The Local, Volume 1, Number 1

THE

LOCAL VOLUME ONE | NUMBER ONE

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Publisher Clay Carey Editor-in-Chief Grace Miserocchi Managing Print Editor Hannah Jones

EDITOR’S NOTE

M

any believe that in order to have an adventure, you must pack a bag, get a plane ticket and leave town. We get caught up in our day-to-day lives and fall into the trap of never exploring outside of our immediate surroundings.

Working on this magazine has forced me to venture outside of my college bubble. As a result, I have a new appreciation for the Magic City.

Birmingham is changing right before our eyes. As a local artist put it, the city is “getting a second life.” Over the past few years, this magazine has evolved to cover the greater Birmingham community. This year we gave the magazine a fresh name that best represents its contents.

In this issue of The Local, we simply wanted to feature different areas of the city, its innovative people and its vibrant history. We hope that these pages inspire you to venture outside of your usual places and discover what this city has to offer.

Grace Miserocchi Editor-in-Chief

Managing Online Editor Macey Sims Art Director Eden Kay Long Photo Editor Bonnie Grace Tillman Social Media Specialist Sam Chandler Copy Specialists Caroline Carmichael Chris Griesedieck Katie Menosky Teddy Vance

The Local is a biannual magazine published by students at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. The stories and photographs that appear in The Local are produced by students in Samford University’s print and online journalism practicum program. The views expressed in The Local do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or of Samford University. Samford University is an Equal Opportunity Institution and welcomes application for employment regardless of race, color, age, sex, disability or national or ethnic origin. www.thelocalbham.com | 1

MUSIC 8

Judah and the Lion

Band members discuss their unique music style

10

Behind the Beats

Birmingham Mountain Radio offers a different sound

DINE 14

3 Best Places to Brunch

Check out some of Birmingham’s best brunch spots

16

I Scream, You Scream

Look inside a new creamery in Birmingham 2 | Fall 2015

SPORTS 24

In with the Old and Out with the New

Rickwood Field gives baseball fans a sense of nostalgia

28

Birmingham Track Club: Fueling Friendships

Local runners bond while pounding the pavement

DISCOVER 34

Birmingham A to Z

26 things that make the Magic City special

38

Vulcans on Parade

Public art brings attention to local attractions

42

Taking Flight

The love story that launched the Southern Museum of Flight

46

What’s on Second: A Trip Back in Time

Antique store takes visitors back in time www.thelocalbham.com | 3

More online at

thelocalbham.com

Cross country ready to roll Trader Joe’s opens new at Southern conference location in Birmingham — Samford is prepped for a pair of big performances.

— The popular store welcomes its first customers to the Summit location.

Find us on social media: The Local

@TheLocal_bham

@TheLocal_bham 4| Fall 2015

Birmingham Art Crawl — This fun event takes place on the first Thursday of every month.

Fun things to do in Birmingham — Spending an afternoon at beautiful Railroad Park.

All things fall — As fall hits full swing, it’s exciting to embrace all things orange and cinammon.

www.thelocalbham.com | 5

M

USIC

JUDAH & THE LION

Photo by Joshua Black Wilkins

Band members talk about inspiration and influences Story and photos by Macey Sims

Judah and the Lion is a band that came together in Nashville, Tennessee, at Belmont University. The band consists of three main members Brian Macdonald, Nate Zuercher and Judah Akers.

“We met, a jock and two music majors and played through one song and for whatever reason it just worked,” Akers said.

The band has a folk, rock-hop twist feel that pulls musical influences from a wide range of acts, including 50cent to Frank Sinatra to create their own beats and lyrics. They are continuing to pursue their music career in hopes to put out an amazing record that expands their reach and surprises people. When asked if they could perform for any person or group in the world, they stated “Jesus, Hitler, Dave Grohl, Michael Jordan and Ghandi. I think we may set it up as a concert but just make it a Q and A.” The band answered questions about music and life for The Local: The Local: Who are your musical influences?

Judah and the Lion: A lot of everything. From Tom Petty and Steve Miller to 50cent and Frank Sinatra. Also Nate likes punk and death metal.

TL: What has surprised you the most about becoming a professional musician and completing an album with a band?

JTL: The fact that things that you’ve always looked forward to as a dreaming musician are just moments. Then they are gone. We got to play David Letterman this past year and play at my dream place (as a Tennessee boy) at The Ryman. You set these events up in your mind when your

dreaming to be the pinnacle of life or whatever. Like it’s gonna bring you some kind of “we did it” but it doesn’t.

Just makes you want more.

Perhaps that’s the beauty of it.

TL: What are your long term career goals?

JTL: I think we set out with a whole lot of big dreams, some like playing theaters, Judah Akers lead singer of Judah and the Lion. arenas, stadiums etc. but really we just want to keep having fun and keep making new fans on the road. We hope the record takes us way farther than we expect and to keep making music that is cool and true to us.

TL: Where do you draw your musical style from?

