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from the EDITOR...

S

trange” doesn’t begin to describe this year. With the Carnival season mostly cancelled due to the pandemic, the ACCESS team set forth to create a special issue regardless.

The Mobile Carnival Association had high hopes and curated quite possibly one of the best courts imaginable. Fortunately, we were able to work with some of them and, with high spirits (and adhering to all safety precautions), we did what we always do. We produced wonderful stories and photoshoots; highlighted area Carnival traditions and society events; and delved into the history and heritage that make up the fabric of the fabulous area we all call home. Oh, what fun we had! Shooting all around town at some of our Mardi Gras royalty’s favorite local spots, we were reminded yet again of all the reasons why we love our hometown. The nostalgia was tangible.

Funnily, a reoccurring conversation about the Netflix hit period drama “Bridgerton” (based on Julia Quinn’s novels set in the competitive world of Regency-era London's Ton during the season debutantes are presented at court) ensued. Often referred to as “marriage season,” we all enjoyed laughs about our debutantes being married off (all in good fun, of course). We were all drawn to (okay, obsessed with) the show, as it perfectly lays out the importance of a young woman marrying into the right family at that time in history. Fast forward to today, and it’s clear these young ladies are going places all on their own, no ring required. Studying everything from the environment to speech pathology, any man would be more than lucky to have any one of them.

And with no floats on our streets or balls to be had, we thought, “Why not dig into the history of Carnival?” Interestingly, it has actually been cancelled before during times of war or widespread illness. Our history is rich and full of characters that ultimately led to the good times we all share today. We hope you enjoy this special issue and we can’t wait to do Mardi Gras with you all next year!

the

CONTRIBUTOR Cart Blackwell MARKET EDITOR Kristi Welford Hicks

ART DIRECTOR Mallory Godwin

DIRECTOR OF SALES Jennifer Parker AccessJenParker@gmail.com

EDITOR Caroline Edmondson

FINANCIAL COORDINATOR Mary Frances DeLong COLUMNISTS Charlotte Kilborn Carey

CONTRIBUTING WRITER/ COPY EDITOR Jessica Goolsby

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ACCESS mobile.baldwin is published 10 times per year. Subscription rate is $21.95 per year. All subscription inquiries should be mailed to P.O. Box 8586, Mobile, AL 36689-8586 or visit AccessTheBay.com. If the post office alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within two years.

4 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

TO EXPLORE 6 STORE After undergoing an extensive renovation process, Fairhope’s

CK Collection and CK Collection Men are finally under one roof.

Explore CK Collection Men’s new chic space.

THE TOWN 12 ON We introduce this year’s Mobile Carnival Association Queen,

Laura Rutherford Adams, and King Felix III, Martin Cunningham, Jr. From the Dew Drop Inn to Toomey’s Mardi Gras, these royals spent a day dashing between some of their favorite local spots.

LEADING LADIES 20 With such a vastly different debut season this year, we treated the 2021 Leading Ladies to a fabulous day of pampering, glam, and gorgeous dresses to celebrate the monumental honor of being chosen as a Leading Lady for their respective societies.

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM 34 AA few MCA Ladies of the court gave us an inside look at some of their carefully curated Carnival wardrobes. Set against the gorgeous backdrop that is the History Museum of Mobile, it’s easy to swoon over these gorgeous looks.

GRAS SPECIALS 52 MARDI From the history of Carnival and an interview with renowned

historian Dr. Walter Edgar to King Cake masterpieces and Mobile’s first annual Porch Parade, this year’s Mardi Gras celebrations are still alive and well (albeit slightly different).

The Port City still knows how to celebrate!

CULTURE 80 LOCAL Meet local lawyer Tom Loper of Loper Law LLC, and delve into

82 COLUMN Pink Table Talk

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Stevye Murray

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Rebecca Foose

CONTENTS

the heart wrenching journey that led Dr. Christopher Malozzi to the field of cardio-oncology.

STAFF...

FOUNDER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/ PUBLISHER Hayley Hill

FEBRUARY 2021 / Volume 70 Number 61

C O V E R C RE D I T S Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, youneedblush2020@gmail.com Hair Jason Chambers, Headdress Salon, 251.689.7427 Dickson: Gown, Price Upon Request, Earrings, $162; I Do Bridal & Formal, 251.447.2784.

Jeanie: Gown, Price Upon Request; I Do Bridal & Formal, 251.447.2784.

Earrings, $160; The Holiday, 251.432.4911.

Laura: Gown, Price Upon Request; I Do Bridal & Formal, 251.447.2784.

Earrings, $245; The Holiday, 251.432.4911.

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Earrings, $20; Hemline, 251.287.6875.

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Caroline: Gown, Price Upon Request; Bliss Bridal, 251.990.3244.

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Celia: Gown, Price Upon Request; Bliss Bridal, 251.990.3244.

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By Hayley Hill

Photos Stevye Photography

6 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

he Fairhope shopping scene just got a whole lot posher. Lisa and Tom White have long dominated the downtown retail scene with their premiere clothing boutiques, CK Collection and CK Collection Men, and with their 25th business anniversary on the horizon, this hard-working team recently undertook an extensive renovation to fulfill their longtime dream of having their women’s and men’s fashion meccas under one roof. Yes, CK Collection Men has a brand-new space that is connected to the women’s store we all love. “We’ve waited patiently for years for the space that backs up to our women’s store to become available,” Lisa says, sharing that when they got word last September that the space was finally open, they jumped at the chance.

Looking back, most can recall September as an especially tough month, when (in addition to the pandemic) Hurricane Sally devastated our shores. To make matters worse, Tom and Lisa’s home suffered severe storm damage — a fact that has displaced their family

to this day. As for the business renovation, Lisa adds, “We’ve had 10 different build-outs over our 25 years in business, and this was by far the hardest. Pulling workers from wherever we could, we were under the gun as we had a deadline of two and half months to open.

Breaking through walls at the store and renovating our home was simply a lot!”

Having opened for business in December of 2020, it’s astounding what all they’ve accomplished.

Referring to their operation as “Street to Street” fashion, CK Collection Men has its own storefront and entrance on De La Mare Avenue. Since they went through the wall, you can also access it from the women’s store as well.

With a chic lounge between the two intentionally created for visits with friends, Lisa wants customers to feel at home. “Our interior designer

8 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

and good friend Cindy Meador did a great job working with us to achieve our vision by incorporating layers of textures like the large black retro light fixtures with exposed bulbs, Turkish carpets, a painted tin ceiling, and comfy leather chairs,” Lisa shares. “Inspired by the grand staircase that stood in NYC’s iconic fashion store Henri Bendel, we had a hand-crafted iron railing made for the men’s store and we couldn’t be happier.”

As for client services, Lisa shares, “We’re all about giving our customers the best experience possible. Even when we go to market we shop for specific clients, as we know their lifestyle and social commitments.

They trust us.” Additionally, the stores offer styling and alterations and carry a fantastic custom shirt line, Stantt, that offers a perfect fitting shirt created by using millions of data points from body scans. “Clients can even pick out their own buttons and patterns ensuring exclusivity,” Lisa shares.

Featuring favorite Bay designers such as Peter Millar, Johnny O, Barbour, Filson, Dubarry, and W. Kleinberg, their carefully curated classic pieces offer the best of those “country club casual” and “lodge-to-hunt” looks around. “Today’s men are wearing suits less and dressing more casual,” Lisa shares.

“This means they have a need for more clothing and affordable luxuries, which we specialize in.”

In true family business style, Lisa and Tom’s daughter, Kathryn, is a key member of the team. “Kathryn had just moved home from NYC and she was working at the women’s store,” Lisa recalls. “We needed someone for the men’s, and she went over and just took to it. She’s been exclusively with the men’s store for six years and does all the buying and merchandising.” Lisa admits that working together as mother and daughter is definitely interesting at times. “Me being in the women’s store and her in the men’s gives us the space we need and room to grow,” she shares. And of course, Lisa couldn’t do it without her husband Tom. An accomplished engineer and “Jack of all trades,” Lisa adds, “Tom is a brilliant merchandiser, and together we make the perfect team.”

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2 0 2 1 MARDI GRAS

Challenges ahead notwithstanding, some good times are still rolling this Mardi Gras! Tried and true, the Mobile Carnival Association set forth and gave our fair city its rightful royals and majestic courts. Despite the cancellation and postponement of numerous balls and parades this year, there has thankfully still been an active social season for this year’s Carnival elite. Here, ACCESS shares an exclusive peek into one of the quietest (yet most fabulous) Carnivals in history.

Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, youneedblush2020@gmail.com // Hair Jason Chambers, Headdress Salon, 251.689.7427

ON THE TOWN Meet Mobile Carnival Association’s Queen, Laura Rutherford Adams, and King Felix III, Martin Horst Cunningham, Jr. From dogs at the Dew Drop Inn to a mad dash through Toomey’s Mardi Gras, these royal revelers take us to their favorite local spots to remind us why we love the Bay so much and what it is about this city that makes us born to celebrate.

By Hayley Hill

LEADING LADIES Carnival’s Leading Ladies enjoyed a day at the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, a local landmark and the perfect location for a society debut. This iconic home was built

by Judge John Bragg in 1855 for his family to enjoy Mobile’s social season from Thanksgiving to Mardi Gras. Preserved by the A.S. Mitchell family, the home was eventually opened to the public to serve as a preferred location for community events and historic home tours.

By Caroline Edmondson

A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM Filled with local treasures and must-see exhibits, a few MCA Ladies of the court snuck away from the champagne gathering at our beloved History Museum of Mobile for some fun, pictures, and, of course, history lessons. The pride of Mobilians young and old, these special and adventurous debutantes share a few of their carefully curated party looks donned throughout the social season.

By Caroline Edmondson

MCA ROYALS

DEW DROP INN A Mobile must-visit, the Dew Drop Inn holds the title for the oldest restaurant in Mobile.

Opened in 1924 by George L. Widney, the Dew Drop’s hotdogs and hamburgers have become famous to locals and visitors alike.

Dew Drop Inn Laura: Top, $279; CK Collection, 251.990.9001. Coat, $150, Skirt, $220; The Mix, 251.298.9137. Earrings, $110; Hemline, 251.287.6875. Martin: Jacket, $195; McCoy Outdoor Company, 251.473.1080.

12 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

Mobile Carnival Association’s Queen Laura Rutherford Adams

True to tradition, the Mobile Carnival Association has yet again appointed a gloriously bright Queen for this peculiar Carnival season.

The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sumner Greer Adams, Queen Laura Rutherford Adams hails from a long line of royalty dating back to 1956.

Born to reign, the city’s noble Queen is not deterred as the fate of the balls and parades loom; in fact, she’s having the time of her life and will be ready to celebrate when the time is right.

By Hayley Hill / Photos Stevye Photography n a typical year, signs that the good times are getting ready to roll begin to appear around the start of the New Year. From parade routes lined with barriers to the fried dough stands gearing up for hungry crowds, the spirit of the season is palpable in the streets of the Port City and its surrounding communities.

Sadly, that’s not the case this year (cue the tumbleweed). But not so fast. Perhaps Queen Laura says it best: “There’s a lot of uncertainty right now, but I know the Mobile Carnival Association has done (and will do) everything in their power to make this Mardi Gras season as memorable and special as possible!”

With an abundance of gratitude and grace, her Majesty is quite accomplished. A student at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va. (one of the oldest higher learning institutions in the country), Queen Laura is pursuing a major in environmental studies and a minor in creative writing. Using her leadership skills, Queen Laura is a Kappa Kappa Gamma member; serves as Class Agent for the 2021 Senior Gift Committee; interned for the literary magazine, Shenandoah Magazine; and served the past three years as an Appalachian Adventure Pre-Orientation Trip Leader, guiding freshman on backpacking trips using her Wilderness First Aid certification.

Set to graduate in May, she is interested in the sustainable food movement and her dream career is one in which she can educate and connect people to natural food sources.

A graduate of St. Paul’s Episcopal School, she shares how she received the news of her reign: “I found out while in a COVID-19 lockdown and it was the absolute highlight of that time period,” she shares. “My family was gathered on the back porch before my brother returned to Austin for work, and I thought we were having champagne to celebrate him. My mom came outside with a decorated package, and I was completely surprised when I opened it, as inside was a photo of my grandmother when she was Queen in 1967. It took a few seconds to register, but I was beyond thrilled!”

Her Majesty’s royal lineage dates back to 1956 when her paternal grandfather, Marion S. Adams, Jr., reigned as King Felix III. Her maternal grandfather, John Schley Rutherford, and maternal grandmother, Laura Lee Peebles, (Mrs. John Schley Rutherford), reigned as King Felix III and Queen in 1967. In 1987 her paternal uncle, Marion S. Adams III, reigned

as King Felix III. Quite interestingly her father, Sumner Greer Adams, and her mother, Laura Lee Rutherford, (Mrs. Sumner Greer Adams), reigned as King Felix III and Queen in 1991. From there, her maternal uncle, John Schley Rutherford, Jr., reigned as King Felix III in 1996, and her first cousin, Marion S. Adams IV, reigned as King Felix III in 2015.

As custom commands, her brother, Sumner Greer Adams, Jr., reigned as King Felix III in 2020, adding to the long list of familial royalty over the years.

