EDITOR
John Few
CONTRIBUTORS
Bob Labbe
Gregg Parker
Erin Coggins
Joshua Berry
Maria Rakoczy
Lee Marshall
John Peck
Mary Lynne Wright
Brandy Booth
Kassidy Wilkins
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Donna Counts
GENERAL MANAGER
French Salter
CONTACT US
Madison Living Magazine
The Madison Record 7734 Madison Blvd. Suite 115 Huntsville, AL 35806 madisonlivingmagazine.com
For story ideas, call John Few at 256-763-1150 or email john@themadisonrecord.com.
To advertise, call Donna Counts at 256-714-7152.
Madison Living is published monthly by Tennessee Valley Media, Inc.
A one-year subscription to Madison Living is $30.79 for 12 issues per year. Single copies are available at select locations throughout the Madison area. To subscribe, call 256-772-6677.
Copyright 2024
Madison Visionary Partners or MVP will host a special unveiling to celebrate completion of two murals in downtown Madison and the start of the Madison Mural Trail. The first unveiling will be for the “March of the Monarch” mural on Shorter Street. It will be held
Monday, May 13 at 9 a.m. at Honest Coffee. The second unveiling, “Madison Station”, will be held at 9:35 a.m. It is located at 14 Main Street.
“The Madison Mural Trail is truly a grassroots effort that began with a group of community members who
wanted to see more public art in the city,” MVP Executive Director Melanie Thornton said. “Madison Visionary Partners was happy to lead this project, and, over the course of a year, we have worked closely with city leaders to bring this idea to reality.”
Through grants and corporate donors, MVP has successfully funded two mural projects, which were completed in April.
“Designed by the incredibly talented local artist, Ann Moeller, the ‘March of the Monarch’ mural will pay homage to the Monarch butterfly -- our state insect and a symbol of transformation and community, which represents our own city’s growth,” Thornton said.
To assist the monarchs’ migration, MVP is leading a community project to encourage residents and businesses to plant more pollinator gardens. “The Monarch butterfly is Alabama’s state insect and is in need of our help,” project leader Bailey Erickson said. “The Monarch population has declined by 90 percent due to insecticides, urban sprawl, climate change (and other factors).”
“Madison is a stop on the Monarch’s journey from Mexico, and we’re trying to provide them with more food to stay strong and for the Monarch population to increase,” Erickson said.
The second mural, “Madison Station, Established 1869,” appears on the eastern side of retail stores at 14 Main St. in downtown Madison. Sonya Clemons designed the mural.
To complete the mural project, MVP received funding from Huntsville Area Association of Realtors or HAAR, Toyota Alabama, Sealy Management and Bank Independent.
For more information, visit mvpmadison.org. Both murals,and the Madison Mural Trail, will be featured in the June issue of Madison Living Magazine.
Continuing your training during the
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Pretty Woman: The Musical • May 10-12 • VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall • broadwaytheatreleague.org
Pretty Woman: The Musical, based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde). Presented by the Broadway Theater League, it features an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (“Summer of ’69”, “Heaven”), and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton.
Classic featuring Steve Miller Band • May 18 at 7 p.m. • The Orion Amphitheater • theorionhuntsville.com
The iconic Steve Miller Band will take The Orion Amphitheater stage in just one month for the 35th annual Huntsville Classic benefiting Huntsville Hospital Foundation. Limited tickets remain to see the legendary group perform in Huntsville on Saturday, May 18, at The Orion. The bluesinfluenced pop/rock band is known for their distinctive catalog that dominated radio in the mid-to-late 70s. Steve Miller Band’s ‘Greatest Hits 1974-78’ compilation album received the Recording Industry Association of America’s Diamond Award with sales of more than 15 million copies. It is among the top 25 best-selling albums of all time. The event benefits the pediatric patients at not-for-profit Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children through Huntsville Hospital Foundation. Proceeds will be used to purchase equipment on-board a new pediatric critical care transport ambulance, renovate the Pediatric ICU, and improve lives through the Canines for Coping and Caring House programs.
Madison City Farmers Market • Every Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 • 1088 Hughes Road • madisoncityfarmersmarket.com
Located at 1088 Hughes Road, next to Trinity Baptist Church, Madison City Farmers Market is a producer-only farmers market founded in 2007. Vendors provide a wide selection of the freshest local veggies, fruits, cheese, eggs, meats, milk, herbs, honey, jams, relishes, home-baked goods, plants and flowers. Come see creations from local artisans including handmade cards, soaps, lotions, candles, wood crafts, sewn items and other handmade products.
Wars Invasion • June 1-2 •
Get ready for the Star Wars Invasion weekend at EarlyWorks Children’s Museum in downtown Huntsville. It will be held Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2. Activities and decorations throughout the museum will keep your little Jedi’s busy. Guests can have their pictures taken with costumed Star Wars characters from the Legions. Don’t miss out on this special weekend...it will be out of this world!
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Golden Hours • Through September • 5 p.m. to dusk • Huntsville Botanical Garden • www.hsvbg.org/golden-hour/
Huntsville Botanical Garden is changing things up this year—with double the Golden Hours! From April 19 through September, Garden hours on Thursdays and Fridays are extended to dusk. Enjoy food, drink, and entertainment in the shade of the Cedar Glade, and explore the 118 acres during the golden light of evenings at the Garden. Great for decompressing after work, enjoying a lovely date night, or simply seeing the Garden in a different light. Members get in free; non-members pay $10. Start your weekend with a cold drink, some yummy food from the café, and live music from local musicians. The Cafe will be open for food and beverages and a bar area will be available at the Cedar Glade. For more information, go to hsvbg.org/golden-hour.
Aquarist for a Day Camp • Wednesday, June 12 from 8 am – 2 pm • Grades: 4 – 8 • Cook Museum of Natural Science • cookmuseum.org
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be an aquarist or to work at the Cook Museum of Natural Science? What would you have to know? What would you get to do? Experience live animal feedings, behind the scenes tours, ocean classes, independent workstations, and even a shark dissection! Lunch and a t-shirt included.
AAt its annual Memorial Day celebration this year, Madison American Legion, Post 229 will honor Gold Star families.
“We want to identify these families in advance,” Post 229 Vice Commander Jean Downs said. The event on Memorial Day, May 27, will start at 11 a.m. at Captain Jesse Ollie Wikle Jr. Veterans Memorial Park on Front Street in downtown Madison.
The Memorial Day ceremony will include guest speakers, patriotic music by Madison Community Band and placing of wreaths at the memorial.
A Gold Star Family has lost a loved one while serving in a time of conflict in the American Armed Forces.
“The term ‘Gold Star Family’ dates back to World War I, when military families displayed service flags featuring a blue star for every immediate family member serving in the Armed Forces,” Downs said.
“The star’s color would be changed to gold if the family lost a loved one in the war,” Downs said.
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Throughout the year, the American Legion honors Gold Star families by presenting Gold Star flags and lapel pins, along with Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day on the last Sunday in September.
“This year Post 229 wants to do something special to ensure our Gold Star families are recognized. Having them join in placing the wreaths is just a small gesture to acknowledge their loss and sacrifice for our country,” Post 229 Commander Larry Vannoy said.
Wreaths are placed on Memorial Day to honor soldiers who died in our nations’ wars. The tradition began when people around the country started placing flowers on graves of soldiers that had died in the Civil War.
“As we enter the month of May, we as Americans celebrate one of our country’s most important holidays, Memorial Day. For many, Memorial Day weekend is a time to kick off summer with barbecues, going to the swimming pool and enjoying the weather, but it’s also a time to honor the men and women who died in service
of the U.S. Armed Forces,” Downs said.
In the week leading up to Memorial Day, individuals will see members of Post 229 and Auxiliary Unit 229 at local stores handing out Memorial Day Poppies, Vannoy said.
“So many Americans don’t know the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day,” Vannoy said.
“Having our members out in the community is a way to educate our citizens.”
American Legion asks Gold Star families to email Commander Larry Vannoy at commander@americanlegionpost229.org to be honored during the ceremony. Legionnaires will gather family information for Gold Star families.
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AA season filled with excitement and adventure awaits! Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy (FPCTA) is continuing to bring the fun as they wrap up their 63rd season next month.
Space Monkeys! The Adventures of Baker & Able May 9-12.
Rounding out their season, FPCTA launches a new play about the two infamous primates of Alabama history that led the space race in 1959. “Space Monkeys! The Adventures of Baker & Able” will have its world premiere in partnership with the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in May 2024.
3...2...1...Blastoff! It’s 1959 in Huntsville, Alabama and the space race is on! Scientists around the world were depending on all sorts of creatures to discover the great beyond. But in America, two brave monkeys led the charge for space exploration- Baker and Able! Buckle up and hold on tight as these two courageous creatures take us on an adventure through their imagination, deciphering data and preparing their human astronauts for a discovery of galactic magnitude.
