanting to know what plants will go 56

where, who will weed the gardens during

Fourth grade teacher Dolly Williams

the summer and how to make a slow-

said Robinson’s visits have been very

dripping hose for irrigation.

beneficial to her class.

Robinson makes sure to answer each of

“Mr. Roosevelt’s regular visits to the

the questions thoughtfully and individu-

school have opened new doors for several

ally. After all, this is home horticulture

of my students who have not grown up

101.

loving outdoor activities,” she said. “He al-

Some of the students

ways comes with an activ-

seem disappointed that

ity to complete; he also

none of the beds will be

comes full of patience

filled with colorful flow-

and information that he

ers that are pretty to

is ready to share with

look at. Robinson ex-

each of my students. He

plains that they will put

is willing to let them do

in an entire set of hang-

trial and error to teach

ing baskets filled with colorful flowers to

them responsibility and the value of their

attract pollinators to their vegetable gar-

own hard work.”

dens.

Williams said students look forward to

“When you get older, I want you to be

Robinson’s visits several times each

able to grow your own fresh fruits and

month. In addition to the outdoor class-

vegetables to feed your family,” Robinson

room, he is helping students raise song-

said. “It is important to remember that

bird houses on the school campus. The

gardens are successful when all of the

students will be helping him research the

parts work together. Of course you need

paths and frequency of songbirds migrat-

water and sunlight, but you also need pol-

ing through Alabama.

linators, fertilizer and room to grow.”

Williams said Robinson’s work with her

Robinson lead the group around the gar-

students in the outdoor classroom has be-

den one bed at a time, discussing changes

come an invaluable teaching tool, contrib-

to the existing layouts, ideas for flower-

uting experiences that most classroom

bed schemes and tactics for success at

exercises can’t provide.

home.

57

Service By: Katie Wendland Do you know what service means? Dictionary.com defines service as “an act of helpful activity; help; aid: to do someone a service.” Have you ever done someone a service?

Serving brings me joy! For as long as I can remember, making other people feel loved and appreciated has been one of my most favorite things to do. I love to see people smile as they realize someone values their work and see their faces as they smile, knowing they’ve found someone who is willing to help if the going gets tough.

I have been blessed to have many friends who have encouraged me, but sometimes it takes a look from the outside to see the impact service has on others.

Following Mr. Roosevelt around at Autauga Academy was an eye-opening experience. As I watched him interact with the children in the gardens, in the classroom and as they worked, I realized that his attentiveness, patience and encouragement are what we’re missing in society today.

Some of these children go home to parents who are perfectionists. Some go home to tired, hardworking parents without a smile or a pat on the back. Some of these children have loving parents who just haven’t had time to spare. And some of these children just need to be loved, appreciated and encouraged.

This made me think about my little sister and my relationship with her. Do I say yes often enough? Do I praise her beautiful artwork? Does she know that she is loved and valued? Have I helped her see the beauty of serving others?

58

Mr. Roosevelt’s undivided attention lit sparks in the children’s eyes. Though not in his official job description, he has devoted his life to serving and uplifting others. He says serving through Extension is more than a job or a career – it’s a lifestyle. A lifestyle that he is striving to pass on to all he comes in contact with.

Think about it in your free time today. When is the last time you’ve given a compliment or helped your neighbor? It only takes one act of kindness to take your day from bad to best. And it only takes one act of kindness to change someone else’s life for the better.

59

G E OR GIAN A , ALA.

Ashtyne Cole

“Hey Good Lookin’

Welcome to Georgiana, Ala., a small town in Butler County. Georgiana is home to the late Hank Williams Sr., has a rich history with residents whose memory travel back centuries and a place where a bypass has cut it in half. Georgiana is a town slowly dissolving, but those who call it home see it as the most important place in the world. So come on in, get comfortable and learn about all the things that make Georgiana a home to the dedicated few.

60

By Hank Williams Sr. 1942

A Colorful Past

The railroad runs through Georgiana like a heartbeat. Each pump of the train wheels pushes the town’s lifeblood through the street-like veins.

Every town has a story. Georgiana’s tale offers some colorful chapters.

A railroad. A man. Love of a daughter. Murder. Justice. Dr. Pepper.

According to Georgiana local and historian of sorts, Nancy Coburn, said the town was founded in 1824 as a Georgia pioneer settlement.