Described as curious, down-to-earth, and loyal, Queen Laura is thrilled to honor both her family and the city she loves so much. Her mother, Lee, shares: “It’s such a privilege to share this incredible experience with Laura. What a thrill it is to see my daughter follow in the footsteps of her grandmother (also Laura’s namesake) and I. It’s a wonderful opportunity for her to give back to the community and a bond we’ll share forever.”

Looking back, her Majesty has countless cherished memories. “Mardi Gras has always been a huge part of my family,” Queen Laura says. “When we were young, my brother and I eagerly awaited the season because we got to go downtown on Friday and Saturday nights to watch parades. I’ve always loved admiring float designs with my dad and dancing to the bands with cousins and friends,” she shares.

“Always our families favorite time of year, we love it all, from parade loadings to the bands, snap n’ pops (back when they were allowed), and chicken on a stick,” Lee fondly adds.

“Laura and I are banana MoonPie junkies! We spend an embarrassing amount of time trying to gather as many pristine banana MoonPies as we can — it doesn’t matter the size!”

As for the delays, Queen Laura is optimistic.

“Like most, I was disappointed when I learned Mardi Gras celebrations could not occur,” she admits. “However, I know it’s for the best that we wait until it’s safe. It will be that much sweeter when the time does come,” she says.

“Although this season has been different, we’ve made the time spent together count.

Since everything is so uncertain, whenever we have the opportunity to celebrate, we have a renewed appreciation and excitement. In a way, it elongates this incredibly special time!”

Fortunately, her Majesty and the Ladies of the court have enjoyed several small celebrations.

“It’s been wonderful to reconnect with girls I haven’t spent time with in years,” she says.

“Celebrating on the Perdido Queen (on the most gorgeous day), a flower arranging class taught by Susan George of LUSH Florals, and making yummy charcuterie boards at Provision in Fairhope were a few highlights,” she shares.

Among the Queen’s duties is the curation of the royal regalia, and this year is no exception.

Working closely with Julia Greer Fobes and her team at Revelry Bloom, Queen Laura took pride in using significant heirlooms. “One of my absolute favorite parts is that I’m using my mother and grandmother’s train, scepter, and crown,” she shares. “Knowing I will be wearing what they once wore has a deeply special meaning to me, and it makes me even more excited about all of it.”

As for Lee, “I’ve been very involved in the creation of Laura’s regalia,” she says. “Julia Fobes, Betsy Greer, and Michelle Hill have been invaluable to us. It’s been such fun to recreate my train and incorporate the crown and scepter both my mother and I used.”

Beyond the royal attire, there’s party looks, too.

From Scroll and cocktail parties to luncheons and mixology lessons, a just-right wardrobe is in order. For Lee and Queen Laura, they couldn’t have done it without the extraordinary society stylists at Debra’s. “Holly Walton at Debra’s has been a wonderful help to us both,” Lee beams.

When time permits, Queen Laura enjoys cooking, hiking, gardening, and her newest hobby: embroidery. She also cherishes her time at home. “Living in the mountains for four years has been a pleasure, but I have a huge soft spot for the Bay’s seafood, boating, and views of the diverse wildlife,” she admits. “Some of my go-to spots are the places we visited for these photos! The Dew Drop Inn, Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe, Pollman’s Bake Shop, Toomey’s Mardi Gras, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, the Mobile Carnival Museum, and Wintzell’s Oyster House top the list,” she shares.

Rounding out the sentiment, Lee shares, “My favorite moments have been seeing how excited, humbled, and touched Laura has been. I look forward to a joyful celebration of a wonderful city!” As for her Majesty? “I’m so looking forward to representing the city, carrying on the tradition of Mobile Mardi Gras, and being able to safely celebrate with everyone when the time comes!”

MCA ROYALS

THE MOBILE CARNIVAL MUSEUM Opened in 2005, the Mobile Carnival Museum chronicles more than 300 years of Mobile’s Mardi Gras history. Located in the historic Bernstein-Bush, the museum offers 14 gallery rooms filled with various Carnival memorabilia and relics.

The Mobile Carnival Museum Laura: Top/Skirt Set, $450, Bangle, $40; The Holiday, 251.432.4911. Bag, $120, Necklace, $150; The Mix, 251.298.9137. Headband, $35, Earrings, $20; Hemline, 251.287.6875. Denim Jacket, $198; CK Collection, 251.990.9001.

Heels, $398; Debra’s, 251.343.7463. Martin: Sweater, $138, Jacket, $475; CK Men’s, 251.928.4824. Jeans, $118; McCoy Outdoor Company, 251.473.1080.

14 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

CAMMIE’S OLD DUTCH Serving up some of Mobile’s most delectable ice cream since 1969, Cammie Wayne and her husband Larry churn every flavor on site and distribute gallons all over the Bay Area down to the beach.

Both monarchs agree that Mint Chocolate Chip is the superior ice cream choice!

Cammie’s Old Dutch Laura: Dress, $205; The Holiday, 251.432.4911. Coat, $1395, Boots, $189; CK Collection, 251.990.9001. Necklace, $120; Debra’s, 251.343.7463. Earrings, $20; Hemline, 251.287.6875. Martin: Tux provided by Francia’s Formal Affair, 251.342.7119.

MCA ROYALS

TOOMEY’S MARDI GRAS STORE Started more than 30 years ago by Jack and Ann Toomey, Toomey’s has become an institution of Mobile Mardi Gras. Today, Toomey’s Mardi Gras sells thousands of items year-round, with their busiest time of year being the three months surrounding Mardi Gras.

16 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

Toomey’s Mardi Gras Store Laura: Gown, $795, Earrings, $345; Debra’s, 251.343.7463.

Heels, $100, Bangles, $172$196; Hemline, 251.287.6875.

Martin: Tux provided by Francia’s Formal Affair.

Mobile Carnival Association’s KING FELIX III

Martin Horst Cunningham, Jr. All hail King Felix III! The son of Martin Horst Cunningham, Sr. and Randolph Fargason Cunningham, Martin Jr.’s royal lineage traces back to 1940. Proud of Mobile’s distinction as creator of Mardi Gras, he’s honored to represent the city, the Mobile Carnival Association (MCA), and his family while striking a balance between fun and safety.

CA could not have selected a better King Felix III to represent our beloved Mardi Gras season during these unusual times than Martin Horst Cunningham, Jr. With his laidback nature, Martin Jr. shares, “The court is going with the flow and we’re enjoying every event to the fullest. We’ve found a good balance of having fun while keeping everyone healthy.”

Set to graduate in May from the University of Mississippi School of Law, Martin Jr. holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and corporate relations with a minor in professional writing.

He’s a Dean’s Scholar and received a full tuition scholarship for Law School. A member of the Trial Advocacy team and Innocence Project, he shares, “These were very eye-opening in terms of seeing the circumstances some people are up against in their lives.” His Majesty hopes to practice law in Mobile moving forward.

A graduate of Bayside Academy, his Majesty is described as respectful, loyal, and charismatic, and was heading out for a game of basketball when his parents made the move to let him know he’d been selected as the new Mardi Gras monarch. “I was heading out when my parents asked me to get a drink,” he recalls. “I wondered if we could postpone, but my parents suggested we go and that I change, which took some convincing. Upon our arrival, we headed for the balcony where the MCA board members surprised me with the invitation to be King Felix III. My parents gave me that ‘Aren’t you glad we made you change?’ look and did a great job keeping it a secret. I was ready to get the season going!”

With a family history steeped in Carnival royalty, Martin Jr.’s lineage traces back to 1940 when his paternal grandfather, George Douglas Cunningham, Sr., served as a Knight in the court. His paternal grandmother, Hetty Lyon Horst Cunningham, was a Lady of the court in 1946. In 1969, his Majesty’s aunt, Hetty Lyon Cunningham Newell, served as a Lady of the court, and his father, Martin Horst Cunningham, Sr., served as King Felix III in 1979. Martin Jr.’s first cousin, Lyon Cunningham Newell, served as an Equerry in 1988, and his cousin, Mary Hunter Rouse (Mrs. George M. Maxwell, Jr.), served as Juvenile Queen in 1997. His sisters even got in on the action in the early 2000s, with Page Cunningham Smith serving in the Juvenile court in 2002 and as a Lady in Waiting

in 2010, and Helen Herndon Cunningham serving as a Lady in Waiting in 2012.

His Majesty served as an Equerry to Felix III (William Richard Delaney, Jr.) and Queen Emily Luckett McMurphy in 2002. In 2009 he served as an Escort to Juvenile Queen Nell Frances Milling, and in 2017 was a Knight in the court of King Felix III (Thomas Bestor Ward IV) and Queen Caroline Parish Meacham.

Regarding the honor, “It’s different from being a Knight, as I’m older,” he says. “I’m learning our Mardi Gras history and just how important it is to the city. It’s Mobile’s creation, and it’s very exciting to be part of it.” Some of his Majesty’s fondest memories stem from his family’s Mardi Gras traditions. “I remember going to the float barn with my dad and getting to playing hide and seek on the floats with the other kids,” he recalls. “I may have sneaked out a good football now and then! After the parades, we’d spread out everything we caught and make trades. As a teen, I had more freedom to run around with friends downtown, resulting in a lot of good memories.”

In terms of a pandemic reign, his Majesty admits, “I knew there was a good chance of it being postponed or canceled. It’s disappointing, but I understand. When it ends, people will be looking to get out! When that happens, I’m looking forward to the parade and have plenty of mobility in my costume to throw my fair share of beads,” he jokes.

As ritual dictates, King Felix III creates a royal regalia — a real highlight for Martin Jr. “I really enjoyed the people that helped me,” he shares. “The crown and scepter were made

by Mr. Tommy at Dynasty Collection. They made the process very entertaining, as they tried to match a style to my personality.” The train was created by Julia Greer Fobes and her team at Revelry Bloom. “They always kept it entertaining because they knew it was out of my comfort zone,” his Majesty shares.

“My mother helped a lot and we decided on a military-inspired costume. If I am dressing in costume, I may as well go with a look I like!”

Not yet revealed, King Felix’s ensemble is a nod to Danish and family history, with a color palette of royal blue, red, white, pewter, gold, and bronze. The military tailcoat is completed with antique trims, a mandarin collar, and cuffs, and features a belted sash, epaulettes, and aiguillettes that tie into a medallion. The

train is 19 ft. long by 9 ft. wide and topped with the Denmark Coat of Arms, commemorating the three generations of Danish consuls in the family.

Interestingly, Martin Jr.’s great grandfather was appointed Danish Consul in the 1920s. His grandfather was Danish Consul and knighted into the Order of the Dannebrog. In 1994, Martin’s father was honored by the Queen of Denmark and knighted into the Order of the Dannebrog and is currently a Knight and presiding Danish Consul. His Majesty will don a pin from his father with a sword and arrow crossing a garland wreath. The Roman numerals MCMLXXIX are included for 1979, when Martin Sr. reigned as King Felix III. The train’s center motif is the Cunningham Coat of Arms with a Knight helmet’s profile atop a shield with three five-pointed stars. The base motif is the King’s royal monogram, replicated from his pin. Below, there is a scroll banner with the Roman numerals MMXXI for 2021. All the motifs are completed with crystal, gold, and silver rhinestone and beaded embellishments and the border is framed with white rabbit fur with black ermine tails.

For the parties, his Majesty donned looks from local boutiques East Bay Clothier, Metzger’s, and CK Men’s. In his downtime, Martin Jr. enjoys basketball, tennis, snowboarding, boating, and listening to music. As for the Bay Area, he shares, “I have a favorite spot for everything! It’s home to me. When I go to Oxford for school I really miss the water. A lake just doesn’t feel the same as our rivers, Bay, and beach. It’s tough to leave the coast for too long.” He’s also an avid fan of the Bay’s growing downtown area. “I enjoy Panini Pete’s, Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe, Bob’s Diner, Felix’s Fish Camp Grill, and Pollman’s Bake Shop, to name a few,” he shares.

With an affinity for positivity, his Majesty sums up this unconventional season beautifully: “The Queen, debutantes, and I have gone allin,” he shares. “We know at any moment we may find the season canceled. Everyone has let go of the things that don’t matter, and have chosen to focus on what does. We’re really making the most of every photo-op, cocktail party, and Mardi Gras event. We’re not taking anything for granted.”

MCA ROYALS

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Famous around town, Ruth’s Chris’s off-themenu cocktail, the Chrissy, consists of vanilla ice cream, vodka, and the hazelnut-flavored liqueur, Frangelico. Meant to be sipped slowly, this drink is the unofficial cocktail of Mobile’s Carnival season (though it can be enjoyed year-round).

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Laura: Gown, $598, Earrings, $52, Bangle, $40; The Holiday, 251.432.4911. Fur, $154; Hemline, 251.287.6875. Bag, $675, Heels, $595; Debra’s, 251.343.7463. Belt, $215; CK Collection, 251.990.9001. Martin: Tux provided by Francia’s Formal Affair.