A story of friendship, sacrifice, and dreaming big, this world premiere play will inspire all ages through a special Alabama story set at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
For more information, visit www.FantasyPlayhouse.org.
Summer is around the corner, which means it is time for summer concert series fun! We take a look at who is playing and where!
MMadison Arts Alliance urges residents to mark their calendars for the 2024 summer concert lineup for “Sounds of Summer.”
The concert venue is Home Place Park, 100 Shorter St., two streets south of Main Street in downtown Madison. The concerts are free.
Madison Arts Alliance sponsors this concert series and presents the event in partnership with Madison Visionary Partners.
May 30, The Zooks – Series opener with the return of a crowd favorite. The band describes itself as people “all about having fun.” The Zooks often welcome surprise guests.
The Zooks first organized in 2000 on Kwajalein in
the Marshall Islands when band members met each other because of their jobs with a contractor for the U.S. Army, band spokesperson Randy Razook said.
The Zooks perform classic rock anthems, Motown tunes and rhythm-and-blues standards. Their dance music hails from the well-known classics in pop and rock from the 1960s through 1980s. Band members pride themselves in putting smiles on the audience’s faces.
June 13, Groove – This group will play tunes for groovin’ to their versions of funk, rhythm and blues, soul, pop and dance party music.
June 27, Luna Koi – Will entertain at Home Place Park for two hours of family-friendly, free music. A few
of Luna Koi’s cover songs are “Everything” (Lifehouse cover); “Dreams” and “Sound Check” (Fleetwood Mac); and “Volcano.”
July 11, Calypso Vision – Entertaining audiences for the past 10 years. The band gives a relaxed beachfront spirit, with a heavy dose of Buffett-style classics.
July 25, Second Hand Smoke – This group may be a duo but their sound can compete with a larger set of musicians. Their music will keep the audience moving to the beat.
Food trucks will offer tempting food and snack options at the concerts. In addition, downtown eateries are nearby for a ‘sit-down meal.’
Madison Arts Alliance seeks to foster and promote the arts in Madison County. Through membership, events, sponsors and partners, the organization strives to provide quality cultural experiences and growth in North Alabama.
Rosalie Holcombe is President of Madison Arts Alliance. Madison Visionary Partners is the alliance’s fiscal sponsor.
For more information, email info@madisonartsalliance.org or visit madisonartsalliance.org.
FFor the 31st Season, Burritt on the Mountain is welcoming back their long running Summer Concert Series. The City Lights & Stars Concert Series will feature eight concerts this season from May through September, with musical acts from varying genres.
This years lineup features a fabulous mix of local hometown favorites and regional talent on the Isenberg Gazebo stage. Guests can enjoy being entertained under the Alabama stars with the breathtaking view of the city of Huntsville only Burritt can provide.
A casual atmosphere encourages attendees to bring chairs, blankets and picnic food to enjoy a relaxed musical experience. Food trucks will be onsite and wine, beer and other drinks are sold at every concert. Concerts start at 7:30 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.burrittonthemountain. com.
City Lights & Stars is the backbone of Burritt’s educational programs. Community support is pivotal to Burritt’s educational programs, including camps, field
trips, family festivals, and outreach. This support assures the finances necessary for Burritt on the Mountain to build community through educational, artistic, and recreational experiences. The City Lights and Stars Concert Series is part of the foundation of support for one of Huntsville’s most exceptional educational programs.
2024 Concert Dates
May 3 – Mambo Gris Gris
The band combines the musical influences of the Latin American and southern Louisiana regions that the brothers grew up visiting throughout their childhood. Mambo Gris Gris plays an eclectic mix of Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Latin folk Songs and Zydeco.
May 24 -Iron Horse
Iron Horse is a bluegrass band from Killen, Alabama, US. They are known for performing and recording bluegrass cover versions of rock songs, particularly their bluegrass treatments of heavy metal songs popularized by Metallica.
June 14 – The Utopia Band
Utopia is an ensemble of talented performers and a culmination of some of the mid-south’s most respected, experienced and professional musicians. Exceptional musical arrangements, diversity and showmanship is their forte.
July 5 – Top House
Fast paced, high energy foot stompers, and ballads that’ll make you cry. It’s kind of like a rock band married old fashioned bluegrass and had a little baby. And named it TopHouse.
July 19 – Eric Essix
Over a period of more than 32 years and 27 full length album releases, Eric Essix has not only maintained a steady flow of new music that continues to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz throughout his career. Eric shares his Birmingham Alabama southern roots through his compositions. His music reveals the soul of the man and his music.
August 9 – Gwen & The Retro Kats
This is the rare band that brings together the deeppocket swing of the 1930s and 1940s and contemporary beats like Bruno Mars “Uptown Funk” and Lizzo’s “Juice!” A veteran on the Southeast music scene, Gwen is one of the busiest bandleaders in Atlanta, along the way being named “Favorite Jazz Artist” by the readers of Creative Loafing magazine and taking her act overseas to France, Eastern Europe and Turkey.
August 30 – Calypso Vision
Calypso Vision is in its 10th Year bringing folks that relaxed beachfront spirit, with a “Gumbo Mix” of Buffett-Style Trop and Classic Rock! The Calypso Vision is simple and easy to see, as it focuses on great music offering an escape from the mundane!
September 20 – In the Mood Swing Band
Calling Huntsville “Hometown”, Huntsville’s In the Mood is an exciting 21 piece big band. Specializing in swing and jazz making every occasion an exciting event. Influences include Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Henry Mancini, Cole Porter Bobby Darrin, Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie.
GGet ready to experience world cultures from the comfort and stunning surroundings of Huntsville Botanical Garden (HBG)—no passport required! Global Rhythm & Blooms is an enriching event series dedicated to celebrating the vibrant tapestry of cultures from Huntsville’s international communities through music, dance, food and drink. The event series will take place in the shade of the Cedar Glade on Thursdays through Sept. 26, from 5 p.m. until dusk.
“Music, food, and flowers transcend language barriers and are deeply rooted aspects of cultures around the world,” said HBG CEO Susan Wagner. “Huntsville Botanical Garden is a place that invites and welcomes people of all walks of life to enjoy the beauty of nature, and the Global Rhythm & Blooms event series gives guests another reason to connect not only with our surroundings but also with each other.”
Global Rhythm & Blooms will rotate to a different culture or group of cultures every two weeks, allowing visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in cul-
tural traditions expressed through entertainment, food and beverages representative of that week’s designated culture. HBG is working with Huntsville and North Alabama cultural organizations to ensure cultural sensitivity.
“We are delighted by the support and assistance provided by the City of Huntsville’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” said HBG Director of Marketing and Communications Laura McPhail. “Their help linking us with various community organizations helps us connect with subject matter experts to make these experiences more authentic. We’re very excited at the prospect of the Garden shining a light on the resources they provide while bringing the community together.”
Global Rhythm & Blooms is free for HBG members and is $10 for non-members, after 5 p.m. Registration is not required. Leashed dogs are welcome to attend for $5 each.
Upcoming Schedule:
May 9 – Hispanic Cultures
Music: Tomas Gorrio
Dance: Fred Astaire Dance Studios will teach free lessons in Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha, and Rumba
Food: Nico’s Grille and Café food truck
Visit hsvbg.org/grb for additional Global Rhythm & Blooms details for the following dates:
May 16 & 23 – Asian
May 30 & June 6 – French
June 13 & 20 – African American
June 27 & July 4 – Americana
July 11 & 18 – Caribbean
July 25 & August 8 – British
August 15 – Bayou / Cajun and Creole
August 22 & 29 – Native American
Sept. 5 & 12 – Indian
Sept. 19 & 26 – German Oktoberfest
LLive music in the summer! Is there anything better? Concerts on the Dock is Lowe Mill A&E’s premier concert series.
This year Lowe Mill is partnering with Jeremy Stephens, 10 Ton Records and Clearwave Studios to curate a fantastic selection of local musicians from Huntsville.
Lowe Mill A&E is known for our visual artists and food. They also bring our music-loving community the freshest sounds available in local, regional, and nation-
al acts they simply would not see anywhere else.
2024 Spring Lineup
May 3: Wanda Wesolowski / Lillie Mae & Family
May 10: The Nerve
May 17: Ec Frazier / The Otis Band
May 24: Lisa’s Joy / Camacho
May 31: Dweeby! / Them Damn Dogs Concerts start at 6 p.m. Go to lowemill.art/concerts for more information.
CONCERTS IN THE PARK - A Huntsville summer tradition, Arts Huntsville and Huntsville Parks & Recreation’s Concerts in the Park start on the first Monday in June and are held over ten weeks, every Monday evening through August. The FREE series showcases local music talent in a mix of genres from rock, folk, and country to Latin, dance, R&B, and top 40 hits. It is held behind the
the weekly schedule of musicians at www.artshuntsville.org.
