Mobile Bay Magazine - May 2021

Mobile Bay May 2021

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR MOBILE AND BALDWIN COUNTIES

THE

THE HOME & GARDEN ISSUE

RIGHT MIX

FINDING FRESH WAYS TO LIVEN UP AND FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR HOME

REED AVENUE REDO A BOLD ENTRY Styled by Fairhope’s Katherine Goldman

RESCUING THE FAMILY BAY HOUSE OBSESSED WITH

AFRICAN VIOLETS

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CONTENTS | VOLUME XXXVII / ISSUE 5

MICHELLE PROUTY OF CORNER COPIA GARDEN CENTER IN FAIRHOPE. FLORAL COTTON DRESS BY SUE SARTOR $495 FROM THE HOLIDAY. PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

MAY 2021

41

46

52

Dreamy Planters

Grandfathered Inn

Reed Avenue Reno

Michelle Prouty of Fairhope’s Corner Copia breaks down the art of arranging the perfect spring planter

Fairhope builder Robert Brown takes on the project of a lifetime — renovating his grandparents’ Bay home

Christina Lindeman brings a European sensibility to a Midtown home makeover

 One of the earliest examples of container gardening, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the World whose location has not been definitively proven. For a modern-day plant cornucopia, visit page 41.

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CONTENTS | VOLUME XXXVII / ISSUE 5

MAY 2021 16

31

ON OUR COVER We challenged Fairhope designer Katherine Goldman to style a bold entry gushing with color, and boy did she deliver.

18

PHOTO BY SUMMER ENNIS ANSLEY

OYSTER ROCKEFELLER PO’BOY FROM DEBRIS / PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU AN AFRICAN VIOLET COLLECTION LIKE NO OTHER / PHOTO BY MATTHEW COUGHLIN A PARTY FIT FOR CHURCHILL DOWNS / PHOTO BY SUMER ENNIS ANSLEY

9 EDITOR’S NOTE 10 REACTION 12 ODDS & ENDS 15 THE DISH 16 TASTINGS Louisiana meets lower Dauphin at Debris Po Boys & Drinks 18 BAY TABLES Amy McDonald’s Derby party always comes up roses

26 FASHION Take your pick of Derby-inspired hats for any occasion 31 SPOTLIGHT Spanish Fort’s Jere Trigg talks growing, and creating, stunning African violets 36 DECORATING Designer Katherine Goldman’s tips on adding color to the home

70 MAY CALENDAR

74 ARCHIVES A piece of pottery offers a window into the history of the mound builders 76 ARCHITECTURE Throughout history, pandemics have shaped how we design our homes 82 AMAZING LIFE The life of legendary designer Wallace Tutt

86 LITERATURE Writer Audrey McDonald Atkins awaits the first rain of May 88 ASK MCGEHEE What Downtown luxury hotel burned, just before opening its doors?

90 BACK STORY Take a trip to Gulf Shores of the 1950s with this photograph of the one-time sleepy beach town

 The world’s most expensive hat, priced at $3 million thanks to its arrangement of diamonds and jewels, was debuted at Melbourne’s AAMI Derby Day. For a list of Derby hats a little closer to our price range, turn to page 26.

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Mobile Bay VOLUME XXXVII

No5

MAY 2021

PUBLISHER T. J. Potts Stephen Potts Judy Culbreth

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Maggie Lacey MANAGING EDITOR/WEB Abby Parrott

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Amanda Hartin

ART DIRECTOR Laurie Kilpatrick EDITORIAL INTERN Maddy Jones EDITORIAL INTERN Anna Pellerin

ASSISTANT PUBLISHER

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT

ADVERTISING S R. ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Joseph A. Hyland Anna Pavao ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jennifer Ray

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

ADMINISTRATION CIRCULATION Anita Miller ACCOUNTING Keith Crabtree

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Audrey McDonald Atkins, Dooley Berry, Philip J. Carr, Jill Clair Gentry, Tom McGehee, Erin S. Nelson, Breck Pappas, Christy Reid CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS

Jean Allsop, Summer Ennis Ansley, Matthew Coughlin, Elizabeth Gelineau, Chad Riley ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL OFFICES

3729 Cottage Hill Road, Suite H Mobile, AL 36609-6500 251-473-6269 Subscription inquiries and all remittances should be sent to: Mobile Bay P.O. Box 43 Congers, NY 10920-9922 1-833-454-5060 MOVING? Please note: U.S. Postal Service will not forward magazines mailed through their bulk mail unit.

Please send old label along with your new address four to six weeks prior to moving.

Mobile Bay is published 12 times per year for the Gulf Coast area. All contents © 2021 by PMT Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Comments written in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ownership or the management of Mobile Bay. This magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. All submissions will be edited for length, clarity and style.

PUBLISHED BY PMT PUBLISHING INC .

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EXTRAS | EDITOR’S NOTE

Walls that talk

T

here’s nothing like an old Bay house.

I love old houses in general — the creaking floors, the high ceilings, the windows that get stuck from too many coats of paint. Little quirks like telephone niches or original bathroom fixtures captivate me. I have no love lost for the lack of closets, but I am willing to overlook that for a house with an historic shield or an old family connection.

After living in a few houses as a child dating to the 19th and early 20th centuries, an opportunity came for my parents to buy back my great-grandfather’s Bay house. In the early 1930s, he built a modest home on the Bay in Point Clear to which he would escape the summer heat of Mobile with his wife and four children. He owned a mill work company, and the house reflects that, with juniper paneling and unique pegged pecan floors. I am told the lumber was brought from his mill by mule-driven wagons that had to ford Bailey’s Creek to get there. More than 60 years later, we raised the house a few feet to protect it from storm surge after hurricane Georges lapped at the front door. During the work, we found a horseshoe from one of the mules. You can’t beat the way an old house draws you back in time.

As we pulled together our annual Home & Garden issue, I had the privilege of touring another old Bay house under renovation. Much like my own family home, which made its way through the generations until it was finally sold, this Bay house in its third generation was also put on the market.

This one was incredibly lucky, however, in that one of the descendants bought the house for careful renovation. With a goal of preserving the past while modifying for modern-day living, this cypress-panelled home with 1700 square feet of bayfront porch is in good hands.

Many people can appreciate an old house, but someone with memories going back to their childhood will cherish it like no one else can. Robert Brown, the owner in question, remembers birthday parties in the backyard, summer sleepovers with cousins and time with his granddad on the swing built by hand. A beautiful home is one thing. A home with beautiful memories and time-worn edges is just plain perfection.

If you need me, I’ll be over here daydreaming of sleeping porches.

Maggie Lacey EXECUTIVE EDITOR

maggie@pmtpublishing.com

THE 2021 MB INSPIRATION HOME

 The 2021 MB Inspiration Home has broken ground, and we can’t wait to share it with you! Set to open for tours October of this year, this smart home was designed by WATERSHED and is being built with a healthy life in mind on the bluff overlooking Mobile Bay in Fairhope.

Stay tuned for more!

GO BOLD WE ARE INSPIRED BY THE DARING CHOICES IN TILE, WALLPAPER AND LIGHTING USED BY DR. CHRISTINA LINDEMAN IN HER MIDTOWN HOME. 8” HEX MATTE PORCELAIN TILE BY HEXART DECO, SHOWN HERE IN ORANGE • LEGEND 2 MODERN GLOBE WALL SCONCE IN KELLY GREEN BY DUTTON BROWN • DEMETRIUS WALLPAPER BY THIBAULT FROM COTTON CAPERS

LOVE THIS ISSUE DESIGNER TO THE STARS WE ENJOYED FLIPPING THROUGH THE PAGES OF DESIGNER WALLACE TUTT’S BOOK ON HARBOUR ISLAND. THE DASHING DESIGNER ONCE PRACTICED LAW IN MOBILE AND COUNTED A-LIST CELEBRITIES AS HIS CLIENTS. READ MORE ON PAGE 82.

MINT TO BE IN HONOR OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY — AND OUR STORY ON PAGE 18 — I AM DREAMING OF THIS STERLING HORSE HEAD JULEP CUP. LOUISE DOGGETT ANTIQUES

A STUDY OF CONTRASTS FAIRHOPE INTERIOR DESIGNER KATHERINE GOLDMAN CHOSE A RICH BROWN TRIM TO CONTRAST THE FUN FISH WALLPAPER FOUND BY HER CLIENT FOR THE MUDROOM. SHERWIN WILLIAMS BRAINSTORM BRONZE • SPECKLED FISH WALLPAPER BY LULIE WALLACE

AVAILABLE IN ALL SHADES LIKE CHANGING PILLOWS TO UPDATE A ROOM, SWAPPING A LAMPSHADE IS AN EASY AND AFFORDABLE WAY TO ADD A POP OF COLOR. INSPIRED BY THE BURGUNDY OPTION THAT WAS SOURCED FROM AMAZON IN OUR COLORFUL FOYER STORY, PAGE 36, I TRACKED DOWN THIS PINK SILK VERSION FOR MY DAUGHTER’S ROOM, AND I AM SMITTEN.

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EXTRAS | REACTION

Tell us how you really feel ...

DESTINATION RELAXATION

CAST ON, SISTER

CHECKMATE

On February’s feature of local weekend getaways

On March’s feature, “Fly Fish Chicks,” about local women who travel and fish together

On March’s history piece spotlighting the legendary chess player and Spring Hill College alum, Paul Morphy

I just bought my first fly rod!

Can’t wait to try it out.

Glad to see David Bagwell’s writing here. He is such a fine historian. Two nuggets not included in the article: There is still a plaque honoring Morphy on the campus of Spring Hill College.

And Morphy’s family home at 417 Royal St. in New Orleans later became, and remains today, the home of Brennan’s Restaurant. The Brennan family also includes some SHC graduates.

We have stayed at Little Point Clear! It is a very special place.

- Laurette Dixon

- Jaime Miller

I love mini trips; these are such good ideas!

I love this. What a beautiful group of fun friends.

FAIRHOPE’S LITTLE POINT CLEAR SUITES AND SPACE / PHOTO BY JUSTINE AND WAYNE

BARRIERS BE DAMNED On March’s Bay Tables, featuring three Montrose families’ friendship that blossomed after a backyard fence fell, post hurricane When we first moved into our neighborhood, there were no fences. When [the house abutting ours] became occupied, Archie and the man of that house met at the property line. Then we wives joined.

That couple had a son who was our son’s age. We became best friends and have remained best friends almost 45 years.

We’ve travelled together, eaten too many meals together and loved like family. I sure remember those carefree years of walking from one back door to another.

- Pat Moore

- Connie Sumlin Martin

Girl trips and the beauty of fly fishing. What a great combination!

- Donna Henderson Fly Fish Chicks, I enjoyed your adventure. It cracked me up, and at times I was laughing out loud and wishing I had been there. Cast on, sistah, cast on.

- Teresa Pritchett

GET IN MY BELLY On March’s Tastings, featuring Fairhope’s Sage Lebanese Cuisine & Cafe Mezza mixer and curried cauliflower over hummus — the bomb! I just referred a vegan customer there.

- Lorie Ward

YES, SIREE

- Alec Armbrecht

On March’s book excerpt, “And We Say Ma’am,” from “They Call Me Orange Juice”

Maritza and Nader work to make this restaurant an experience, not just an in-and-out. The food speaks for itself.

Kudos to Audrey McDonald Atkins and this article on Southern politeness. I was born in Mobile and moved to California as a 12-year-old. I took my Southern manners and respect with me. I was often asked by my new peers why I said “yes, ma’am” to everyone, and I would proudly reply that is the way I was raised and what we did in Alabama.

- Nikole Gore

- Mary Hawkins, Sacramento, Calif.

- Karen Damm

BOYS OF SUMMER On March’s End Piece, a photo of three boys at Beckwith, July 1933 (seen below) The Camp Beckwith feature photo includes my grandfather in the center.

His name is Arthur Byrne and he and his brother (my great uncle) were two of the boys who built the first log cabin.

Sadly, he passed away in 1996, but I love that his legacy lives on.

- Laura Byrne Prugh The boy on the right side of the photo (pants rolled up) is my uncle, Marshall Seifert. He went on to become an Episcopal minister.

- Billy Seifert

One of our favorite restaurants.

- Peter Rueling Great restaurant, great people and the hummus trio with the warm pitas will make you very happy.

 Want to share your thoughts and reactions to this issue? Email maggie@pmtpublishing.com.

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PHOTO COURTESY BECKWITH

- Justine Cunningham

EXTRAS | ON THE WEB

More Ways to Connect We’re not just in print. Find us online, on social media and in your inbox. text by ABBY PARROTT

mobilebaymag.com

NO PLACE LIKE HOME The last year has proven the value of creating a home base you love. Ready to freshen up for spring and summer?

We’re sharing some of our favorite bright and airy spaces from local homes for a little inspiration and some tips and advice from local garden experts to help you make the outside of your home just as inviting as the inside.

CINCO DE MAYO Go online for our go-to cocktail recipes as well as fun appetizers and entrees for your Cinco de Mayo celebration.

PUT A RING ON IT Share your proposal story with us, and we’ll feature your engagement announcement online and on social media.

BEHIND THE SCENES Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre brings “The Wizard of Oz” to the Fairhope bluff this month, and we have behind-the-scenes access to all the preparations! Read our exclusive interview with guest director David Redman Scott and follow us on social to see time-lapse videos of the character transformations.

THANKS, MOM Mother’s Day is May 9!

We’ve rounded up our favorite local gift ideas to help show mom you care and support area businesses.

KITCHEN BY MARCH & MAY DESIGN / PHOTO BY SUMMER ENNIS ANSLEY SMOKY DOVE COCKTAIL / PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU CORAL DRIFT ROSES

MORE TO LOVE

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST

Want to see more of the Reed Avenue home featured on page 52? Simply open the Pinterest app, click search, tap the camera icon and hover over this circular image to explore more images and save them directly to your boards.

Finally, an email you’ll actually love to read.

Get the latest in food, art, homes, local history and events delivered right to your inbox. You’ll also be the first to know about new contests and exclusive offers. Sign up online today!

THE MIDTOWN HOME OF DR. CHRISTINA K. LINDEMAN

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EXTRAS | ODDS & ENDS

Spring Has Sprouted text by MB EDITORIAL STAFF

GARDEN TRIVIA

[MAY 12]

THERE ARE MORE MICROORGANISMS IN ONE TEASPOON OF SOIL THAN THERE ARE PEOPLE ON EARTH.

LIMERICK DAY To mark this special day, We have something to say, If knowledge and laughter, Is what you are after, Subscribe to Mobile Bay.

CINCO DE MAYO

120,000 Number of mint juleps served over the two-day period of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs. This requires over 10,000 bottles of Old Forester Mint Julep Ready-to-Serve Cocktail, 1,000 pounds of freshly harvested mint and 60,000 pounds of ice.

Make them for your friends at home!

Recipe on page 22.

“Those Bellingraths’ll look plain puny when I get started!”

– Miss Maudie (a neighbor of the Finches) on the state of her garden.

“To Kill a Mockingbird,” Chapter 8

It takes the blue agave plant about 8 years to reach a maturity sufficient enough to be harvested, steamed, minced to a pulp, combined with water, fermented and distilled into tequila.

1,654 Weight in pounds of the largest flour taco ever made Happy Cinco de Mayo!

MEMORIAL DAY According to the U.S. Flag Code:

“The flag should not be dipped to any person or thing.”

This includes government officials — even the president.

[MAY 9]

MOTHER’S DAY Every year, about 122 million calls are made on the second Sunday of May — more than any other day of the year.

Call Mama.

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FOOD | THE DISH

Bite of the Bay MB’s contributing food fanatics share their go-to local dishes.