18 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

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LEADING LADIES

20 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

Queen Laura Rutherford Adams T

As Mobile Carnival Association’s (MCA) Queen, her Highness’s highest obligation is to reign over Mobile Mardi Gras in its entirety. Charged with leading the city into Fat Tuesday and all its splendor, this year’s rightful royal, Queen Laura Rutherford Adams, does not disappoint — regardless of these unprecedented times.

he daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sumner Greer Adams, one of MCA Queen Laura Rutherford Adams’ most defining duties includes curating the royal regalia, with this year being no exception. Not yet revealed, Queen Laura’s gown was designed and made by Julia Greer Fobes and her team at Revelry Bloom. It is constructed of three layers, including an Asian watercolor botanical print, an overlay of metallic gold-striped organza, and a beaded and embroidered gold floral lace.

A nod to her rich Carnival heritage, her train was originally designed and constructed by Karen Thornton for her mother, Lee Rutherford Adams, to wear during her reign as MCA Queen in 1991. The Revelry Bloom team

redesigned and reconstructed the train worn by Lee, as well as the Queen’s to give it more color and Asian-in- grandmother, Laura Peebles Ruthspired elements, including hanging erford, who reigned in 1967. The lanterns, cherry blossom branches, crown was made by an artisan in New Orleans and was a and an elaborate to the Queen’s crane complete “It was so much fun gift grandmother at the with the Queen’s monogram. The to revamp my mom’s time of her reign.

The scepter was outer frame was train and create the made by Dynasty reworked with a coral fabric dress with my ideas.” Collection to match the crown for Lee’s underlay, rhinereign in 1991. stone trim, and a Majesty vintage honey-col- - Queen Laura Adams Her delighted in the ored mink border. opportunity to The collar, originally worn by Lee, was also made personalize these beloved family heirby Karen Thornton. Coral beading looms and shares, “It was so much fun and mink fur were added to brighten to revamp my mom’s train and create up the collar while maintaining the the dress with my ideas. Deciding to vintage feel. The crown was also incorporate a coral theme was my

favorite part, and the muted botanical print is a reminder of my love for the environment,” she says. “We wanted an Asian-inspired look, and the Revelry Bloom team had incredible ideas to make it come together perfectly!” Having grown up hearing so much about the court, Queen Laura says she’s overjoyed and beyond flattered to have the opportunity to experience it for herself. “While there’s still so much unknown, it will be a happy day when everyone can get dressed up and have such a festive occasion to celebrate,” she beams.

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LEADING LADIES

KNIGHTS OF REVELRY

Lady Hannah Collier A

student at The University of Alabama, Hannah Collier is the daughter of Bentley and BryAnne Collier and the Knights of Revelry’s Leading Lady selected for this Carnival season. Majoring in public relations with a specialization in digital/technological communication management and minoring in computing tech and applications, Hannah can’t help but look back on her last four years at UA with a heart full of gratitude. “All of my cousins, my brother, close family friends, and my grandfather have gone to UA,” Hannah shares. “I have met some of my best friends there and have developed connections that I know will last a long time, both with students and faculty. It’s crazy to think that pretty soon I will be an alumna of UA, but I know it will always be home to me,” she says. At school, Hannah was a President’s List student; a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda and Phi Sigma Theta honor societies; was selected for Industry Immersion networking trips to Birmingham and New York City; and was the Head Computer Chairman for the Kappa Delta sorority for two years. Upon graduation in May of this year, Hannah plans on moving back to Mobile to begin her career, eventually hoping to open her own PR or advertising agency.

Hannah first found out she was selected as the 147th KOR Leading Lady on her birthday — a gift she says she will remember for a lifetime. “I took online classes this past summer and my parents came in my room while I was studying to tell me we were going to go to NoJa for a birthday dinner,” she recalls.

“Thinking nothing of it, I agreed

22 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

and got ready to go eat, completely unaware that my brother had been at NoJa all day setting up for what would be my announcement party. When my parents and I arrived downtown I walked in to find the whole restaurant decorated with silver and blue (KOR’s signature colors), along with my immediate family, friends, past Leading Ladies and their families, KOR’s executive committee, and other KOR members,” Hannah recalls. Though it took her a minute to register what was happening, Hannah was overwhelmed with emotion at such an honor. “Folly walked out swinging his bladders along with two marshals, and then Folly kneeled in front of me asking if I would accept being the Knights of Revelry’s147th Leading Lady,” she shares. “I immediately accepted, and it was one of the best days of my life!”

Typically, KOR holds two events during the Carnival season: the KOR Christmas Revel (traditionally held the first Saturday in December, during which the Leading Lady is formally announced), and the KOR Reception, which usually takes place immediately following the return of the KOR men from the parade on Fat Tuesday.

Unfortunately, due to COVID, both have been postponed to a later date, but this hasn’t stifled Hannah’s excite-

ment for her debut year. “I’m staying shares. “I’m excited for the whole positive and making the most out of experience, honestly… the excitethe court so far,” she shares. “Having ment, the nerves, etc. Once it’s all the other girls is huge, and we all over and we reflect on it I know I’ll have gotten so close.” Knowing the look back and think how much of a local courts are in the same boat along blast it was!”

For when she with all Mardi Gras organizations “To be selected by the Knights can finally celeacross the country of Revelry to represent their brate, Hannah has and are limited organization is more than just selected a fabulous white Mikado with what they an honor I will carry with me trumpet gown with can and cannot do is equally as sad for this year of Mardi Gras; it a curved strapless as it is comfort- is a tradition that few organi- neckline, tulle, and ing, she shares. zations have, and I will carry a floral embroiempire “We all talk each that with me for life. I simply dered other up and think cannot put into words how bodice with rhinestone accents for about how exciting much it means to me.” the Christmas things will be once Revel. As for the we get to have all - Lady Hannah Collier reception, Hannah the balls and other will wear a simple events,” Hannah says. “We’ve all had a blast at the and elegant double-face satin twill events and sponsored parties we have dress in navy and champagne featuralready had and definitely made the ing a dramatic frill skirt.

Being chosen as Leading Lady means most of them!”

And of course, having the opportunity everything to Hannah, as her father to spend so much time with her best has been a member of KOR longer friends means a lifetime of memories than she’s been alive. “I grew up will be made. “I always remember going to the barn parties and seeing being awestruck and thinking how my dad ride on his float,” she recalls. cool it was watching past courts, “Recently my brother got into KOR, and now getting to be a part of that so KOR has imprinted itself on our with some of my best friends is a family. It runs deeper than just a huge honor and so exciting,” Hannah Mardi Gras organization,” Hannah

says. “To be selected by the Knights of Revelry to represent their organization is more than just an honor I will carry with me for this year of Mardi Gras; it is a tradition that few organizations have, and I will carry that with me for life. I simply cannot put into words how much it means to me.”

In her free time, Hannah loves being on the water or relaxing at her aunt and uncle’s home on Dauphin Island.

She loves listening to music, playing video games, and grabbing a bite at some of her favorite local eateries like Butch Cassidy’s and The Mariner.

She would like to thank the men of the Knights of Revelry for selecting her to represent them as their 147th Leading Lady; her father for coordinating her announcement party, presenting her, and for his constant love and support; her mother for helping with everything that goes on behind the scenes of court life; and her brother for helping to coordinate her announcement party and giving her advice for court given his prior experience in it as well.

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LEADING LADIES

INFANT MYSTICS

Lady Celia D’Olive T

he daughter of Peter and Katy D’Olive, Cecilia D’Olive (or Celia, as she’s known among friends) is currently a student at Southern Methodist University where she studies business management with a minor in economics. At school, Celia is a Kemper Scholar, part of a highly competitive three-year scholarship, internship, and mentorship program.

“I went through four rounds of interviews and landed a spot as one of the 16 college freshmen selected from a pool of thousands of applicants from across the country,” Celia shares. “I owe my love for insurance (said no one ever, I know) to the Kemper Scholars Program.” Celia is scheduled to graduate this May, after which she hopes to turn her love for insurance into a blossoming career as an insurance underwriter or broker for a sports team and/or other high networth clients in Dallas, Birmingham, or Charleston.

Serving as the Infant Mystics’ 153rd Leading Lady means Celia will follow in her grandmother Kathleen “Kit” Druhan Geil’s and her aunt Paula D’Olive Carpenter’s footsteps. “This year would have been my grandmother’s 60th anniversary of her time as the IM’s Leading Lady,” Celia beams. Being chosen for this honor means so much to Celia and her entire family as the IMs have been a huge part of so many of their lives. “My grandfather, Dukie D’Olive, loved this organization and its members more than anyone I know, and I know the IMs feel the same about him,” Celia says. “To be able to represent him and my father as Leading Lady of the organization they had and still have so much love for is one of the biggest honors I have 24 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

ever received.” Celia adds to be able to celebrate the 60th anniversary of her grandmother Kit Geil — someone loved and admired by all that knew her — is beyond special. “I know she will be looking down on me from heaven, smiling at me, the reflection of her, but 60 years later,” she says.

For such a momentous occasion, the announcement that Celia had been chosen had to be just as special. On her sister Kit’s 20th birthday, Celia and a large group of her family and friends gathered at her house for a seemingly innocent birthday celebration. “We have a large family and a lot of close family friends, but I had found it odd that so many had come, and that a few had even travelled to be there for such an insignificant birthday party (no offense, Kit),” Celia laughs. “We were told to all gather in the living room when one of the Infant Mystics’ black cats, a group of my parents’ best friends, my uncle carrying a flag with the Infant Mystics logo, and a group of people I couldn’t see who were covered by the flag came walking in. I immediately shouted, ‘Aww, look Kit!’ because I thought they were trying to do something special for Kit’s 20th birthday (because we all know the better birthday is the next year).” It wasn’t until the group behind the flag (Tom

Gaillard, the current president of the poned until next year. Ever positive, IMs; Tom’s wife, Angie; and their the postponement hasn’t stopped daughter/last year’s Leading Lady, Celia from enjoying and celebrating Sarah) emerged that Celia realized every moment of this year’s Carnival what was happening. “Mr. Tom asked season. “I am so beyond thankful if I would be the 153rd Leading Lady the IMs were able to host my scroll of the Infant Mystics and lead the IMs party at Cotton Hall to announce me ball on February 15th, and teary-eyed as their 153rd Leading Lady before all the other Mardi me responded ‘I Gras events began do,’ and hugged to be postponed or my equally teary“This year would cancelled,” Celia eyed father,” Celia have been my shares. “I will shares.

“Finally, now and always Sarah handed grandmother’s hold the memory off the black and 60th anniversary of that beautiful, white ribbon-pin special night very that reads ‘IMs of her time as the close to my heart Leading Lady’ and the Comus Cup, IM’s Leading Lady.” as a reminder of the time I had the which is the silver honor to represent engraved goblet such an important that Comus (a - Lady Celia D’Olive organization for Mardi Gras orgamy family.” And nization from New Orleans) gifted the IMs for their 100th when she is able to celebrate at the anniversary. I had stolen the show ball next year, Celia intends to don a from my sister (who had very kindly gorgeous gown purchased from Bliss agreed to let them surprise me at her Bridal in Fairhope. own birthday party), and we celebrat- Celia loves living on the Bay and ed for the rest of the night,” Celia often ribs her landlocked friends back in Dallas about it. She loves going recalls.

But with local Mardi Gras festivi- on walks and visiting some of her ties postponed due to the pandemic, favorite local restaurants like Master the Infant Mystics’ ball and Celia’s Joe’s, the Supper Club, Hope Farm, role as Leading Lady are sadly post- and Mr. Gene’s Beans (“Mama needs

her Fairhope Float,” she laughs).

Celia also loves grabbing a drink at Bucky’s Lounge and The Ice Box Bar. Celia would like to thank Tom Gaillard for giving her the honor to represent the IMs as their 153rd Leading Lady and for doing everything in his power to make being the ‘COVID Leading Lady’ as special and fun as possible. “I would also like to thank my parents and the IMs organization for making my scroll party one of the most memorable, fun, and special nights of my life,” Celia shares. “Although it might be the only event for me as the Leading Lady this year, it was beyond anything I could have ever asked or hoped for, and I am extremely grateful that we were able to make the most of this shortlived Mardi Gras season,” she says.

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LEADING LADIES

26 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

OOM

Lady Jeanie Hope F

or Lady Jeanie Hope, serving as the Leading Lady for the OOMs means following in her mother’s footsteps, who served as OOM Leading Lady in 1987 (as well as her cousin, Ebie Douglas). Excitingly, Jeanie’s entire court experience will be a family affair, as she will serve alongside cousins Annie Beth Immel and Molly Sullivan as well. In fact, the Carnival blood runs thick within Jeanie’s lineage, as various members of her immediate family have served in some capacity during Mardi Gras

over the years. Her mother, Mary marched Folly and Death, asking if Shannon Hope, was a Lady in the Jeanie would lead their 154th cele1987 court of Queen Louise Neil Hirs bration. “My mom cried… she was and King Marion Strickler Adams so happy for me,” Jeanie shares. “Not III and served in the juvenile court only did my dad present me with in 1978. Her brother, Robert Milton flowers, but he also gave a bouquet to Hope III, was a Knight in the 2018 Mom. I was thrilled! It was a special court of their cousin Queen Ebie evening for us all.” Going back generBoyd Douglas and King Alexander ations, being a part of the OOMs means everyTravis Howard. thing to Jeanie and Robert also served in the 2011 “I am humbled to have her family. “The juvenile court. the chance to create love of OOMs goes back to both Currently a student my own memories. of my grandfaat The University thers, my uncles, of Alabama, Jeanie I know it will be and my cousins,” is studying marketan event I will Jeanie shares. “My ing with a minor mother still has in real estate, with never forget.” fond memories hopes of pursuing a (along with my career in marketing cousin Ebie) of or sales one day - Lady Jeanie Hope leading the OOM (though she jokes Sunday Party, and she’d be a singer if only she had the talent!). Jeanie shares now I am humbled to have the chance she’s had an amazing four years at to create my own memories. I know it college and cites being a member of will be an event I will never forget.”