FFor 65 days out of the year, Bubba Hearn lives in his hometown of Albuquerque, N.M. and its population of over a half-million. He grew up in the locale situated along the famed Route 66 at the foothills of the Sandia Mountains and West Mesa where he was a two-sport athlete in high school and played collegiate football for Eastern New Mexico as an offensive lineman as his teams twice made the Div. II playoffs.
His future endeavors in his career would all stem from a moment he was a junior at Albuquerque High School. He had a chance to be a bat boy for the local Triple-A team the Isotopes. By mid-season, Hearn became assistant for the visiting team clubhouse helping with the duties of whatever the visiting teams needed during their stay at Isotopes Park. “With my experiences as a teenager within baseball, I knew this would be what I wanted to do,” said Hearn.
In 2024, Hearn is now in his third season as Clubhouse Manager for the Rocket City Trash Pandas where his duties run the gambit of official and unofficial tasks
required to assist in making the team a success on the field.
“I take pride in my job and set high standards in my clubhouse,” said Hearn. “Many times, this job is a hurry up and wait situation as I take my time and do it right. I facilitate all day.”
Hearn’s expertise stems from his work as Clubhouse Manager, which began in 2010 with the Triple-A team for the Los Angeles Dodgers. “It was the break I was looking for and decided to make a run at it. I told myself it was now or never,” said Hearn, who worked in the clubhouse in Albuquerque, Mobile and Reno before making his way to North Alabama.
With the help of two assistants and two batboys at each home game, a typical game day for Hearn begins at 9:00 a.m. when he arrives at Toyota Field and begins his day making coffee and tending to the clothing left by the night before. He handles laundry, setup of batting practice equipment, ice water, field equipment, helmets, catcher gear, and kitchen setup for meals and
snacks. Hearn added, “I even handle the duty of rubbing up the nine dozen baseballs for each game. We use mud from the Delaware River called Black Burn Rubbing Mud.”
By noon, the coaching staff arrives and soon after players will begin tricking into the confines of Toyota Field. He sets up food for all and then takes care of the laundry utilizing two industrial-type washers and two dryers along with one top-load washer. He said one of the most asked questions from friends and fans is how he gets the players’ uniforms white. “Yes, people ask me that all the time and I’ve even given some of the protein powder I use to some of those who ask. That powder helps pull any color.”
But Hearn has an actual “secret” to getting stains out of the white uniforms the Trash Pandas use. “I use a pressure washer that will blow out any dirt. The protein powder is made for pulling dirt out of the material. Those two together work wonders.”
His day at the office usually ends 12-14 hours after his arrival. Before he leaves one night, he’s already preparing for the next game.
There are times Hearn grabs his “button kit” he keeps in the dugout and tends to the needs of torn uniforms or buttons that have become unattached or loose. He has had to master the duties of being a
seamster and did so with the help of watching his grandmother through the years and the guidance of others. Hearn said, “While in Reno I visited Miller’s Jackets, and three women there taught me how to sew. They were Bernice, Kris and Bianca. Each spent time with me and taught me how to become a good seamster. I feel I have become efficient with the needle and thread. Any big efforts in sewing or alterations we take them to the Sun’s Tailor and Alterations across the street from Toyota Field.”
Last November, the 37-year-old Hearn was notified he had been chosen by Major League Baseball as the Southern League’s Home Clubhouse Manager of the Year. He had just completed his second season with the Trash Pandas and his 19th season in professional baseball. The physically colossal of a man at 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds is very quick to point out he didn’t win the award on his own giving thanks to Andrew West (visiting clubhouse manager), Luke Minor and Chris Hereford (clubhouse assistants) and all the bat boys and girls who assisted in 2023.
“It’s nice to receive the award, but I feel like our entire squad should have won,” said Hearn, whose given name is John Stanley. “The award is something we used to joke about as having an award for our clubhouse. It’s nice to be recognized and glad I won. I want to add to the team’s success and the award proves there’s a reason we’re (clubhouse) there.”
Hearn indicated his parents have been supportive of his career choice and his love for sports as the Hearn family has always been a big sports enthusiast. Hearn also said his nickname of Bubba came from the Airmen on the Air Force Base in Albuquerque who began calling him his nickname finding the young Hearn fun and enthusiastic about life in general.
For Hearn, who is a self-proclaimed sports junkie, said he remembered in 2009 when he was shorthanded in his clubhouse assistants and things weren’t up to par, he asked himself why was he there. He quickly answered his own question with the thought, “I’ve seen what I want to do and I want to get to the Major Leagues. I knew I was mentally and physically in my job and I had the motivation to do whatever I wanted to do in my career.”
A neat clubhouse. That’s one of his rules within “his house.” Hearn has set the bar high in the confines of his clubhouse and he knows the players, coaches and team administration see what he does on a daily basis. Many of the Trash Pandas players police the actions of the ones who are not polite and neat. “I take pride in my job and I have set high standards in my clubhouse as I want to get to the Majors. Openings are rare and I know I’ll go wherever I can
to get that job.”
Hearn made his way to Madison/Huntsville from spring training held in Tempa, Ariz. with the parent club California Angels. There, he has similar duties as during the regular season as there are usually all five levels of players at the site with as many as 160 players and coaches he must handle each and every day. So, in a way, his arrival to the Trash Pandas is a little less hectic, but just as rewarding.
“I’m addicted to winning, but I’ve never won a championship ring. I have been one out away from doing so, but we came up short,” said Hearn. “As for my job here with the Trash Pandas, I’m invisible until they need me. That’s the way I like it.”
Spring is my favorite season of the year as I enjoy the return of warmer days and the colorful blooms in gardens and landscapes. Among the many flowering plants that grace the spring landscape, petunias stand out as one of my favorites.
As nature bursts into life, now is the perfect time to visit your local nurseries and garden centers to acquire bright and colorful petunias.
One standout variety that captures the essence of spring is the Cascadias Pitaya petunia.
Sporting a vigorous and well-branched habit, this delightful plant cascades gracefully over the edges of baskets and pots, creating a stunning visual display. Its trumpet-shaped flowers are a mesmerizing dark pink with intricate dark purple veins and throats -- truly a sight to behold. Flower petal edges are a vibrant lime green, further enhancing its appeal.
For those seeking a touch of celestial magic in their garden, I recommend the Night Sky petunia. Its deep purple petals are speckled with variable white dots reminiscent of stars against a night sky.
Equally captivating is the Easy Wave Rose Fusion petunia, with its pink rose-colored flowers adorned with striking dark pink veins. This variety exudes elegance and charm, making it a standout addition to any garden or container arrangement.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, petunias are prized for their resilience and adaptability. They thrive in both cool and hot temperature extremes, making them perfect for brightening up outdoor spaces throughout the spring, summer and fall months.
With proper care and attention, petunias will reward you with a profusion of vibrant blooms, bringing color to your outdoor oasis.
To ensure optimal growth and bloom production, it is essential to provide petunias with the right care.
In containers or hanging baskets, plant them in a welldrained potting mix and feed them with a liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks during the summer months. If planting in the ground, ensure the soil is well-drained.
Make sure you put your petunias in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. They thrive in full sun, although they can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and maintain the plant’s appearance.
If my plants begin to look open or a bit tired, I give them an all-over trim. I use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to trim back up to one-third of the volume of the plant.
After any trim, use a water-soluble fertilizer to provide instant energy to help kickstart new growth, branching and flowering. The plants take about a week to recover from the trim, but the result is fuller plants with more blooms going forward. Repeat the trim as needed throughout the growing season.
Whether adorning hanging baskets, containers or garden beds, petunias are sure to elevate your outdoor space and inspire admiration from all who see them. So, embrace the beauty of spring and let some of these exquisite petunias add a touch of magic to your garden landscape.
Honoring those who sacrificed it all in WWII
STORY BY MARIA RAKOCZY
OOver 400,000 American soldiers gave their lives in World War II, but many of their stories and lives have gone unknown. Stories Behind the Stars has set out to change that and has a significant presence in the North Alabama area telling the stories of Alabama soldiers in particular.
Bob Fuerst, a NASA engineer by day, is the leader of the Alabama cohort of authors and amateur historians and genealogists who write the stories of heroes in their home state. Fuerst’s relationship with Stories Behind the Stars began in 2018 simply as a reader of founder Don Milne’s blog posts.
“I discovered his blog in 2018. It was something I looked forward to reading every day,” recalled Fuerst.
Milne’s posts initiated what is now an entire, nationwide program. A World War II history buff, Milne started writing blog posts of fallen World War II heroes as a hobby, posting them to military-themed Facebook pages.
“As kind of a hobby, he started researching and writing the story of one World War II fallen on what would have been their hundredth birthday,” explained Fuerst.
As the posts gained traction, reaching more than one million views by 2020, but work commitments piled up, in 2018, Milne recruited volunteers and the readers of his blog to join him. Fuerst responded to the call and contributed around a hundred stories.