MICHELLE PARVINROUH, Executive Director, Innovation Portal

SOPA DE TORTILLA AT TAQUERIA MEXICO “This is one of my family’s favorite spots in town. I’ve gotten this soup every single week for the past month — it’s that good. The broth is full and satisfying and is accompanied with tortillas and large chunks of avocado. The chorizo fundido, guacamole fresco and Tex-Mex sampler are solid go-tos for us every time.”

TAQUERIA MEXICO • 3733 AIRPORT BLVD.

E. LEE WEBB III, Commercial Relationship Manager, Trustmark National Bank

ONION RINGS AT JUDY’S PLACE / PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

414-4496 • TAQUERIAMEXICOMOBILE.COM

HOT DOG AT BATTLES WHARF MARKET “A hidden gem on the Eastern Shore is the Battles Wharf Market. Settled in a former gas station just north of the Grand Hotel, you can find a little bit of everything here; they make great breakfast sandwiches as well as Boar’s Head wraps for lunch or dinner. But the real gem is their hot dog.

Probably a not-too-distant cousin of a Dew Drop dog, you can go as deep as you want (think mayonnaise or jalapeños), but I usually go for a chili cheese dog.”

BATTLES WHARF MARKET • 18327 SCENIC HIGHWAY 98, FAIRHOPE • 928-4271

DANIEL HUGGINS, Chief Operating Officer, Children’s Medical Group, P.A.

ONION RINGS AT JUDY’S PLACE “Judy’s Place does an excellent job of greeting and taking care of their customers.

When visiting, the onion rings are definitely a must-have — hot and fresh out of the grease with rich and amazing batter.

I also enjoyed the wings (my favorite food), and I must say the cook did a fabulous job preparing every dish. This was my first time visiting Judy’s Place, and it will not be my last. Great job to Judy’s Place and the entire Judy’s team!”

JUDY’S PLACE • 3977 GOVERNMENT BLVD.

“The onion rings are definitely a must-have — hot and fresh out of the grease with rich and amazing batter.”

- Daniel Huggins on Judy’s Place

665-4547 • JUDYSPLACEMOBILE.COM

 What dishes made you drool and left you hungry for more? Share them on our Facebook page! may 2021 | mobilebaymag.com 15

FOOD | TASTINGS

Debris Po Boys & Drinks text by AMANDA HARTIN • photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU

D

ebris. In the often storm-ravaged South, it’s fair to say most people might associate the word with windblown limbs and whatnot. But that’s obviously not the kind of stuff they’re whipping up in downtown Mobile’s newest eatery, Debris Po Boys & Drinks.

In stark, more palatable contrast, their kitchen is dishing out New Orleans-style debris, pronounced “day-bree,” which is roast beef that’s been moistened with pan drippings and simmered until it’s fall-apart, melt-in-yo-mouth goodness. It’s the kind of aftermath you definitely don’t mind dealing with, especially when it’s sandwiched between authentic French bread, crispy on the outside and fluffy where it counts.

But debris isn’t all they’re slinging. Under the direction of chef Mark Strickland, the menu is teeming with traditional Louisianan-style sandwiches that’ve been infused with a smack of flair. To make the cochon de lait, for example, Strickland pulls out all the stops by using not one but two different cuts of pork, a tender amalgamation that’s accentuated with the tang of Wickles Pickles and Creole slaw.

“There are certain things I won’t budge on,” Strickland says of

the ingredients he uses. “Other than the proteins and vegetables, everything is made in-house, from the batter we coat the crabs with to the syrups we use at the bar.”

Finding a spot to belly-up at the 50-foot bar won’t be a problem. “It seats 30 people,” owner Noell Broughton proudly says of the gorgeous behemoth encompassing the entire west wall. In addition to wine and regional beers, diners can imbibe craft cocktails, like a hurricane made with premium Campesino Rum, as seen above and poured by general manager Alex Daniels.

Each overstuffed 6- or 12-inch po’boy comes with a bag of Zapp’s chips, but hot sides-of-the-day, like collards, etouffee and okra, can be added. Slaw and gumbo are regular options. And if you think grabbing a po’boy on your lunch hour sounds too messy, try a pistolette, a deep-fried bread roll that’s been stuffed with barbecue shrimp or crawfish. “We call it business attirefriendly eating,” Broughton laughs.

He knows a thing or two about keeping patrons happy and running a business — Debris is yet another establishment Broughton adds to his fold. His secret to success? He divulges, “Surround yourself with good people.” MB

 Debris Po Boys & Drinks • 276 Dauphin St. • 378-8133 • Facebook: Debris Po Boys & Drinks 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Su - W; 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Th - Sa

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FOOD | TASTINGS

PO’BOYS [ON THE MENU]

MEATBALL Pomodoro sauce and a blend of cheeses smother slow-braised meatballs, made of pork, veal and beef, for this Italian-inspired tour de force.

OYSTER ROCKEFELLER Plump fried oysters topped with smoky, sauteed spinach and dressed with a creamy Parmesan Rockefeller sauce. Served on garlic French bread.

FRIED SOFTSHELL CRAB Crispy blue crab rests atop a bed of lettuce, tomatoes and pickles.

Served with choice of cocktail, tartar or remoulade sauce.

DEBRIS

FRIED SOFT-SHELL CRAB

Slow-braised prime beef is melt-in-yourmouth perfection. The eponymous po’boy is dressed with lettuce, tomato, and mayo and served with au jus.

text and recipes by MAGGIE LACEY • portraits by SUMMER ENNIS ANSLEY food photography by ELIZABETH GELINEAU

TALK DERBY TO ME

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FOOD | BAY TABLES

Daphne’s Amy McDonald hosts an annual Kentucky Derby soiree, complete with red roses, betting pools and sweeping views of Mobile Bay. With the running of the roses thankfully back this May, we let her festive fete inspire a few perfect party ideas.

T

hree weeks after moving into a new home, most people are up to their knees in boxes, piles of clothes and chaos. Inviting over anyone who doesn’t have a broom in hand or a Ph.D. in organization is out of the question. But in early 2015, when Amy and Matt McDonald moved into their new home overlooking Mobile Bay in Daphne, Amy saw the potential for the perfect party. With a wide grassy lawn, beautiful pool and sweeping views of the water, she could envision elegant gatherings and fun nights with friends. Checking the calendar, the next event on the horizon was the Kentucky Derby, just three weeks later. Amy immediately issued the invitations.

That first Derby party was a smashing success, and the couple continued it the next four years.

“I love having a chance to get dressed up and entertain a little more formally,” Amy explains. They set a dress code for the party — Sunday dresses and finest hats for the ladies, suits or colorful spring attire for the gents. “We offer trophies for the best dressed men, women, and couple, and we put up a big betting board for the horse race. We just try to make it really fun.”

In addition to looking the part, guests enjoy catered food and the drink of choice for every race day — mint juleps. “I researched all the quintessential Derby foods and let that inspire the menu,” she says, which has included everything

from shrimp and grits to Kentucky hot brown sandwiches to bourbon bread pudding. And Champagne is always flowing.

Then in 2019, an opportunity came for the McDonalds to attend the Derby in person and watch from a private box. “We hated to cancel our annual event, but it was too good to pass up.” The couple and four friends spent the weekend enjoying everything the Bluegrass State has to offer, including a bourbon tasting at a local distillery, a lesson on how to bet on the race and the chance to watch scores of horses run, leading up to the main event. “We arrived at 11 a.m. for the races and the actual Derby isn’t run until 4 p.m., so we had a lot of fun all day. I know the first time you do something is the most impressive, but it was quite an experi-

ence! We sat right at the finish line, so it’s hard to beat that.”

The pandemic affected everything in 2020, including horse racing. The annual Kentucky event was postponed from May to September and run before a bare-bones crowd, so the McDonalds resurrected the annual party on a very small scale with just a few close friends. “It was wonderful to get together with some friends outside in the yard,” Amy remembers. When asked about 2021, however, she says they are heading back to the real thing and making it a girls’ weekend. “With all the parties we’ve had through the years,” she laughs, “I have plenty of hats to choose from!” MB Above, left to right Karissa Sanders, Cammie Adams and Helen Williams gather to cheer on their favorite horses.

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HOW TO HOST A SMASHING DERBY PARTY SET THE TONE Send invites (either paper or email) with an equestrian theme. Be sure to specify attire: Your best Derby dresses and hats encouraged!

EQUINE IT UP Add horsey touches to your table — think bits, leather, vintage riding helmets or even boots turned into vases. Easy tip: Buy plastic horses from the dollar or toy store and spraypaint them gold, then tuck them amongst your bar offerings or around the buffet.

JOIN THE SONG Every Derby begins at Churchill Downs with the crowd on their feet singing “My Old Kentucky Home.”

Those of us in south Alabama, however, would be hard-pressed to chime in.

Print the lyrics on small cards, and share with all your guests so they can join in on the chorus with gusto.

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THE SUN SHINES BRIGHT IN THE OLD KENTUCKY HOME, ‘TIS SUMMER, THE PEOPLE ARE GAY; THE CORN-TOP’S RIPE AND THE MEADOW’S IN THE BLOOM WHILE THE BIRDS MAKE MUSIC ALL THE DAY.

COME ON OVER Amy and Matt McDonald have opened their home for years to partygoers dressed in their Derby best. We let these fabulous soirees inspire a few fun ideas that guarantee a win, place and show at your own home.

MAKE IT FUN

PLACE YOUR BETS

Set up a betting board or have a prize for the best hat or best dressed. Let the winners take home the centerpiece.

Not the betting kind? Turn rosette ribbons from Amazon into name badges bearing the name of each horse set to run. Pass out to your guests upon arrival to wear on their lapel, and that will be their horse for the race. Assign prizes for win, place and show.

ROSEMARY WHISKEY PECANS MAKES 4 CUPS 1/4 cup unsalted butter 3 tablespoons sugar 1/4 cup Kentucky whiskey 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt 4 cups pecan halves 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

2. Add all ingredients except pecans and rosemary to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil, cooking for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add pecans and rosemary and toss to coat evenly. Spread pecans in an even layer on prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container until use.

Opposite Nathan Wood and Candice Watts won best dressed couple for obvious reasons.

Clockwise from top Hosts Amy and Matt McDonald.

Jolene Odom dons her elaborate Derby hat. (Left to right) Geoff Cochran, Rick Olsen, Matt McDonald and Stuart Holmes get in on the betting pool.

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RAISE THE BAR The mint julep has been an official part of the Kentucky Derby since the 1930s, but it is said that Churchill Downs planted mint outside the clubhouse for their juleps as far back as 1875. Juleps were certainly an important part of race day when Prohibition began in 1920, as the newspapers at the time lamented their absence.

Start collecting vintage julep cups from local antique stores to elevate your bar, or pick up a sleeve of plastic ones online in a pinch.

MINT JULEP MAKES 1 2 ounces Kentucky straight whiskey 1/4 ounce mint simple syrup crushed ice sprig fresh mint, for garnish

Pour whiskey and simple syrup over crushed ice in silver julep cup and garnish with fresh mint sprig.

While the mint simple syrup ensures each sip is full of flavor, tucking a fresh sprig of the herb in the cup makes sure the aroma hits your nose with every raise of the glass.

Mint Simple Syrup Combine 1 cup sugar with 1 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar.

Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves. Boil for one minute, then remove from heat and let cool. Strain the mint leaves out and discard. Store syrup in a glass jar in the fridge until use.

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LET THE BLUEGRASS STATE INSPIRE THE MENU Just like Amy McDonald, we looked to Louisville to inspire our Derby menu, including Benedictine spread, Kentucky hot brown sandwiches and plenty of the Bluegrass State’s famous bourbon.

Some chocolate and pecans nicely finish the day.

MAKE THE MOST OF TECHNOLOGY With smart TVs, bluetooth speakers and even projectors and outdoor screens, there is no reason you can’t easily take the Derby outside. Just test your setup ahead of post time to avoid tech glitches.

Opposite, left to right Amy McDonald, Kelly Calderone, Cammie Adams and Ashley Holmes are the epitome of spring in the South.

Clockwise from top Ashley Holmes fascinates. (Left to right) Bob Battaglia, Helen Williams, Cason Sanders and Karissa Sanders seek some shade.

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BENEDICTINE TEA SANDWICHES SERVES 12

Benedictine spread is also delicious served as a dip with raw vegetables and makes an elegant presentation when served on a leaf of endive.

Louisville’s Brown Hotel drew over 1,200 guests each evening throughout the 1920s for its famous dinner dances. By the wee hours of the morning, guests would grow weary of dancing and make their way to the restaurant for a bite to eat. Chef Fred Schmidt created an open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon and a delicate Mornay sauce to tempt tired partygoers, and hot brown history was made!

HOT BROWN SLIDERS MAKES 24 MINI SANDWICHES 2 ounces unsalted butter 2 ounces all-purpose flour 8 ounces heavy cream 8 ounces whole milk 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, plus 2 tablespoons for garnish pinch of ground nutmeg salt and pepper, to taste 12 slices thick-sliced brioche bread 14 ounces sliced roasted turkey breast 4 Roma tomatoes, sliced 8 slices crispy bacon, cut into three pieces paprika and diced parsley, for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a two‑quart saucepan, melt butter over medium‑low heat and slowly whisk in flour until well combined. Cook for two minutes, stirring frequently. Add cream and milk to the mixture and whisk over medium heat until the cream begins to simmer, about 2 ‑ 3 minutes.

Remove sauce from heat and slowly whisk in Pecorino Romano cheese until the Mornay sauce is smooth.

Add nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

2. Remove crusts from bread and slice in half to form 2 rectangles. (There will be 24 rectangles in all).

Arrange bread on a cookie sheet and toast until slightly golden and crisp. Remove from oven and set aside.

3. Fold one slice of turkey in half and then in half again to form a rectangle about the size of the toast.

Lay on top of one toast and repeat until all toasts have a folded slice of turkey. Add a tomato slice to each and then 1 tablespoon Mornay sauce. Sprinkle additional cheese on top of Mornay and then top with one piece of bacon. Return to oven and bake for 10 minutes, or just until the sauce is slightly bubbly. Remove from oven and sprinkle with paprika, top with parsley and serve immediately.

1 large cucumber 12 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons grated onion 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon mayonnaise pinch of cayenne pepper green food coloring (optional) loaf of miniature pumpernickel bread optional garnishes: sliced cucumber or radish, chopped parsley

1. Peel and grate cucumber and then squeeze out excess moisture. Add to a food processor with remaining ingredients (except the bread and garnishes) and combine until food coloring is evenly distributed. Refrigerate until use.

2. Use a small round cookie cutter to make circles out of bread slices. Top each slice with a small amount of cucumber spread and garnish as desired.

Louisville caterer Jennie Carter Benedict invented this cucumber spread in the late 1800s and served it on sandwiches in the restaurant she opened in 1893.

She catered all the best parties and weddings in Louisville, and her Derby menus were a must.

PECAN CHOCOLATE CHIP BARS MAKES 24 BARS 1 cup chopped pecans 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons light brown sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread pecans in a pie plate and toast for a few minutes, until golden. Set aside to cool.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and oil with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until creamy.

Add egg and vanilla and beat until smooth. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl and then add to the mixer at low speed. Add the chocolate chips and pecans and mix on low just until incorporated.

3. Line bottom of a 9-by-13inch baking pan with parchment paper. Turn dough out into pan and press into an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing. may 2021 | mobilebaymag.com 25

CROWNING GLORY DERBY-INSPIRED HATS CAN BE SHOWN OFF AT FAR MORE PLACES THAN JUST THE RACES.

text by AMANDA HARTIN photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU dress courtesy THE HOLIDAY model MADDY JONES

PURPLE SAUCER HATINATOR From the milliner’s private collection. Similar hats run $300.