Kappa Kappa Gamma and cheering The OOM party is iconic for many well-deserved reasons.

Jeanie’s on the Tide as some of her highlights.

Being selected as Leading Lady came Sunday Party dress was purchased as complete surprise to Jeanie, having from Debra’s and she looks forward thought she was just going to dinner to wearing it as soon as the party has with family and friends. “As we were a set date. As for her coronation attire, having a sunset drink on my patio, I Jeanie will be wearing a vintage train started hearing Mardi Gras music,” by Karen Thorton originally made for Jeanie recalls. Up the sidewalk her mother’s debut. With a motif of

rambling vines and flowers, the train is enhanced with gold rhinestone banding and gilded leaves that accent the many hued florals. A hidden parrot with trailing beaded tailfeathers is set among the blossoms. “A special thank you goes to Homer McClure who enhanced both the train and dress, which helped transform my vision into reality,” she shares.

Having grown up on Mobile Bay, Jeanie says her favorite place to be is on the water. Whether it’s boating, swimming at The Grand Hotel, or dining at Sunset Grill, DragonFly, or The Supper Club, Jeanie feels truly blessed to call the Bay Area home.

“Mobile Bay is a little paradise, and I appreciate my grandparents introducing me to this beautiful place,” she shares. Jeanie would like to extend her deepest gratitude to The Carnival Association for inviting her and giving her such a grand opportunity.

She would also like to thank both her parents and the OOMs order for their support.

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LEADING LADIES

28 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

STRIKERS INDEPENDENT SOCIETY

Lady Caroline Ladd T

he Daughter of Patrick Benton Ladd and Luci McMillian Ladd, Lady Caroline Ladd has been chosen as this year’s Leading Lady for the Strikers Independent Society — an honor amplified by her grandfather’s offer to present her on her special night. Studying public relations and art at The University of Alabama,

Caroline hopes to one day go into was a skill I had never really thought the creative side of communications to even try before, and it was so much (hopefully branding), though her fun,” she beams. dream job would be to serve as an Originally planned for New Year’s Eve, the Strikers ball will be held independent travel agent.

Caroline was at school in Tusca- at a later date to be determined, but that hasn’t stopped loosa when she Caroline from her got the wonderbusy preparations. ful news that she “It is such a special Planning to wear was chosen as the Strikers’ Leading experience and being a John Paul Ataker Lady. “The real able to share it with silken organza fil coupe tea length celebration was my friends makes it dress in a breathwhen I got home taking rose gold/ and had a celeeven better.” petal pink color, bratory toast with the dress features everyone,” she an off the shoulder recalls. No stranger portrait collar and to the court (she - Lady Caroline Ladd a cinch at the waist. served as Juvenile When it comes Queen in 2013), Caroline says she’s had a blast this to the rest of her court wardrobe, Carnival season so far. “Obviously Caroline has enlisted the ladies of there are no balls, but we have had Debra’s to help curate her outfits. plenty of parties to make up for it,” Like most Mobilians, Caroline loves Caroline jokes. “It is such a special living near the water — something experience and being able to share it she says she came to appreciate even with my friends makes it even better. more over quarantine. “Coming I love that I will always be able to back to school and being able to tell share these memories with them.” people I spent my whole quarantine Her favorite party thus far? The floral just going to different beaches made arranging class put on by LUSH. “It me really thankful for where I live,”

she shares. Quarantine has also given Caroline a chance to slow down and give herself a cozy night in every once in awhile. “With everything that has gone on the last year, life has gotten pretty hectic at points,” she admits. “I love taking a night for me, especially when schoolwork begins to pile up.” Some of Caroline’s favorite places to spend her time are POST, LODA Biergarten, and Ice Box. She would like to thank her parents and grandparents for the opportunity of a lifetime serving in the court and as Leading Lady. “I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without them, and I am so thankful for this amazing opportunity,” she gushes.

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LEADING LADIES

30 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

ORDER OF DRAGONS

Lady Ann Bradley Long P

atient, caring, and adventurous, Lady Ann Bradley Long of the MCA court is thrilled to have been asked to lead the annual Dragons Ball. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Forrest Long, she currently attends The University of Alabama where she studies Early

Childhood Special Education and is 1993 and her father served as a Knight a student teacher. Though COVID in the court of 1994. It was her father has moved her classes online, she who broke the news to Ann Bradley still has the pleasure of teaching her on being selected as the Leading Lady students in the classroom each day. for the Order of Dragons, after which At Alabama, Ann Bradley is enrolled her family hosted a special celebrain the Honors College and the tory dinner. “Even though this year Teacher Education Program (TEP), is a little different, I am still looking has been on the Dean’s List several forward to all the festivities,” Ann times, and received Bradley shares. the Kathleen “I am happy that Patrick Hughes “My motto is to say ‘yes’ we are still able Scholarship. “I’m to everything since it’s to have it, even if still trying to make it is not the same the best of this my senior year. I want to as past years. I year,” she shares. do as much as possible.” cannot wait to “My motto is to say celebrate with ‘yes’ to everything the Ladies of the since it’s my senior court!” Thank- Lady Ann Bradley Long year. I want to do as fully, the Ladies much as possible.” of the court Expected to graduate in May of this have still had a grand time celebratyear, Ann Bradley looks forward to ing their season over the Christmas teaching in the state of Alabama and break, getting to know one another can’t wait to have her own preschool and making memories to last a special education classroom one day. lifetime. “Some of my favorite parties Ann Bradley’s love of Mardi Gras include a paddle boat brunch on the goes back to her childhood, where Mobile River and a charcuterie board fond memories of watching parades class where we learned how to make downtown every year abide. “We cheeseboards,” she shares. used to get on the floats of my When it comes to her Carnival mom and dad’s parades before they wardrobe for the various soirees, Ann started,” she recalls. “I absolutely Bradley has turned to local boutiques love MoonPies!” Both of Ann Brad- The MIX, Debra’s, and Hemline. For ley’s parents served in the court — the Dragons Ball, Ann Bradley will her mother was a Lady in the court of wear a gorgeous silk satin mermaid-

style gown designed by Judy Green featuring a one-shoulder wrapped ruffle that cascades down the back.

Having spent her whole life on the water, Ann Bradley and her family have spent every summer on the Bay — time her family cherishes together each year. “My favorite places to go while I’m home is Mr. Gene’s Beans for some ice cream and the Punta Clara Kitchen,” she shares. In her free time, she loves watching Netflix, working out, hanging out with her friends, and spending as much time outdoors hunting and fishing as possible. Some of her favorite places to grab a bite to eat are Foosackly’s and Chuck’s Fish.

Like most young girls, Ann Brandley also enjoys shopping, citing some of her favorite local boutiques as Sway in Fairhope and Hemline. Ann Bradley is so thankful to have been given this opportunity and would like to thank the Mobile Carnival Association and the Order of Dragons for honoring her.

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LEADING LADIES

DOUBLE RUSH DOMINO BALL

Lady Ruth Dickson Thames T

he daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Anthony Thames, Dickson Thames comes from a long line of Carnival royalty. Selected as a Lady in this year’s MCA court and as the Athelstan Club’s Leading Lady for their ball, Dickson is no stranger to the prestige of the courts and is honored to continue her family’s Mardi Gras legacy. Celebrating some 90 years of tradition, Dickson’s great-great uncle, Donald Henry Smith, first reigned as King Felix III in 1931, followed by his son, Norvelle Leigh Smith, who also served as King Felix III in 1964 while his daughter, Genevieve Leigh Smith, was a Lady in the court. Dickson’s grandfather, Stewart Thames Jr., was a Knight in the court while her uncle, Stewart Thames III, was also a Knight in 1991, and Stewart Thames IV (Dickson’s cousin) served as an escort in the 2011 MCA Juvenile court. In addition, Dickson’s sister, Margaret Anne Thames, was a Lady in the 2011 MCA Juvenile court and was presented at the 66th Camellia Ball in 2018.

Studying finance with a specialization in value investing at The University of Alabama, Dickson hopes to start a career as a financial analyst upon graduation. At Alabama, Dickson is a member of the Honors College, a Collegiate Scholarship recipient, an Academic Excellence Coordinator, and has made both the Dean’s and President’s Lists for many semesters.

Of her college experience Dickson says, “It’s been too much fun. I can’t 32 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

believe it’s coming to an end so quickly. Taking college courses over Zoom the past year hasn’t been my cup of tea, but I’ve become so adaptable and am making the most of my last year.”

Dickson discovered she’d been selected as Leading Lady back in the summer of 2020 while packing to return to Tuscaloosa for the start of the new school year.“My dad came upstairs and pulled out an informal scroll which essentially stated that I had been selected to lead the 147th Annual Double Rush Domino Ball,” she recalls. “He didn’t read it to me, but instead gave it to me and told me that I had been selected to lead the ball.

I was so excited! This doesn’t happen every day,” she shares. “I can’t say I was completely shocked; somehow my friends knew before I did and had been asking me if I was going to lead the ball.” Dickson shares she prodded her mother for information during a shopping trip for a coronation dress, knowing she would have the inside track given Dickson’s father’s role as president of the Athelstan Club. “I knew she wouldn’t say who, but my mother has absolutely no poker face,” Dickson jokes. “She said she knew who was to lead the ball, and the look on her face let me know it was me. I think that’s why my dad asked me that night. My mom knew she had given it

away, so they went ahead and asked me.” Though she would describe the announcement as “pretty low-key,” Dickson says it doesn’t diminish how excited and honored she is to have been chosen.

Being trusted with this honor means more to Dickson than people may imagine, as the majority of her fondest Mardi Gras memories were made within the walls of the Athelstan Club. “My dad is a longtime member of the club,” she shares. “I feel it’s really a reflection of my parents. They love this community and especially love Mardi Gras. My dad works so hard to stay actively involved with our community through different clubs and groups, and there is no bigger celebration of this city and community than the days-long joint party that is Mardi Gras. I am humbled to be able to participate in the revelry this year in such an intimate way.”

Rescheduled for February 13th from its original date of January 16th, the Domino Ball is highly anticipated every year, as the Ladies of the court dress is over-the-top costumes of their “suppressed desires.” For this year’s extravaganza, Dickson has decided on going as Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. “Expect to see big black hair, long winged eyeliner, and tattoos,” Dickson hints. As for her coronation

dress, Dickson’s purchase hails from Bella Bridesmaids and is the epitome of sophistication and simplicity.

Sewn by Maxine Bonner, Dickson added a silver bow belt embellished with silver rhinestones, gold trim around the dress, and individually sewn jewels throughout the bodice.

So far, Dickson says she has had a blast this Mardi Gras season, making the most out of an untraditional COVID-affected Carnival affair.

“Plans have changed,” she shares.

“Events have been altered, rescheduled, or even cancelled, and this can create a frustrating environment.”

Undeterred, the Athelstan Club and others have soldiered on, celebrating with smaller parties and gatherings in the months leading up to Mardi Gras. “It was harder to stay optimistic back in September and October when it became clear that things weren’t going to be returning back to normal in time for the Camellia Ball or the rest of our court season, but after I swallowed that tough pill, I made the decision to focus on the positives, and there are many,” Dickson shares. “We were able to have the Camellia Ball, and although the event had to be reworked, it was a beautiful evening and one I will never forget.

We’ve had numerous court parties over the past few months, all kicked off by a collegiate brunch on the

eve of the Iron Bowl. Our first date party was a ‘Wig and ‘Stache Bash’ at the Bluegill. Cooper Trent was on the piano, and I don’t think anyone mentioned the infamous coronavirus the whole evening. Although I wish things could return to normal, I feel so lucky to have enjoyed so many fun days with such a great group of girls,” Dickson says.

Dickson says she absolutely loves everything about living on the Bay, especially with its proximity to the region’s beautiful beaches, rivers, and lakes. In her free time, she loves playing tennis, reading, watching Netflix, or hitting some of her favorite spots downtown for a fancy cocktail (her guilty pleasure). Dickson would like to thank the Athelstan Club Board of Governors and the Domino Ball Committee for selecting her to serve as their Leading Lady and, of course, wishes to extend a special thanks to her parents. “I’ve been busy lately with a hectic social schedule, but they have been understanding, supportive, and encouraging throughout,” she shares. “Thank you forever for this amazing experience!”

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Creating my Carnival wardrobe has been so fun. I’m normally not a big shopper, so my sister Martha and my mom have been really helpful in making this an enjoyable and not overwhelming process.

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34 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

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My Mardi Gras must-have is defnitely a clutch with some lipstick inside.

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36 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

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he daughter of Russell and Mollie Buffkin, Annie Buffkin is currently a student at The University of Alabama studying speech pathology, with the intent to attend graduate school after obtaining her undergraduate degree this May. Though this Carnival season is not what she expected, Annie says she has made the most of it with the best group of people, and says she’s had an amazing time despite COVID’s interference. Coming from a long line of Mobile Mardi Gras royalty, Annie will be following in her family’s footsteps, as both her grandfather and great grandfather served as MCA Kings, while her mother was First Lady in Waiting to the MCA Queen.