Milne had planned to continue writing up until the 75th anniversary of the end of the war in September of 2020 but interest continued grow, and Milne then set a goal of writing the stories of 420,000 fallen soldiers in World War II. Fuerst estimates that today over one thousand volunteers in every state and even abroad serve the non-profit program.
“It’s purely done out of just trying to honor and remember these heroes of the greatest generation that saved the world for us,” said Fuerst of the motivation behind Stories Behind Stars.
The program is currently working on several projects, including recording the stories of soldiers state by state.
Fuerst is the state director for Alabama and in this capacity, has led Alabama volunteers to complete the stories of every fallen solider in sixtyseven counties throughout the state, including Madison and Limestone Counties. His research has led him to discover the heroic lives of many North Alabamians and through them, touch the lives of others.
One of Fuerst’s very first stories was that of Luther Isom, a Huntsville native, who was on board the USS Arizona and lost his life at Pearl Harbor. He later shared Isom’s story and several others on a Facebook page dedicated to the stories of North Alabama fallen.
“Through that page, his niece reached out to me and thanked me for doing that, and in fact, invited
me to a wreath laying ceremony on his grave on December 7, 2021, which was the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor,” recounted Fuerst.
The process for constructing these stories includes a lot of online research using resources such as ancestry. com, fold3.com, and digitized newspapers along with official military databases.
“It’s kind of like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. You find all the little tidbits of information in different places and you craft a story from that,” described Fuerst.
In addition to writing the stories of the fallen state by state, Stories Behind the Stars has other ongoing efforts to record the fallen soldiers from D-Day and Pearl Harbor. Each story, once completed, enters the fold3. com database where it is linked to the gravesite of the corresponding servicemember.
“We want these folks to be remembered as more than just a, you know, a marker at a cemetery. Every one of these was somebody’s son or brother or father and there was a story to their life that deserves to remembered,” Fuerst said.
Fuerst’s work has done just that in the instance of Leroy Sugg. Sugg was an experienced and decorated B-17 fighter pilot with 25 combat tour of duty, the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, and four Oak Leaf Clusters to his name. In 1944, Sugg sacrificed his life to save the rest of his crew when the engine of the B-29 he was piloting caught fire in a training accident. Today,
Sugg is buried under a simple headstone in Maple Hill Cemetery.
“If you walk past his headstone in Maple Hill Cemetery, you’d never know that. All it has is his name and his birth year and death year. There’s nothing to indicate that he served in the military, and I make a point of going to go put a flag on that one every year because no one else would know,” said Fuerst.
Stories Behind the Stars relies on volunteers, like Fuerst, to tell the stories of and give recognition to heroes like Sugg and Isom, and there are thousands of stories left to be written.
Volunteers undergo a special training process, known as ‘boot camp’, before they begin writing and then are given free access to tools such as ancestry.com and other databases to use in their research. Fuerst says volunteers are welcome to write as many stories as they like. Some join to write the story of a relative and others contribute hundreds of stories over the course of years.
Volunteers are encouraged to begin by submitting a form expressing their interest in participating online at storiesbehindthestars.org. For those interested in reading their work, all the completed stories can be found on fold3.com and Fuerst’s North Alabama stories can be found on the Remembering Alabama WWII Fallen Facebook page.
The next few pages contain stories from their website of fallen WWII veterans from the Madison area.
TThomas Andrew Stewart was born December 3, 1926 in Madison, Madison County, Alabama. His parents Thomas Matson Stewart and Grace (Ransom) Stewart were also born in Alabama. His father was a World War I veteran and worked as a laborer on a railroad and later for the government. Thomas was one of four children born to the couple, having one older sister and two younger brothers. He graduated from Madison High School in May 1944.
Thomas was working at the Chemical Warfare Depot in Huntsville, Alabama when he volunteered for the US Naval Reserve in November 1944. He completed recruit training at Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois and was then transferred to the U.S. Naval Training and Distribution Center Shoemaker in California to be assigned for fleet duty. Seaman Second Class Stewart joined the crew of the heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis on 12 May 1945, likely while she was undergoing repairs at the Mare Island Navy Shipyard for battle damage suffered while supporting the invasion of Okinawa in April 1945.
In July 1945, the Indianapolis was assigned a topsecret mission to deliver parts and enriched uranium
for an atomic bomb, later to be dropped on Hiroshima, to the American base on the island of Tinian in the Pacific. After completing the delivery on 26 July 1945, the Indianapolis departed Tinian and sailed to the U.S. military’s Pacific headquarters at Guam, where it was given orders to meet the battleship USS Idaho at Leyte Gulf in the Philippines to prepare for the invasion of Japan.
Shortly after midnight on 30 July 1945, halfway between Guam and Leyte Gulf, the Indianapolis was struck on the starboard side by two torpedoes from the Japanese submarine I-58. One torpedo blew off a portion of the ship’s bow and one exploded closer to midships. The Indianapolis suffered massive damage and immediately began to settle by the bow, and
rolled over and sank only twelve minutes after the torpedoes struck. Around 300 of the crew of 1,195 were trapped below decks and went down with the ship. The remaining 900 went into the water, many without lifejackets or in lifeboats, where over the next few days almost 600 men died from drowning, shark attacks, dehydration, or injuries from the explosion. Help did not arrive until four days later when an anti-submarine plane on routine patrol happened upon the men and radioed for assistance. Ultimately, 316 of the ship’s crew were rescued. S2c Stewart was not among those rescued, it is unknown if he went down with the ship or died in the water.
Thomas Andrew Stewart is memorialized with other members of the USS Indianapolis crew on the USS Indianapolis Memorial in Indianapolis, Indiana; in the Madison Cemetery in his hometown of Madison, Alabama; and at the Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial.
Thank you S2c Stewart for your service and your sacrifice, you will not be forgotten.
This story is part of the Stories Behind the Stars project (see www.storiesbehindthestars.org)
The B-17F nicknamed Stinky that SSgt Bill Landers was on when it crashed in 1943. He and all of his crew members died.
WWilliam Harry Landers was born May 2, 1922 in Madison, Madison County, Alabama to John William Landers, a farmer, and his wife Mattie (Ragan) Landers. His parents were born in Georgia and Alabama, respectively. William had three older brothers. In 1930, the family was living on a farm in Madison, where William attended local schools. He graduated from Madison High School on May 2, 1941 and enlisted in the US Army Air Corps on the very same day.
He served as a Staff Sergeant in the 813th Bomb Squadron of the 482nd Bombardment Group (Heavy), which flew a mix of Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and Consolidated B-25 Liberator bombers. The 482nd was based at RAF Alconbury near Huntingdon, England and was the first USAAF group equipped with the Britishdeveloped H2S navigation radar, code named “Stinky”. The aircraft of the 482nd served as pathfinders for other bomb groups, leading the formations and using their onboard radar to pinpoint targets through the heavy overcast often encountered over the European continent that made accurate visual bombing difficult. The group flew their first combat mission as pathfinders on 27 September 1943 against port facilities at Emden, Germany. I was unable to locate a mission log for the 482nd so could not determine how many missions SSgt Landers partici-
pated in. On 10 November 1943, SSgt Landers was a waist gunner aboard B-17F 42-5793, named Stinky in recognition of the radar that it carried. On that day, the aircraft was assigned to serve as pathfinder for the 100th Bomb Group. During takeoff from an air base in Brome, Suffolk, an engine caught fire and the aircraft crashed. All ten members of the crew of the B-17 were killed, along with two technicians on board to operate the radar, and three civilians on the ground.
William Harry Landers was initially buried in England and in 1948 was reinterred in Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama. He is also memorialized at the Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial.
Thank you SSgt. Landers for your service and your sacrifice, you will not be forgotten.
This story is part of the Stories Behind the Stars project (see www.storiesbehindthestars.org).
Ninety-six-year-old Arthur Hullett, a local Army veteran, toured the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial last year on a special trip to the site of D-Day.
JJune 6, 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy, France. Two local Madison County residents made the ultimate sacrifice for their country on D-Day. Twenty year old Private J. D. Luna, a sales clerk in Huntsville prior to the war, volunteered to be a paratrooper and jumped into Normandy with the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division in the early hours of June 6, 1944. Twenty-seven year old Sergeant Charlie W. Grayson, who had been a construction worker for the government in New Hope, served in an anti-tank company in the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division, which was in the first wave to go ashore at Utah Beach later that morning. Both of these young men were killed in action that day, and there are several other locals who took part in D-Day and were killed in the days that followed the initial landings.
The Hunt’s Spring Chapter of the National Daughters
of the American Revolution will hold a memorial event at 10:00 a.m. on June 6, 2024 at the Church of the Nativity in Huntsville to honor and remember the sacrifice of these local heroes, and all those who paid the price of freedom on D-Day.
The stories of Pvt Luna and Sgt Grayson were written as part of the Stories Behind the Stars project, a nationwide non-profit founded in 2020. So far, the project volunteers have completed almost 50,000 stories of American WWII fallen, including all who died at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941; all who died in Normandy on D-Day; and all buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Many more volunteers are needed to complete this historic project.