FASHION | GOOD STUFF

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very first Saturday in May, hordes of spectators flock to the Kentucky Derby, dressed to the nines in varying shades of vibrant and subdued pastels. Hats, ranging from diminutive to galactic, perch atop coifed tresses, a visual display of each racegoer’s panache. “You can wear any kind of hat to the Derby,” says Valerie Vernon Case, local milliner and owner of Rua Flores Inspired Hats. “But typically, the hats are made in spring or summer colors.”

Wearing hats to the Derby has been a tradition since the race’s 1875 inception. Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., Kentucky Derby founder, drew inspiration from European racing events at which women were seen wearing genteel and elegant hats.

While the size of the hat was initially linked with fortune — the larger the luckier — nowadays it comes down to the individual’s personality and comfort level.

Although the Port City is 600 miles away from Churchill Downs, Southern belles know that hats and head accessories can be worn to far more occasions than just Derby-watching soirees. Garden parties, weddings, christenings and bridal showers are just a few additional suggestions.

And, of course, anything Mardi Gras related. Case adds, “I even made a hat for a woman to wear to her sister’s funeral — her sister was a hat fanatic.”

Case has been making custom hats in Mobile for three years, creating everything from button hats to fascinators, from hatinators to full hats.

And the pandemic has not slowed her production or creativity. “I’ve taken 30 hours of online classes, learning from milliners in Ireland, England, Australia and France.” Hearing that, it appears the world can agree on at least one thing: Hats are a fun way to accessorize. And Case agrees. “It’s amazing the impact a hat or head accessory has on an outfit.” MB

BLUE FREE-FORM HATINATOR Parasisal straw in azure blue, embellished with black crinoline, a black feather “tree” and a whimsical metallic flower. $300

IVORY TEARDROP SHAPED FASCINATOR Ivory sinamay fascinator, embellished with dramatically shaped, inky blue windowpane straw and vintage silk organza flower. $250

POLKA DOT FASCINATOR Free-form fascinator in ivory straw, embellished with loops of pink and polka dot straw and shaped with white feathers. $125

CORAL FASCINATOR From the milliner’s personal collection, custom dyed sinamay in coral with wide, dramatic swirls of metallic sinamay. Similar hats run $250

What’s the difference? A “fascinator” is a light and decorative accessory that fastens to the head with a clip, comb or headband. Also attached with a band, a “hatinator” is larger and gives the impression of a full hat. Hats are generally large and brimmed and sit directly on the head.

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DRAMATIC FASCINATOR IN METALLIC LILAC Dramatically uplifted sinamay fascinator featuring lurex threads, which give the metallic interest.

Embellished with a free-form straw ribbon. $250 IVORY SWIRL FASCINATOR From a customer’s collection, swirled jinsin molded with steam and embellished with a dangle of vintage flowers. Similar hats run $250

Words to know: Crinoline — stiff fabric made of polyester Jinsin — mix of straw and polyester thread Parasisal — finely woven sisal plant fibers Sinamay — woven abaca tree fibers

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BLACK TEARDROP SHAPED FASCINATOR Black sinamay teardrop shaped fascinator adorned with ivory and black-tipped feathers and a vintage pearl button. $250 IVORY AND BLACK PLEATED HATINATOR Graphic jinsin pleated, shaped and finished with black straw. Embellished with hand applied embroidery, straw and paper-mache pearl. $300

Want to see more? Valerie Vernon Case’s hats will be on display at downtown Mobile’s Sophiella Gallery, Friday, May 14, during LODA Artwalk.

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text by BRECK PAPPAS • photos by MATTHEW COUGHLIN

VIOLET GURU Spanish Fort’s Jere Trigg has an unquenchable passion for the African violet, and he thinks you should, too.

JERE’S AZURE SKY

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D

espite what you might think after walking through his home, Jere Trigg does have more than one interest. If you can see past the African violets jockeying for light in his windows, a Stauter boat is visible in the backyard of his Spanish Fort home — evidence of a freshwater fishing habit. An illustration of Bear Bryant, propped against the wall on a table of violets, points to another passion — the Crimson Tide.

But for Trigg, African violets cast a long shadow. In fact, for the 74-yearold (whose first name is pronounced “Jerry”), other interests take a backseat to, or in one case are combined with, his love of the plant.

“I thought it’d be great if I could develop a violet that has the colors of the University of Alabama,” says the bespectacled and white-haired Trigg. So the hobbyist went to work. After selecting the “parents,” a white flower from one plant and a red flower from another, Trigg very carefully used a razor blade to cut open one flower’s yellow pollen sac.

“Each African violet flower is referred to as a ‘perfect flower,’ meaning it contains both the male and female components. So you’re taking the male component off one flower and you’re applying that pollen to the stigma of the other flower, which will become what’s known as the seed parent.”

If the cross-pollination takes, a swelling at the base of the flower will eventually create a seedpod containing hundreds of seeds.

“If you get a little bit too exuberant about crosspollinating and plant too many seedpods, you can end up with several hundred seedlings before you realize what you’ve done,” Trigg says. “I bet you I had 500 seedlings trying to get this one perfect plant.” It took six months for the plants’ first flowers to bloom, but Trigg found that it was worth the wait.

“It just so happened that one of them had exactly the colors I was looking for,” he says.

Not only did the new plant have the right colors, but it was also a “chimera,” a rare type of violet that produces flowers with a pinwheel pattern — two colors with a distinct border.

“It’s a lot of luck,” Jere explains of the hybridization

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Top Jere Trigg is pictured in his home holding “Jere’s Roll Tide,” one of the more than 20 African violet varieties he’s created through hybridization.

Bottom Leaf propagation, a common method for duplicating African violets, involves cutting a leaf with a razor blade and rooting it in either potting mix or a jar of water.

process. “But the more plants I have, the luckier I get.”

In order to register the new red and white variety, to be named “Jere’s Roll Tide,” with the African Violet Society of America, Trigg first needed to clear the name with the trademark registration office at the University of Alabama. For the modest cost of a crafter’s license, he received the University’s blessing to sell Jere’s Roll Tide, but curiosity got the better of one employee in the trademark office; he asked Trigg to mail one of the violets to Tuscaloosa.

“And I said, ‘Well, I’ll tell you what, I can do better than that,’” Trigg remembers. “‘I’m going to bring you a plant.’ So I drove up there with two plants, and I gave one to him and I asked him to give the other one to Coach Saban’s wife. I don’t know if it ever made its way to her. I never heard back from him. But I felt like I did my part anyhow.”

Today, Trigg estimates he owns about 500 violets, spread across five rooms of his two-story home. Some sit in the light of a windowsill, but most are carefully arranged along shelves, under artificial lights. He used florescent lights for decades until he found that LED bulbs use up about one-third of the power.

Trigg moves from shelf to shelf, room to room, with the air of a college professor, explaining horticultural practices in a way that anyone could understand.

He relishes any opportunity to guide a violet newbie. For those who buy plants from him or follow him on Facebook, Trigg has become a sort of African violet guru within the community — Yoda with a green thumb. Though he never worked in academia, he acknowledges that his professional background left him well suited for this hobby.

Trigg received degrees in biology, environmental engineering and chemical engineering before working at Union Carbide, a chemical plant in Chickasaw, for 33 years.

“Having kind of a scientific mind is

helpful in terms of understanding why things work the way they do. But there are plenty of very good growers that are not necessarily scientists who just understand what to do, even if they don’t know why it works.”

About 45 years ago, a coworker gave Trigg his first African violet. To avoid the embarrassment of killing it, Trigg bought a book about the plant at the former Ibsen Seed Store in Mobile. He was soon propagating new violets by rooting the leaves of his lone plant, and before long, he was bringing in new violets to experiment with hybridization.

Since retiring 10 years ago, Trigg says his hobby has taken off in earnest.

Growing up in Midtown, just across the street from his alma mater Murphy High School, Trigg tinkered with plants in the backyard. “Both of my parents were interested in flowers and gardening,” he says, sitting on a stool at

“IT’S A FASCINATING AND CHALLENGING HOBBY THAT HAS ENABLED ME TO SPEND MY TIME DOING SOMETHING THAT IS MEANINGFUL.” his kitchen counter. “I always enjoyed watching stuff grow.”

Trigg has two sons himself, though he admits with a laugh that neither of them give African violets much thought. Maybe they will someday. A lot of people discover African violets later in life, often because they are gifted a plant from a parent or grandparent. Theoretically, Trigg explains, an African violet can live forever, making it the perfect pass-along plant, whether that be between friends or between generations.

The plant itself was first documented several generations ago, in 1892, when Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire dis-

covered one clinging to a cloudy mountain ledge in modern-day Tanzania.

Since that initial discovery, the violet has a proven knack for inspiring small pockets of devoted growers; people who grow African violets love meeting other people who grow African violets. Trigg considers himself just another grower in that long tradition.

“The thing that appealed to me about African violets is that when you grow them in your house, you’re in total control of all the conditions,” Trigg says. “And as long as you know what they need, then you can provide it.

There’s no reason not to be successful.”

Of course, total control also means total responsibility. Trigg spends about eight hours a week watering his collection of plants; part of the reason it takes so long is that, as he waters, he uses the opportunity to carefully inspect each violet, removing dead leaves and detaching spent blooms.

“So, basically, you take care of each plant about once a week,” he says.

When not tending to the violets he already has, Trigg’s making new ones.

There are several ways to propagate an African violet, but Trigg demonstrates the most common method: leaf propagation. By taking a razor blade to the base of a leaf and cutting at a 45-degree angle, Trigg can then root the leaf in water or potting mix. The result could spawn as many as 10 violets identical to the parent plant. For this reason, he jokes, beginners can accidentally “end up with more plants than they know what to do with. You could end up with as many as I’ve got!”

But nothing compares to the fun of hybridization. Trigg has created and registered more than 20 original African violet varieties, with names like Jere’s Starburst, Jere’s Lavender Lady and Jere’s Keg Party (the result of a cross between Jere’s Roll Tide and a variety named Powder Keg). For Trigg, the excitement comes from the unknown.

“There’s a certain amount of under-

may 2021 | mobilebaymag.com 33

standing of genetics that helps you to predict what percentage of seedlings will be one color and another color. But sometimes they’ll fool you,” Trigg explains. “Hybrid seedlings are kind of like human beings.

Every child of a human being is going to be different. They’re going to have some characteristics of the father and some characteristics of the mother. Some will favor one parent much more than others but because of the way recessive genes work, you may have a child that doesn’t look much like either parent.”

For five years now, Trigg has shared his extensive African violet knowledge as an instructor for the Eastern Shore Institute of Lifelong Learning (ESILL), a nonprofit adult-education organization in Fairhope.

“I enjoy the aspect of being able to promote it to others — to give them the opportunity to enjoy it like I have,” he explains.

Facebook has also allowed Trigg to do just that. In groups with names such as African Violet Addicts, African Violet Buddies and African Violet Nerds, Trigg shares photos of his newest varieties and offers advice to new growers. Facebook Marketplace has opened up another opportunity for Trigg: selling his violets. For $5 to $15, anyone can purchase a Trigg violet; for $5, you can also take home two leaves to try your hand at propagation.

“I don’t really make any money off of any of this because it’s a hobby for me, you know?” Trigg says. “It’s a fascinating and challenging hobby that has enabled me to spend my time doing something that is meaningful. During this pandemic, people were going stir-crazy, but I enjoyed working with my plants. It might not make sense to some people, but it makes sense to me, because as long as you’re doing something you enjoy, it doesn’t matter.” MB

If interested in purchasing some of Jere’s African violets, search for his name in Facebook Marketplace or email him at jatrigg@ msn.com. To check when Jere’s violet classes resume, visit esill.org.

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JERE’S HAILSTORM A mutation of another variety, Jere’s Purple Majesty, this violet and its barrage of blooms reminds Jere of an intense hailstorm.

“I THOUGHT IT’D BE GREAT IF I COULD DEVELOP A VIOLET THAT HAS THE COLORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA.”

JERE’S ROLL TIDE Out of about 500 seedlings, this one chimera variety emerged as the perfect tribute to the Crimson Tide.

JERE’S LAVENDER LADY Jere celebrates this variety’s simplicity. “In the modern world of African violet hybridizing, with all of the fancy bicolors, stripes, polka dots and variegated foliage, sometimes it’s nice to return to basic beauty.”

JERE’S TIE-DYE KISS This ancestor of Jere’s Roll Tide has “arbitrary patterns of red, pink and white that give it a tie-dyed look and an eye-catching quality.”

HOMES | DECORATING

WELCOME COLOR Designer Katherine Goldman makes a dramatic statement in this Fairhope foyer with a refreshing pop of bold color, and she shows you how to achieve the look. text by MAGGIE LACEY photos by SUMMER ENNIS ANSLEY

SWOON-WORTHY X BENCHES IN A FABRIC FROM RICH TEX RECOVERED BY PAULA BRACKINS OF EASTERN SHORE UPHOLSTERY

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THIS STUNNING WALL COLOR IS BOLD NARRAGANSETT GREEN

BY BENJAMIN MOORE

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home should be a reflection of the people who live there, and as an interior designer, Fairhope’s Katherine Goldman is constantly working to achieve that goal for her clients. Sometimes, however, she has to help them take the leap into a look they’ve never tried before. “Adding bold colors to your home can be intimidating,” she admits, “but don’t feel like you have to jump into the deep end right away.”

With a major focus on interiors after the amount of time everyone spent at home this past year, vibrant colors, luxe finishes and unexpected accessories are making a huge comeback; think the Roaring Twenties after World War I and the Spanish flu, and you get the idea. If you have a predominantly neutral or white interior, however, and are wondering if it’s even possible to bring color into your home, Goldman suggests you start by painting a small powder bath or kitchen island. “Ease yourself and your home into the idea of color.” It’s guaranteed to bring a little lift.

“I WAS THRILLED TO FIND THIS PAINTING BY THE LATE LOCAL ARTIST FRANTIC, STILL IN CIRCULATION.” VINTAGE OUSHAK RUG FROM AUBERGINE, FAIRHOPE

– KATHERINE GOLDMAN ‘3 ISLAND WOMEN’ PAINTING, RIGHT, BY FRANTIC, LYONS SHARE GALLERY, FAIRHOPE

ABSTRACT COLLAGE ART

BY KATHERINE GOLDMAN

BRIGHT POP OF COLOR ON THIS LAMPSHADE — AN AFFORDABLE AMAZON FIND!

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GOLDMAN’S TIPS FOR BOLD COLOR FIND YOUR BALANCE One of my favorite ways to incorporate bold colors, whether with art, paint or textiles, is to balance the bold with other classic and neutral design choices. Going bold in every aspect of a room can be jarring to the eye and look busy. In this foyer, the walls, art and textiles are bold, but the books are neutral, the antique console adds a classic element to the room and the rug softens the space. Plants are

a favorite neutral of mine as well.

COVER IT ALL When going bold with paint, I love to cover the room’s walls, ceiling and trim in the same color for a dramatic effect. In general, this applies to rooms that have a definite beginning and ending and do not share walls with another room. A bold, contrasting trim is also a fun way to add some visual interest to a room.

LOOKING UP Ceilings are another great place to try bold color. If you are not quite ready to paint your walls and trim, try painting the ceiling of your powder bath, dining room or bedroom a vibrant or moody color. This is a great opportunity to play with high sheen or metallic paints as well. If you know you are going with a white ceiling, however, I recommend staying with a tried-and-true ceiling paint that has a very flat sheen.

PICK THE RIGHT PAINT TRY THESE BEAUTIES ON FOR SIZE

TOWNSEND HARBOR BROWN You can’t go wrong with this warm, muted brown, a part of Benjamin Moore’s Historic Color collection.

GREEN SMOKE A color inspired by both interior rooms and exterior trims of the late 19th century, this Farrow & Ball color feels classic and slightly weathered.