Her brother even reigned as Juvenile King.

Describing her personal style as casual with some pops of color, Annie drew on the same theme to complete her Carnival wardrobe. Annie loved 38 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

planning each outfit in her head, having travelled all the way to Dallas to purchase several pieces of her wardrobe. Closer to home, Annie shopped locally at Debra’s, The Holiday, and The MIX to round out every outfit.

Drawing inspiration from movie star Blake Lively, some of Annie’s favorite designers are Alice + Olivia, A.L.C., and Theory.

Annie’s favorite Mardi Gras outfit was an Alice + Olivia jewel dress paired with an ostrich feather fur, worn to the OOM Scroll party in honor of OOM Leading Lady Jeanie Hope. “It was such a fun party outfit, and was different from anything I have ever worn,” Annie says. When asked her best fashion tip, Annie says a fun statement earring will always pull an entire outfit together. As for her fashion and beauty must-haves for the season? “Definitely a clutch with some lipstick inside,” she jests.

Lady Ellen Williams

T

he daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Dobbin Williams, Ellen Williams recently graduated from Tulane University in December of 2020 with a degree in history and minors in English and business management. In the fall of this year, she will be heading to Tuscaloosa to attend Law School at The University of Alabama. This Carnival season has been a whirlwind for Ellen, but she says she has had a blast bonding with the other Ladies of the court during the few events they’ve been able to have.

When it came to choosing her royal wardrobe, Ellen stuck with a classic theme, focusing on lots of neutrals and reds with an emphasis on fun accessories to really elevate her outfits.

Having always been an admirer of Princess Diana’s fashion, Ellen tried to emulate how she always seemed to maintain her sense of self through her clothes. Thankful to have so many wonderful boutiques right here in Mobile, Ellen relied primarily on The Holiday to build most of her wardrobe. “They’ve always been there for a last-minute dress or piece of jewelry,” she admits.

Ellen and her mother started looking at dresses last June for what would have been the main Mardi Gras weekend. “Our priority was getting those dresses together, as you have to submit those to MCA to make sure you don’t match anyone else,” Ellen shares. “Once we found those dresses, we moved onto finding other dresses, tops, and skirts to wear to the winter events,” she recalls. “Creating my Carnival wardrobe has been so fun. I’m normally not a big shopper, so my sister Martha and my mom have been really helpful in making this an enjoyable and not overwhelming process.”

Ellen’s favorite outfit from the season was her leather skirt and top ensemble (featured in this shoot) that she wore for Lady Caroline Ladd’s POST mixology class on December 30th. “I purchased both the top and skirt at The Holiday and the shoes at The Gallery Shoe Boutique,” Ellen shares. “It’s been my favorite because the dark colors are a lot like what I wear in day-to-day life, but it’s still a fun and dressy outfit. The long leather skirt was a bit outside of my comfort zone, but once I put it on with the rest of the outfit, I felt confident and good to go,” she says.

Ellen says it’s an honor to have been selected as a Lady of the court and a joy to represent her family in such a special way. “My grandmother had all boys and I’m her first granddaughter, so it’s been very special to share this experience with her, as it’s both of our first times going through it,” Ellen says.

40 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

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Lady Hallet DeMouy

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he daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Jefferson DeMouy, Hallet DeMouy is currently a senior at The University of Mississippi where she is working towards her B.A. in sociology with minors in chemistry, biology, and gender studies. She intends to take the MCAT in March and begin the process of applying to medical school. During the time between her graduation in May and her entrance into medical school, Hallet will partake in the VISTA Program, where she will work with rural communities in North Mississippi to overcome economic disparities and inequality. “I believe this opportunity will exhibit new experiences and understandings of my surroundings, allow a greater compassion for people from different circumstances and backgrounds, and force me to face uncomfortable and foreign realities that will further develop my personal growth — all of these being features I deem important for a future physician,” Hallet says.

After watching her older sister, Mary Rose, go through the court as Lady in Waiting before her, Hallet is thrilled to have been chosen for this opportunity to follow in her footsteps, serving as Lady in Waiting in this year’s court. But it isn’t just her sister’s footsteps — Hallet’s grandfather, Marshall Jefferson DeMouy, was King in 1951; her aunt, Louise DeMouy Battiste, was Juvenile Queen in 1975 and Queen in 1983; and her first cousin, Mary Murray Battiste Moss, served as Juvenile Queen in 2000 and First Lady in Waiting in 2008.

Hallet describes her personal style as a gravitation towards feminine and bold looks that incorporate a touch of classic. “I love making a statement with my wardrobe and try to match my personality with my clothing choices,” she shares. “I am typically drawn to clothing pieces that make a statement or have a ‘pop,’ such as a large ruffle, flared sleeve, bright color, unique shape, and so on. These fun features never fail to make me smile,” she says.

Hallet’s fashion icon is her own sister, Mary Rose, with whom she shares the same style and size — convenient for swapping/stealing looks from one another’s closets! “I admire her ability to envision a look and put it together effortlessly,” Hallet says.

“She is not afraid to take risks with her style and I think that is so fun! She is always my first call when I need fashion advice,” she admits.

Preparations for her wardrobe began many months before her actual search. Hallet would begin by gathering ideas of looks and designs she liked, followed by seeking out similar pieces. “This process gave me better insight into what I liked versus what I wasn’t drawn towards, and it kept me on track when I would begin looking in every direction,” Hallet says. Happily, Hallet shares she’s found the majority of her wardrobe whilst perusing local boutiques, saying she much prefers the ease of shopping this way. Hallet says her favorite look was the cream Acler set purchased from The Holiday, as the sleeves really drew her in. “They have so much volume, and I love a good pop,” she shares. She completed the look with a pair of Dee Keller sparkly 42 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

pumps she purchased from Debra’s. “The ladies at Debra’s really helped me a lot during this process and I’m so grateful for them,” says Hallet.

And Hallet’s must-have for the Carnival season? A good moisturizer, of course! “This time is so harsh on the skin, so taking care of it is a must,” she says.

All in all, being chosen as a member of the court is a family tradition Hallet is thrilled to be a part of. “My family and I are so looking forward to celebrating the 2021 season,” she shares. Brava, Hallet… brava!

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I am typically drawn to clothing pieces that make a statement or have a ‘pop,’ such as a large ruffle, flared sleeve, bright color, unique shape, and so on.

These fun features never fail to make me smile!

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Mardi gras: behind the SCENES With all in good spirits, local royals and debutantes braved the cold running in heels, changing in public restrooms, and more to participate in these fun ACCESS photoshoots. With top-notch hair, makeup, and photography, the glamour and joy were truly palpable (and no gowns were harmed in the making of this magazine)!

Leading Lady Hannah Collier gets the royal treatment through the mud. We couldn’t get over how much she looks like actress Anne Hathaway. Don’t you agree?

Makeup queen Courtney Matthews with MCA Queen Laura Rutherford Adams

Guess who had cold feet?

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Florist extraordinaire Susan George of Midtown Mobile’s LUSH Home Garden Event created the perfect floral Carnival accents for our cover shoot. “To create a regal old-world meets new-world floral sculpture just right for the Leading Ladies, I covered weathered iron trellises in Spanish moss, various shades of pink roses, green and burgundy Fuji mums, pink star gazer lilies and snapdragons, silver dollar eucalyptus, purple gladiolus, and green hypericum berries,” Susan shares. “Creating unique floral sculptures is a passion of mine and I’m thrilled with how these turned out!”

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A “Crewe of Carts!” Queen Laura Rutherford Adams and King Felix III, Martin Horst Cunningham, Jr., maneuver through Toomey’s massive Mardi Gras emporium.

Hidden Leading Lady Dickson Thames helps the Queen with her buttons.

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Updos for days by the master, Jason Chambers 50 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

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A Carnival

Timeline 1702 Mobile is founded. While the early form of Carnival celebrations in the colonial city are shrouded in mystery (how mystical!), pre-Lenten observations of the communal and festive nature did occur and would develop more fully in the next century.

1842

The Strikers (or The Strikers Independent Society), the oldest active mystic society in the nation, is founded.

While The Strikers have only paraded once since the 1890s, their annual ball is conducted in the old style with the presentation of a Leading Lady and all members in costume. The Strikers have commissioned some of the finest works of Carnival art over the course of the generations.

1830

1857

A Mobilian named Michael Krafft founds Mobile’s first mystic society, the Cowbellion de Rakin Society.

Having a parade for the enjoyment of all people and a ball for members and their guests, the Cowbellions combined the two ingredients that continue to define mysticism in the United States to the present day.

Mobile and Baldwin County are now home to more than 80 mystic societies. Some mystic societies hold balls and others hold stage parades with balls thereafter. It is conservatively estimated that more than 40 percent of Mobile’s population is affiliated with a mystic society. Organizations run the gamut and represent a diverse cross-section of Mobile.

There is a group for everyone!

Mobilians residing in New Orleans introduce the tradition of mysticism to New Orleans. The New Orleans prioritized the latter part of the Carnival season as opposed to the early/New Year’s timeframe of Mobilians. Mobile and New Orleans have many bonds — commercial, familial, and cultural — with the shared tradition of Carnival being the most special. The celebrations in the two cities are similar, yet distinct. There is a healthy rivalry and respect between the two communities’ Carnival cultures.

Michael Krafft 52 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

The Strikers’ 37th anniversary art | Image courtesy of the Mobile Carnival Museum

With a little extra time on our hands, now is the perfect opportunity to take in the history of the Port City’s beloved Carnival season.

With the help of cherished local Historian Cart Blackwell, this year-by-year outline gives us an idea of how this unique celebration evolved and why we love it so much (and, as it turns out, 2021 isn’t the first year our streets won’t be filled with floats and revelers).

1862-1867 [American Civil War]

Until 1910, all mystic societies were composed of men. Wartime for the United States meant no Carnival parades held in Mobile, yet some balls continued. Carnival events traditionally stopped in wartime for both patriotic and practical reasons. In addition to being rooted in faith and fun, Carnival is patriotic. Add to that, having the young men serving on the front takes a vital ingredient out of the cocktail that is a good occasion, be it a parade, ball, or watch party.

Order of Myths | Image courtesy of al.com

1867 OM emblem device | Image courtesy of the Mobile Carnival Museum

The Order of Myths, or OOMs, the oldest active parading society in the United States, is founded.

1868

Joseph Stillwell Cain proclaims himself “Chief Slacabamorinico” and, with the Lost Cause Minstrels, parades through the streets of downtown Mobile on Mardi Gras Day, thus becoming a key player in the revival of Carnival after the Civil War. The same evening as Joe Cain’s daytime and impromptu parade, the Order of Myths stage their first parade.

1869

The Infant Mystics, or IMs (founded the year before), have their debut parade.

Photo by Tad Denson - Airwind

The Mobile Carnival Association (MCA), one of two organizations that hold public coronations of Carnival royalty, is established.

Courtesy of the Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Collection

1872

IM Emblem device | Image courtesy of the Mobile Carnival Museum

54 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

1874

1874 The Knights of Revelry, or KORs, have their first parade on Mardi Gras day. The KORs have the grandest daytime parade of any mystic society on the high day of Carnival.

1884 The Comic Cowboys are established.

With the motto of “Without Malice,” the Cowboys have championed the satiric approach to parading that is a hallmark of Continental Carnival traditions.

1886

The Order of Dragons (OOD) host their first ball. The Dragons were the first mystic society in Mobile to have only a ball. As the organization’s membership has generally been drawn from the OOMs and IMs, the staging of another parade would have been problematic in certain respects.

56 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

Courtesy of the Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Collection

Courtesy of the Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Collection

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1888

1910

The Sacred Clan of Scarabs (SCS) have their first ball. Known for their festive Santa Claus costumes (a tradition dating back to the 1960s), members of SCS retain the old Mobile tradition of celebrating Carnival in December as opposed to later in the pre-Lenten season.

The Spinsters, the first women’s mystic society in Mobile, is established. After all, girls just want to have fun, too! Since its inception, The Spinsters has been fun (and young). Members are generally in their 20s.

1894

The Spinsters | Image courtesy of the History Museum of Mobile

1914

The Order of Doves, the first African American mystic society, is founded.

The Sirens, the second oldest women’s mystic society, is founded.

The Sirens were (for the most part) married ladies. They wanted to join in the fun, too!

Sirens Tableau | Image courtesy of the Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript

1918-1919 58 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

No Carnival parades are held for reason of the United States’ entry into World War I.

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1921 1938

Courtesy of the Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Collection

The Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association (MAMGA) is established. With the Mobile Carnival Association, MAMGA hosts a public coronation of monarchs and stages parades for all Mobilians.

Courtesy of the Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Collection

The Crewe of Columbus, a traditionally Roman Catholic mystic society, is created.

1942-1945 Minus a few balls early in 1942, all Carnival festivities were cancelled for reason of the United States’ entry into World War II.

1946

Carnival observations return, and with gusto, following the Allied victory.

Photo by Tammy St.George - Airwind 60 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

Photo by Tad Denson - Airwind

1950 1980 The Maids of Mirth, the first women’s mystic society in Mobile to parade, hits the streets.