Anyone interested in learning more about the project or to register as a volunteer can do so at www.storiesbehindthestars.org.
JJ. D. Luna was born March 15, 1924 in White County, Tennessee. His parents Samuel Douglas Luna and Tennie (England) Luna were also born in Tennessee. J. D. was one of four children born to the couple, having one older brother and two younger brothers. The family could not be found in the 1930 US census. In 1940, the family was living in Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama where J. D. attended local schools and his father worked as a steelworker. When he registered for the draft in June 1942, 18 year-old J. D. was living at home with his family on Spring Street in Huntsville and was working for McClure & Walker as a sales clerk.
He was inducted into the US Army on 10 February 1943 at Fort McClellan, Alabama. His enlistment record indicates he was single and had completed three years of high school. He initially served in the infantry and received training at Camp McCain, Mississippi. J. D.
volunteered for the Parachute Infantry and completed Airborne Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He served as a Private in Company D of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) of the 101st Airborne Division, known as the Screaming Eagles. The 502nd departed the States aboard a transport ship on 4 September 1943 bound for England, where they continued their rigorous training in preparation for the invasion of Europe. Training regularly consisted of parachute drops, 15–25
mile hikes, close combat exercises, and instructions on first aid, map reading, chemical warfare, and demolitions.
In the late evening hours of 5 June 1944, Private Luna and the rest of the 502nd PIR climbed aboard the C-47 transport aircraft that would carry them to their drop zone northeast of Carentan in Normandy, France. The 502nd consisted of approximately 1,800 men organized into three battalions, with 15-18 troopers carried in each C-47. The 502nd was tasked to secure two northern causeways leading inland from Utah Beach and destroy a German coastal artillery battery near the town of SaintMartin-de-Varreville to prevent it from firing on the beach head.
Due to a combination of low clouds and heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire, the C-47s were unable to remain in formation and most of the 502nd landed up to 5 miles away from their designated drop zone. Once on the ground, the troopers linked up as best they could and moved in-
land to carry out their assigned tasks. Saint Martin-deVarreville was captured by 06:30 and the coastal artillery was neutralized. The troopers seized the exits from Utah beach and dug in to await the linkup with the soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division who would soon be coming ashore there.
Private Luna was killed in action at some point on 6 June 1944, and was the first resident of Madison County to die in the invasion. I was unable to find any details of his death so it is not clear whether he was killed in the jump itself or in the ensuing action to secure the 502nd’s objectives. Overall, the 101st airborne suffered 182 killed, 557 wounded, and 501 missing on D-Day.
J. D. Luna was initially buried in France and was reinterred in Taylors Providence Cemetery in Smithville, Tennessee in 1948, and is memorialized at the Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial. His brother William Luna also served in the Army and survived the war.
CCharlie Wilburn Grayson was born August 31, 1916 in New Hope, Madison County, Alabama. His parents Alonza Odell Grayson, a farmer, and Lilly B. (King) Grayson were also born in Alabama. Charlie was one of eight children born to the couple, having one older brother, one older sister, three younger brothers, and two younger sisters. In 1920 and 1930, the family was living on a farm in New Hope where Charlie attended local schools. He dropped out of school after the seventh grade, likely to help out on the family farm. Sadly, Charlie’s father passed away in 1936, and in 1940 Charlie was living at home with his widowed mother and working in construction for the government.
Charlie enlisted in the US Army in June 1940 and served in the 8th Infantry Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division. The 4th Division was based at Fort Benning, Georgia and was initially organized as a motorized division assigned to I Armored Corps. The division participated in the Louisiana maneuvers held during August 1941 and then in the Carolina Maneuvers of October 1941, after which it returned to Fort Benning. Charlie married the former Garner Beatrice Clark on 17 August 1942 in Madison County, Alabama.
The division moved in April 1943 to Fort Dix, New Jersey, where it was again reconfigured and was redesignated the 4th Infantry Division on 4 August of that year. The 4th Infantry Division sailed to England in January 1944, and spent the next few months training
for the planned invasion of Europe.
On D-Day, 6 June 1944, the 4th ID was in the spearhead of the amphibious landings at Utah Beach in Normandy, France. The division’s 8th Infantry Regiment, in which Sgt. Grayson was a member of an anti-tank company, had the distinction of being the first Allied unit to hit the beach
at Normandy. Unlike the situation at Omaha beach depicted in the movie “Saving Private Ryan”, the landing at Utah Beach was relatively bloodless as the 4th ID landed 21,000 troops at the cost of only 197 casualties. In July 1944, Sgt. Grayson’s wife received word from the War Department that her husband had been missing in action since June 6. Two months later she received the tragic news that her husband had in fact been killed in action on D-Day.
Charlie Wilburn Grayson was buried in France and after the war was reinterred in Hayden Cemetery in New Hope, Alabama, and is memorialized at the Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial. His wife remarried and passed away in 1989.
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MMother’s Day is a great time of year to honor mothers and attempt to give back just a portion of the tireless love and devotion moms offer their children. Some children provide large gestures, while others feel it’s the little things that can help a mom feel appreciated. For those needing a little inspiration to treat their mothers in special ways, here is an idea -- take her someplace special for lunch or dinner.
The Madison area has a wealth of great dining, and the list of options is growing every year. Here are a few of our favorites and why we think your mother (or the mother of your children) would absolutely love for you to treat her to one of these.
First, we start with one of the newest and most unique experiences, the Lanier House Madison tea room. Located at 20 Martin Street in the historic district of Downtown Madison, owner Tammy Hall created this amazing tearoom after being inspired by similar places she would visit in her travels.
Served using eloquent China pieces, the tea flavors as well as the food offerings change monthly, allowing Hall to keep things fresh and new for customers. The offering
is afternoon tea which includes a tea pairing for a savory, scones and a sweet tray.
For Mother’s Day, Lanier House is offering a special menu. To view it and to make reservations, go to www. lanierhousemadison.com.
Another option located in the heart of Madison’s historic downtown is the traditional favorite Main Street Cafe, at 101 Main Street. They have been a staple in Madison for over 20 years. Also owned by Tammy and John Hall, you simply cannot go wrong with bringing your mother or wife here. Everything they serve is mouth-watering and delicious, and they offer a truly unforgettable dining experience. Housed inside Madison’s 3rd City Hall (circa 1955), guests at Main Street Cafe enjoy an eclectic blend of Southern Comfort food coupled with an ever-changing list of daily specials sure to tame even the toughest of appetites. You can have lunch or dinner in jail...without having to break any laws! How amazing is that?
One of the most popular lunch orders is Poulet de Normandie, a hearty dressing casserole of stuffing, chicken,
celery, mayo, mushroom sauce, and cheese. “It’s that dish people see walking by and ask, ‘What is that?’ It’s comfort food 101,” Tammy said. They also offer other lunch entrees, such as Tilapia with Mango Salsa, Stuffed Roasted Porkloin and Poppyseed Chicken Casserole.
Some of the popular dinner options are New Orleans Seafood, with blackened red snapper topped with grilled shrimp and creamy andouille sauce, Southern Blackened Catfish Tacos, Atlantic Salmon Filet, Petite Beef Medallions, 12-ounce Porterhouse Pork Chop, Salisbury Steak with mushroom sauce. They also have Pimento and Cheese Stuffed Chicken, Country Fried Chicken and Butter Crusted Chicken Pot Pie. For salads, they have a great selection, including the Blackened Salmon Salad. To top it all off, Strawberry Pretzel Salad wins every time.
Of course, this is just a small sample of what they have. You check out their other menu choices at www.mainstreetcafemadison.com. See ad on page 21.
Next up is Tom Brown’s (see their ad on page 9). Located in Madison at 8141 Highway 72 W, Suite A, and in a new location at Hays Farm in South Huntsville, Tom Brown’s offers premium steak and seafood options in a unique, relaxed atmosphere. Their recipes are made
from scratch with only the finest ingredients.
“As a steak and seafood restaurant, we pride ourselves on the quality of beef we serve,” owner Tom Brown said. “We strive to serve the highest quality possible, and we’ve done just that with our steak offerings. We proudly serve Certified Angus Beef. All steaks are wet-aged for a minimum of 21 days. Plus, we hand cut each steak. At Tom Brown’s, we let the steaks shine. First, we season our steaks lightly and chargrill them to perfection. Then, we top it off with our house-made TB Herb Butter.”
The seafood at Tom Brown’s is fresh, never frozen, and is flown weekly from as far as Honolulu, Hawaii. Each fish is hand-cut and cooked to perfection.
Both restaurants offer the same great menu options and southern hospitality. However, the design, color palette, and ambiance create a different, unique experience at each restaurant. “Our concept is to offer patrons an escape,” explained Tom’s wife and business partner Ashley, who is the visionary for the design and aesthetic of the restaurants. “When you step into our restaurants, you know you will enjoy a delicious, top-quality meal while also being transported to another place. A place that is one of a kind, where you feel at ease and creates lasting memories.”