NAVAL Sherwin Williams 2020 Color of the Year, this confident hue works as well on kitchen cabinets and exterior trim as it does on walls.

INDIA YELLOW A moody mustard

by Farrow & Ball that will warm up any space with its rich tones.

PAINT FINISHES 101 Goldman prefers painting walls in a flat or eggshell sheen. These sheens do not scrub clean as easily as others, but they do touch up with virtually no evidence of the fix.

Satin is a great choice for trim, and if you are looking for a bit more shine and ability to wipe clean, semigloss on trim is the way to go. Touch-ups on satin and semigloss tend to be more visible than those on walls painted in a flat sheen. MB

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DREAMY

PLANTERS Michelle Prouty of Fairhope’s Corner Copia Gardens takes the mystery out of creating the perfect planter for every outdoor setting.

text by DOOLEY BERRY photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU planter styling by MICHELLE PROUTY wardrobe by THE HOLIDAY

“THE TRAILING SENECIO SUCCULENT ADDS STRIKING COLOR AND TEXTURE WHEREVER YOU PUT IT.” – Michelle Prouty

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Master gardener and Baldwin County resident, Michelle Prouty, is one of those lucky souls indulging her life’s passions — growing and tending to the healthiest plants she can find and educating fellow gardeners through dynamic presentations and informative classes. Also high on her list of priorities is managing her own nursery and garden center, Corner Copia Gardens, in Fairhope.

“I come from a gardening family,” Michelle says, remembering her grandmother’s picturesque Southern garden filled with flowers and vegetables. “My parents also had gardens, so I come by it naturally. But I ended up studying marketing and statistics at Auburn, not horticulture. It just didn’t occur to me at the time to make a living from horticulture.”

Making a living from horticulture is now her life’s work. Michelle began designing beautiful custom planters and traffic-stopping gardens a few years back, which led her to start her own small, but quick-growing nursery, Corner Copia, then located in Silverhill. The cottage nursery and scattered greenhouses began bursting at the seams with both plants and people. More space was needed, and Michelle took over the former Wilsey’s Nursery on Highway 181 in Fairhope.

“We have so much more space here on this beautiful property, “ she says.

More plants, more space for educational facilities and classes, walking trails, and even promises of a wedding and party venue are on the horizon.

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Even though Michelle is deeply involved in all aspects of running her blooming nursery business, at the end of the day, it is the love of gardening and helping people that sustains her dedication.

“I AM TRULY LIVING MY DREAM. I WORK SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, BUT I LOVE IT.” – Michelle Prouty

COTTON DRESS

BY SALONI $395 HOOP EARRINGS BY MARY K KENDIG $58 FROM THE HOLIDAY

SUCCULENT BOWL (page 41) Michelle has combined a striking mother-in-law tongue, or snake plant, with lemon ball Sedum and angel wing Senecio to produce a dramatic, good-looking succulent trio. “The shades of green in this bowl,” she says, “paired with the lemon yellow of the Sedum and brilliant white toothy leaves of the Senecio produce a striking, easy care arrangement.”

“I LIKE THESE RATHER FORMAL PLANTERS AT ENTRYWAYS OR PORCHES. TOPIARY EUGENIA IS RELATIVELY SLOW-GROWING, SO IT NEEDS TRIMMING ONLY OCCASIONALLY TO KEEP ITS BALL SHAPE.”

Mother-In-Law Tongue

The dependable snake plant, with its very interesting sword-like leaves, is the center of attention here.

It is a succulent of stamina that can survive indoors in low light conditions, drought and with some neglect. The beneficial leaves will help clear the air by filtering toxins.

Lemon-Ball Sedum

Sansevieria trifasciata is a chartreuse green succulent that cascades over the bowl in a nice trail. Like most succulents, Sedum likes well-drained soil and thrives in heat and sun.

Angel Wing Senecio

CLASSICALLY ROMANTIC

The attention-grabbing angel with its toothy, silvery white and velvety leaves creates a bold backdrop to the green and yellow of this setting. Senecio is prized for its fast growth rate, and it also likes a sunny location and does well in succulent containers and gardens.

Topiaries add a formal touch to the front door.

This planter does best in indirect or filtered sunlight.

Planter GLAZED LOW BOWL

Topiary Eugenia

This evergreen shrub can be sheared into almost any shape, such as cones, spirals or balls.

If used indoors, it needs plenty of light, and if used outdoors, it should be brought inside when frost threatens. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely, as the leaves will wilt dramatically.

Pink Begonias

The soft pink flowers add a pop of color in this rather formal planter.

“Begonias are so versatile, they are very well suited for growing in planters,” Michelle says.

“They grow and spread easily in containers and will last for months.”

White Hypoestes

Also known as a polka-dot plant, this beauty adds a touch of polka-dotty fun when placed in just the right spot. Michelle says, “The brightly spotted leaves of this lovely little plant stand out well against the greens and muted pink begonias.”

22” x 11” • $98

Variegated Ivy

The variegated ivy blends in well in this topiary arrangement, but remember that its leaves will burn if placed in direct sunlight. “The ivy is planted at the base of the topiary so that it can sprawl over the edges of the pot,” Michelle says.

Planter

LAVASTONE URN 14.5” X 13.5” • $80

ABOUT SUCCULENTS THESE DAYS, SUCCULENTS ARE QUITE POPULAR, WITH GOOD REASON. THERE IS A WIDE VARIETY OF SUCCULENTS BASED ON LEAF SHAPES AND HEIGHTS AND WHETHER THE SUCCULENT FLOWERS OR NOT. THEY ARE ALL EASY TO CARE FOR AND LOOK TERRIFIC GROUPED IN A PLANTER OR SCATTERED AROUND ON A SUNNY PATIO. SUCCULENTS NEED ABOUT SIX OR SO HOURS OF SUNLIGHT EACH DAY, AND IT DOESN’T TAKE MUCH TIME TO KEEP THEM WATERED. JUST MAKE SURE THE CONTAINER HAS GOOD DRAINAGE AS SUCCULENTS DO NOT LIKE WET FEET.

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TROPICAL DRAMA This planter is all about texture — spiky and fuzzy leaves complement one another.

Red Angel-Wing Begonia

The exotic-looking begonia likes humidity, sunny places, and lots of water and will grow and spread all summer long. It is a fast grower and can be pruned to the desired foliage shape.

The extraordinary name originates from its angel wing-shaped leaves.

“THIS LARGE, DRAMATIC PLANTER WILL GO ALL SUMMER WITH PROPER CARE. IT LIKES AND NEEDS PLENTY OF WATER. AS THE MONTHS GO BY, IF A PLANT DOES DIE OUT IN THE HEAT, JUST REPLACE IT WITH ANOTHER WITH THE SAME SOIL AND LIGHT NEEDS.”

White Hip-Hop Euphorbia This ornamental euphorbia produces multiple small white flowers on a dense mass of green foliage. It is very heat and drought tolerant, and its mounding habits make it an ideal addition to hanging baskets.

Michelle likes to use it as a substitute for baby’s breath in arrangements.

Lavender Purple Petunias

The large lush blooms add a dramatic color pop in this planter.

Elephant’s Ear

The impressive center in this showy planter is the well-known Alocasia. It is a tender perennial with enormous ruffled green leaves borne on strong purple stems. The leaves are arrow-shaped at their base and stand upright. Michelle chose it because it can be a pure tropical expression to lend a lush and breezy feel to the arrangement.

White Angelonia

This mounding plant and compact grower will remain about a foot tall and is covered with white blooms that can grow large and resemble small snapdragons.

This pretty little plant loves the heat and will flower most of the summer.

Creeping Jenny

This elegant, sweeping plant will hang over the side of the pot, making it an ideal spiller plant that won’t smother the surrounding plants. Creeping Jenny’s yellow-green foliage contrasts nicely with the dark greens and brightly colored flowers.

Planter

STEEL CUBE PLANTER 26.75” X 26.75” $600

PLANTER POINTERS • THERE IS AN ALMOST UNLIMITED SELECTION OF CONTAINER CHOICES. BASKETS OR POTS MADE IN A MYRIAD OF MATERIALS LIKE TERRA COTTA, WOOD AND METAL — EVEN TREE TRUNKS— MAKE ATTRACTIVE AND EYE-CATCHING OPTIONS. • USE A GOOD QUALITY SOIL THAT WILL PROVIDE ADEQUATE DRAINAGE AND NECESSARY PLANT NUTRIENTS, LIKE A GOOD POTTING SOIL.

• MAKE SURE YOUR PLANTER HAS DRAINAGE HOLES ON THE BOTTOM SO THAT EXCESS MOISTURE WON’T BUILD UP IN THE SOIL. • WATERING LONG AND DEEP WILL KEEP MOST CONTAINER-GROWN PLANTINGS PERFECTLY HAPPY. • GROUP SUN-LOVERS TOGETHER, AND GIVE SHADE-LOVING PLANTS THEIR OWN CONTAINER. MB

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Grandfathered

INN

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text by BRECK PAPPAS • photos by MATTHEW COUGHLIN

BUILDER ROBERT BROWN FINDS THAT RENOVATING A CLASSIC THIRD-GENERATION BAY HOUSE IS A LABOR OF LOVE, A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE AND A TUG-OF-WAR BETWEEN THE PAST AND THE PRESENT.

GORDON “PAPA” SMITH WAS A MAKER, THROUGH AND THROUGH. As the president of Smith’s Bakery, founded by his father Gordon “Boss” Smith, Papa made bread that sustained his generation of Mobilians. As a father, he made a haven for his children on the shores of Mobile Bay, a classic Bay house that stands today in testament to a former way of life. As a craftsman, toiling in a small garage on the property, he made the Adirondack chairs, tables and the porch swing that adorned the home.

Papa Smith didn’t need much: a pipe, a brackish breeze drifting in from the Bay, his grandchildren at his knee and a Braves game on the transistor radio.

These things suited him just fine. As the years passed, the hurricanes came and went, the wharves were washed away and rebuilt and Papa Smith’s children — then grandchildren — grew up, as children and grandchildren tend to do. The house, as photographs testify, changed little.

Robert Brown says Opposite The dining he was one of those room’s distinctive windows allow for a knee-dwelling grandsteady breeze. children, made to use Right Builder Robert the outdoor shower Brown stands in the around back to wash living room of the Bay off the mud and Bay house built by his grandfather. before being allowed

may 2021 | mobilebaymag.com 47

Left Brown’s grandmother Ruth is often remembered for her belief that “the house is never happier than when it’s full of people,” as evidenced by this large family photo from around 1963. Papa is visible in the front row with two grandchildren in his lap. PHOTO COURTESY CATHY HUETTEMAN

back in the house. Today, the 49-year-old is himself a maker; since 1998, Brown has worked as a home builder and renovator on the Eastern Shore. But his latest project is something altogether different for the veteran builder. In July, Brown purchased the old Bay house outright from a collection of cousins, with the intent to renovate the once-thriving summer escape into a home suitable for his family of five.

On this spring morning, the property is akin to a construction site. Brown steps over deep tire tracks of orange puddles. Heavy equipment hums around the corner. When it was decided the house would be sold, Brown and his cousins nearly resigned themselves to the fact that the outdated home, once outside of family control, would be demolished.

His subsequent decision to purchase it was almost as much of a surprise to himself as it was to his extended family.

“My main objective is to save the house,” he says, sitting outside its back door. “That’s why I’m doing this.”

The space that was once “Papa’s Workshop” remains, where nuts and bolts lived in tiny glass jars and grandchildren knew to return a tool to the exact hook they found it on. Brown pauses at the doorframe and points to a notch in the wood, evidence of a childhood accident. “I was coming through this door pushing my buddy in the wharf cart, and that little nick right there is where the hub of the wheel caught. The handle hit and knocked my two front teeth out. Every time I walk by here, I have a flashback.”

This offhand story of dental misfortune speaks volumes about the home and about the tightrope Brown walks while renovating it, where every scratch and blemish tells a story, like memories in braille. This challenge, bringing the house into the 21st century without compromising its place in fam48 mobilebaymag.com | may 2021

ily history, isn’t lost on Brown. He might not get all of the nuts and bolts exactly where Papa would like them, but he’s intent on getting it close.

Relic of yesteryear Papa Smith’s two-story home stands today as one of the last vestiges of classic Bay living. Built three miles south of the Grand Hotel in 1947 by a man named Porter Boast (who would later be hired to work for the bakery), and somewhat designed by Papa’s wife Ruth, the home was constructed of longleaf pine and cypress, both rot-resistant woods. Though the house has flooded twice in its lifetime, during Frederic and Katrina, its wooden bones absorbed the watery punch like a prize-fighter and lived to fight another round.

Grandmother Ruth, in another prescient decision, wanted the home to be surrounded on three sides by a wide screenedin porch. In a beautiful written tribute to the home, Caitlin Huetteman, a great-granddaughter of Papa Smith, describes, “The house is like one large porch, with each room connecting to the next via old wooden doors that have expanded from the heat so many times that they no longer fully close.” The first floor “has many bedrooms, named after the kid who slept there in those first summers, while the second floor is full of little alcoves, providing no privacy but plenty of opportunity to whisper with your cousins in the middle of the night.”

Caitlin’s mother Cathy remembers the nicknames Papa assigned his grandchildren: names like Little Bitty Buddy, Nook, Gorgeous. “But oh my gosh, if you were running up from the wharf, you better not come storming through the living room when the golf was on and he was sitting in his chair,” she remembers with amusement. “You got in big trouble.”

Leading a tour of the home, Brown pauses in the dining room and considers its wall of window panels. He remembers how the adults would pop out the bottom row of panels, hose off the room and watch as the water carried sandy footprints down the sloping floor and disappeared outside.

Brown is full of such memories as a child of the Eastern Shore. “My mom had four siblings, so each got a couple of weeks to come over with their families,” he explains. “We’d come over and spend several weeks here every summer. This was our summer camp. I was very fortunate to be able to spend so much of my childhood on the Bay.” By day, Brown and his siblings puttered around in a Stauter boat, careful to stay within the boundaries mandated by the grownups. At night, with no air conditioning in the house, the wraparound porch offered the best opportunity to catch a breath of cool air; Brown’s family all slept on the southside porch, carried off to sleep by the breeze and the rhythmic drone of crickets and tree frogs.

After graduating from Fairhope High School, Brown joined the Army and was deployed to Saudi Arabia for six months during the first Gulf War. Upon returning home, he enrolled at Auburn, graduated in 1998 and began dating his high school sweetheart Monteigne. The couple’s wedding reception was held at the old Bay house, their nuptial cake placed on the 13foot table that was, and still is, the main fixture of the dining room. It’s no coincidence that Papa had the table built of white ash — the same wood used for baseball bats.

After college, Brown partnered with Fairhope’s Cliff Pitman to form Pitman Brown Building Company, where his main focus has been the construction of high-end custom homes in Baldwin County.

All the while, the Bay home remained. After Papa and Ruth died, the home’s ownership transferred to their children, then

Clockwise from top left The Bay home under construction, 1947. Papa and Ruth at their Bay retreat, 1950. A Smith family cousin, Dukie D’Olive, plays around on a ladder during the home’s construction.

Papa was an avid duck hunter, so hunting dogs were a constant presence at the house. During the summer, family members who worked for the bakery would drive to Mobile in the morning and return to the Bay house in the evening.

PHOTOS COURTESY CATHY HUETTEMAN

may 2021 | mobilebaymag.com 49

their children. Brown was one of 12 cousins who shared SIBLINGS, SO EACH GOT ownership, and when the A COUPLE OF WEEKS TO decision was made to sell the COME OVER WITH THEIR house outside of the family, he was motivated to find a way FAMILIES,” HE EXPLAINS. to ensure the old-fashioned “WE’D COME OVER AND home wouldn’t be sold, deSPEND SEVERAL WEEKS molished and replaced with a glittering new construction.