“The town grew to a population of more than 1500 residents and began as a ‘new home in the wilderness surrounded by Indians,’” Coburn says.

John Shepherd, ancestor of Georgiana’s lifelong resident Charles Shepherd, is credited with being one of the first settlers in the area. He traveled from Georgia with his family and made the soon to be Georgiana his home in 1824. Other Georgians began to follow suit and banded together to create an unnamed community.

Years passed and the settlement remained nameless.

“In 1855, this town was founded by Pitt S. Milner, a Baptist minister, who cam from Pike County, Ga.,” John Buckner Little, author of “The History of Butler County, Alabama, said. “He settled the place now known as the old Milner place and established a post-office, named Georgiana, here in the same year.”

Little’s Book, The History of Butler County, Alabama, addresses each town in Butler County and recites a small section of its founding history.

Soon after, the railroad came and set up a depot, naming it Pittsville, after the minister. He asked it be called Georgiana, taking the name of his home state Georgia and pairing it with the name of his daughter Anna.

In 1858, Milner opened a general store and soon others came and opened a liquor store and other small businesses prospered. Milner founded the Baptist Church in 1865 and began preaching. The Methodist Church was established in 1867. Georgiana Academy opened in 1868 and the town grew to a city in 1872.

As the city began to thrive, it turned to farming, timber and trading to provide for its inhabi61

Click to view the gallery of images

Smith Family Cemetery.

Double tap the image for extra information

The Heart of Honky Tonk Click to scroll through the gallery.

Outside the Hank Williams Museum.

A video from inside the museum

62

The twang of an old guitar mingles with a deep southern drawl as it floats through the big white house at 127 Rose St. in Georgiana.

The music sounds as if it were from a world gone by or the reminiscence of a childhood dream. In the city of Georgiana, perhaps it is.

If you heard the voice that accompanies the simple guitar melody, you would know it.

Not many people could mistake the legendary voice of Hank Williams.

Just a stone’s throw from the heart of Georgiana, a star was born, Hank Williams, Sr. was born on September 17, 1923.

His father worked as an engineer for W. T. Smith Lumber Company in Chapman, Ala. This position on Train 14 was achieved by years of hard work as a day-laborer in the lumber mills.

The Williams family moved back to Georgiana and a fire landed the family at the white house on Rose Street.

Growing up in Georgiana, Williams flourished. One of the biggest musical influences in his life came from a simple man called “Teetot.” His real name was Rufus Payne, local African American street performer. Teetot taught Williams how to play the guitar and how to sing the blues. In turn, Williams would sneak him some food or money here and there.

Williams spent his years honing his craft before eventually moving to Montgomery in 1937. He began playing as a backup for a band on WSFA’s radio station. Williams dropped out of high school to pursue his dream.

He then faced a few years of hardship.

He had to leave the band due to his troubles with alcoholism. During his early career, Williams’ dependence on alcohol and drugs escalated due to problems with his back. He was known to perform on stage drunk, despite his success with hits such as “Move It On Over” and “Your Cheatin’ Heart.” But, he had bright spots in his life when he married

The Newcomer He walks with a purpose.

He picks through the dilapidated tombstones, searching for one.

“Looks like there’s been some deer coming through,” he says. Their tracks are the only sign that the cemetery has been visited in years.

The weathered Smith Family Cemetery sign stands sentinel over those resting inside. The wire gate is locked, but only extends a few feet in either direction. Charles Shepherd makes his way past the makeshift gate and over the decaying leaves, each step taken with familiar certainty.

He stops at a rust-colored headstone.

Thomas Shepherd, born 1812 and died in 1891 is carved in the stone.

It’s a monument of Shepherd’s kinfolk, showing how deep his family’s roots go in this town.

Georgiana, Ala. was founded in 1869..

Once the home of a thriving Dr. Pepper plant and a myriad of downtown businesses, the town and its citizens are starting to grow old. With the population at a lowly 1,738, the southern Alabama town is beginning to dry up In 2010, a newcomer came to the small town.

Get off on Exit 114 and take a winding road that leads through the town. That road is frequented by beach bound families with chairs and umbrellas strapped to the tops of their mini vans and crying kids in the back. These families use Georgiana as a pit stop, or at least they used to.

The new resident that came to Georgiana was a four-lane by-pass.

Stretching for five miles, the by-pass opened on Dec. 23, 2013.