For more information about Tom Brown’s or to make a reservation, go to tombrownsrestaurant.com.
Tellini’s Italiano has long been a greater Huntsville institution, serving fresh, homestyle Italian food to Madison County for 25 years. “We provide madefrom-scratch Italian food in a relaxed, fast-casual setting,” said owner and operator Allen Mello.
The inviting ambiance of the restaurant itself pairs nicely with its food that has a fresh, home-cooked taste. Their beloved pasta dishes wrap the taste buds in a comforting hug with aromatic herbs like basil and oregano, tangy tomato, and the sharp notes of garlic.
The baked pastas are the stars of Tellini’s menu. They have consistently been the most popular items on the menu, though Mello says the chicken alfredo is quickly becoming a new customer favorite. Mello’s own favorite recommendation is the steak tetrazzini. Their breadsticks are also famous in their own right, and according to Mello, many claim them to be superior to Olive Garden’s breadsticks.
Mello describes the great lengths he and the staff go to provide fresh, house-made ingredients and dishes. “We make all our sauces from scratch. We chop our
lettuce. Our cheesecakes are homemade.” They make efforts as well to utilize local suppliers for their ingredients. For more information about Tellini’s, go to www.tellinis. com. They are located at Perimeter Parkway in Huntsville.
Salt Factory Pub, in the MidCity District, is an upscale gastropub that offers modern and approachable cuisine with an unbeatable beer list. The creative menu features a variety of classic comfort foods with international influences. The dishes are comprised of local and organic ingredients designed to complement the notable beer line-up of more than 50 different draft and bottled brews.
Modeled after the pubs of the English countryside, Salt Factories are known for their enticing interior designs with exposed brick walls, dark hardwood floors, cozy tufted booths, and custom dim lighting. The energy of the setting and service creates an upscale, cozy “neighborhood” experience, fun and vibrant, yet familiar at the same time.
A look through their menu certainly has my mouth watering. Short-Smoked Salmon Tostadas are a delicious starter. Perfectly layered with charred corn pico, radishes, cilantro, and chipotle lime crema. Then it’s on to a wide selection of entrees, like their 12oz New York Strip and Filet Mignon Medallions – both served with sautéed green beans and garlic mashed potatoes.
Salt Factory Pub also has delicious brunch and lunch offerings. Check out their menu at www.saltfactorypub.com.
This year marks the 160th anniversary of Madison’s largest engagement during the Civil War
TThere were only two battles of any size fought in Madison County during the Civil War, and they were both fought in and around the town of Madison. May 17 marks 160 years since the first of the battles were fought in 1864, taking place in the heart of what is now downtown Madison. Back then, it was not more than a simple train stop called Madison Station.
Madison’s location along the railroad halfway between Huntsville and Decatur was one of the primary reasons for its strategic importance at the time.
A driving rain helped obscure a dawn Confederate surprise attack against the occupying Union forces around the railroad depot in Madison. Southern troops had crossed the river at Triana during the night, taking out the Union sentries, and surrounded the town on all sides. With them, the Rebels had brought four small cannons or howitzers.
The alarm was reportedly first sounded for the Union troops in the town when one of their foraging parties encountered Confederates north of the historic district around 8 a.m. However, the town was already surround-
ed, causing the Union troops to fight from behind bales of cotton piled around the train depot and from a small barricaded “fortress” in one of shops on the south side of Main Street.
After receiving incoming cannon fire at the depot loading dock, the Union commander realized their position was untenable, so they focused a counter-attack along the railroad to break out toward Huntsville, where the main Union forces were quartered.
The engagement continued eastward along the tracks to the Indian Creek railroad bridge. It was at the eastern end of this bridge that the Union troops regrouped and held their position across the creek until later in the day when reinforcements arrived by train from Huntsville. By the time the Union counter-attack from the railroad bridge at Indian Creek commenced, the Rebel troops had set fire to the depot and to the cotton bales that the Union had confiscated, looted the tents, armaments, and other supplies the escaping Union forces had hastily abandoned in the town. Before the end of the day, the Confederates had gone back across the river at Triana with some
captives and their plunder.
A Confederate history report written in 1890 stated 80 to 130 Union prisoners were taken, while stating that the Federal garrison numbered 400 men. The Confederate commander, Col. Josiah Patterson, was stated as losing only seven killed and wounded.
The many accounts of the “affair” include numerous variations of the details, as written by defensive Union commanders and later by sparse Confederate memories. However, all agree that it was raining so hard that the combatants could barely see their opposition. The Union accounts described the event involving far more Rebels than could possibly have been present at the time. The local Southern defense forces were ill-equiped, exhausted, and low on munitions in 1864.
The following information is from a book by Lloyd Lanphere in 2001 for the Madison Station Historical Preservation Society.
The official Union reports claimed that 350 Union troops of the 13th Illinois Infantry were attacked by a Rebel force of between 1,000 and 1,500 cavalry and infantry. More realistic descriptions suggest that a maximum of 500 under-fed and worn-out but desperate Confederates were raiding for supplies when they routed the
well-rested Union troops from leisurely sleep as they were awaiting muster out of service within a few weeks. An 1866 history of the 13th Illinois Infantry stated that 66 Union pickets and skirmishers were captured by the Rebels, who suffered 60 killed, wounded, or missing.
Written Confederate reports are sparse from the last months of the war, but there are numerous descriptions of the engagement preserved in official Union accounts. The most descriptive Union reports were filed by a defensive Colonel Adam Gorgas of the 13th Illinois Infantry. He first reported on the day of the engagement that, “We were attacked this morning at 8 o’clock by a cavalry force under Patterson, numbering about 1,000, with four pieces of artillery.” Considering their rude and sudden awakening and the driving rain, one can wonder how well the opposition could be numbered by the Union force as it fled for safety toward Huntsville.
When Brigadier-General C. L. Matthies communicated on the 17th to Lt. Col. R. M. Sawyer about the event, he stated, “Rebel Patterson crossed with 500 men, three pieces of artillery, near Triana, moved on to Madison Station, destroyed all but the railroad, took Colonel Gorgas prisoner and 50 men, fell back to the river, not known if he crossed.”
When Gen. Matthies reported to General J. E. Smith
about the engagement later that day, he stated that a “Telegram from Decatur Junction says 2,000 mounted Rebels at Madison Station. Burnt the town.” It should be kept in mind that avoidance of disgrace and eligibility for promotions depended upon an ability to write reports containing good rationale for actions and outcomes. Sometimes details were a bit exaggerated.
Gorgas in his initial report further recounted that “... We were obliged to fall back, after a severe fight, and, being completely surrounded, we cut our way through their lines, and fell back to the bridge and water tank, about three miles east. We formed and returned to this place (Madison), and, after skirmishing, drove them from the town. They captured several of our men, what number we are not able to say. Our camp and garrison equipage, together with all the regimental and company papers, are either destroyed or carried off. The depot buildings are burned, together with about 50 bales of cotton. (He increased the number to 70 bales in a report two days later.) The railroad is all right, telegraph lines cut. We are left here without rations, and but little ammunition.”
Col. Gorgas did not mention in his initial report that the counter-attack did not occur until his force was greatly augmented by a trainload of Union troops and cavalry from Huntsville. Nor did he describe the true helter-
skelter run along the tracks to escape from the town. His unprepared force was lightly dressed and poorly armed while they were lost from sight in the downpour of rain and protected by the dense forest on each side of the tracks. He also forgot to say the Rebel force had already retired from the town with wagonloads of plunder before he and his reinforcements returned to the town.
A much more detailed account of the engagement was filed by Col. Gorgas on the 19th of May, as follows: “I would respectfully submit the following report of the attack made on this post (Madison Station) by a force of the enemy, under command of Colonel Patterson, consisting of two regiments of mounted infantry and a battery of four 12-pounder howitzers, the entire force numbering about 1,000 men.
“The attack was made at 8:30 a.m. on the Triana road, on which two of their field pieces were placed in position, the two remaining pieces having crossed the railroad, together with a portion of the enemy’s command. They, however, did not get into position, as the attack was precipitated by the enemy’s being discovered by a forage train, which was just starting out.
“As soon as discovered the enemy opened fire from their two pieces on the Triana road, having previously sent detachments to each one of my picket posts, five in
number, guided by some citizens who seemed to know the exact locality of each, encircling them and capturing them entire. On the first alarm my command was quickly formed in line, excepting three companies, who occupied the stockade in the rear of the depot building behind some cotton bales. Two companies were thrown out as skirmishers, but the enemy appearing in such a large force in their front, I ordered them to fall back to the main column.