HERE EVERY SUMMER. “I think God puts you in THIS WAS OUR SUMMER places at certain times for a CAMP. I WAS VERY reason, and I think me being in the industry that I’m in, FORTUNATE TO BE and especially building right ABLE TO SPEND SO MUCH here between the Grand HoOF MY CHILDHOOD tel and Highway 1 for the last couple of years, kind of ON THE BAY.” honed me in and said, ‘Alright, here’s an opportunity.’”

Yet the decision was far from easy; in order to fulfill his dream of renovating the Bay house and moving his family in, Brown would have to say goodbye to the family’s current Fairhope home.

“It was on Fly Creek, and we liked everything about it. We just had no idea that this opportunity was going to come around.”

The move outside of Fairhope’s city limits also meant that Brown would have to resign from the Fairhope City Council. “I loved serving the city of Fairhope, but I think there’s times for everything,” he says. “And this was a once“MY MOM HAD FOUR

50 mobilebaymag.com | may 2021

in-a-lifetime opportunity to live in a third-generation house that I couldn’t pass on.”

Time to get moving After purchasing the home last summer, Brown was first faced with the daunting task of raising the entire structure in order to put it above Base Flood Elevation.

“If you renovate a house in a flood zone,” he explains, “you can’t do more than 50 percent of the value of the house in renovations if it’s below base flood.”

The months-long process was accomplished by a grid of wooden and steel beams, a hydraulic jack and a whole lot of patience. Now, the home sits about two feet higher than before, which gives its new owner peace of mind.

“So, historically, if the house was at this elevation, in its 80 or so years, it never would have flooded,” Brown says.

Now, he can turn his attention to making the home suitable for a full-time family in 2021. The Bay house he knew as a kid only had one full bathroom for its four bedrooms, none of which was a true master. Through floorplan adjustments, Brown is busy enlarging the bedrooms while adding three baths. Every decision, however, comes with a cost.

“So the biggest change unfortunately that I had to do to modernize was … I had to close in the porches on both sides of the house,” he says. While the Bayside porch will remain, the house will absorb the north and south porches in order to compensate for the additional utility rooms and bathroom space Brown is adding. It’s a decision that represents the balancing act Brown must perform every day, simultaneously serving the past and the present.

Opposite page, left to right Through the years, and the fashion trends, the Bay house has been the scene of many get-togethers. Brown’s uncle Robert Smith entertains his niece and nephews on the Bay-side porch. Many summer birthday parties were held for grandchildren around the dining room table.

This page, top to bottom Monteigne and Robert Brown hope to have their family moved into the multigenerational home by the Fourth of July. Robert and Monteigne cut their wedding cake on Papa’s white ash dining room table, 1998. The Bay house, pictured before Brown’s purchase.

“I’m doing my absolute best to keep it as much original as possible with the understanding that it’s got to be comfortable to live in,” he explains.

Other decisions have been easy: adding central heat and air, installing new plumbing and wiring. As for the upstairs, what was once one big room with a bed at each dormer will become two separate bedrooms and baths in addition to a game room and reading area. Standing at an upstairs dormer, one can gaze down on the wharf, which still bears the scars of last year’s Hurricane Zeta.

“The wharf experienced many transformations due to changing times and shifting tides,” Papa’s great-granddaughter Caitlin remembers, but it’s not the only thing that’s evolved over time.

“The house has had many names over the years,” Brown reminisces.

“We will call it Grandfathered Inn.” If all goes according to plan, the Brown family hopes to spend the Fourth of July in their new residence, gathered around Papa’s baseball bat table, beside the panel windows Ruth adored. And if the wind is just right at 1:20 p.m, as the Braves take on the Marlins, the Browns might step onto the screened-in porch, just in time to catch the faintest whiff of pipe smoke on the breeze. MB may 2021 | mobilebaymag.com 51

reedAVENUE reno

text by CHRISTY REID photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU hair and makeup by GIGI WELLS

Modern style with European influence blends with a historic craftsman home in Mobile.

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dining

The swinging doors, now painted Inkwell

by Sherwin Williams, were a selling point of the home for Christina. Her parents’ Dutch dining table from the 1940s inspired the style of the interior, and she selected “Clouds Over Pensacola” by artist Benjamin Shambeck for the wall. As for the Brianna Chandelier by Generation Lighting, Christina says, “I wanted some nod to tradition but nothing overboard, and I thought this was a nice homage to tradition and my modern style.”

may 2021 | mobilebaymag.com 53

i

It’s a beautiful early-spring day in Midtown as I walk from our home a few blocks away to that of Dr. Christina K. Lindeman. The hustle and bustle of Dauphin Street dies down as I turn onto Reed Avenue. Under the oak canopies, neighbors walk their dogs on their midday breaks. Toys are strewn about yards, a nod to the playtimes that are enjoyed by neighborhood kids. Each house has a front porch made for afternoons spent lingering with family and friends, and Lindeman’s house is no different. I walk up the brick pathway that leads to her gracious porch.

At a street party in 2019, Lindeman, an associate professor of art history at the University of South Alabama, first spotted the home that was “coming soon” and called realtor Melanie Seymour. After several tours, she determined the house could be made perfect for her and her 11-year-old son, Wyatt. The location was ideal — Wyatt could walk or ride his bike to school, and he has friends in the neighborhood.

Through the glass pane of her front door, I spot her enjoying coffee on the sofa. When she opens the door, I am immediately greeted by Eevee, a Teddy Bear Goldendoodle who is oblivious of her size. She bolts to the yard, and Lindeman bribes her back in with biscuits, insisting she must soon attend puppy school.

As she closes the door, an original doorbell in the center of the frame catches my eye, and she shows me how it works. The interior

54 mobilebaymag.com | may 2021

walls echo the white and dark color scheme of the exterior, and Lindeman’s contemporary, modern style is felt and seen immediately.

Lindeman collaborated with Seymour, who became a redesign consultant after serving as her realtor. “She understood my aesthetic and was very helpful laying out the kitchen, downstairs bathroom and finishing details,” Lindeman says. Seymour then introduced her to Matt Arensberg at Dueitt Construction, and she conveyed her ideas to him. Lindeman was already planning to welcoming porch work with exterior designer Christina had the Catherine Arensberg on the exterior painted landscaping and outdoor Nebulous White, dormers and shutters space.

A step inside the front Outerspace and the porch floor Tin Lizzie, door puts us in the dining all by Sherwin Williams. room, anchored by a The shutters were 1940s Danish dining table custom made by Bob Collier and can be Lindeman inherited from closed during storms to her mother. The piece protect the old glass. served as inspiration for the A 5-piece Beadnell sectional from Joss & entire home. Lindeman’s Main provides plenty of parents are from Germany, seating and versatility.

“I LOVED THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE WITH GORGEOUS EARLY 20THCENTURY WINDOWS, DOORS AND ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS.” – Christina Lindeman

may 2021 | mobilebaymag.com 55

living “I like spending time together in the family room watching TV,” Wyatt says. Christina had a wall taken out to transform the kitchen and living rooms into one open space. The furniture is anchored on a dark blue and ivory Puxico Oriental rug. A round wood coffee table from West Elm centers the space. A pair of blue velvet chairs bring texture and color to the sitting area. Pillows covered in patterned fabric from West Elm tie in the color scheme.

kitchen

and she has spent her fair share of time abroad. “Holland is one of my favorite countries, and I appreciate modern Scandinavian design,” says the 17th-century Dutch art professor whose research area is 18th-century German-speaking regions.

Opposite the dining area is Lindeman’s office where she has worked from home, due to COVID-19, since moving in August 2020. “It’s so nice to have a space of my own,” she says. From behind her desk, she looks out the doors that open onto her porch, and she has a view of her front yard and quaint street.

Eevee jumps up in one of a pair of club chairs that faces the desk. Lindeman confesses her affinity for prints as I glance at the displays on the mantel and above her parents’ Danish modern sideboard. While working in her office, Lindeman plays her parents’ old opera records on a new turntable. Luciano Pavarotti’s “Hits from Lincoln Center” is currently at the top of her playlist.

Walking back through the dining room, Lindeman points out the swinging doors, a feature that, along with the fireplaces, sold her on the home. We walk through them to the living room. “This is where my love for the home stopped when I Cont’ d on page 59 56 mobilebaymag.com | may 2021

A large kitchen island, constructed extra tall to be the perfect ergonomic height for Christina, serves many purposes. “It’s a space where Wyatt can do his homework, I can be on my computer, we can eat and even fold laundry,” Christina says. “In the early 20th century, homes had designated rooms, but in the 21st century, multiuse rooms are what we needed. Particularly when you’re living in a pandemic.”

While she doesn’t consider herself a cook, she will serve up charcuterie on the island when entertaining guests. The light is a Sputnik chandelier from Overstock. Gary Bar & Counter Stools

by Wade Logan line the bar. The hood is

by Custom Premier Cabinets.

working from home Christina spends her days in her home office teaching her USA students, researching and writing. Her book, “Representing Duchess Anna Amalia’s Bildung: A Visual Metamorphosis in Portraiture from Political to Personal in Eighteenth-Century Germany” was published in 2017.

“WORKING ON MY PANDEMIC HOUSE MADE ME WANT TO GO BACK FOR ANOTHER DEGREE IN INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE! I HAVE ALL THE DESIGN HISTORY COURSES — WHY NOT?!”

– Christina Lindeman

pattern Christina wanted to go bold and graphic in the powder room. She chose the Thibault Demetrius wallpaper from the Bridgehampton Collection from Cotton Capers. The floor tile is a white hexagon with French grey grout. Over the sink hangs a Legend 2 Modern Globe Wall Sconce in brass and kelly green

by Dutton Brown. may 2021 | mobilebaymag.com 57

outdoor living Visitors have told her they feel vacation vibes from the outdoor space. The ceiling was created from tongue and groove pine with just a clear coat instead of stain or paint to add to the modern aesthetic.

“I PLANNED AT THE BEGINNING TO HAVE A SEPARATE KID PLAY / GAMING SPACE AND THE UPSTAIRS WORKED OUT PERFECTLY. THE ‘CLUBHOUSE’ IS NOW WYATT’S FAVORITE ROOM.” – Christina Lindeman

playful spaces Christina saw the kid’s bathroom upstairs as an opportunity to do something modern and wild. “Wyatt’s favorite color is orange, so we went with a hexagon in orange for the floor, and for the shower I wanted something graphic,” Christina recalls. The tilers did not enjoy putting the graphic pattern up because lines obviously had to be precise since they used dark grout.

58 mobilebaymag.com | may 2021

was first looking at it,” Lindeman admits.

A previous wall with a fireplace and wet bar made the room much smaller. What was once a dark and narrow galley-style kitchen is now a spacious bright space.

The home was completely gutted in order to be made new, and construction began right as the pandemic started. Once everything was laid out, the home was pieced back together. “Then the fun stuff started happening,” Lindeman recalls.

It was summertime by this point, so she was able to be very hands-on and learned a lot overseeing the project. “I study visual culture and art, and I analyze through my sight,” Lindeman shares.

Stepping out the back door, she points out that the steps are made of bricks that were formerly the fireplace in the wall she had taken out. They lead to a back patio where Lindeman enjoys her morning coffee or evening wine. Since move-in day, friends have been visiting, and the patio provides the perfect safe space for visits.

Back inside, she shows me her master bedroom. She opens the drawers under her bed to reveal her new attempts at Marie Kondo folding. She decided to save the space of a dresser by having drawers under her bed. Wyatt, a swimmer for the City of Mobile Swim Association, has an affinity for the water, as evidenced by the art and colors in his room.

Upstairs is the “clubhouse.” After school, Wyatt and his friends enjoy snacks and drinks while they watch TV, play Xbox, foosball and break out the LEGO bins. Lindeman likes to hear the laughter and shouts from downstairs.

Lindeman revels in how the space flows from the front porch to the back patio.

The historic home has received a breath of fresh air and contains a peaceful and calm ambience. “The finished product really conveys the Scandinavian concept of hygge — comfort, happiness and contentment.” MB

may 2021 | mobilebaymag.com 59

[MOBILE BAY MAGAZINE PRESENTS]

NURSES TO KNOW photos by CHAD RILEY

MEET SOME OF THE BAY AREA’S MOST OUTSTANDING CAREGIVERS WHO ARE FOLLOWING THEIR PASSION TO HEAL, INSPIRE HOPE AND GIVE BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITIES.

60 mobilebaymag.com | may 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | NURSES TO KNOW

“JANINE AND I HAVE WORKED SIDE BY SIDE FOR 21 YEARS. I CAN’T IMAGINE RUNNING MY PRACTICE WITHOUT HER.” – Edward Carlos, M.D, Internal Medicine

J

anine Littre earned her nursing degree in 1996, and for the past 21 years, she has worked at Alabama Medical Group alongside internist Dr. Edward Carlos.

Vital to her role as nursing station leader is Janine’s level-headed demeanor, genuine kindness and easy rapport with both colleagues and patients.

“The patients are what I love most about my job,” Janine says. “They are like family because they have been seeing Dr. Carlos for many years. It feels good to know that I have had a hand in the treatment and healing of those who are sick.”

When not caring for patients, Janine enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, working in her yard and playing with her fur babies.

ALABAMA MEDICAL GROUP

Janine Littre LPN, INTERNAL MEDICINE

ALABAMA MEDICAL GROUP

Founded in 1946, Alabama Medical Group is the largest physician-owned, multispecialty medical practice in Mobile, Alabama, with more than 200 employees, three clinic locations and specialized providers.

101 Memorial Hospital Drive, Suite 200 • 251-414-5900 • AlabamaMedicalGroup.com may 2021 | mobilebaymag.com 61

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“IN TRYING TIMES SUCH AS THESE,

I FEEL EXTREMELY BLESSED

TO HAVE BEEN AFFORDED THE OPPORTUNITY TO FULFILL MY LIFELONG PASSION OF HELPING OTHERS.” – Christie McAnally

S

pringhill Medical Center’s Surgery Department manager, Christie McAnally, RNFA, BSN, CNOR, is the gold standard of a successful, dedicated, goaloriented, hard-charging leader. Her willingness to step in and roll up her sleeves to get a job done is a shining example of her commitment to her staff.

Christie manages the day-to-day challenges of a busy operating room schedule and is responsible for the department’s fiscal well-being. She also flexes her business savvy by recruiting top-notch physicians and professionals to Springhill Medical.

But it’s Christie’s can-do attitude and perseverance that are key to how she manages the challenges of a busy 13-bed surgical department. Christie inspires her 50-plus employees and collaborates closely with the anesthesiologists and surgeons to ensure they have what they need to best care for patients.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present ever-changing challenges, it is Christie’s steely resolve and outof-the-box problem solving that continues to successfully bring the surgery department through each challenge.

SPRINGHILL MEDICAL CENTER

Christie McAnally RNFA, BSN, CNOR, SURGERY DEPARTMENT MANAGER

SPRINGHILL MEDICAL CENTER

Springhill Medical Center comprises a 263-bed hospital, heart center, senior residence, sleep medicine center, cancer center, orthopaedic surgery center, hyperbaric center, and emergency department.

3719 Dauphin Street • 251-344-9630 • springhillmedicalcenter.com

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“LINDA ALWAYS TRIES TO HELP MAKE EVERY PART OF OUR PATIENTS’ DISEASE OR VISIT BETTER. WE ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE HER ON OUR TEAM AT OUR PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY CLINIC IN MOBILE.” – Dr. Melissa Mannion, Children’s of Alabama and UAB Pediatric Rheumatology

W

PHOTO COURTESY CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA

CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA

Linda McAllister

hile her friends dreamed of being princesses and ballerinas, Linda dreamed of being a nurse. And not just any nurse, she wanted to be a pediatric nurse.