Is it a mashup of a few styles, or have the same kinds of beats always driven your music?

JTL: Hip-hop really is the most common influence between all of us believe it or not. So we like to have those style of beats for our music. The new record features a lot of 80’s style hip-hop beats.

TL: If you want your fans to know one thing about yall, what would that be?

JTL: That they aren’t fans. They friends. We are all humans. Why is there separation? Cliche I know, but it’s true. But we are happy that they like the music and can’t believe they pay to see us do what we love.

www.thelocalbham.com | 9

BEHIND THE BEATS The beginnings of Birmingham Mountain Radio Story and photos by Bonnie Grace Tillman

10| Fall 2015

Above. Birmingham Mountain Radio can be found tucked away down the halls of the local venue WorkPlay.

Below, the studio is a small space that makes a loud noise throughout the community.

B

irmingham Mountain Radio’s studio is tucked away in the halls of a the local music venue WorkPlay. Step into the station’s office and you will find walls covered in signed posters from bands like Alabama Shakes, Moon Taxi, St. Paul and the Broken Bones and other great musicians who originated in the heart of Birmingham.

Birmingham Mountain Radio is a locally run alternative music station that cultivates an authentic relationship between the listeners and the station by focusing on new artists as well as local advertisers – creating a movement that is bigger than they ever imagined.

The station got its start in 2011 after a few local radio stations that fell through and after the alternative 107.7 went off air. At that point, friends Jeff Clanton and Scott Geno assumed there probably wasn’t going to be an alternative station to return to Birmingham.

“We sat on the idea of starting our own for a few months thinking that somebody else would pick up the gauntlet - they never did,” Clanton said.

Clanton and Geno decided that since they didn’t have the means

or the know-how to run an FM station, they would start by creating an Internet-based radio station. In January of 2011 they launched the online version of BMR, and they were blown away by the response.

Since then, BMR has paired with Summit Media Group and launched their FM station in June 2013.

“The community embraced us,” Geno said with joy as he looked out the window.

The BMR staff hopes to lift the community up through partnering with local vendors and advertisers. “We really want to be community driven,” said Scott.

“We want to lift people up who are doing great things in Birmingham. That’s what we hold near and dear – our community.”

really want to “ “We lift people up who are doing great things in Birmingham.” ”

www.thelocalbham.com | 11

Above, the station is run from a small desk located in Workplay.

Below, Birmingham Mountain Radio wants to be a community-driven station that enriches both listeners and musicians.

Birmingham Mountain Radio: To learn more, visit BirminghamMountainRadio.com or listen at 107.3 FM

12 | Fall 2015

ZETA TAU ALPHA

love, the greatest of all things samford.zetataualpha.org

www.thelocalbham.com | 13

DI

NE

I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM

A couple’s dream of opening an ice cream shop turned into reality after their pop-up shop blew up overnight Story and photos by Hannah Jones

O

pening an ice cream shop wasn’t in Ryan and GeriMartha O’Hara’s immediate plans. But a year and a half ago, those plans changed.

The O’Hara’s always had a passion for food, especially ice cream. Both had worked as professional chefs for eight years; in fact, the couple met while working together at Bottega Café, a local Italian restaurant.

Opening a creamery was a dream of theirs, but a dream they thought they might pursue a few years down the road. But after just three months of marriage, the O’Hara’s realized they had nothing to lose and decided to dive head first into their dream of opening a creamery, and Big Spoon Creamery was born.

“It was difficult at first,” Ryan said.

“We knew what we wanted to do and

how we wanted to do it, but it was kind of a ‘Well how do we do this with no resources’ situation.”

In July 2014, they opened a popup shop, a temporary stand, in their driveway in Hoover, and the reaction it got was unexpected at the least.

Southern Living wrote a blog post about the couple’s ice cream, and from that day they never looked back.

Just a year after planting their business at the end of their driveway, the couple now owns one of the most popular creameries in Birmingham.

Despite their success, or perhaps because of it, the O’Hara’s have stayed true to that early business model. Big Spoon adopted the idea of a pop-up shop for their business. On any given day, you can find their cart somewhere in Birmingham.

They market and let their customers know where they’ll be located that day on their social media sites. They also have a membership club that delivers two pints of ice cream a month to your doorstep. But, what’s made them famous is their sandwiches. The sandwiches are composed of a scoop of handcrafted ice cream squished between two freshly baked cookies.

“The ice cream sandwiches are kind of our bread and butter,” said Ryan.

“That’s our staple and what we’ve become known for.”

Unusual flavors and specialty ingredients also contribute to Big

Above, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Gingersnap has quickly become one of Big Spoon’s top selling sandwiches.

Spoon’s popularity. As the seasons begin to change, the couple starts coming up with new flavors to produce. Up for fall are Pumpkin Cream Cheese Gingersnap and Georgia Nell’s Pecan Pie “Georgia Nell was my grandmother’s name,” O’Hara said. “I’m not saying this because I’m biased, but she really makes the best pecan pie I’ve ever had.”