“In the meantime the stockade was rendered untenable by the rapid fire from the artillery, so that the three companies were compelled to fall back behind the railroad embankment, where I at length formed my entire command, being satisfied that we were outnumbered nearly four to one, and having nothing to resist their artillery, it would be impossible to hold the town, my command the entire time keeping up a rapid and incessant fire, killing 3 and wounding 15 of the enemy. At this time the rebel force appeared on both flanks and in my rear, which made it necessary to fall back still further, which I did, in the direction of the water tank toward Huntsville, dispersing the enemy in my rear by a few well-directed volleys, the artillery and nearly their entire force following on either side of the railroad, but the timber was so thick that they could do no damage.
“On arriving at within a half mile of the water tank I reformed my line, and after a short rest, again advanced toward Madison Station with a strong line of skirmishers, well extended on either side of the railroad. The skirmishers drove the rear guard of the enemy from town, the main force having departed after burning the depot buildings and about 70 bales of cotton. My camp equipage was also burned, it, however, consisting of only a small number of tents, which were scarcely serviceable. The men, also, have lost all of their extra clothing and blankets. The damage to the railroad was slight and readily repaired.
As soon as the attack was made the wagon train, consisting of eight 6-mule teams and three 2-horse ambulances, were ordered on the Huntsville road, but were intercepted and captured, together with a small train guard and the teamsters. About 12 noon re-inforcements arrived, consisting of the 5th Ohio Cavalry, Colonel Heath, 120 men, and the 59th Indiana Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, 220 men. These, together with 100 men from my regiment, moved after the enemy as rapidly as possible in a driving rain. Colonel Heath’s cavalry came up with the rear guard of the enemy early in the afternoon, and kept up a
constant harassing fire, but his force was too small to make a forcible attack.
The infantry came up just before sundown, the Fiftyninth Indiana deploying as skirmishers and driving the enemy before them to the bank of the river, but night coming on and finding that the transportation (wagons) and prisoners were all across the river, our men fatigued, and ammunition almost exhausted, it was considered by the commanding officers to withdraw our forces. They were consequently marched back to Madison, a distance of 12 miles from Fletcher’s Ferry.
“From reliable sources I learned that the enemy’s loss at the ferry was 15 killed and 40 wounded. This estimate, I am positive, is not placed too high, which would make their entire loss 18 killed and 55 wounded. Of the number of prisoners from my regiment I have not been able to learn how many were wounded. The loss of the 59th is 2 wounded, and the 5th Iowa Infantry 1 killed. I have but 1 man wounded with the regiment. ...”
In a lengthy report by Brig. Gen. John E. Smith dated May 18, he stated several discrepancies from the Gorgas reports. The Smith report told of an estimated force of up to 3,000 Rebel forces, and that the first warning of the attack was receiving fire into the Union camp. The first
report into Huntsville said the Madison Station occupying Union force would no doubt be captured.
Smith stated his first action was to order the 5th Ohio cavalry and the 18th Wisconsin infantry into action. He also ordered a regiment be sent by train from Larkinsville in Jackson County. While awaiting for the regiment, he proceeded to arm all detachments, convalescent soldiers, teamsters, and others, in order that every man could be available to defend Huntsville if needed.
Smith sent the 59th Indiana infantry toward Madison after placing cotton bales and ammunition in position to guard the approach to Huntsville. Later in the afternoon he sent the 48th Indiana to Madison.
When the Union troops encountered the Confederate rear guard near Triana, Smith reported they killed one man, wounded several, and captured four prisoners along with 30 or 40 horses. He concluded his report with the statement that after receiving the initial Gorgas report, he was led to believe that Gorgas was “culpably negligent.”
Col. Gorgas blamed the successful surprise at Madison Station upon local citizens guiding the rebels to the locations of his five pickets, who were then overwhelmed before they could sound the alarm. The Union occupiers
arrested Madison residents Dr. Richard Matthew Fletcher, Edward Betts, and James Harvey Pride. They were taken into Huntsville to be tried and hanged as spies for complicity in the event. After a gallows was constructed, a recently-transferred and remotely-billeted but friendly senior Union officer who knew that Dr. Fletcher had compassionately treated Federal soldiers during the occupation years came to Huntsville and had the men released.
In contrast, the Confederate commander in the attack, Col. Patterson, wrote to his commander, General Phillip Dale Roddey, on June 27 of 1864, that he had 250 men in the 5th Alabama Cavalry at that time. He mentioned having been in engagements, not only Madison Station, but also Fletcher’s Ferry, Garth’s Farm, and Moulton. Much of the time was spent on quarter rations of corn in traversing mountains.
Patterson wrote that his men had marched, under orders, over 1,200 miles in the last five months without firing a shot, in addition to the many engagements and skirmishes along the way. He told Gen. Roddey, “You can well imagine, after all this marching, the condition of these men. I have sacrificed my command, ruined the horses of my brigade, in marching and counter-marching in obedience to orders, and for my life I cannot see
where I have benefited the country in a single instance during all these marches. Horses have broken down by the way in large numbers, thus reducing the efficiency of my command at almost every step. You are aware that all of this has been done on less than half rations of corn.
“The troops that I move with in the morning, although once finely mounted, are now in very bad condition, and half the horses, so I am informed by the captains, are not able to march twenty-five miles without lagging and giving out.... If my brigade was inspected today there would not be 200 horses found fit for active service....”
This does not seem to fit as a description of the “overwhelming” Confederate force that routed the Union occupiers at Madison Station so efficiently, but it was an actual report written in confidence by Col. Patterson to his commanding general -- not for excuses.
The Federals would have a chance to get back at the Confederates in the area seven months later. On December 23, 1864, just before Christmas, a Union attack resulted in a disorganized rebel retreat -- bringing an end to any further significant Civil War action in Madison County. General Robert E Lee would surrender his Confederate Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox a little over four months later, bringing a conclusion to the war.
Lee Marshall Founder / CEO Kids to Love Foundation Kidstolove.org ...
TThis month reminds us how much we need family. We celebrate Mother’s Day, and we also give attention to children in foster care because May is Foster Care Awareness month.
The children are the reason the Kids to Love team is so passionate about our work, but we are equally dedicated to the foster families we license through our child placing agency.
There are many uncertainties along the way, and it’s our promise to make sure no one feels alone in the process.
“When we first became foster parents we had no idea the journey our family was about
to take. Kids to Love has been so responsive and helpful. They care for and support our family as a whole unit, not just the child they placed in our care.”
It is our honor to bring families together, whether for a season or a lifetime.
There is a dire need for foster families across the state of Alabama. If you have questions, we are here to help! You can get started at kidstolove.org.
“The support we have received is incredible. We cannot imagine being foster parents anywhere else.”
TThe Madison Chamber of Commerce showed off the best of the best of local businesses at the Best in Business Awards last month at the Space Camp Operations Center on April 19.
“The Best in Business Awards is our way of ensuring that we are fulfilling our mission of, “creating community connections and growing businesses.” It’s an event that has been going on for many years and is aimed at shining a spotlight on the hard-working businesses in the Madison area,” said Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the chamber Haley Dixon of the honorfilled night.
In March, Madison businesses were invited to submit applications for recognition in fourteen different categories, such as, Start-Up Business of the Year, Best in Art and Entertainment, Best in Healthcare, Best Non-Profit of the Year, and Retail Small Business of the Year. The top three overall were recognized as the Best Overall
Award at the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels.
Applications were reviewed by a committee of members from other Chambers of Commerce in the Southeast who selected the winners for each award. Winners included Captured by Cristie, Lemon & Lavender, Madison Street Festival, and more.
This year’s Best in Business Awards was a special one. This year, the Madison Chamber debuted a new award: the Spirit of Madison Award. This new honor specially recognizes individuals who are not only good businessowners but are also involved in their community.
Founders of Signalink, Steve and Alice Lessman were the inaugural recipients of this honor.
“[Signalink] CEO Alice Lessman serves on the Madison Board of Education. President Steve Lessman served as a board member of the Madison CEO Trade Show, an event that allows high school entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses. Signalink has made donations to sev-
eral Bob Jones sports teams and the JROTC program. This award is given to a business that exemplifies Madison’s spirit of community, support, education, and volunteerism,” said Dixon of the new award and its recipients.
The chamber also debuted the Milestone Moment Award to recognize a business that reached major milestones last year whether it was adding a new location, product, client or other significant achievement.
“The Milestone Moment Award recognizes significant achievements, growth, and milestones within a business over the last year. Some examples include opening a new location, enhancing company culture, demonstrating strong community engagement, or introducing new services. We had 44 applications for this award—the most of any category. Our judges narrowed it down to 11 finalists and selected Kids to Love as the winner for 2024,” explained Dixon.
Kids to Love’s major milestone moment was bringing change to state laws, allowing the first Safe Haven Baby Boxes to arrive in Alabama and the subsequent use of those boxes by mothers in the community.