After graduating from the University of Alabama in Birmingham in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, she immediately started her career at Children’s of Alabama in its intensive care unit. From there she went on to work in same-day surgery and then became the director of the Children’s South Outpatient Surgery Center. She earned her master’s degree in Nursing in 2008 and became a certified pediatric acute care nurse practitioner.

Linda joined the UAB Department of Pediatric Rheumatology team at Children’s of Alabama as a nurse practitioner in 2013. She works with Dr. Melissa Mannion in partnership with the University of South Alabama Department of Pediatrics to provide a satellite clinic for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), lupus and other rheumatic diseases in the Mobile and surrounding areas.

“It’s a joy to come to our Mobile clinic and see the resiliency in the children and adolescents who have faced so much adversity in such a short time but have overcome it with such courage and strength.”

CRNP, UAB DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY

CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA

Since 1911, Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children and is ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

1600 7th Avenue S, Birmingham • 205-638-9100 • childrensal.org may 2021 | mobilebaymag.com 63

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Sabrina Graham Hughes RN, BSN, DIRECTOR OF NURSING — HOME HEALTH DIVISION 64 mobilebaymag.com | may 2021

Tracey Ransom RN, HOME HEALTH DIVISION

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SAAD HEALTHCARE

S

aad Healthcare has been the home health and hospice provider in our community for over 50 years, and the key to our success is the people we employ. All of our nurses have a heart for Saad’s mission, and they live out those values everyday, even persevering through a global pandemic.

For Natalie Morrison, working at Saad is more than just a job, it’s a calling.

Natalie supervises hospice staff, both in the field and in The Retreat, Saad’s new inpatient hospice facility. She says, “Just taking the time to make these moments special for families is very fulfilling.”

Saad’s home health division is led by Sabrina Graham Hughes, who, for 27 years, has ensured each patient receives the highest quality of care. Sabrina attributes her nearly three-decade career with Saad to being able to work at a company that always puts God and patients’ needs first.

Through the pandemic, both Natalie and Sabrina exemplified leadership through educating patients, protecting staff and rationing PPE supplies.

Also a shining example of stepping up during times of crises is Tracey Ransom.

In the midst of the pandemic, Tracey tested hundreds of patients and employees without complaint or apprehension. She has worked for Saad Healthcare for 11 years and says work is always exciting and challenging — “there’s never a dull moment in home health.”

Saad Healthcare is blessed to work with Natalie, Sabrina and Tracey, and we thank them for their dedication to their teams and patients.

Natalie Morrison CLINICAL DIRECTOR, SAAD HOSPICE

SAAD HEALTHCARE Home Health, Hospice, Private Nursing and Medical Supply & Equipment Store.

Mobile: 1515 University Boulevard South • 251-343-9600 Mississippi: 10598 D’Iberville Boulevard, Suite B • 228-366-9067 saadhealthcare.com

may 2021 | mobilebaymag.com 65

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | NURSES TO KNOW

SOUTHERN CANCER CENTER

M

eet the powerhouse trio of clinical leaders at Southern Cancer Center. They support and empower their teams to provide exemplary care to our patients and their families.

BETH RODRIGUES “Ever since I was a little girl, I knew that I wanted to be a nurse. It’s a calling solidified in my heart. Through the years, my patients have taught me so much. Their courage, strength and resilience, and the ability to have empathy and gratitude for others during a very difficult time is indescribably inspiring.”

SUSAN SYLVIA

“When my mother was battling breast cancer, she favored one nurse, the nurse who got what she needed with only one needle stick. I hoped to be that nurse one day. I still strive to be. The type of nurse that I would favor and choose to care for the people I love.”

REGENA PRICE “I have a tremendous amount of respect for our staff. We are family. We understand the importance of working together for a common goal — patient care. I believe in loving God and loving people, and nursing allows me the privilege to do just that. I’m extremely blessed to serve others in our community.”

RN, BSN, OCN, NURSING SUPERVISOR

SOUTHERN CANCER CENTER Southern Cancer Center is the area’s only community-based multidisciplinary oncology practice, comprised of 18 providers and six clinic locations, offering patients the most advanced therapies and innovative treatment options available.

251-625-6896 SouthernCancerCenter.com

66 mobilebaymag.com | may 2021

Beth Rodrigues

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Susan Sylvia RN, OCN, NURSING SUPERVISOR

RN, BSN, OCN, DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL SERVICES

Regena Price

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“KATE AND I HAVE WORKED SIDE

BY SIDE FOR EIGHT YEARS, AND EVERY SINGLE DAY, SHE HAS BEEN THE CONSUMMATE EXAMPLE OF DEDICATION TO HER CRAFT. HER EXCELLENCE AS A NURSE IS ONLY MATCHED BY HER QUALITY AS A PERSON.” – D. Lawrence Bedsole, M.D.

M

obile native Kate Brenes, RN, BSN, earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Mobile in 2007. She joined Pulmonary Associates of Mobile in 2012 and currently serves as the nursing supervisor. Kate’s leadership comes naturally, and employees often look to her for guidance. She leads by example, with her exceptional patient care serving as a model for others to follow.

“I really cannot see myself doing anything else,” Kate says. “The year 2020 wreaked complete havoc on the healthcare system, but my love for helping others kept me going. In a fear-stricken world, my patients would call or come into the office for advice on how to handle the pandemic, and their continued confidence in me is the only accolade I will ever need.”

PULMONARY ASSOCIATES

Kate Brenes RN, BSN, NURSING SUPERVISOR

PULMONARY ASSOCIATES

Established in 1980, Pulmonary Associates is the largest group of pulmonary, critical care, and allergy-immunology specialists on the Gulf Coast.

5955 Airport Boulevard • 251-633-0573 • lungmds.com

68 mobilebaymag.com | may 2021

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“AT INFIRMARY HEALTH, WE HAVE CORE VALUES OF LEADERSHIP AND INTEGRITY. DARLENE SIMS IS AN EXAMPLE OF BOTH — LEADING

BY EXAMPLE AND ALWAYS DOING THE RIGHT THING. I AM PROUD TO HAVE HER IN OUR ORGANIZATION.”

– Sheila Young, SVP Human Resources

D

arlene Sims, MSN, FNP-C, serves as the Director of Employee Health Services at Infirmary Health. Darlene’s role as a nurse practitioner is unique in that her patients are her 6,300 colleagues and peers across Infirmary Health.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Darlene played an integral role in ensuring Infirmary Health was able to care for its patients. Darlene and the Employee Health staff worked around the clock to perform COVID-19 tests and assessments on employees, ensure they were able to safely return to work and perform contact tracing to minimize the risk of exposure across the system. In December 2020, Darlene’s role pivoted, and she now oversees the COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Mobile Infirmary.

Darlene is a graduate of the University of Mobile and has worked at Infirmary Health for more than 20 years. She and her family reside in the Grand Bay area where she loves to spend time with them as well as outdoors hunting, diving and boating.

INFIRMARY HEALTH

Darlene Sims MSN, FNP-C, DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH SERVICES

INFIRMARY HEALTH

Infirmary Health is the largest not-for-profit, nongovernmental healthcare system in Alabama with four acute care hospitals, two post-acute care hospitals and 60 medical clinics, employing more than 6,300 individuals.

5 Mobile Infirmary Circle • 251-435-2400 •infirmaryhealth.org may 2021 | mobilebaymag.com 69

EXTRAS | CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Come What May MAY 8 & 9 FOLEY ART IN THE PARK 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Artists and craftsmen display their original works in the park for Mother’s Day weekend.

FOLEY PARK FOLEYARTCENTER.COM

MAY 9 MOTHER’S DAY EVENING CONCERT 5:30 p.m. Treat mom to the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra’s annual performance. Bring a blanket and a picnic.

COCKTAILS WITH THE CRITTERS

BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME MOBILESYMPHONY.ORG

SATURDAYS, BEGINNING MAY 8

MAY 6

MARKET IN THE PARK 7 a.m. - Noon. The Downtown farmer’s market is back!

COCKTAILS WITH THE CRITTERS 6 - 9 p.m. An evening of entertainment overlooking the Mobile River Delta.

CATHEDRAL SQUARE FACEBOOK.COM/MARKETSINMOBILE

BLUEGILL RESTAURANT SEALABFOUNDATION.ORG

MAY 1

MAY 6 - 9

2021 GARDEN WALK Tour Baldwin County gardens scattered throughout old Daphne, Lake Forest and Belforest.

GULF COAST HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL 5 - 8 p.m. Th., 2 - 10 p.m. F., 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sa., Noon - 8 p.m. Su. More than 50 balloons from across the country take to the sky.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS, BALDWIN COUNTY BALDWINMASTERGARDENERS.COM

OWA, FOLEY GULFCOASTBALLOONFESTIVAL.COM

MAY 1 & 2

MAY 8

MOBILE SYMPHONY PRESENTS RUSSIAN CLASSICS Hear the works of five monumental Russian composers in concert.

MOBILE SAENGER THEATRE MOBILESYMPHONY.ORG

OCEAN EXPLORER SATURDAY 9:45 a.m. - 4 p.m. Try several different fishing methods and see what lives in the waters around Dauphin Island. Bring your lunch.

DAUPHIN ISLAND SEA LAB DISL.EDU

MAY 15 HARVEST NIGHT FESTIVAL 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. A full day of family fun starts with blueberry picking, then shopping and grabbing a bite from food trucks.

Local trio GypsySpark will be welcoming sunset with all your favorite tunes.

WEEKS BAY PLANTATION FACEBOOK: WEEKS BAY PLANTATION

MAY 15 BLUE STAR SALUTE 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Celebrate active duty families with a salute, memorial run, patriotic concert, guest speakers, flyovers and more.

The event is free and open to the public.

Parking fee: $4.

USS ALABAMA BATTLESHIP MEMORIAL PARK BLUESTARSALUTE.ORG

MAY 15 TOUCH A TRUCK 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Explore a variety of trucks, and meet the people who build, protect, and serve our community. Proceeds benefit Camp Rapahope.

HANK AARON STADIUM PARKING LOT RAPAHOPE.ORG

 To have your event included in the online or print edition of Mobile Bay Magazine, email calendar@pmtpublishing.com.

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MAY 21 USS MOBILE COMMISSIONING 10 a.m. Celebrate the acceptance of the USS Mobile (LCS 26) into the US Navy.

Advanced tickets required.

ALABAMA STATE PORT AUTHORITY, PIER 2 USSMOBILECOMMISSIONING.ORG

MAY 22

BIODIVERSITY OF A BARRIER ISLAND 9:45 a.m. - 4 p.m. Learn how to collect and identify the animals and plants that inhabit our coastal ecosystems by visiting the beach, the salt marsh, and forested areas. Bring your lunch.

DAUPHIN ISLAND SEA LAB • DISL.EDU

MAY 22 BARBEQUE, FROM TEXAS TO TENNESSEE 10 a.m. Brought to you by the Culinary Academy at the Grand Hotel, guests will try two beers and learn the techniques of smoking meat, poultry and fish.

THE GRAND HOTEL GOLF RESORT & SPA GRAND1847.COM

MAY 22 BALD EAGLE BASH 4 - 7 p.m. This signature event for the South Alabama Land Trust (SALT) has earned a reputation for delivering great food, great music and a great time.

TONSMEIRE WEEKS BAY RESOURCE CENTER BALDEAGLEBASH.COM

MAY 22 DO IT IN THE BUSH 5K TRAIL RUN 7:30 a.m. Preregister by mail or in person at Mobile’s McCoy Outdoor, Run-N-Tri, Fleet Feet or Running Wild (in Fairhope).

MEDAL OF HONOR PARK PORTCITYPACERS.COM

* Check event websites for most current status. may 2021 | mobilebaymag.com 71

MAY 22

MAY 27

BIG WALK CELEBRATION 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. The BIG Walk is Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Alabama’s largest annual fundraiser. This year, the walk will be skipped, and a socially-distanced celebration will be held to congratulate the Bigs and teams who raise the most money.

HOPE CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT A four-person scramble. Proceeds will benefit USA Mitchell Cancer Institute.

BLUEGILL RESTAURANT BIGWALK.ORG

RODNEY ATKINS IN CONCERT 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. See Rodney Atkins up close with special guest James Otto.

“WILD THINGS” ART FEST

MAY 22

MAY 22 “WILD THINGS” ART FEST 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance partners with the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo for a great day of music, animal demonstrations, art and fun.

ALABAMA GULF COAST ZOO GULFCOASTARTSALLIANCE.COM

GRANDMAN TRIATHLON Come cheer athletes on to the finish line.

Two options are available for participants: compete in-person or virtually, at your own pace. Proceeds benefit Mobile Baykeeper.

FAIRHOPE MUNICIPAL PARK THEGRANDMAN.COM

MAY 27 MARKET IN THE PARK 3 - 6 p.m. Local farmers market featuring fresh produce, baked goods, jellies and honey, soaps, eggs, organic meats, and more.

DOTCH COMMUNITY CENTER FACEBOOK.COM/MARKETSINMOBILE

COUNTRY CLUB OF MOBILE USAHEALTHSYSTEM.COM

MAY 28

DAPHNE CIVIC CENTER FACEBOOK.COM/DAPHNECIVICCENTER

MAY 29 MEMORIAL WEEKEND FIREWORKS 8:45 p.m. The sky lights up in preparation for the long holiday weekend.

OWA, FOLEY VISITOWA.COM

MAY 29 & 30 BOYINGTON OAK FESTIVAL 1 p.m. The Boyington Oak Society’s first festival, featuring tours, a book and a play.

Reservations required. Prices vary.

OAKLEIGH HOUSE MUSEUM MARYSPALMER.COM

[ TIME TO EXPLORE]

ALABAMA CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER

alabamacontemporary.org

THROUGH JUNE 2021 TEMPER AND CONDUCT Examine the history and lore of the snake as a notorious American symbol, the fear serpents evoke, and the ways these symbols are employed today in mythology.

EXPLOREUM SCIENCE CENTER exploreum.com

NEW ISLAND An exhibition of work by multimedia artist Michelle Jones whose paintings depict predators in their natural environments.

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historymuseumofmobile.com

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2021

THROUGH JUNE 2021

COSMOS 2021: ADVENTURE INTO THE UNKNOWN This experience highlights humans’ journey into the cosmos.

EGYPTIAN MUMMIES AND ETERNAL LIFE With over 100 ancient artifacts, this exhibition evokes the mythical, mysterious landscape of the tombs and pyramids of Ancient Egypt.

MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART mobilemuseumofart.com

MAY 14 THROUGH AUGUST

HISTORY MUSEUM OF MOBILE

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2021 GORDON PARKS: SEGREGATION STORY IN MOBILE, 1956 Photos document the everyday activities and rituals of one Black family in Mobile during segregation.

THROUGH DECEMBER 2021 HISTORY OF MOBILE IN 22 OBJECTS Twenty-two unexpected and compelling objects weave together over 300 years of Mobile history, from the pre-Colonial era to the 21st century port.

TRAVIS TRITT

[JUNE HIGHLIGHTS]

JUNE 10 AN EVENING WITH TRAVIS TRITT Experience this rare opportunity featuring the multi-platinum artist in an intimate soloacoustic setting.

MOBILE SAENGER THEATRE MOBILESAENGER.COM

JUNE 11 - 13 FLORA-BAMA’S FISHING RODEO The annual event touts itself as “every man’s” fishing rodeo as well as the “funnest” fishing tournament on the Gulf Coast.

FLORA-BAMA OLE RIVER GRILL FLORABAMA.COM

JUNE 12 - 13 MOBILE SYMPHONY PRESENTS SERENEDE, SEASON FINALE MSO closes its season with William Grant Still’s reflective “Out of Silence,” followed by Mendelssohn’s “Sinfonia no. 10” and ending with Dvorak’s “Serenade for Strings.”