The O’Hara’s value using local ingredients in their ice cream. They not only try to reach out to local produce and dairy farmers, but also local artisans like Octane, a coffee shop and bar in Homewood.

“We try to work with other local artisans and people who put as much

Right, Samford students enjoy the unique, seasonal flavors of the sandwiches, one of Big Spoon’s biggest sellers.

Left, Big Spoon’s sandwiches, their best seller, are composed of a scoop of handcrafted ice cream squeezed between two cookies.

www.thelocalbham.com | 17

care into their product as we do,” O’Hara said.

But beyond the dream of opening Big Spoon was the hope to serve people.

“If we’re known for having great ice cream, that’s great, and I hope we are,” O’Hara said. “But really more than that we just want to be known for serving people well and treating people well, and that’s all we could really care about.”

The concept of Big Spoon was created out of the couple’s dream, and that dream extends farther than just ice cream. It means enriching the communities of the Steel City and bringing people joy through a simple treat.

“If we can do something special for people in even a small way and touch people’s lives, that’s really all that matters to us,” O’Hara said. “That’s the

But really, more “than that, we just

want to be known for serving people well and treating people well, and that’s all we could really care about.

Above, sandwiches start out as just cookies and a scoop of Big Spoon’s handcrafted ice cream.

”

best part: meeting people, talking to people, sharing our story with people and getting to know people on a personal level, whether it’s our sellers or our customers, whatever it might be, that’s the best part, easily.”

Above and below, the cookies and ice cream are then smushed together to create their famous sandwiches.

Above, Big Spoon adopted the pop-up shop model for their creamery. They open their cart at different spots around Birmingham every day.

Big Spoon Creamery: To learn more, visit Instagram, @bigspoonbham

Twitter, @BigSpoonBHAM

Facebook, Big Spoon Creamery 18| Fall 2015

Below, the sandwiches are then wrapped and ready to be eaten.

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TOP 3 PLACES TO

brunch

When th e weekend rolls around, it always seems fitting to gather with friends and enjoy brunch. This is a special meal to sit around a table and enjoy delicious foods that satisfy both breakfast and lunch desires. Birmingham has many unique restaurants that cater to this appetite. Here are a few special brunch spots in the Birmingham area that have a pleasing atmosphere and delicious eats.

Story and Photos by Eden Kay Long

20 | Fall 2015

THE PANTRY BY STONE HOLLOW FARMSTEAD 17 Dexter Ave. 205.803.3585 Hours of Operation Monday Friday, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday , 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Closed Sundays The Pantry is filled with high quality, locally grown and imported artisan food. Not only does the fresh food taste amazing, but the atmosphere matches the level of food perfectly-a quaint area with a rustic homey feel. Popular brunch dishes include avocado toast and Belgian waffles. The Pantry has a farm in Harpersville, Alabama. “This is where we source from and we have many different foods for sale inside of their Pantry location,� Deborah Stone, founder of Stone Hollow Farmstead said. Whether it is the lovely detail on their handcrafted meals or the details of decor, you will fall in love with The Pantry the moment you walk in.

TRATTORIA CENTRALE 207A 20th St. N. 205.202.5612 Hours of Operation Monday-Friday Breakfast: 7 a.m.-10 a.m.

Monday -Friday Lunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sunday Brunch: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

The locally sourced Italian cuisine at Tratotria Centrale will leave you wanting more. Located in the heart of downtown Birmingham, this sidewalk cafe specializes in pizzas, pastas, soups, salads and more. Most commonly around town, they are known for their Sunday brunch. Trattoria Centrale's brunch is an experience you can not get anywhere else in Birmingham. You feel like you have been transported to Italy as you sit outside and people watch. While sticking to its Italian roots, Trattoria Centrale mixes in Southern ties to create an unforgettable Sunday brunch experience.

OVER EASY CAFE 358 Hollywood Blvd.

205.639.1910 Hours of Operation Tuesday-Friday Breakfast: 6 a.m.-2 p.m.

Saturday + Sunday : 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Closed Mondays Over Easy is a great brunch option any day, in any mood. The cuisine is has options for everyone. Whether you want healthy or greasy, hearty or light, sweet or salty, Over Easy does it all and does it all really well. Local ingredients are used whenever possible. The food looks amazing and tastes even better. Over Easy has a simple and fun atmosphere and the most tasty unique breakfast dishes like specialty french toast and omelets. www.thelocalbham.com | 21

SP

ORTS

In with the Old and Out with the New Birmingham’s Rickwood Field connects history to the present day Story By Chris Griesedieck Photos By Bonnie Grace Tillman

F

or a short window, Birmingham had the oldest and newest professional baseball parks in America.

When you think about that, it’s pretty extraordinary.

Birmingham’s minor league baseball team, the Barons, now plays at the modern Regions Field, which opened in 2013.

But Rickwood Field, the old home of the Barons, has survived for over a century and is still in use today.