The Order of Osiris, Mobile’s first LGBTQ mystic society, is founded.

2004

The Conde Explorers, the first men’s and women’s parading society, is founded.

2005

Image courtesy of Cart Blackwell

The Mobile Carnival Museum opens its doors.

The Mobile Museum of Art opened “The Art and Design of Mardi Gras,” a special exhibit that highlighted the art and artists of Carnival.

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From the Society H I S TO R I AN As expected, interviewing a renowned historian is a fascinating experience, and Dr. Walter Edgar is no exception. Born and raised in Mobile, he recalls the Bay in a different time — perhaps one more innocent than this. From the Carnival seasons of old to a thriving downtown scene where bubblegum was just a penny, Dr. Edgar shares in his own words his journey from a childhood filled with vibrant characters to his rise as an accomplished academic figure and quintessential Infant Mystics Society historian.

L

iving downtown, my family and I had access to just about everything.

My school, UMS, was located on Dauphin Street, about a five-minute bike ride from home.

When it moved in 1956 to Mobile Street we carpooled or took the city bus. Crawford Park and All Saints Episcopal Church were just a few blocks away and there were two small mom-and-pop grocery stores, as well as a Greer’s supermarket and two Albright & Wood Drug Stores (both had soda fountains). You could even get bubblegum or the Jack’s cookie of your choice out of a large jar for just a penny at Art’s.

Little did I know growing up in a family where history and literature were discussed at the dinner table

64 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

By Dr. Walter Edgar // Photos provided by Dr. Walter Edgar would lead me to my life’s work. Our conversations covered local events such as the city official whose grandmother had run a bawdy house in the south part of town, as well as which businessmen might not have obeyed Prohibition. Pre-television, Sundays were for family excursions. We’d visit great storytelling relatives such as my grandmother’s cousin, Amy Ledyard, who resided in a wonderful 19th century home on downtown Government Street and recounted tales about the Civil War (she pronounced it “Wawah”). The family often drove down to visit Uncle Belle (a.k.a. W.D. Bellingrath). Expected to be quiet and listen, we sat as he recounted his role in bringing Coca Cola to Mobile, his fishing trips, and alligator tales on Fowl River.

Another colorful character and family “steel magnolia” was Granny Moore.

A diminutive woman who used that notorious Southern “Bless her heart” expression freely, she knew her family tree. In an authoritative voice, she’d bring it to life generation after generation for her grandchildren reiterating, “History is important — learn it, learn from it, but don’t live in it!”

Then there was my grandfather, Ernest Edgar, Sr. He was an old-fashioned heavyset gent who donned seersucker and panama from Easter through Labor Day and three-piece suits topped with a fedora the rest of the year. From stories about Mobile Pulley Works (“The Foundry,” as he called it), and South Ann Street (which was built adjacent to the city’s Civil War fortifications), he was a great storyteller. When I was just under 5 years old, he took me to the dirt-floored machine shop of Park & Lyons on Water Street and said, “Son, this is where OUR sub was built.”

It was the late 1940s (just after World War II), and talking about history was one thing, but exploring physical reminders was quite another. Summer excursions to Fort Morgan began early to avoid the heat on one leg of our trip as autos were not air-conditioned.

We had cow poker, white mules, and cemeteries for entertainment and Fish River’s floating wooden bridge was as exciting as a carnival ride.

At the time, Fort Morgan was abandoned, inhabited only by an elderly caretaker, Hatchett Chandler, and his goats. You could explore it top to bottom and let your imagination soar from the Chickasaw and Creek Indians to de Soto’s visits all the way to relevant historical figures such as Andrew Jackson, Holdfast Gaines, and David Farragut of “Damn the Torpedoes” fame. Regarding the torpedoes, referencing this was the only time we were allowed to use profanity, unless, of course, it was used as a description for Northern U.S. residents!

I remember there were WWII reminders everywhere. Remains of sand-bagged machine gun emplacements and spindly wooden towers stood atop the dunes where watchers once searched for U-Boats. These served as reminders that ships were sunk at the mouth of the Bay and of the real fear of enemy invasions, especially by the large German population in Baldwin County. There was even an old tramway used to haul ammunition from dank bunkers; cannons from France, Spain, and England; and the infamous blood-stained marble stairs.

The Mobile of the early 1950s saw much of the city’s 19th century physical heritage still intact. There were blocks of elegant yet shabby townhouses south of Government. A

stroll down Dauphin or Royal Street revealed shops and homes from another era, although sometimes you had to look at second stories to get above some of the modern improvements of the 1920s and 1940s.

Using Marion Acker’s pocket-sized Glimpses of Old Mobile as a guide, real treasures could be found. Think of the Robert Mills-designed federal courthouse and post office; Christ Episcopal Church; the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (with Bishop Portier’s residence nearby); the massive pillars of the old McGill Institute; the red brick and stonetrimmed LeVert House with its Romanesque arches; Cawthon Hotel; and ship chandleries on a brick-paved Water Street.

With these architectural reminders set among modern skyscrapers, downtown shopping was the norm.

Dentists and doctors had offices in the Van Antwerp and Merchants Bank Buildings. Just imagine an old drill on an August afternoon in an un-airconditioned dentist chair pre-Novocain days — what pain!

In addition to movies at the Saenger, fraternity and sorority parties at the Elks Club on the corner of Joachim and Government were all the rage.

No jaunt was complete without a treat like Three Georges Candy or hot peanuts. A visit to the Haunted Bookshop at the seedy old LaClede Hotel was a must. Chats with Mary Frances, Cameron Plummer, and author Caldwell Delaney drew me into reading about my hometown.

Reads by Francis Gaither, Welbourn Kelly, and Erwin Craighead inspired my collection of “Mobiliana” that I still add to with titles found everywhere from the UK to Australia and from California to Illinois.

As for Carnival, there were no barricades, but the flares and kerosene torches kept the crowds from getting too close to the floats. There weren’t a lot of different throws — serpentine, candy, bubblegum — and those sparingly compared to today. The vacant lots were filled with mini-fairs with rides, cotton candy, and candy apples. Confetti was everywhere and we had “fights” with it (a friend nibbling cotton candy was a tempting target)!

My family has been associated with Carnival since the 1880s and my father was a member of the Carnival Association for many years. I was a member of the Juvenile court in 1955 when the boys wore white Palm Beach suits and the girls wore miniature Azalea Trail Maid-style dresses.

With a memorable upbringing in tow, I left for North Carolina’s Davidson College in 1961 as a pre-med student.

Realizing I wasn’t going to be an MD (much to my parents’ dismay), I recall fretful and expensive long-distance calls as MA Bell charged a premium.

When I said I wanted to study history, their silence was deafening. Sharing I’d had excellent teachers at UMS who made it interesting, I’m not sure my parents felt easier.

Still connected to Mobile, I went on

to receive a MA and PhD from the University of South Carolina. From there, I spent two years in the Army and ended up back in Columbia, S.C., as a member of the History Department at the University of S.C. With regular visits to Mobile, my wife Betty and I were able to attend the Infant Mystics and Order of Myths balls.

By the time the 90s rolled around, I had published several books and was asked to be a board member for the new Mobile Carnival Museum in 2003. In 2010, I became a board member for the Bellingrath Gardens and Home Foundation and eventually a trustee of the Bellingrath-Morse Foundation in 2012. Shaping things to come, I was added to the UMS-Wright Arts Hall of Fame in 2014.

A known historian by this time, a UMS friend called on behalf of the Infant Mystics in 2013. Working on the upcoming 150th anniversary celebration for 2018, he asked if I’d be willing to undertake writing a history of the organization for its members.

The history would be a real history (complete with footnotes) and would incorporate the history of Mobile’s Mardi Gras as well. Interestingly, the IMs have the most complete set of original records of any of the city’s mystic societies. After the book was published, the society presented me with a scroll deeming me the “Quintessential Infant Mystics Historian.”

As far as history is concerned, there’s always been a public aspect of Mobile’s Carnival that has attracted

visitors since the 1830s. Committed to Mobile, the original Constitution of the IMs includes the following: “… to promote the development or betterment of the City of Mobile by fostering, encouraging, and participating in the celebration of Mardi Gras by a street carnival or parade and ball, the same being given for the purpose of attracting people to the City of Mobile, thereby advancing its interests and rendering it more attractive to the outside world, and promoting its business interests and general welfare.”

As for its historical highlights, records show that in 1873 a group of businessmen met to form a new mystic society to succeed the HSS (which had disbanded). The new society would be called the Infant Mystics.

By 1880, the society’s 21-float procession, “March of the Ages,” was (and still is) considered one of the greatest parades in 19th century Mobile. Interestingly, just a year later, there was so much civic unhappiness with the Carnival Association that the IMs assumed management of Mobile’s 1882 Carnival.

Ever expanding the possibilities, the 66 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

IMs hosted the first scenic ball in Mobile in 1887. The “Continental Ball” was held in the Princess Theater and more than 10,000 Mobilians visited to simply view the decorations.

Civic minded, the IMs invited the floatless OOM society to parade with them in 1895 due to the death of their float artist. United, they created a unique emblem float incorporating the icons of both societies.

Continuing to create traditions, the IMs began parading on Lundi Gras in 1909 after years of parading on Mardi Gras Day. The Carnival Court visited the IM ball that year, beginning a tradition that has continued for more than a century.

Adding splendor to the splendid, the IMs introduced their first official Leading Lady, Katherine Monk, “Queen of Carnival,” in 1916 with the sole purpose of leading the celebrations. The Coronation and public gatherings were banned in 1920 due to the influenza pandemic. The IMs stepped forward and the crowning of the Queen of Carnival occurred at their ball. In 1946, the IMs even created a corral for the mules used to pull all parading organizations’ floats.

Further defining their society, the IMs

introduced doubloons as a throw to Mobile in 1965.

Sadly, in 1997, a fire destroyed the “fireproof” IM float barn. They paraded in 1998 with rented floats, where they debuted the iconic leading emblem float featuring a large, furry, arched-back, hissing cat. Further distinguishing the society, the IMs discontinued having private rooms off the main dance floor in 2010. In 2015, the society held its first meeting at its new den, Heritage Hall, on the historical Cotton Hall property.

Proving their tenacity and using the theme, “Iconic IMs!” (a salute to our favorite cats, elephants, and knights), the society celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2018. Established producer Ron Barrett commented, “The highlight of staging Carnival for me culminated in the IMs sesquicentennial tableaux, which will forever remain one of my proudest moments.”

Today, when my family and I come to town, we stay at the Battle House and watch the parade. Without fail, when the parades turn the corner you can hear, “It’s coming! It’s coming! I just saw the emblem float!”

Looking back from a perspective of nearly a half-century, I have such an

appreciation for Mobile, its history, its buildings, and its heritage. It was an integral part of my education as a small boy in post-World War II Mobile. I’m thankful I grew up in that place and I’m thankful I had a family for whom history was a living, integral part of modern life. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I became a historian.

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A Purveyor of Perfection in the Port City:

Moss-hung live oak trees, lacy iron galleries, and exuberant street characters typify the works of artist and “quintessential Mobilian” Marian Acker Macpherson (1906-1993). Whether a given piece is an etching, print, or watercolor, “Miss Marian’s” atmospheric creations exemplify the feel and appeal of “Old Mobile.” Indeed, the grand lady lived and defined the very meaning of the oftenheard expression. Active as a professional artist from the 1920s through her death in the 1990s, Macpherson was not only an influential figure in the Mobile Renaissance of the middle third of the 20th Century, but also an early advocate of historic preservation and a prominent leader in Carnival circles. A look back at Marian Acker Macpherson’s life and an assessment of her enduring legacy show that in her actions and art, this Southern lady personified Mobile at its best.

By Cart Blackwell

M

arian Acker Macpherson was the daughter of Dr. Paul Jerome Moeris Acker and Annie Elmer Hunter. She was raised in what was arguably the most famous house in Mobile: the Government Street residence of lauded 19th century hostess and traveler Madame Octavia Walton Le Vert. Perhaps the historical renown of the great house had a role in determining something of the young Miss Marian’s cultural import in her later life. Regardless of inspiring the architectural stage set of her early years, young Marian Acker was

Barton Academy as rendered by Marian Acker Machperson in the 1930s.

Kennedy House as rendered by Marian Acker Macpherson in the 1930s, now a mystic society den.

68 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

raised in a cultured household situated (literally and figuratively) in the very heart of Mobile’s civic and social elite — a realm in which she would play a defining role herself.

At some point after graduating from Barton Academy in 1923, Miss Marian was accepted into and matriculated at the Vesper George Art College in Boston, Massachusetts.

She would later jokingly say, “I think that they took me because they never heard of Mobile and wanted to find out about that part of the country.”

The training the young Mobilian

received would serve to benefit “that part of the country” in an untold number of ways.

Marian Acker’s professional instruction was interrupted from December of 1924 through February 1925 in light of Mobile’s most special season: Carnival. She reigned as the Mobile Carnival Association’s queen of the latter year and her father was a prominent member of several local mystic societies, as was her mother. With the architectural fabric of Mobile, Mardi Gras would be a pivotal element in her artistic ouverte.

A Look Back at the Life and Works of Miss Marian Acker Macpherson

Marian Acker Macpherson, The Mobile Press Register, 24 February 1925.