MOBILE SAENGER THEATRE MOBILESYMPHONY.ORG

JUNE 29 ”A SALUTE TO AMERICA” CONCERT Enjoy an evening of patriotic music with the Air National Guard Band of the South.

USS ALABAMA BATTLESHIP MEMORIAL PARK USSALABAMA.COM

may 2021 | mobilebaymag.com 73

HISTORY | ARCHIVES

A History of Mobile in 22 Objects A fragment of pottery breaks open the pivotal role the Mobile area played in ancient cultures. photos courtesy HISTORY MUSEUM OF MOBILE

POTTERY FROM THE MOBILE-TENSAW MOUNDS text by ERIN S. NELSON & PHILIP J. CARR

P

eople are the subject of archaeology, and artifacts — the items produced by people in the past — are the means by which archaeologists learn about them. Pottery fragments and other artifacts remind us of the long history of life along the Gulf Coast — a history that stretches back over ten thousand years. The Indigenous People of the Gulf Coast and Mobile-Tensaw Delta manufactured a number of artifacts ranging from the enormous (earthen mounds) to the minute (shell beads). No single item can fully represent thousands of years or the ancestors of modern Choctaw, Creek and Seminole people. This broken piece of pottery, however, has the potential to weave a rich story of the owners’ lives: when and where they lived, what kinds of meals they cooked and ate, the nature of

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trade and interactions with other groups and even religious beliefs. This fragment of pottery is a piece of a much larger ceramic vessel, perhaps a bowl or bottle, and its physical features along with the context in which it was found have much to tell us about the people who made and used it.

Chronology The first pottery made by people in the Mobile region dates to about 1400 B.C., but in fact, Native American people have lived here for much longer than that — over ten thousand years. Stone tools, pottery vessels and other artifacts changed over time as people invented new technologies and styles of decoration went in and out of fashion. We know from its shape and incised deco-

ration that this pottery fragment dates to c. A.D. 1200 – 1550, what archaeologists call the Bottle Creek phase of the Pensacola culture. The early archaeologists who named this culture “Pensacola” did not realize that the cultural epicenter was actually in and around Mobile Bay. We now know that the people who made this pottery also built the large earthen mounds at the Bottle Creek site on Mound Island, as well as many of the shell mounds that are so common along Mobile Bay.

Function Archaeologists can study how people used pottery based on the technological choices the potters made. Those in the Pensacola culture were farmers who grew corn (in addition to fishing, hunting and gathering wild foods), and their pottery reflects

the fact that the corn they grew had to be cooked at boiling temperatures for long periods of time before it could be eaten. Pensacola pottery is made from local clay that has been tempered with crushed mussel shell. Potters understood that mussel shell improves the workability of clay as well as the thermal properties of the finished pot. When heated, shell expands at the same rate as clay, which means that shell-tempered pots are well suited to cooking corn and dishes made from it. This fragment of pottery is likely a serving vessel rather than a cooking pot, based on its shape and decoration, as well as the fact that its shell temper is so finely crushed.

orientation of the hand is a Gulf Coast innovation.

Ideology The hand-and-eye motif is also of interest to archaeologists because it relates to the worldview of Pensacola people.

Collaborations with art historians and modern Native American religious practitioners have shown that the hand-andeye motif represents the constellation

Philip J. Carr, Ph.D., is a professor of anthropology and Chief Calvin McGhee Endowed Professor of Native American Studies at the University of South Alabama. He is director of the USA Center for Archaeological Studies and Archaeology Museum.

Interaction and Trade Archaeologists describe the Mobile area as a “fulcrum of cultural interaction,” with local people influencing and being influenced by their connections with the coastal people of present-day Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, as well as those living in the interior of what is now westcentral Alabama and the Lower Mississippi Valley. Pottery tells us a particular story about that interaction. If you look closely at the design incised on the pottery fragment, you may make out the outlines of a hand held horizontally, with short vertical lines marking the finger joints and a circle incised on the palm. This design, called the “hand-and-eye” motif by archaeologists, was a very common design element of art from Moundville, near present-day Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Around A.D. 1200, people from Moundville or nearby moved into the Mobile area, probably to acquire salt from the salt springs in southern Clarke County and conch shells from the Gulf of Mexico, both valued trade items.

One result of their interaction with local people was a new pottery tradition that incorporated shell temper as well as new decorative motifs such as the hand-andeye design. The Pensacola people made this design their own, as the horizontal

complex lifeway and rich traditions in the environment of which they were a part.

When Spanish, French and other European people colonized the new world, Native lifeways were disrupted in devastating ways. And yet, they were active participants in the forging of a new multicultural society. Since its founding by the French in 1702, Mobile has been an important center of trade and commerce between people of Native, European and African descent, but the rich cultural history of this area stretches back for millennia. MB

Above This rendering shows how the fragment could have fit on a bottle as part of a repeated motif. The design is commonly found on serving bowls as well.

Erin S. Nelson, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of South Alabama and is the author of “Authority, Autonomy, and the Archaeology of a Mississippian Community” (2020).

DRAWING BY TAYLOR LAWHON

known today as Orion. Pensacola and other Mississippian people believed that when Orion touched the western horizon, from late November to late April, a portal opened — here represented by the circle on the palm of the hand — allowing those who had passed on in the preceding months to enter the Milky Way or “Path of Souls,” upon which they traveled to their final resting place.

One item of material culture opens a world of information about people in the past. Exploring the variety of artifacts in their contexts provides archaeologists with a more complete understanding of the past. The Indigenous People of the Gulf Coast settled this area over ten thousand years ago and developed a

“A History of Mobile in 22 Objects” by various authors. Available for purchase at the History Museum of Mobile, $25 Released in conjunction with the History Museum of Mobile exhibit, this photoheavy compendium delves into the city’s history through the analysis of 22 artifacts

by Mobile’s leading researchers.

 Stay tuned each month as we continue to delve into the history of objects from this fascinating exhibit. may 2021 | mobilebaymag.com 75

HISTORY | ARCHITECTURE

Prescription for Change Historian Tom McGehee explains how pandemics have shaped home design. text by TOM MCGEHEE

H

aving spent increased time indoors over the past year, thanks to the pandemic, many people are rethinking the design of their homes.

This is far from a new phenomenon.

What most would consider the first modern indoor bathrooms developed when outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as cholera, tuberculosis and influenza, were commonplace. Advancements in plumbing put an end to the need for a pitcher,

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wash basin and chamber pot.

Flushing toilets were suspect at first since it was widely assumed that sewer gasses caused disease, and many Americans were hesitant to give up the chamber pot and the backyard privy. Improvements in venting and plumbing put an end to the theory, and indoor toilets connected to a sanitary sewer became the norm.

For many years, chamber pots and wash basins had been placed on or in pieces of

furniture within a bedroom, so it is not surprising to find that the earliest bathrooms had far more wood than they do today.

As the 19th century came to an end, luxurious bathrooms had dark wood surrounding the toilet, sink and zinc-lined bathtubs, mimicking fashionable furniture. The floors were also of wood, while walls were covered with heavily patterned wallpaper.

A New Century Ideas of sanitation and hygiene changed rapidly with the arrival of the 20th century. Suddenly, bathrooms developed the look of a laboratory following changes first adopted in hospital design. Patient rooms featured gleaming white walls and furnishings with sunlight streaming through large windows. Both fresh air and sunlight were looked upon as healthier. These bright white rooms became strong visual symbols of good hygiene and sanitation.

By 1910, wallpaper in bathrooms was looked upon as unhealthy since it held dampness and could not be cleaned. Examination of old papers often showed busy patterns had hidden years of fly stains in the days before screened windows had become the norm. Easily cleaned painted walls and tile became the standard. Wood floors gave way to ceramic tile, and anything that was not easily wiped down or washed was suspect.

Nickle-plated brass had emerged in the 1880s to imitate silver. By the late 1890s, it had arrived in kitchens and bathrooms as a tarnish-free and easy-to-clean alternative to brass hardware. White porcelain-coated fixtures replaced the woodenencased versions and were advertised as being “superior, clean and hygienic.”

Most modest houses in the early 20th century were equipped with a single bathroom used by family members and guests alike. Following the flu epidemic of 1918, a trend developed to add a second bath or at least a half-bath near the home’s entrance for the use of guests.

This alleviated fears of a visitor bringing germs into the family’s private space. It was also convenient for more frequent handwashing, either when entering the house or prior to a meal.

The Kitchen Evolves Sanitary measures quickly changed the look of American kitchens. Sinks rather than buckets had only arrived in kitchens in the mid-19th century. A cold-water tap seemed an improvement on carrying buckets of water into the space, but

hot water only arrived with the advent of cast-iron ranges.

While some lamented the end of an open fireplace in the kitchen, iron stoves were far more efficient and were soon equipped with a reservoir to hold hot wa-

Opposite At the end of the 19th century, luxurious bathrooms had dark wood surrounding toilets and sinks, mimicking fashionable furniture. Top to bottom At the start of the 20th century, bathrooms began to take on the look of laboratories. Tile would make its way into the kitchen, too, partially replacing the wooden kitchens of old.

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HISTORY | ARCHITECTURE ter. Floors and countertops were made of wood until the 20th century.

Natural gas and eventually electricity became the desired fuel for new stoves, which boasted washable surfaces and gleaming nickel-plated trim. Oversized white porcelain sinks replaced older zinc and walls and woodwork were painted white. Linoleum or ceramic tile covered wooden floors and counters. Gas water heaters now provided a steady supply of hot water.

The Essential Porch Porches were nearly universally screened by the first decade of the 20th century, and families took advantage of them whenever weather permitted. Another benefit of the porch was the escape from “vitiated” or impure air from a closed-up house. Even hospitals added screened-in porches for their patients.

By the 1910s, an open-air movement was in full swing. Born out of the curative power of fresh air for tuberculosis patients, homeowners were soon being advised to sleep outdoors. The overcrowded conditions in cities was blamed for increased cases in both tuberculosis and cholera.

Fresh air became a cure-all prescription, and the idea of a sleeping porch became very appealing. One expert declared, “Many tubercular cases could be avoided if more persons slept outdoors.”

In 1917, a writer for House Beautiful declared “sleeping porches are essentials of health and comfort” and recommended their use year-round. Demand for sleeping porches spiked in the 1920s, and consumers could purchase kits by mail order. Usually located off an upstairs bedroom, these porches were isolated from the public spaces of a home, making them seem even safer from the germs potentially carried by visitors.

The porches were best designed to have open screening on at least two sides to allow for a breeze. While many today might assume their purpose was to escape the summer heat, Americans were ad-

Top to bottom By the 20th century, “linoleum and ceramic tile covered wooden floors and counters.” An “open-air” movement in the 1910s led to a boom of “sleeping porches.”

On Mobile Bay, sleeping porches remain a healthy (and breezy) feature of some homes. PHOTO BY JEAN ALLSOP

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vised to use them year-round for an “invigorating” slumber. Roll down shades of canvas were used to block summer rains as well as winter winds.

Magazines touted their benefits and offered suggestions for wintertime comfort.

“Layers of paper placed between the mattress and the springs beneath will assist in keeping the sleeper warmer,” advised one writer. Another suggested “flannel pajamas with enclosed feet, and on the coldest nights, wear a hood and use a hot water bottle.”

In Mobile, architect George Rogers was advised by clients that they wanted sleeping porches in their 1921 home in Spring Hill. The caveat was that they could not look like an addition, which was commonplace with older homes.

The architect was able to seamlessly include two sleeping porches into the design at each end of the second floor.

Down on South Georgia Avenue, one resident routinely wished her neighbors a good night as the lights were doused.

Their sleeping porches were less than 20 feet apart.

Color Returns By the late 1920s, as scientists came to better understand the causes of viruses, the design of the American home began to change. Firms like Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company began introducing porcelain fixtures for both bathrooms and kitchens in a kaleidoscope of colors. A kitchen sink was now available in Ming Green or Rose du Barry. Bathroom fixtures were sold in Ionian Black, Claire de Lune (blue) or Ivoire de Medici (yellow). Gone was the stark white bathroom or kitchen and in the most luxurious of bathrooms, gold-plated hardware was now offered in addition to new chrome finishes.

Although white appliances and sinks remained popular as the decades advanced, the popularity of a changing color palette remained. In the 1950s, pink appliances ruled, and then came the 1970s with avocado green and gold

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reaching a height in popularity. Kitchen cabinets were now finished in a choice of “natural” wood tones.

The idea of an antiseptic bathroom was seemingly forgotten. Busy wallpapers featuring flocked and foiled designs were popular rather than painted walls.

Tile floors were suddenly covered by shag carpet in an array of colors while toilet seats and tanks were encased in matching materials.

Air-conditioning made sleeping porches unnecessary, and they have been largely forgotten. Likewise, the first-floor screened porches were infilled on older homes and eliminated from the plans of the ranch houses being built during the 1970s and 1980s. If front porches were included at all, they were shallow affairs to pause under in a rainstorm before entering the house.

Today The pendulum of taste has swung back and forth over the years. Today, thanks in part to the pandemic, house design is changing once again. A half bath located near the entrance of a home is still a big plus, especially with the recent emphasis on frequent handwashing.

The benefit of a bright, light-colored kitchen is appreciated for its aesthetics as well as its cleanliness. White countertops joined with white subway tiles and chrome fixtures are in high demand.

Porches have also made a serious comeback. A recent national poll found that 63 percent of homeowners consider a porch to be a top priority in a home.

Today, those porches are more likely to be an extension of the home and contain everything from a large wall-mounted television to a fireplace. What better spot for a family to isolate?

Only the sleeping porch has lagged in popularity — except in Alabama where they are still enjoyed from Tuscaloosa sorority houses to bayfront homes at Point Clear. The pandemic will one day be a memory, but the changes in house design will be with us for quite a while. MB

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PEOPLE | AMAZING LIFE

King Tutt A law clerk in Mobile gained international fame and fortune but never forgot his old friends. Whoever said the phrase “everyone can be replaced” never met Wallace Tutt. text by JILL CLAIR GENTRY

O

n a sunny day in 1974, a bus driver in Nanafalia, Alabama, (population 94) didn’t show up for work. A gregarious 17-year-old student named Wallace Tutt decided to fix the problem. He volunteered to drive the bus, and whoever was in charge thought that was a great idea.

Thirty-six years later, that same spirit of selflessness and joie de vivre was reflected on another bus, this one full of Bahamian citizens who worked at Tutt’s boutique hotel on Harbor Island. Tutt’s employees rode 12 hours from Miami to Nanafalia Baptist Church, where they joined at least 1,000 others at his funeral.

Attorney-Turned-Designer The life J. Wallace Tutt III lived between those two bus rides is so fascinating it’s almost unbelievable. Wallace attended the University of Alabama, where he, a college student, owned a popular bar called Lee’s Tomb. During that time, he also began renovating houses, a hobby that would ultimately become his career. After graduating from Cumberland Law School in 1983, Tutt moved to Mobile to clerk for Lyons, Pipes & Cook.

“He got very bored with law very quickly, but that’s not terribly unusual,” says Dan Cushing, who worked with Tutt at the firm. “What was unique about Wallace was he didn’t play by the rules everyone else played by. He built a house on Ono Island and commuted from Ono to Mobile. While it was being built, he lived at the Riverview Plaza Hotel. It would be bizarre for a 65-year-old multimillionaire to do that, much less a 25-year-old first-year lawyer.”

During his time in Mobile, Tutt drove a white Porsche 911. Cushing remembers happily swapping cars with Tutt a few times.

“He would come to me on a Friday and say, ‘Can you do me a big favor? I need to borrow your Blazer. I need to trailer a boat.