From the outside, the ancient glass windows and concrete pillars makes Rickwood look worn out, like a rickety staircase.

But set foot inside, and it’s a sight that will take your breath away – especially those who appreciate the history of baseball. The park incorporates both new and historic features that make anyone feel like they’re stepping back in time as they walk through the gates. The gazebo-style pressbox, the freshly cut infield grass and dirt, the vintage signs in the outfield and the wooden benches in the dugouts display Rickwood’s contrast of old and new.

Although the playing surface itself has been altered and well maintained over the years, the outer structure has

remained the same.

While Rickwood may not be hosting baseball games every day anymore, it is still an important historical feature of the city, and one that is being used in new and different ways.

Construction of Rickwood Field broke ground in the spring of 1910. The very first game was played later that same year. Birmingham Barons owner Rick Woodard built this park that served as the home field for two teams: The Barons and the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. Both organizations competed at Rickwood for several decades.

Additionally, legendary major leaguers such as Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Joe DiMaggio and Stan Musial came through playing in exhibition games.

The crowds filling Rickwood’s stands experienced the wonder, the romance and the magic of baseball - just the way it was meant to be.

“There’s something romantic about the game of baseball that made America fall in love with it,” said David Brewer, executive director of the Friends at Rickwood.

Above: This scoreboard was used to keep up with other games around the league. Below left: The seats behind home plate are newer, next to the old bleachers. Below right: This game lineup can be seen as one enters the stadium.

26 | Fall 2015

The outside structure of Rickwood Field was constructed in 1910 and hasn’t been changed since.

“The love of baseball was shared no matter what your skin color is. Going to the ballpark for a minor league game was a big deal back then.”

A photo of a Barons game taken in 1948 shows no empty seats in the house. In the photo, fans can be seen dressed in business attire while attending games. The community felt strongly about coming to support their teams.

Although the Barons moved their home games to Hoover and later to Regions Field downtown, Rickwood Field has been preserved. The park was saved because some local baseball fans joined in 1992 to become “The Friends at Rickwood.” Since then, the Friends have taken excellent care of the facility and are restoring it to its former glory.

“The move for the Barons downtown has reenergized the city,” Brewer said. “Regions Field is in a good location – but it’s all good for us, here at Rickwood. Geographically, it’s not too far away. You can see the Barons current park and their old park, which has value for us and for the city of Birmingham.

Regions Field has filled that role of a catalyst for re-development in the downtown area.”

A Scene from History Rickwood Field is more than just a historic baseball park where over 100 Hall of Famers once played.

It played a key role as a community and cultural center during Birmingham’s Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.

“You cheered for your heroes whether you were Caucasian or African American,” Brewer said. “This place served as a civic identity and was about community pride.”

From a cultural standpoint, it represented more than tracking who hit the most homeruns. The field represented blacks and whites coming together to support minor league baseball, which was finally integrated in 1964.

From 1947-1963, there were separate segregated teams in Birmingham. The facility was segregated then too, with white and black fans sitting in different sets of bleachers.

These days, the park hosts almost 200 baseball games each year, including the annual Rickwood Classic, which features the Barons playing a visiting team on their old home turf.

Birmingham-area high schools, Miles College, wooden-bat tournaments and other organizations are still able to play on hallowed ground. In May 2012, scenes from the movie 42 were filmed at Rickwood Field.

Today, Rickwood Field also hosts current events, such as youth baseball camps and a weekly summer men’s league.

Visitors are able to walk in and explore the grandstands or run the bases. People can reserve the field for photo shoots, weddings, family reunions and corporate events.

Rickwood Field, with all of its rich history, is still in excellent condition and is occupied quite frequently today.

Rickwood Field is located at 1137 2nd Ave. W. The park’s hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

www.thelocalbham.com | 27

BIRMINGHAM TRACK CLUB :

Fueling Friendships

After a new personal best? Maybe just a good time? Either way, the BTC is the place to be Story and photos by Sam Chandler

I

t’s a crisp, fall Saturday morning in the heart of the Magic City, and the elusive sun is far beyond the horizon, not scheduled to rise for another hour.

As most residents lie asleep in the comfort of their own homes, a sizeable group of runners has converged at the Trak Shak’s downtown Homewood location. Alert and energetic at this young hour, they are ready to embark on lengthy treks that range in distance from seven to 22 miles.

While pounding the pavement at the crack of dawn may not be everybody’s cup of tea, especially on a brisk weekend morning, a dedicated and growing number of people routinely congregate at the same time every Saturday to start their weekend in the most rewarding way they know.

For some, it begins with a leisurely one-hour trot. For others, it begins with an arduous three-hour grind. But regardless of their varying speeds and distances, all are

28 | Fall 2015

united by a common factor. As members of the booming Birmingham Track Club (BTC), the runners enjoy a special bond of friendship as they passionately pursue healthy, active lifestyles.

“The Saturday morning group ends up becoming your buddies, your friends,” BTC President Alex Morrow said.