During construction, the citizens of Georgiana watched trucks and construction workers pour into town, taking trees with them and putting a road in it’s place.

Charles and Suzy Shepherd have been married for 50 years in June.

They were born in Georgiana, raised their children there and made a life there.

“We’ve seen the town go through a lot of changes over the years,” Suzy Shepherd says. “This is one of the biggest of them.”

The road to their home on Edgewood Drive has been cut in half by the new by-pass.

“When people try to visit our house, they get lost now,” Suzy Shepherd says. She points to a hospital sign, “We tell people when you see that hospital sign, turn there and you’ll find us again.”

63

Newell Construction Company of Hope Hull constructed the by-pass, intended for beach and hurricane evacuation traffic, for $6.9 million.

While it was being built, citizens of Georgiana worried about multiple aspects of the by-pass, others, like Mayor Jerome Antone, said the bypass will have a positive effect.

“I think eventually some businesses will come to Georgiana because of the bypass and I think it’s going to have a strong impact here,” Mayor Antone said.

New businesses, such as convenience stores, are said to be interested in opening along the by-pass, but existing businesses may be overlooked.

Royce Lowery, the owner of Lowery hardware and friend of the Shepherds, is worried about his hardware store suffering because of the

It Takes A Town

Looking back over my life up to this point, I can see the moments that helped define me, and the people that had an influence in molding me into the woman I am today.

But, what about the places that shaped me?

The winding roads that taught me to appreciate good music when it’s flowing through the radio, especially if it’s Elvis or Johnny Cash. The kind, wrinkled hands of people who cooed and fawned over me with their sweet southern drawls made me feel loved. A woman named Nanny and a man called Paw Paw that held me in their arms when I was sad, gave nods of encouragement when I tried something new and instilled in me the compassion for strangers and how to love another person deeply.

Sure my parents raised me, but that saying “it takes a village” rings as true as the Methodist church bells I used to ring on Sundays in Georgiana. It takes a town to leave a lasting impression on a person, and I was lucky enough to experience that in Georgiana.

This town will forever have a special place in my heart, and being able to go and write stories on a place that means so much to me was an absolute honor. I learned about my ancestors and listened to residents I’ve known my whole life as they told me about years before my time.

Georgiana is filled with kind, gentle souls.

Women who love to garden and men who love to sit 64

Click the video and listen while reading

This song holds a special place in my heart and symbolizes Georgiana and the beautiful years I have spent there. Listen, really listen and read. Let it all soak in.

Snapshots Click the arrows to see some extra pictures around Georgiana.

Double click the image above Georgiana, 1925

The Dr. Pepper Plant may be long gone, but bottle still remain

Town Age Range chart

Town Data

27%

• Georgiana was founded in 1869 • Located in Butler County

22%

• Population: 1,738 • 679 households and 462 families

7%

• Median income for a household is $17,014 • Median income for a family is $21,950.

23% 22%

• 33.7% of families and 38.2% of the population were below the poverty line.

• Racial makeup is 61.77 African American and 37.36 white.

Under 18 45-64

• Mayor: Jerome Antone 65

18-24 65 or older

25-44

A City Of Revival

Greenville’s courthouse stands tall in the heart of the Historic Downtown area of the city.

For many small towns, the down-

help revive the small strip of Historic

town area was once the thriving heart-

Downtown Greenville on East Com-

beat for the city but has gone by the way-

merce Street.“I knew there was a need in

side as larger corporations have come in

Greenville for art classes,” McKinley

and overrun the smaller, locally owned

said.

businesses. But for Greenville that just

“There’s a need everywhere for art

isn’t so.

classes. There was just no regular art

Mary McKinley, Chae Brown and Ka-

class anywhere and I knew that was just

trina Scofield are all doing their parts to

one need I could meet within the commu66

nity. But I also knew that if I got enough

ple, just a short walk down East Com-

variety of paintings and artworks that I

merce from High Horse, uses techniques

could probably draw people from out of

like “Wonderful Wednesdays” to draw in

town,” said McKinley, owner of the High

their customers.

Horse Art Gallery.

“It’s 25 percent off something in the

And with the help of both word of

store, and it’s usually something that cov-

mouth through news segments and her

ers a wide variety of things,” said

billboard on the Interstate 65, just south

Scofield, a manager at The Pineapple.

of the Greenville exit, McKinley has been

“Like for

successful.