Can we switch cars for the weekend?’” Cushing remembers.

“Many people get jealous of people who are wealthy, but Wallace didn’t offend anybody. He lived this crazy life, but

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everyone liked him. No one was jealous of Wallace — they were in awe of him. He was like a kid in a candy store about everything he did and everyone he met.”

Tutt left Mobile in 1984 and moved to Washington, D.C., to work for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

While there, he obtained a real estate license and began renovating homes in Georgetown, eventually creating his own real estate brokerage, Tutt, Taylor & Rankin, which still exists and is currently one of the largest brokerages in D.C. During his time in Washington, Tutt renovated Swann House, a run-down Victorian mansion, and made it his primary residence. The project made the cover of Architectural Digest, establishing him as a serious designer.

“He turned it into a showplace — it was very timeless and formal,” says lifelong Mobilian Trent McGuire Bullis, who met Tutt at the University of Alabama and remained close friends with him. “I was also living in D.C. at the time, working on Capitol Hill, and Swann House was the scene of many amazing events and parties.

He became involved with civic groups and associations and would host business dinners, birthdays and parties for parties’ sake. It became the go-to place for all of Wallace’s friends. He had so many. He was the total package — handsome, fun, hilarious, engaging, helpful, kind, generous and mischievous. Wherever Wallace was, was where you wanted to be.”

As Tutt became well-known in D.C. and beyond, Bullis said she was surprised he still remained an attentive, loyal friend.

“I was hardly making a dime on the Hill, and I moved into an apartment around the corner from Wallace. It was dilapidated.

One day, some painters just showed up at my front door and said, ‘Mr. Wallace sent us to paint the apartment.’ That’s the kind of heart he had. He went above and beyond the call of normal friendship.”

The Stars’ Designer The Swann House renovation earned Tutt the admiration of legendary designer Gianni Versace, who enjoyed providing opportunities to talented newcomers. In 1992, Versace interviewed Tutt over the phone and hired him to spearhead the renovation of his massive mansion in Miami that would become the third most photographed home in America, bested only by the White House and Graceland.

Tutt left D.C. to pursue the Versace opportunity. He lived inside the mansion for three years as it was being renovated, overseeing every piece of the project.

“Wallace was in charge of the demolition, construction and renovation. He and Gianni designed it together,” Bullis says.

“He invited some of us to come down there in the middle of the project while Gianni was in Italy. We would dance and do

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Above Gianni Versace, Italian fashion designer, Thomas Kramer, Miami real estate developer, and Wallace Tutt, 1992.

Left Outdoor paradise at Wallace Tutt’s Bahamian masterpiece, Rock House, a 1940s-era house he converted into a luxury boutique hotel.

Even a decade after leaving Mobile, Tutt still remembered his friends and kept in touch. Toni and Braxton Counts visited Tutt twice in the Bahamas and were astounded at his hospitality and generosity.

“His whole life was nothing but giving,” Toni PHOTO COURTESY PALM BEACH LATELY, PHOTO BY PAOLA WELLS says. “We were on his plane flying to Harbor Below The famous Versace Mansion Island one time, and he said, ‘Where do you want on Ocean Drive in Miami to go? I’ll take you anywhere.’ I looked at him and said, ‘Wallace. I know with your big heart, people have to use you. Please don’t let people use you.’ None of my friends had ever met Wallace, but they all knew who he was. I couldn’t stop talking about him.”

Friends say visiting Tutt at Harbor Island was an unforgettable experience. Warren Butler, also a colleague at Lyons, Pipes & Cook in the ’80s, visited Tutt on Harbor Island in 2003.

“We once were having cocktails,” Butler says, “and Wallace wasn’t ready to go home, but he had his potcake dog (a mixed breed native to the Caribbean) with him. So, he put $20 in the dog’s collar and told him to go home. We watched the dog run down to the ferry and hop on. The ferry driver knew to take the dog back to Wallace’s private island.”

Tutt was consistently genuine no matter the company he kept. cartwheels through the house. He always made sure his friends “Wallace never changed, no matter who he was around,” felt included and in-the-know. It was always an adventure.”

Bullis says. “He was solid in business and friendship, and he After finishing the Versace Mansion project, Tutt’s name perfected the art of storytelling, but he never lied. One of flooded design magazines all over the world. Cher reached his big sayings was ‘Never ruin a good story for the lack of out and hired him to finish a home in North Miami Beach. facts.’ He treated everyone equally. He was friends with all In 1999, Cher sold the home to Barry Schwartz, cofounder of these celebrities, but he’d throw his employees and their wives Calvin Klein. Wallace’s second project for Cher was a home in birthday parties. All the Bahamian children on the island knew Malibu, which sold to Jay-Z and Beyoncé for $40 million. him by name. Wallace was very quick to call out anyone who In addition to building and renovating private residences acted hoity-toity.” for the uber-wealthy, Tutt completed historic restoration In 2009, Tutt published “Harbor Island,” a coffee table projects, such as the Johnson Avenue Lofts in D.C. and the book full of photography and information about his beloved historic Angler’s Hotel in Miami. home. All the proceeds benefitted schools, nonprofits and Celebrities continued to reach out to Tutt until his death. animal rescue organizations on the island and surrounding communities. It was released in 2010, just months before he Hospitality on Harbor Island died unexpectedly at only 53 years old.

In 1995, Tutt fell in love with the Bahamas. He purchased two Tutt had three funerals — one in Nanafalia, one on Harbor tiny islands in the mid-’90s and rented them out to celebrities Island and one in Miami. In Miami, Tutt was eulogized who wanted to vacation in privacy. In 2002, he purchased the perfectly with a simple statement. run-down Rock House on Harbor Island and turned it into a “Whoever said the phrase ‘everyone can be replaced’ never sought-after boutique hotel. met Wallace Tutt.” MB 84 mobilebaymag.com | may 2021

Curated

COASTAL CHIC Suzanne Winston & Associates full-service interior design

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THE ARTS | LITERATURE

The Power of Precipitation Writer Audrey McDonald Atkins discovers the Fountain of Youth, thanks to her granny. excerpt from the book THEY CALL ME OR ANGE JUICE

by AUDREY MCDONALD ATKINS

S

he was almost ninety-nine when she died. Almost.

She attributed her longevity to rain. Not watching it. Getting wet in it.

I thought she would live forever. I think she did too, asking me once, “How old was Methuselah really?”

You see, Granny firmly believed that if you got wet in the first May rain, you would not be sick for the rest of the year.

It seems to be true.

Granny did not diet; dessert was mandatory. Granny did not exercise although she worked in her yard daily. She did not take medicine, not an aspirin, not a spoonful of Creomulsion.

There was no tai chi, tae bo, kwan do, CrossFit, or karate. No zumba, yoga, or Sweatin’ with the Oldies. No treadmill, no recumbent, no elliptical. Certainly no running. Why run somewhere when you can get in your big, long Chrysler car and drive?

She didn’t need it. For every year, as the fifth month began, we would perch at the ready waiting for a gray cloud to darken the blue South Alabama sky, listening for a distant rumble of thunder. Is the breeze picking up? Does it feel more humid?

Then as soon as the first drops began to fall, we would race outside and get wet in the first magical, mystical, healing May rain.

Now to be sure, Granny was no hardbodied hottie. Not in her youth; not in her so-called golden years. If you subscribe to her notion of the power of precipitation, you must be well aware of the consequences and willing to accept them.

You might see a slight jiggle when you lift your arm. (Gasp!) There might be a dimple or two in your thigh area. (Egads!)

You might not have pecs. (Ladies, not really the most attractive look anyway.)

And you just might have to come to terms with looking just how you look, and being just fine with it. (Oh, the horror!)

Make no mistake. Granny prided herself on being well-dressed, neat, proper.

But Granny didn’t sweat a laugh line. She

didn’t paint her face all up, although a little powder and lipstick were de rigueur.

She didn’t dye her snowy hair, white since her late thirties.

And she did exercise. She exercised her mind. She read a great deal, but the Mobile Press-Register and the Bible she read every day. She was a cutthroat bridge player. Strategy. Subtlety. She worked crosswords and find-a-words. She conversed. She questioned. She believed.

So maybe the secret to longevity is not in a few drops of water from the sky, but in the contentment that comes with believing those drops will make everything all right — at least for one more year.

Either way, this year, as I do every year, when I hear the first distant clap of thunder, I will go stand outside and wait. Wait for the rain. Wait for contentment.

Thank you, Granny. MB

 Born and raised in Citronelle, Atkins shares stories about growing up and living in the South in her book, “They Call Me Orange Juice,” and at her blog folkwaysnowadays.com.

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HISTORY | ASK MCGEHEE

What Downtown luxury hotel burned, just before opening its doors? text by TOM MCGEHEE

Surely one of this city’s greatest architectural tragedies was the loss of the Government Street Hotel in 1839. This Greek Revival showplace was designed by New York-born architect Charles B. Dakin, in partnership with his brother, James, and James Gallier.

Among the architects’ surviving Mobile structures are Government Street Presbyterian Church and Barton Academy.

America in the 1830s saw a rush to build modern hotels, all of which were designed in the fashionable Greek Revival style.

The first, dating to 1829, was Boston’s Tremont House, which boasted running water, indoor plumbing, free soap and the novelty of bell boys.

New York’s Astor House opened on Broadway in 1836 and was that city’s first true luxury hotel. It featured 309 rooms with gas lighting. Located in that city’s finest residential district, it would draw celebrities for decades.

In February 1861, Abraham Lincoln was a guest at Astor House en route to his inauguration. A month later, future Admiral Raphael Semmes stopped in as he sought ships to buy for the planned Confederate Navy. Semmes would be a guest here under very different circumstances following his arrest in 1865.

The St. Charles Closer to home, construction began in 1835 on the St. Charles Hotel in New Orleans. A group of investors hired Gallier with instructions to create the world’s finest hotel. When it opened in 1837, it was the tallest building in New Orleans thanks to a gleaming white dome, second

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Above The never-opened Greek Revival showplace, Government Street Hotel, as it looked before fire destroyed it. PHOTO COURTESY JAMES H. DAKIN COLLECTION, NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC LIBRARY

in size only to that atop the U.S. Capitol.

An octagonal barroom on the ground floor could accommodate 1,000 men at a time while the ballroom above was considered one of the most beautiful rooms in the nation. The second-floor lobby held a marble statue of George Washington while a spiral staircase connected the three floors above. In addition, visitors could access a gallery surrounding the dome for a view stretching for miles.

A New Hotel Mobile’s luxury hotel in the early 1830s was the three-story brick Mansion House Hotel located on the southeast corner of Royal and Conti streets. Its 100-foot-long dining room had tall windows on each side and boasted a grand chandelier and

impressive paintings in gilt frames. One of those was reportedly a life-size portrait of George Washington.

The city’s population exploded in the 1830s as new residents from as far away as New England flooded in. By 1836, a group of investors hired Dakin (who had briefly worked with Gallier on the plans for the St. Charles Hotel) to design a great hotel for Mobile.

Paying obvious homage to the St. Charles, Dakin designed a rectangular Greek Revival structure on the northeast corner of Government and Royal streets, topped with an impressive dome.

Visitors arriving by boat at the foot of Government Street would surely have been impressed by the view west, taking in three gleaming white-columned

structures: the new hotel under construction, Government Street Presbyterian Church and, in the distance, Barton Academy.

Construction Stops The floors of the hotel had been laid and the roof was in place by 1837, but a national economic panic brought construction to a halt.

Soon after, British author and journalist James Silk Buckingham began a grand American tour and had a stop in Mobile. Upon observing the hotel, he described it as “much larger and certainly more handsome than New York’s Astor House or the Tremont House in Boston.”

In October 1839, Mobile suffered two devastating fires. The second, which occurred October 9, began in the Mansion House Hotel and spread south down Royal Street, engulfing the unfinished Government Street Hotel.

Newspapers around the South reported the destruction, with one reporter describing the ruins as “desolate, but presenting a certain grandeur, even in its ruin.” The New Orleans Picayune reported that “only the walls and lofty arches of the interior remain.” On October 12, Mobile’s Board of Aldermen passed a resolution declaring those desolate ruins “a nuisance” and demanded their removal.

The Battle House Arrives It would be a decade before Mobile’s economy was booming again and another great hotel planned. In November 1852, the first Battle House Hotel opened its doors. The hotel’s architect was none other than Isaiah Rogers, the one who started the luxury hotel trend by designing both the Tremont House and the Astor House.

While the Battle House was still under construction, a kitchen fire destroyed New Orleans’ famed St. Charles Hotel, just 16 years after its completion. Mobile’s original Battle House would have a far longer run before being lost to a spectacular blaze in 1905. Rebuilt in 1908, the hotel would experience many redesigns, renovations and owners on the path to its current state. MB

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END PIECE | BACKSTORY

Gulf Shores Photo courtesy AL.com, Birmingham News File Photo

“When my family first visited Gulf Shores in the 1950s, it was a rustic, sleepy town that attracted few tourists. A single pay phone stood at the main road intersection, and rental cabins sitting close to the water were cooled with ocean breezes.”

– Excerpt from Marcus Woolf’s essay, “Going Old School on Alabama’s Gulf Coast,” for RootsRated.com

AFTER BEING THRUST INTO THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT, thanks to Hurricane Frederic’s 1979 torrent, people from all over America discovered what Alabamians had long since known: Gulf Shores’ pristine white beaches are second to none. Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine a time when tourism didn’t reign supreme in the coastal Alabama town. Decades before souvenir shops and highrise condos began dotting the coastline, a lack of roads and bridges made reaching the powdery shore difficult. Even so, frolickers found their way to the Gulf’s edge, settling in for a day of waterfront picnicking or sunbathing. Those too tired to return home had a few lodging options in the 1950s, one of which was Roberts Beach Cottages, as seen below. Named for owner Harry Roberts (seen below right with wife Bessie), the 12 cottages were open year-round and boasted air-conditioning and gas heat. Roberts, along with Ernest Romeo (below left), were just two of many Birmingham-area businessmen who moved to Gulf Shores in the ’40s and ’50s to build vacation rentals. But it wasn’t just entrepreneurs trekking south from the Iron City. As Birmingham News reporter Jack House wrote in the July 10, 1950, issue of the daily paper, “Birmingham people have made it possible for this long-deserted area of barren beach land to be turned into an attractive tourist center. It’s 300 miles from Birmingham to Gulf Shores. Yet no two places in Alabama are closer together than these.”

1920s: The first hotel in Gulf Shores opens

Did you know? In an effort to promote Gulf Shores, specialized vehicle tags were introduced in 1952, reading simply, “Visit Gulf Shores.”

1934: The Civilian

Conservation Corps begins construction of buildings and trails in the soon-to-be Gulf State Park

1937: Construction of the Intracoastal Waterway is completed

1939: Gulf State Park

opens and includes cabins and a beachfront casino, which features a bathhouse, concessions and bathing suit rentals

1946: Bus service from

Mobile to Gulf Shores begins, increasing tourism

1968: An 825-foot fishing

pier is complete; it will subsequently be destroyed and thrice-rebuilt, due to hurricanes

Pictured, left to right: Ernest Romeo, Bessie Roberts and Harry Roberts at Roberts Beach Cottages, as seen in the 1950s

1971: The first annual

342

Phone number used in the 1940s to reach Roberts Beach Cottages (pictured above)

16.3

Inches of rain Hurricane Flossy dumped on Gulf Shores in September 1956

15k

Roughly the number of years ago Paleo-Indians inhabited the Gulf Shores area

Alabama National Shrimp Festival is held

1979: Hurricane Frederic wreaks destruction exceeding $1.77 billion

Do you have memories of Gulf Shores in the ’50s? Did you ever stay at Roberts Beach Cottages?

Let us know! Email ahartin@pmtpublishing.com.

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