“You start off running and then pretty soon, you’re going to movies with them, you’re having dinner, and they become lifelong friends. That’s why running’s so cool.”

The Saturday morning group run represents just one of many club-sponsored events that offer rich opportunities for both aerobic and relational development, providing members with the opportunity to fulfill the club’s original mission.

Founded in 1979 by Dr. Arthur Black, the BTC was launched with hopes of improving the overall health and

start off runing and then pretty soon, you’re going to movies “ You with them , you’re having dinner, and they become lifelong friends.

That’s why running’s so cool” — BTC President Alex Morrow

Birmingham Track Club members enjoy each other’s company on a Saturday morning group run. Group runs are one of many membership perks, offering people a chance to build relationships within the running community. wellness of Birmingham area residents through running.

As underscored in the club’s mission statement, the BTC was created “to promote physical fitness throughout the membership and the community, specifically through systematic running and the promulgation of positive health habits.”

Although the club started with only a handful of people, it has grown steadily since its inception and currently boasts 1,300 members.

Much of that membership base, however, is newly acquired, added over the course of the club’s present revival that began just over seven years ago.

“I had always heard stories from the heyday of the Birmingham Track Club when they did all these amazing things and it used to be a big club,” Morrow said. “When I got involved, there were maybe 500 to 600 runners and

the club had dwindled off a little bit, and it just needed something exciting to happen.”

The spark that ignited the BTC’s resurgence, Morrow said, can be credited to former club president Jennifer Andress.

“Jennifer’s a big runner. She’s been featured in Runner’s World and she brought a lot of energy and life to the club, and it really sparked some fun,” Morrow said, “and running has to be fun for you to want to be involved.”

Largely thanks to the added element of fun, club membership has more than doubled since Morrow joined in 2008, making the BTC the largest Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) affiliate in Alabama.

“From her presidency to my presidency, the club’s just continued to grow,” Morrow said. “We’ve instituted more programs, we have more socials, we have more runs and www.thelocalbham.com| 29

BTC member Kevin Bokus leads a trio of runners up Hollywood Boulevard. An active club member, Bokus values the built-in camraderie. “Absolutely, it’s great,” he said. “There’s always regular faces, but there’s always new people, too.” bigger events, and I think people see the value for their dollars now.”

That much is evident.

From free coaching and reduced race fees to an intriguing retailer discount program that includes merchants like Taco Mama and Mountain High Outfitters, there are a number of perks that come with club membership.

Plus, joining the BTC won’t break the bank, as it offers a 50 percent discount to students, military and first responders on the already minimal $24 annual rate.

“That’s a bargain and a half. If you go back to the original guys, Dr. Black and everyone who started the club, you go back to the mission statement, their whole goal was just to get people moving,” Morrow said. “And yeah, we want to have enough money to make sure we can continue the programs we’re offering, but it’s about creating healthy lifestyles.”

One key way of doing that is through building a strong sense of community within the club’s membership. As any former or current runner can attest, there’s motivational power in accountability.

“It’s so much easier to run with a group than to run by yourself,” Mike Ballard, a four-year BTC member, said.

Ballard attends the weekly Saturday morning long runs 30 | Fall 2015

and various club-sponsored running events throughout the year, noting the sense of community as his favorite club aspect.

“I think just being part of the running community and trying to live a healthy lifestyle with a bunch of other people that are trying to do the same thing,” Ballard said.

In addition to the weekly Saturday morning long runs, the BTC hosts an annual race series, collectively participates in a Triple Crown Half Marathon Challenge and puts on a number of socials throughout the year, including an End of the Year party and a night out at a Birmingham Barons game.

“There’s a lot of different things that take place to kind of foster that community sense,” Morrow said. “We’re doing those types of initiatives to kind of get everybody excited and get them involved.”

As evidenced by the swift pace of growth, coupled with an overwhelmingly positive response from club members, that approach appears to be working.

“It’s just such a great community,” BTC member Kevin Bokus said. “Everyone’s training for similar goals, and it’s just great to have that friendship and support throughout your training.”

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www.thelocalbham.com | 31

DISC

OVER

BiRMINGHAM A-Z Birmingham, also known as “The Magic City,” offers a rich history, great food and abundant activites to choose from. Take a look at just a few of the things that make this place so special.

A

Avondale

Story and Photos by Katie Menosky

This trendy, revitalized neighborhood is minutes away from downtown Birmingham and has great shops and restaurants to choose from.

B

Baseball

“Take me out to the ballgame” with Birmingham’s own minor-league baseball team, The Barons. Regions Field offers an intimate atmosphere and beautiful skyline views.

Civil Rights Museum Travel back in time with The Civil Rights Institute while they tell the story of the civil rights movement in Birmingham.

C

Dollar Movie Theater

D 34 | Fall 2015

This hidden gem, located in Hoover, is perfect for people who do not want to spend a lot of money to see a movie, but who also enjoy the experience of going to a theater.