St. Patrick’s

“I con-

Day it was

tacted them

anything that

(Absolutely

was green in

Alabama)

the store was

and asked

25 percent

them to do a

off. So it

segment, and

really covers

they did.

a range of

Since that

things,”

aired, I’ve

Scofield said.

had people

The Pine-

come in. I’ve had some peo- One of the many businesses downtown, Camellia City Bakery. ple come in from Dothan

apple also allows Pioneer Electric customers to use

to tell me

a card for 20 percent off any single item

they had seen the segment, had people

in the store. “That’s any day of the week.

from Prattville, they came because of

Hopefully, that draws people every day.

that.”

You can come in every day and use your

But McKinley isn’t the only person

card.”

trying to draw in business. The Pineap67

But Chae Brown, owner of Blush

tique coming. When people see or they

Beauty Supply and the Southern Mint

think you’re doing well, I guess it is just

clothing boutique, sees the revival in a

business,” Brown said.

more realistic perspective.

The now revitalized block of Com-

“It’s wonderful to say, and this is

merce Street works to help their neigh-

just the business sense to it, there’s a lot

bor businesses.

of hype to building up downtown, and

“We had a group that came through

it’s nice and I could use all the publicity

from Montgomery. One of the churches

possible, but it is a struggle because you

in Montgomery had eaten lunch at the

just don’t get the traffic,” Brown said.

bakery. They were on their way to Point

“We’ve been open here at Blush for

Clear for a sailboat ride, so when they fin-

almost three years now, and I still have

ished lunch they came over here to shop

people that walk in and go, ‘oh, my first

a few minutes,” Scofield said.

time in. I didn’t know you were here.’ So,

This coming June, Brown already

a lot of the times I think people tend to

has a showcase for local businesses

forget, so what all this and the new busi-

planned. A fashion show will be held in

nesses are bringing may be a little more

the High Horse and the block of Com-

knowledge and maybe people won’t for-

merce Street will be sectioned off in or-

get about us being here.”

der for different bands to play and

The lack of traffic still doesn’t stop her,

booths to be setup along the sidewalks

though.

for other businesses wanting to participate.

“I think there’s a niche for everybody. And being in a small town, it’s

“I want to help other businesses out.

hard. There’s always talk of another bou-

It’s not just about me,” Brown said.

AMOUNT

YEAR

Population

7,896

2012

Median Household Income

$29,410

2011

68

“The Captain” Of His Own Destiny Willie Powell treats everyone like

verted white, work truck. The truck sits

they’re someone, because they are some-

just past the hilltop, a popular place for

one.

people to meet, on the outskirts of downtown Greenville. Powell once had a shop

Powell, the local shoe cobbler for

in the brick shopping center just at the

Greenville, is known to many as simply

intersection.

“The Captain.” Powell served in the Army for six years and was even sta-

His hands have the same cracked

tioned in South Korea for a time. After

and weathered lines of a good piece of

serving his six years, Powell began wear-

leather. The same leather Powell might

ing the same black and white sailor hat,

have the opportunity to work with.

which gained him the nickname “The

“Any type of leather. I love working

Captain.” While Powell is originally from

with leather.”

Greenville, he didn’t immediately come

Powell’s eyes shine clear and bright

back home after retiring from the Army.

as the blue sky of the day. The crow’s

“After I got out of the Army, I went

feet around them crinkle as he thinks

back into the shoe business. I was at Fort

about what his customers, or anyone,

Rucker for 33 years, the military base, fix-

wouldn’t know just by looking at him.

ing shoes.”

“I’m a religious person. They proba-

But he didn’t just stay at Fort

bly don’t know that. And I’m a likeable

Rucker either. He moved to East Dale

person. A lot of people don’t understand,

Mall in Montgomery and even to the

but I like to do things for people, to the

Montgomery Mall before it was closed

best of my ability. You know, I’m not a

down. He currently works out of a con-

69

smart person cause I just barely made it

The kindness Powell’s customers dis-

through high school. But after I took this

play toward this slender, gray-haired

trade up, I took it to be my lifestyle, my

man, shines through him and the kind

career. I don’t think I’ll ever do anything

words he has to offer to anyone who is

else. My wife, right now, she’s trying to

willing to listen. For him, kind words are

get me to retire and come on home. I

not something you just say or actions

don’t feel right around the house.”

you do, but instead they become part of who you are.