Completing her professional training in 1931, a 25-year-old Marian Acker returned to Mobile and opened a studio and gallery on the grand family compound on Government Street.

Located behind her father’s office and to the side of the main house, the studio and gallery were in easy reach of inspiring subject matter — the historic city she loved.

Miss Marian did not waste any time.

Before the close of the 1930s she wrote, illustrated, and published two books. Prints of the Past from Old Mobile came out in 1932 and Etchings of Old Mobile followed in 1938. Glimpses of Old Mobile, which went through at least six editions, came out in 1941. All three books adopted the same format: a page of text providing context for a depiction of a building or streetscape opposite.

She also executed illustrations for books, maps, and numerous other commissions.

In 1936, Miss Marian married John Ritchie Macpherson, a Scottish veteran of the First World War and

a scion of a shipping family. The couple would have four children, the youngest of which was Queen of Carnival. A grandson would serve as King of Carnival in 1993.

Miss Marian was a member of the Spinsters and a charter member of the Maids of Mirth, the oldest women’s parading society in Mobile. She painted and, in some cases, designed more than a dozen emblems for area mystic societies.

The early death of her husband in 1955 and the sale and sad demolition of her beloved childhood home in 1965 did not damper the spirit or the actions of the great lady. Dividing her time between her house on Washington Square in Oakleigh and her summer house on Battles Wharf, Macpherson continued to create art that spoke to Mobilians and visitors alike.

A pioneering female artist, professional working mother, civic booster, and all-around fun-time lady, Marian Acker Macpherson took life with gusto and gave back in spades. Even if the buildings and streetscapes Miss

Photograph of Marian Acker Macpherson with children, courtesy of a private collection.

Marian captured so picturesquely decades ago are no longer extant, they live on in memory and, most importantly, in her works. There are also the institutions and organizations that created those spaces. Macpherson was involved in institutions that remain the backbone of her hometown and its greatest living tradition (Carnival).

In 2010, the Mobile Museum of Art staged an outstanding exhibit titled Marian Acker Macpherson: Etcher of Old Mobile. The masterful catalogue to the exhibit (written by Historian Stephen Goldfarb) is the major source for this article. Focusing on her life and art in relation to Mardi Gras, the Mobile Carnival Museum will host an exhibit on Macpherson in May of 2021. The show will be a multimedia celebration of a Carnival Queen, an

impactful artist, and the Port City in all its glory.

Check out mobilecarnivalmuseum. com and the Museum’s social media interface for glimpses into current and future exhibits on individuals and traditions represented by outstanding Mobilians such as Miss Marian.

MOBILE CARNIVAL MUSEUM 355 Government St. Mobile, AL 251.432.3324 MobileCarnivalMuseum.com

What’s Mardi Gras without a King Cake to help celebrate a fun season of frivolity? Thankfully, the wonderful local bakeries scattered around the Bay Area work hard producing hundreds of these colorful cakes to be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Though you might not be sharing a slice with your friends and neighbors this season, you can still pick up one (or two, or three) for yourself and your family!

By Caroline Edmondson Photoes rebecca foose

FUN FACT:

Pollman's Bake Shop

Did you know Pollman’s Bake Shop was one of the first bakeries to produce and sell King Cakes in the Bay Area? Having been locally owned and operated for more than 100 years, it’s no surprise they have become many locals’ choice for all things Mardi Gras King Cakes and pastries. Their delicious King Cakes come in either plain or cream cheese-filled and are sprinkled with the classic Carnival colors: purple, green, and gold (modeled after the crown itself).

But Pollman’s doesn’t stop there; each season they offer their famous decorated sugar cookies in quintessential Carnival shapes such as crowns, jesters, fleur-de-lis, and masks. Don’t forget to look for the toy baby before you dive into your slice!

4464 Old Shell Rd., Mobile, AL / 251.342.8546 / PollmansBakeShop@gmail.com 70 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

Inside every King Cake is a small toy baby. The lucky recipient of the baby is named king or queen and must bring the King Cake to the next party!

Guncles Gluten Free

Known for their tasty gluten-free take on popular sweets, Guncles Gluten Free naturally had to put their spin on the ever-popular Carnival pastry. Made with a brioche base, topped with decadent cream cheese frosting, and dusted with natural sanding sugars free of FD&C dyes and artificial colors, Guncles’ King Cakes are available in three flavors: cinnamon, lemon-blueberry, and strawberry. Sure to hit the spot, these cakes are a hit with any crowd (whether you can eat gluten or not)!

Available all Mardi Gras season, each King Cake can be preordered two to three days in advance to ensure you secure your desired flavor.

1252 Government St., Mobile, AL / 251.800.1348 / gunclesgf.com

Photo by Elizabeth Gelineau

Bake My Day

Chunk of Cheese Cheesecake

Owner April Harris has been perfecting her family’s cheesecake recipes for generations, now offering more than 50 flavors to choose from — one of their most popular being their King Cake Cheesecake (available from January through March each year). This delicious cake is made with a soft, cinnamon-packed King Cake crust while the cheesecake batter is flavored with cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and pure vanilla. A Mardi Gras-colored tie dye swirl is created in the batter. Once cooked and cooled, the cake is topped with glitter sprinkles and cream cheese icing drizzle — a little bit of Mardi Gras magic added to a classic dessert.

Mobile, AL / ChunkofCheeseCheesecake@ gmail.com

Everything truly is better in mini form! Bake My Day’s King Cakes are unlike the traditional round cakes present during Carnival, as each little bite of heaven is individually cut and baked in mini cupcake-like form. Made from yeast dough similar to that of a cinnamon roll, these cakes are doughier in the center than your traditional King Cake — delicious (and perfect for all of you centerpiece-loving folks). Of course, each cake is topped with cream cheese icing and your classic purple, green, and gold sugars. Once you take a bite, you’ll realize why these sell out every day! Thankfully, with a two-day notice you can place a half dozen minimum order to share with all your friends (or for yourself… we won’t judge).

156 McGregor Ave. N., Mobile, AL / 251.219.7261 / bakemydaymobile.com

Simply Sweet Shoppe

Carnival season at Simply Sweet Shoppe is oh so sweet! Offering a vast menu of classic and creative Mardi Gras delicacies, you’ll have a hard time choosing which pastry to sample (or go ahead and try them all… you won’t regret it!). Though their classic King Cake is as popular as ever, we suggest giving their MoonPie King Cake a shot, as it combines the two Mardi Gras sweets we love the most! Starting with a basic King Cake bread, the MoonPie King Cake features a swirl of cocoa and graham cracker filled with marshmallow buttercream and chopped MoonPies. Finished with tri-color sugars striped on top of a thin glaze, the pastry is drizzled with chocolate ganache and topped with more chopped MoonPies — yum! If you’re looking for a single-serve option, try their King Cake Knot (your basic King Cake in a cupcake size). Speaking of, Simply Sweet offers a King Cake Cupcake for the season as well, featuring vanilla cinnamon cake filled with delicious Bavarian cream, frosted with cream cheese icing, and topped with the signature tri-color sugar sprinkles.

And if you’re a cookie lover, you have to try the “Party Gras in Yo’ Mouth” — a moist cinnamon cookie with a pecan praline glaze.

Give them a call or visit the shop to check out the rest of the Mardi Gras menu!

6207 Cottage Hill Rd., Suite B, Mobile, AL / 251.665.3003 / SimplySweetMobile@ gmail.com

72 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

More than just c u p c a ke s ,we s p e c i a l i z e i n c u s t o m c a ke s f o r eve r y o c c a s i o n !

SimplySweetMobile.com 251.665.3003

Make Way for the

PORCH PARADE

When the pandemic goes low, Mobilians go high — to their porches and balconies, that is. Meet Suzanne Sarver, the beauty and brains behind the Mobile Porch Parade and its inaugural year in the Port City. Despite COVID’s best efforts to keep Mobile revelers at bay, Suzanne is blazing the trail (with a literal map to guide the way) for those whose Carnival spirit cannot be dissuaded.

I

t’s like one giant neighborhood party,” says Suzanne Sarver of the Carnival season, who grew up in the landlocked city of Birmingham, Ala. — a fair distance from the Port City’s shimmering shorelines and merry Mardi Gras revelry. “I didn’t experience my first Mardi Gras until my early 20s when I moved here with my husband, Mobile native Coleman Miller, in 2011,” Suzanne shares. “I had no idea! The first parade we went to, he took me to his spot (everyone’s got one) that he and his family went to growing up.

When that first float rolled by, kids and adults alike started waving their hands and jumping up and down, and I saw that joy come out in my husband — the kind of joy that sticks with you from when you were a kid.”After all, there’s something truly exhilarating and refreshing about waving and yelling for cheap throws, she jokes.

“Then you give them all away to the kids you pass as you’re walking to

74 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

By Jessica Goolsby

your next destination, because you know you’re not really there for the throws — you’re there for the people, to just enjoy being amongst your neighbors and friends.”

Sadly, this year’s frivolity has been postponed for many mystic societies this year, with some diminished to the point of total cancellation thanks to social distancing guidelines imposed nationwide due to the pandemic.

Enter the Mobile Porch Parade.

“The Mobile Porch Parade is a way for Mobilians and visitors to celebrate the 2021 Carnival and Mardi Gras season since things are looking a little different this year,” Suzanne says, who initiated the endeavor after an “Aha” moment in mid-January. “I heard a lot of my neighbors and friends talking about how they weren't feeling like decorating this year since there aren’t any parades or parties,” she says. A graphic designer and digital product creator by trade, Suzanne is blessed to work remotely for the Washington

Bay Business News Business news for Mobile and Baldwin counties

News from our weekly newsletter: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY’S “WOMEN BUILD” SCHEDULED: Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Alabama is hosting its annual “Women Build” beginning at 7:45 a.m. on February 6, when a new home build at 511 Maybrick Road East in Mobile will begin. Having run for more than 25 years, the event provides the opportunity for women to learn...

UNITED WAY HIRES MANAGER: The United Way of Southwest Alabama, headquartered in Mobile, recently hired Mary Clare Hagood as its new manager of donor relations, Business Alabama reports. Hagood is responsible for community outreach and managing volunteers throughout Mobile County. She is a graduate of the University of South Alabama...

DR. KIMBERLY DONNELLAN JOINS USA HEALTH: According to a recent announcement, Dr. Kimberly Donnellan will be moving her “Skin & Laser Specialists” practice to join USA Health on January 15. She will be located at the USA Mobile Diagnostic Center - University Commons on Old Shell Road.

Donnellan’s clinic provides cosmetic...

Bay Area Physicians for Women, the largest women’s health clinic in the area, with physicians for all your gyn and obstetrical needs.

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state-based RetroSupply Co., a small outfit she has served for the past five years. Paired with her experience in web design, the Mobile Porch Parade website took flight. “I just pulled the trigger, bought the domain, and built the website,” she shares. “I started the Instagram page the next morning, and my friend Stacy Wellborn helped me with the Facebook page.” Her inspiration? “I just saw that people needed a reason to celebrate — to have something to look forward to and something to rally behind as a community,” she shares. “It’s been a tough year for everyone, and this is one small way we can lift people up within our own city.” They've also used their platforms to promote the small businesses and artists in the community that depend on the Carnival and Mardi Gras season to keep their doors open. “Mobile has already shown up in a big way for those small businesses,” she shares.

As for participating? It’s simple — just decorate your home! “Mobile Porch Parade Participants can register to be included on the official parade map,” Suzanne explains. “You can enjoy your own ‘parade route’ safely from the sidewalk, your car, or your bike with the Mobile Porch Parade map, which went live February 1st. We also have some neighborhood-specific parade route suggestions in the works.” As of January 22nd, 276 homes had been registered, with Suzanne estimating at least 400 to be included in the final route mock-up.

For those who do not wish for their addresses to be disclosed on the map, participation is also encouraged by tagging @mobileporchparade or using #mobileporchparade on social media platforms. “I hope the Mobile Porch Parade encourages people to become more involved in their community and realize how important we all are to each other in making this city what it is,” Suzanne says.

“It’s been amazing seeing neighbors getting together to help decorate. All of these things that facilitate a more inclusive and active community — that’s what it’s about.”

For those looking for a more elaborate way to accentuate their porches and homes this year, Craig Stephens and the crew at Carnival Artists have float barns full of pieces from floats from past parades for rent (installation and removal included).

For pricing, call 251.454.3170.

76 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

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A Father’s H E ART With his kind smile and easy-going nature, one would never guess the devastating circumstances that led USA Health’s Dr. Christopher Malozzi to the groundbreaking medical field he’s so passionate about today. Given the fact that heart disease and cancer are the top two killers in the U.S., the more you know, the better your ability to seek top-notch care for you and your loved ones if ever such a diagnosis should occur. Here, in honor of Heart Health Awareness Month, Dr. Malozzi shares his family’s very personal journey.

O

riginally from the Philadelphia, Pa. area, Dr. Christopher Malozzi and his wife Katie (also a physician) fell in love with the Bay Area as he completed his internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship in 2013 at the University of South Alabama Medical Center.

Not knowing that life would bring them back in 2015, the happy couple went about bolstering their careers and building a family to what would eventually include six — yes, six — children. Life was good.

But on what seemed like just another night, Dr. Malozzi and Katie were about to encounter what most would describe as a parent’s worst nightmare. Ethan, their oldest child (who was just 7 years old at the time), began complaining of back pain.