E

Edgewood Creamery Nestled in the charming Homewood community, Edgewood Creamery offers so many flavors to choose it is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

Food Trucks

F

G

Heavenly Donut Company

H

Some of the most popular restaurants in Birmingham have taken their food on the road.

Some favorites include Melt and Dreamcakes.

Botanical Gardens

Tucked away in the quaint town of Mountain Brook, this garden oasis provides more than 12,000 plants to view.

Treat yourself to a savory donut or two... or three. Also, be on the lookout for the Heavenly Donut food truck.

This local business is definitely one you do not want to miss.

J

Jazz in the Park

I

Iron City Take in a concert at Iron City and enjoy its cozy downtown venue space. There is a great view of the stage anywhere you stand.

During the summer months, the smooth sound of jazz music fills Railroad Park.

This summer festival begins in May and goes through August.

Klinger’s Cafe

K

Looking for something different to satisfy your sweet tooth? Try Klinger’s Cafe and enjoy European-style baked goods and German cuisine.

Live Music

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Whether it is at a coffee shop like seeds or an event space like Saturn, there is always a great place to hear live music in Birmingham. From more well known musicians, to local artists and intimate venues it is safe to say that the “Magic City” is rich with musicality. www.thelocalbham.com | 35

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McWane Science Center Explore four floors of science and wonder at the McWane Science Center and learn and experience science in an interactive and imaginative way like never before.

Nightlife (Rainbow Tunnel) Birmingham comes alive at night, but one of the best parts of driving through the streets of Birmingham at night is the Rainbow Tunnel.

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Oak Mountain State Park

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Just a 20 minute drive from downtown Birmingham sits Oak Mountain State Park, which hosts activites such as mountain biking, hiking or canoeing, just to name a few.

Pepper Place Farmers Market

Fresh flowers, great food and live music, nothing is sweeter than spending the morning at Pepper Place, except for the homemade sweet tea of course.

BBQ Birmingham has some of the best barbeque in the South. If you don’t believe me then you haven’t tried Saw’s BBQ.

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Railroad Park Take in the sights and sounds of Birmingham at Railroad Park. It’s hard to believe this serene setting is in the middle of downtown.

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Sloss Furnaces Find out why Birmingham is nicknamed the “Steel City,” and explore this historic landmark that now serves as a museum. This location is reportedly haunted and hosts a ghost tour and an annual haunted house called “Sloss Fright Fest.”

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Uptown

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“Ready, set, action” Local thespians and national acting troupes perform shows around Birmingham.

Whether you are looking to see a play or a musical, there are a variety of venues to choose from.

The Vulcan

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This beloved and symbolic statue has one of the best views of Birmingham, although if you are afraid of heights you may want to sit this one out.

Cahaba Water Lily

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This aquatic flowering plant can be found just outside of Birmingham along many river systems. Noted for it’s striking beauty, the Cahaba Water Lily is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Five Points Intersection

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This busy intersection offers trendy restaurants and shops, and although it is located in downtown Birmingham, it is also known as “a town within a city.”

Yard Sales If you are looking for a good bargain or a weekend aventure, try hitting up local yard sales around Birmingham.

Steps away from the BJCC, this premier entertainment district hosts restaurants and hotels that create a fun and exciting atmosphere.

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Be transported to the Trails of Africa or spot other exotic animals at the Birmingham Zoo, located in Mountain Brook. It is also home to almost 800 animals including many endangered species.

Birmingham Zoo

VULCANS ON PARADE Local artists design statues to promote local attractions.

Story and photos by Grace Miserocchi

38 | Fall 2015

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or over 80 years the 50-ton Vulcan statue has sat on Red Mountain overlooking the city. He is now joined by two smaller and more colorful versions of himself in downtown Birmingham.

One, with its earthy colors and painted words describing the city, is situated outside of the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC). The other, located in Railroad Park, depicts the magic city at night with stars forming Orion and the Big Dipper, two constellations that are often found in the city’s night sky.

These statues are the first of the ongoing Vulcans on Parade project, a partnership between members of the Project Corporate Leadership (PCL) class of 2015 and Vulcan Park and the Museum.

The class of PCL was challenged to create a project that aims to change the negative perception that there is a lack of activities and entertainment in the Birmingham Metro area.

“The idea that we ended up on was to get permission to use the image of Vulcan, make the Vulcan statues and put the statues up at attractions,” Cox said. “We want to use Vulcan to bring attention to local attractions.”

After getting approval from Vulcan Park and Museum to use the Vulcan, the statues are made in Nebraska.

Then they are sent back to Birmingham where local artists design and decorate them.

Project Corporate Leadership went through the Birmingham Museum of Art to find people who could design and paint the first two statues, and got Simmons Middle School art teacher Carrie McGrann and local artist Paul Cordes Wilm.

McGrann and Wilm had plain, white fiberglass statues delivered to their homes and several months to paint it.