“We are honored and humbled to be the first recipients of the Best In Business Awards Milestone Moment Award,” said Kids to Love founder and CEO Lee Marshall. “We championed changing Alabama’s Safe Haven law because we knew there was a great need that was only going to grow. So many lawmakers, elected officials and individuals across the state threw their support behind us once we started working, and we could not have achieved what we did without them.”
“Madison was the first city to say yes when we approached them about installing a baby box. The first two babies surrendered in the state were surrendered here. The actual Milestone Award may sit on a shelf at Kids to Love, but it belongs to this whole community,” Marshall said.
Kids to Love has served thousands of area foster children for twenty years, offering housing, material goods, education opportunities, and more. They join thirteen other local businesses in recognition for outstanding contributions to the community from this year’s Best in Business Awards.
All of the winners at the 2024 Best in Business Awards and their category include:
Building career niche, a local Bob Jones High School student leads the state’s future teachers conference
STORY BY GREGG PARKER
RReagan Burgess deserves the proverbial ‘shiny, red apple’ on her desk, along with a gold star.
The enterprising young woman from Bob Jones High School planned, organized and emceed the annual Future Teachers of Alabama Statewide Conference, held at the University of Alabama on February 20, 2024. Burgess served as FTA State President.
“It was such an honor to be voted as president of this organization by my peers,” she said.
As conference host, Bob Jones’ chapter joined more than 1,200 future educators from 105 Alabama chapters to listen to inspirational speakers, visit with college recruitment staff and collaborate in small groups about the education profession.
With support of Alabama Educators Alliance, Burgess planned and ran the entire conference – orchestrating regular board meetings; selecting breakout presenters; designing promotional materials, including the T-shirt; emceeing; and delivering multiple speeches. “It was definitely an exciting experience,” Burgess said.
Karolyn Bodden, Annie Gehring and Burgess were selected to represent Bob Jones’ chapter. “We intention-
ally formed a small group to ensure our capacity to fulfill the responsibilities of hosting the conference,” FTA Advisor Meagan Fleenor said. In Bob Jones Teaching Academy, Fleenor teaches “Education and Training,” “Teaching I,” “Teaching II,” “Teaching Internship” and “Mental Health and Counseling.”
Numerous breakout sessions delved into educators’ pressing issues, such as “Integrating Media Into Lessons: PBS for the Classroom”, “Mathematics Literacy Through Social Justice”, “Supporting Deaf Students for Success”, “Gandhi - King Scholarly Exchange Fellows”, “Teaching in the Digital Age”, and “Multiple Perspectives in Mathematics”.
Keynote speaker Elizabeth Huntley inspired students about education’s power to transform a child’s life, and every student has a story behind their eyes.
“Reagan Burgess delivered a profoundly moving and inspiring welcome speech,” Fleenor said.
In her speech, Burgess said an educator’s 25-plusyear journey gives the privilege to guide from 500 to 5,000-plus students. “Each student is more than just a number --they’re individuals. They need to feel seen,
valued and safe in your classroom.”
“When you empower a single student to go beyond what they thought was possible, you’re not just changing their life -- you’re changing the trajectory of countless other individuals . . . that doctor who saves lives, young politician inspiring change, future parents who will raise compassionate children,” Burgess said.
While volunteering with Royal Family KIDS Camp, Burgess realized some children, especially those abused and neglected, have school as their only safe place, the only food they eat and the only time they receive love. “My hope is to create a loving classroom for every student, help them reach beyond life circumstances, be the mentor who sees the good in them and inspire them to follow their dreams, no matter their home life,” she said.
“Teaching might not be the most lucrative career, but how can you begin to put a price on the legacy you leave?” Burgess said. “Payment may come in a small child’s hug, a middle-schooler (saying) you’re the coolest person or in lightbulb moments when their eyes tell you they understood a difficult concept.”
“Let’s make a lasting difference, one life at a time,” Burgess said. “When you see the ripple effect of your teaching, know it all began with that one student.”
Fleenor was immensely pleased with her students’ perseverance at the conference. “My students led 1,300 current and future educators, stepping outside of their comfort zones to inspire such a large audience. We did not take this responsibility lightly, as we were sowing the seeds for change,” Fleenor said.
Bob Jones students’ dedication shone all year. “As we embark on this journey to change the world one student at a time, let us remember that the heart of education lies in human connection,” Fleenor said.
Burgess acknowledged that prospective teachers will encounter stereotypes, sometimes intimidating. “However, among the demanding workload and potential financial considerations, it’s important to recognize opportunities for professional growth and financial advancement within the teaching profession,” Burgess said.
An educator has multiple avenues for career advancement and income growth, Burgess said. “Teaching offers a fulfilling path filled with countless opportunities to thrive. The joy of witnessing students’ growth and success . . . is truly unparalleled.”
Burgess quoted Nelson Mandela, saying ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change
the world.’ “Teaching isn’t simply a job; it’s a calling, driven by passion and dedication,” Burgess said.
“By embracing both challenges and rewards, educators find themselves on a fulfilling journey of inspiring and shaping the future generation,” she said.
Her parents are Tory and Kathleen Burgess. He is retired from the U.S. Army, and Kathleen works as a reading tutor for Madison City Schools. Reagan is youngest of three daughters.
Reagan’s older sister, Dacey, is graduating from Mississippi State University in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Currently, ‘middle’ sister Quinn is pursuing a degree in industrial engineering at MSU.
“We were brought to Madison through the military in 2006,” Reagan said. She was born at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and has lived in Madison her entire life except for
2012-1014, when the Burgesses returned to Virginia.
At Bob Jones, Reagan is involved in National Honor Society; Student 2 Student; Future Teachers of Alabama; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America or FCCLA; Madison City Friends; National Athletic Honors Society; Peer Helpers; Council of Presidents; and PTSA.
For six years, Reagan has participated with Bob Jones Varsity Swim Team. As a seven-year-old, she joined Madison Swim Association.
In volunteering, she has helped Royal Family KIDS Camp, SonShine Friends at Asbury Church and Midtown Mentors. “My church home is Asbury, where I’m involved in student groups and Junior/Senior Bible Study,” Reagan said.
Like her sisters, Reagan plans to attend MSU for a degree, not surprisingly, in elementary education.
HHow do you know what you want to be when you grow up? As a child, the possibilities are as limitless as one’s imagination. But as students progress through school, their future can better come into focus through strong Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that guide them in college and career choices.
Madison City Schools believes a strong CTE program is essential in guiding students to explore and discover their passions. That emphasis was magnified this year with the expansion of state-funded Career Coaches who help students understand the significance and value of Career Technical Education in any field and encourage them to explore the wide-range of possibilities available.
After the state expanded funding from 1 to 3 MCS Career Coaches, the team now consists of Sara Baragona, Michelle Hyams and Jodi Jones. Together, they bring in businesses and other community partners to
showcase career opportunities, education and training pathways to get there, resume and interview tips, and more.
Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” is a favorite childhood book that inspires readers to believe the possibilities are as limitless as one’s imagination. As many students progress through school, understanding how to navigate the endless possibilities can be overwhelming.
Career coaches take students through a discovery process using a variety of career exploration activities. This is to identify where students’ interests and values intersect with local industry needs and trends.
Career coaches realize traditional career paths are becoming less linear and work hard to stay up-to-date with industry changes and the demands for a diverse skills set in the work-force.
The Career Coaches help students learn about
emerging trends and how to plan for a future-proof career in an evolving world of technological advances. The team facilitates career activities to help students develop key professional skills like punctuality, time management, empathy, communication, and collaboration with others. Career interest assessments are available, at the secondary level, to identify students strengths and interests and then provide them with avenues to explore career possibilities.
The MCS Career Tech Education program uses career exploration activities to expose students to a variety of career options. These activities help them navigate future classes and extracurricular activities in pursuit of college or alternative career pathways. This may include the military, apprenticeships, career technical programs and more. The career coaches will never sway student decisions to choose a particular career path. Their approach is simply to help guide them
in their decisions.
The goal is to make sure every student has opportunities available to them to explore options and take the CTE path(s) that make them workforce ready.
This joint statement from the team affirms their mission:
We’re honored to have the opportunity to invest in the future of students with innovative CTE and workforce strategies and initiatives to help them identify their purpose and career aspirations. As career coaches, we find ways to encourage or remind students on a daily basis of a famous line from that favorite Dr. Seuss childhood book: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own and you know what you know. And you are the one who’ll decide where to go.”
- Sara Baragona, Michelle Hyams, JodiJones.
THE MUSTANG MUD RUN - it’s not if you win or lose, because there are no placements, it’s how everyone `tries to conquer the obstacles that stand in their way. Recent rains made for a tremendous amount of water and mud in the creek located on the back portion of the campus of Madison Academy causing the 20-plus obstacles to be even more challenging than normal for the seventh annual fun-day event last month. Almost 800 participants ranging in ages 7-69, took to the 5K (3.1. miles) distance course with an obstacle course situated along and through Indian Creek and the adjacent wooded areas on the private school campus. Here are some fun photos of the event.
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