His wife, who was once a high school teacher in the Butler County

“Because some people when they’re

School System, was forced to retire after

down, they don’t know which way to go.

having surgery for a pinched nerve in

Be nice to people, and that’s the way the

her neck and shoulder.

good Lord wants you to be. He wants you to be kind and humble and treat eve-

After the surgery, she was able to

rybody like they’re somebody, because

get around with the help of a walker, but

everybody is somebody. You never know

she hasn’t been able to cook for the last

what somebody is going through, but be

three years, since her surgery. While

sweet to them.”

Powell helps out his wife other people have been notorious for helping him.

Powell sits hunched in the doorframe of his worn, dusty silver car on the

One of Powell’s regular customers, a

stained, once tan seats of his car and

wife to one of the more prominent law-

leaves you with a smile and the words,

yers in town, only owed Powell a few dol-

“you be sweet now,” and you couldn’t

lars for shining a pair of her shoes and

help but do just that.

fixing a tear in the leather, but instead she wrote him a check for $100.

“I couldn’t help but cry. The most it would have been was $5, but people have always done things like that. I got a card at Christmas from one of my customers, sent me $50 in a card for Christmas. And people do things like that.”

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There’s Always Something To See In Greenville

The inside of the High Horse Gallery invites guests to look at the colorful artwork hung in the old shoe store.

Located downtown on Commerce

The gallery is an open space with

Street, is something no one would expect

rust-colored brick walls original to the

to find in a small town such as Green-

space. The white tin ceiling was restored

ville, Ala. Mary McKinley decided to

and repainted, but it suffered little dam-

open an art gallery on a whim.

age through the years because it had been hidden away behind a false ceiling.

“It was a five-minute decision. I normally make very quick decisions on any-

“It had a dropped ceiling, a sus-

thing I do. I mean I’m either going to do

pended ceiling, but I could see the tin

it or I’m not and it’s not going to be

ceiling on the other side, and I knew

something I’m going to think about.”

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with these ceilings and these walls and

this wide open space once we knock out

Just recently she had James Law-

all the walls, it’ll be a perfect art gallery.

rence, an author from Montgomery,

That was it. And it’s an art gallery.”

come in for a book signing. “He’s written two books, military books for all practi-

McKinley caters to all sorts of tastes,

cal purposes, and I knew he would have

both art and otherwise.

a whole different set of people that I

“I was a salesperson, so I know that

could get in. We’ve had, you know, we’ve

it takes a lot of diversity to attract peo-

had a lot of different things to attract peo-

ple. I have

ple.”

tried to have

McKin-

something in

ley even

artwork that

holds wed-

would attract

ding recep-

to everybody.

tions in the

I have pot-

space, or wed-

tery. I have

ding showers.

paintings. I

The Southern

have photog-

Mint bou-

raphy. I have

tique located

gourd art. I

just down the

have jewelry.

street even

I have a lot of different

Several other works hang in the High Horse.

things, and I

plans to hold a fashion show in early

intended to

June within in McKinley’s space.

keep letting that collection grow with things that are very different. But one

Beyond the word of mouth from

thing I knew I would do once it got here,

those who have come into the gallery or

and I have done it, I’m not just having

the local business owners, McKinley has

art events, visual arts events, I’m having

made use of other ways to ensure the gal-

book signings, and other events.”

lery becomes known.

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“I think the logo has to done more to help me than anything because it’s so recognizable. I mean, maybe that’s not the word, maybe recognizable is not the word, because it hasn’t been up long enough, but I think it just attracts people. It attracts people and I’ve had to be specific about, especially with my billboard on the interstate, putting “fine art” under High Horse, because I can just envision people thinking well you know they sell bridals and saddles and stuff like that. For people who just don’t know it’s an art gallery I figured I better put something like that.”

Every inch of the gallery is covered in artwork. Sections of the floor are covered with paintings leaning against the lower wall and displays filled with jewelry, pottery or photographs. The thick smell of paint hangs in the air filling the nooks and crannies of the gallery. McKinley’s office is tucked away behind double French doors and soft piano music plays over the sound system, and she keeps busy. This is her passion.

“I just love it, I just really don’t have a background in art, my background is in sales. And but I have a very, very keen appreciation for art. I love it.”

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