Forging Ahead by Paul Cordes Wilm

Wilm’s statue, named “Forging Ahead,” is located in front of the BJCC. He wanted it to not only tell a story about how Birmingham has changed, but also to show the god of fire, Vulcan.

“It is an anatomical map of man, but instead of muscles I put strengths and things that Birmingham has achieved,” Wilm said. “I wanted it to be sort of a magical and spiritual map of Birmingham. This is what we have done and this is what we are striving to do.”

There are many elements on the statue that each have meaning. Words like “civil rights,” “industry,” “equality” and “dream” are written on it. Wilm said that these represent Birmingham’s story. A map of Birmingham has been included under Vulcan’s raised arm. Another map of the state of Alabama is on the block next to him with the words “Be Proud” painted above it.

Top left, Artist Paul Cordes Wilm painted words that he thought represented Birmingham’s story on the statue.

Bottom left, city and state maps were put on the statue to give viewers a sense of pride.

At Right, the statue represents the transformation of the city. www.thelocalbham.com | 39

Magic City Lights by Carrie McGrann

McGrann took a different spin on her statue, named “Magic City Lights,” which is located in Railroad Park.

“I really wanted to go with the theme of Birmingham being the Magic City,” McGrann said.

At the bottom of the statue she painted her perspective of driving into Birmingham at night and seeing all of the red and yellow car lights. Then, on the apron she depicted many downtown buildings at sunset. These colors blend into a night sky as they move up the painting.

“If you look on the chest, there are stars that map out Orion and on the back is the Big Dipper,” McGrann said.

“Those are the two things that I learned how to find in the sky here.”

Top left, McGrann painted some of the statue by laying the statue on its side and pouring paint on it.

Top right, The block next to Vulcan was inspired by McGrann’s vision of traffic in the city.

Bottom right, McGrann painted constellations on the front and back of statue.

McGrann and Wilm did not know exactly where their statues were going to go until their reveal in late August.

The group, including Wade Cox, Justin Drummond, Chris Cooper, Ashley Stuckey and Leslie Dobbs, plan to place 18 additional statues in the city by the end of 2016.

Something that many involved in this project have in common is that they have all lived in Birmingham for many years. Wilm, Cox and McGrann all are enthusiastic about how this will bring attention to Birmingham and its many features.

“We are forging a new name for ourselves. We are an innovative, creative and a cool place to be. Come here and see us,” Wilm said.

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“We are forging a new name for ourselves. We are an innovative, creative and a cool place to be. Come here and see us,” artist Paul Cordes Wilm said.

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Vulcan online

To learn more, visit www.bhamvulcans.com Bham Vulcans

@vulcansonparade

TAKING FLIGHT While many Birmingham residents are familiar with the Southern Museum of Flight, few have heard the tale of its beginning – the aviation adventures that initiated the museum’s ultimate take off.

Story by Caroline Carmichael

42 | Fall 2015

Photos by Bonnie Grace Tillman and Caroline Carmichael, with contributions by Mary Alice Beatty Carmichael

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ake that ring off now, or I’ll take it off and throw it out the window!”

Mary Alice Gatling sat stiffly in her seat. Defiance danced in her eyes as silence settled in the stilled passenger car. The only motion that threatened to rock the tracks was the thundering voice that demanded the hand of the silent woman who had yet to speak a word.

Donald Croom Beatty steadied his gaze. He knew patience. But he was even better acquainted with the power of purpose.

When he had learned of Mary Alice’s engagement, he had wasted no time in jumping aboard his small plane and tracking down the train that was transporting his girl. Having found it, he landed in a nearby field and then halted the southbound train.

Now he refused to leave until the ring Mary Alice wore was replaced with the one he now held out to her.

Slowly the diamond ring began to twist from her slender fingers.

It was done.

“You’re my girl, and don’t you forget it!” Beatty boomed.

It would only be a matter of time before the hands of Mary Alice Beatty, more accustomed to frolicking across the piano keys at The Juilliard School, would take a bounding, daring leap and learn to soar across the heavens.

And he would teach her.

While many Birmingham residents are familiar with the Southern Museum of Flight, very few have heard the tale of its beginning—the aviation adventures that initiated the museum’s ultimate take off.

Since the moment it first revved up its engine for guests in 1983, the museum has been home to over 90 aircraft and numerous exhibitions and memorabilia, including more than 70 mounted biographical plaques documenting southern aviation history in the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame.

Behind these exhibitions are many exciting years of teetering upon makeshift runways and gliding above horizons glimmering with mystery and danger.

“Dad taught Mother how to fly when girls never learned how to fly,” Mary Alice Beatty Carmichael, daughter of Donald and Mary Alice Beatty,

Above, Mary Alice Beatty holds her daughter Madelyn beside husband’s airplane Expedition in this photo, taken in 1931.

At left, Donald Croom Beatty stands beside his airplane in 1925.