Thinking it wasn’t much to worry about but deciding that an emergency room visit would be wise, they headed into the night not knowing their lives would never be the same.

Initial tests in the ER ultimately led them back to USA Health for more testing, where the family received the news Ethan had a stage 4 metastatic cancerous tumor on his back called an “Ewing Sarcoma.” A rare soft tissue tumor in the muscles of his back, it had spread to his lungs. As their future was laid out before them in terms of treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, worry and despair set in. Doctors themselves, these parents were now forced into the patient caregiver role. Desperate to help their son, Katie quit her job to care for Ethan and Dr. Malozzi, a successful cardiologist, embarked on a determined effort to seek out the best available treatment options.

Recalling that he was initially drawn to cardiology, he shares, “In medical school I tried the menu of rotations and simply kept gravitating towards cardiology. I had great mentors who inspired me. Cardiology is very interesting with a broad array of procedures and sub-specialties.” At the time of Ethan’s diagnosis, Dr. Malozzi was happily engaged in a cardiology practice in Mississippi. “Ethan was enrolled in a clinical trial through 78 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

By Hayley Hill // Photo Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com

USA Health, and the wonderful pediatric oncologist there provided incredible care,” Dr. Malozzi recalls.

“We chose USA Health instead of a larger pediatric cancer center because we were familiar with the hospital and the people. It also allowed our family to stay together, which was very important to us,” he shares.

The family had little time to prepare for the journey they were about to begin. “My mind went to places like, ‘How do we tell his younger siblings we might lose Ethan after hearing the

prognosis that he had a 30 percent chance of surviving five years?’” Dr. Malozzi reluctantly admits. “I don’t ever want to go to those places again.”

Emboldened by his son’s needs, Dr. Malozzi started looking through the various medications and the radiation regimen used to treat Ethan after the tumor was removed. “I have an interest now in oncology, and I realized one of the scariest and hardest aspects of my son’s battle was that he received some highly toxic chemotherapeutic medications and

radiation, all with side effects that could negatively affect his heart,” Dr. Malozzi shares. He began learning and studying everything he could to ensure Ethan not only survived, but recovered with the least amount of damage possible to his young heart.

After a year and a half, Ethan completed his treatment and life began to return to normal. Fast forward to today, and Ethan is a healthy and thriving 13-year-old boy. Overwhelmingly impressed with the team at USA Health and their collaborative relationship with the Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI), Dr. Malozzi decided to join the team himself.

Moving to Spanish Fort was the easiest decision his family made during that time, Dr. Malozzi shares.

Dr. Malozzi was able to reunite with friends and colleagues at USA Health who were extremely supportive, and he was comforted by the knowledge that Ethan was receiving excellent care. Further, his new cardiology clinic at USA Health would include a new venture in cardio-oncology.

“Thinking as physician and a father, I stumbled upon this specialty called ‘cardio-oncology’ that’s been growing over the last five to 10 years. With only a few training programs available, it’s a unique specialty not commonly offered and can only be found at a few places around the country,” he shares.

Still in its infancy, the idea behind it is fascinating and aims to ensure the health of a cancer patient’s heart. “The oncology world has done a wonderful job of developing treatments that save lives,” Dr. Malozzi says. “We have more patients surviving and living longer than ever before — to the point where they now have the opportunity to develop cardiovascular disease. While that sounds like bad news, it’s not! A quarter-century ago, no one worried about cardiovascular issues post-cancer treatment, as most wouldn’t survive.”

There’s a strong interplay between cardiology and oncology, Dr. Malozzi shares. “Each patient is unique, and I’m here to handle these unique situations, as the thought processes also have to be unique,” he says. “While I have my own separate cardiology

A healthy, slightly older Ethan is all smiles and cancer-free.

Dr. Malozzi, Katie, and Ethan during treatment clinic where I address all cardiovascular issues, I also work closely with our oncologists, often sharing patients and information to reduce cardiovascular risks. It’s truly collaborative.”

His patients include everyone from cancer survivors who seek heart health guidance to women undergoing breast cancer treatment who fear the side effects of their treatments.

So, yes — literally any past or present cancer patient can see Dr. Malozzi, in addition to those who are cancer-free and in need of a cardiologist.

Clearly energetic, committed, and with an extensive resume, Dr. Malozzi is equally thrilled to be back in the academic setting USA Health offers.

“While I enjoyed patient care in my private practice, I really like teaching a fellow how to become a cardiologist or a student how to read an EKG,” he shares. “Teaching the next generation of cardiologists and being in the center of the academic world where new medications, research, and collaborative opportunities abound is where I thrive,” he adds.

Naturally, I wonder about Ethan.

“While they saved his life, having those treatments — especially so close to his heart at such a young age — puts Ethan at risk for developing cardiovascular disease no matter how healthy he is,” Dr. Malozzi says.

Unimaginable as the journey seems, Dr. Malozzi is just where he should be. He’ll never cease worrying over Ethan, but thankfully, he’s found the perfect home at USA Health where he can channel all that passion for saving lives. As a fair reminder, doctors have

bad days, just like everyone else. But when you know your doctor has risen from the ashes for the betterment of us all, you can rest assured you’ll be in the hands of someone who truly knows what you’re going through and will be there to help you weather the storm — just as he already has.

Katie Malozzi with their six beautiful, healthy children

Christopher M. Malozzi, DO, FACC USA Health Division of Cardiovascular Disease and Cardio-Oncology

THE EVOLUTION OF A 15-year veteran attorney, Tom Loper of Loper Law LLC is living the dream — literally — having had his sites set on the legal field and helping others since he was just 6 years old. Specializing in corporate law with a focus on international law and labor and employment law, Tom spends his days advocating for local workers, as well as fighting for the rights of small businesses looking to expand.

By Jessica Goolsby Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com

F

or Tom Loper of Loper Law LLC, no matter the problem, there’s always a solution. “You can’t dwell on a problem,” Tom says. “Focus on the solution and just do it. Too many people overthink whether to do something. If an opportunity presents itself, sometimes you just have to take the leap and do it. Too many people sit on the sidelines afraid to do anything,” he shares. And having traveled the world over in pursuit of greater knowledge and experience, Tom’s certainly heeded his own advice and “walked the walk.”

Having double majored in environmental science and history, Tom earned his undergraduate degree from The University of Alabama in 2002. He went on to obtain a law degree from the University of Alabama School of law in 2005, and an MBA from George Washington University in 2010, with his focus throughout centered on international trade and business. Spending stints in Costa Rica, Argentina, and Cuba studying abroad over the course of his education, Tom says the collective experiences (and those of various other trips overseas) have solidified his deep appreciation and respect for other cultures. “My first experience was at the University of Costa Rica 80 ACCESS Magazine / February 2021

where I studied tropical biology and ecology,” Tom recalls. “Always somewhat independent, this was the first experience I had where I really came into my own as an adult.” After school concluded for the semester, Tom backpacked around Central America for the first time. “I came to appreciate how diverse people can be from even seemingly similar countries,” he shares. His second tour abroad found him living with a local family in Buenos Aires, Argentina, whom he grew to love. “It was very emotional for my host mom when I left,” he shares. Later, while in Havana, Cuba, Tom conducted individual research on trade and investment between Cuba and the U.S., sharing that the Cuban people went out of their way to help him assimilate to the culture.

After law school, Tom moved to Washington, D.C., where he landed his first job in international law.

“Most of my work was with cases and matters in Latin America, so much of my work was in Spanish and with a team of international attorneys,” Tom recalls. “I looked so young. I had graduated college in three years and went straight to law school and had just turned 24 when I passed the bar exam. Even with all of my education and international experience to that point, many people just assumed I was a runner or intern.” It was during these first few years that Tom learned he had to be assertive and unafraid to express his opinions and concerns.

“Others assumed because of my age or because I was from Alabama that I was not as knowledgeable or qualified,” Tom shares. “It took a little extra effort to earn respect from some of my peers.” With added time spent working major cases in Barcelona (Spain) and Belgium over the years, it’s fair to assume no one’s

Debbie Amsbaugh and Tom Loper

doubting Tom’s international accreditations these days.

Having been born and raised in Mobile, Tom eventually returned to the Bay Area in 2012 to be closer to family, joining a local firm for a time before starting Loper Law LLC in 2018. “The people, the culture, and the quality of life here are superior to almost anywhere in the world,” Tom insists. “This community was good to me growing up, and I knew that I wanted to return and do my part to make it even better.”

Today, Loper Law LLC covers a significant amount of labor and employment law, as well as representation of health and pension plans.

“We are also expanding our corporate and international work,” Tom adds.

“There is a significant need in Mobile for providing services to smaller businesses, especially those considering going global or doing work abroad. What I have found is that there is demand for a one-stop shop where clients’ legal concerns can be addressed while simultaneously developing a growth strategy based on fundamental financial, accounting, and marketing that works for them,” Tom says.

And “work for them” he does, with countless victories under his belt here in the local market. “Most people think about it in terms of winning lots of money, but for me, the greater victory is usually the moral victory of knowing that an injustice was righted and that there was some acknowledgement that my clients were done wrong,” Tom shares. “With each victory, I try to take a moment to appreciate it and the impact that it had on my client’s life.”

With ample ups and downs in the legal field, Tom shares that with the sheer diversity of cases gracing his desk daily, he is forced to stay on his game, constantly evolving and learning. “I have been in environments where my day-to-day has gotten stale, but I certainly do not have that problem now,” he jokes, adding he is also currently pursuing a Master of Laws in Taxation from Boston University, which he will complete later this year.

“I want to continue to be a servant leader and always be helping people,” Tom shares. “This might take me to public office, more roles in my church, or simply continuing what I am doing now. I just never want to stop thinking about what I can do to

Tom with his dogs, Stella Rose and Roscoe

LOPER LAW LLC 452 Government St. Unit E Mobile, AL 251.288.8308 LOPERLAWLLC.COM

ith endless options, let’s make the most of being at home this Carnival season!

For books, local architect L. Craig Roberts offers a comprehensive history titled Mardi Gras in Mobile, and Eleanor Inge Baker’s Bon Temps Alabama Mardi Gras has more than 275 photos of the festivities (and even some debauchery). Have the kids follow Carnival character “Folly” as he experiences the sights, sounds, and history of the season in Karyn W. Turk’s Mardi Gras in Alabama.

It’s that time of year when the call to “Throw me something, mister!” usually rings through our streets. With everything all but upended this year, take heart as Southern Influencer Charlotte Kilborn Carey shows us how to celebrate Carnival in high style, regardless of the occasion!

KING CAKE MARTINI – 1 oz. Half and Half – 0.75 oz. Cinnamon Syrup – 2 oz. Cathead Pecan Vodka Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass rimmed with purple, green, and yellow sugar.

Garnish with a plastic King Cake baby. A votre sante’!

Our title as “The Mother of the Mystics” beckons us to festoon our homes in Carnival colors. For hardcore locals, it’s purple and gold as opposed to New Orleans’ celebrations, which add green to the mix. Toomey’s has a beautiful selection of flags you can order online at ToomeysMardiGras.com. Get Yardi Gras-ready with a creative balloon installation from LangsLoot.com. Five Gold Monkeys has festive accents like a monogrammed wreath sash and the Mobile Mardi Gras toile tea towel (because who doesn’t want Chief Slacabamorinico helping in the kitchen?). LUSH Home Garden Event in Mobile carries collectable Mark Roberts fairies to liven up your cozy corners.

Set the perfect mystic table with Sferra linen napkins (Sferra.com) in traditional colors and monogram at Bobbinsdesign.com. Pair with jeweled crown napkin rings from Houzz.com (because you can’t have too much bling). Serve your old family milk punch recipe in 24 karat stemless fleur de lis wine glasses from MignonFaget.com, or try the Estelle colored glassware from Fairhope’s Living Well or at LivingWell.com. The hand-gilded oyster shell trinket dishes from Classic Legacy make elegant salt cellars on your table, and a royal crown cake topper from TableClothsFactory.com is a must.

For porch gatherings, try Soirée Signature’s weekend Waterford Mardi Gras style with Caspari’s Greek Meander paper cocktail napkins from Fairhope’s Chive Talk’n Catering. Perfect for serving a delicious gluten-free King Cake from Guncle’s (next to Society Shell), be sure to grab a loaf of gluten-free French bread for your red beans and rice as well! Thank me later.

Take in The Mobile Carnival Museum’s current exhibit, “Bringing the Rocks out of the Bank Box… Carnival and Bling.” It’s exquisite. Afterwards, hit downtown bar du jour, POST, and try their newest offering: the King Cake Martini created by Kendall Turk.

There is still reason to celebrate if only to thank the Le Moyne brothers and Catholicism for this well-loved tradition. To enjoy with such grandeur and frivolity before the sacrificial 40 days of Lent is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. I, for one, declare,

“Let them eat King Cake!”

P ROFE S S I ONA L. LO C A L. EF F I C I EN T.

M Y M o v in g Ser v ic es Locally owned and operated private moving and delivery service in Mobile, AL. Specializing in the delivery of high-priced and valuable items while also servicing small residential and commercial moves.

MY Moving Services | 251.421.4624

MOBILE

Local Family Owned & Operaad

For reservations, please call (251) 476-0516