Below, one of the Southern Museum of Flight’s impressive diorama exhibits honors Alabama’s famed Tuskegee Airmen.

www.thelocalbham.com | 43

recalled. Besides being a businessman, Donald Beatty was an aviator, explorer and inventor.

Carmichael explained that because of society’s expectations for women at the time, her mother never mentioned her flying lessons during her tutorship.

According to Carmichael, Beatty learned to fly in the early 1920’s. At that time, “ladies didn’t throw their legs over anything, and the only way you can get in a plane is to climb on the wing, throw your leg over the cowling and drop down into the seat.”

Carmichael is the second of three living children to Donald and Mary Alice Beatty, both of whom have since passed. She serves on several of the museum boards, including the Foundation Board, the City Board and the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame Board.

Although well occupied in their early years of marriage with explorations and expeditions—one of which was sponsored by J.P. Morgan after the historic stock market crash of 1929— Donald and Mary Alice Beatty spent most of their lives in Birmingham, where they had been born and raised.

Donald left behind a legacy of inventions and aerial flight routes through the hearts of Central and South America that have marked history. While Mary Alice accompanied and assisted her husband in many of his endeavors, perhaps her most invaluable contribution to Alabama is the Southern Museum of Flight.

With her husband’s vast collection of artifacts, plane pieces and memorabilia from various expeditions,

This diorama depicts a scene from the early 1940’s after a landing on the grass runway at Morton Field. The young aviation student is talking with his instructor about the next portion of their training flight, which began earlier in the day at Tuskegee Army Air Field.

Mary Alice Beatty initiated its creation.

“They started a museum that was in the attic at Samford above the library,” Carmichael recalled. She described the museum’s initial take off first at the university, and then as its cargo grew, at the Birmingham Airport before its final landing in the Historic East Lake district, where it is nestled today.

Carmichael remembers her mother quipping, “I had to do something to get Daddy’s things out—Daddy’s junk out of the closet!”

Although its engine has gently cooled over the years, today the Southern Museum of Flight still serves visitors as a quiet wonder tucked snugly into the heart of the steel city.

This sketch of Mary Alice Beatty is featured in the museum’s hall of fame.

Southern Museum of Flight Information Hours of operation: Tuesday - Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

4343 73rd St. N., Birmingham, AL 35206 Phone: 205-833-8226 Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame The Beattys are honored in the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame along with more than 65 distinguished individuals in Alabama aviation history.

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For more information, visit SouthernMuseumOfFlight.org

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For more information, contact Beth Smith at (205) 726-2947 or via email at epsmith1@samford.edu

Rho Delta Chapter Women Enriched through lifelong friendship

www.thelocalbham.com | 45

WHAT’S ON 2ND? A store that offers customers a look back Story by Teddy Vance

Photos by Grace Miserocchi 46 | Fall 2015

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ver the years, Birmingham has seen many antique stores come and go. But What’s on 2nd is a unique place that has been sucessful in recent years.

The store is located on 2nd N. in the heart of downtown Birmingham. Since its opening in 2007, What’s on 2nd has gained a reputation for being a high-quality antique shop that offers a variety of products and the feeling of nostalgia that can be found looking through the store.

The antique store, owned by Steve Gilmer and Michele Wilson, has many antiques to offer to customers such as vintage postcards, t-shirts, toys and various collectibles.

When asked about the store location, Gilmer said he liked the location due to the aesthetic appeal of the store as well as where it is in the city.

The shop has become one of many stores to pop up in downtown Birmingham over the last few years in an attempt to make use of some of the older, previously abandoned buildings in the area.

What’s on 2nd has become one of the rare businesses thanks to the wide stock of products.

Rather than just focusing on one area like a lot of antique stores, What’s on 2nd appeals to many people.

“Some of the more popular products include the cameras and vintage postcards,” Gilmer said.

Upon walking into the store, a customer can find hundreds of postcards from various states dating back many decades.

The store is also filled with past political campaign memorabilia spanning the last five decades of presidential campaigns from Dwight Eisenhower ads to John Kerry posters.

Going upstairs to the second floor, one will find various toys hanging on the wall from popular movies such as Star Wars and X-Men. There is also books, comics and pictures of Birmingham taken decades ago. One will also find vintage records by artists such as Elton John and Bees Gees. Even the store’s restroom is covered in Elvis memorabilia.

“I’ve seen people from New York and California come in and say they don’t have anything like this store there,” Gilmer said.

There is a market for antiques in the Birmingham community and having a store located in a populated area has helped it succeed over the last seven years.

What’s on 2nd is the type of store that is fun to just look around and admire aspects of life decades ago.

Presidential memorabilla displayed on the first floor.

The store is filled with many odd antiques.

LOCATION: 2306 2nd Ave. N. Birmingham, Alabama HOURS:

Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM- 6:00 P.M. Sunday: Closed

What’s on Second has been around since 2007. www.thelocalbham.com | 47

THE LOCAL

The Local circulates in Homewood, Vestavia and Downtown.

For advertising inquiries, email mcarey@samford.edu.

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