An oral history with Julie Garner, a graduate student of Auburn University, concerning her participation in the satellite Women's March on Washington that occurred on January 21, 2017, in Atlanta, Georgia. Her story is rich in local political context as she explains how she balanced working with Trump supporters at Chipotle Mexican Grill and with liberals in the History Department. Her life experiences, which include traveling abroad, influenced her political ideology and her feminism.
Heather M. Haley, Ph.D. candidate, Department of History, Auburn University, in cooperation with the University Archives and Special Collections
All files are the property of the Auburn University Libraries and are intended for non-commercial use. Users of these materials are asked to acknowledge the Auburn University Libraries. For information about obtaining high-resolution copies of this and other items in this collection, please contact Auburn University Libraries Special Collections & Archives Department at archives@auburn.edu or (334) 844-1732.
1859; Kate; Oak Grove; Cousin; Columbia; South Carolina; Greenwood; North Carolina; Anderson; Georgia; Virginia; Chesapeake Bay; Florida; Aunt Mary; John; Lillie Brooks; Lizzie Arnold; Dick Walter; Dr. Templeton; Meredith; Jinnie Smith; Sallie Smith; Jinnia Mosley; John Riley; Jim Riley; Sallie Waller; Lizzie Boozer; Bennet; John D. McKellar; Jack Cain; Lizzie Blake; Manie; Mr. Maulding; Ann M.; Bud; Uncle Peter; Sallie Brown; Jack Griffin; Johnny; Aunt Nancy; Milt Coleman; Mollie Brooks; Sickness; Disease; Diarrhea; Summer; Gossip; Marriage; Courting; Dating; Health; Transcription
Kate describes the courting scene as well as the death of an infant. 8 handwritten pages.
P.M.B. Young Collection, Bartow History Museum
Cousin; Henry; Church; Rain; Illness; Sunday; Brother; Sadness; Eufaula; Alabama; Carrie; Affection; Death; Sally; Brother
A letter from Kate to Unknown, concerning the state of the family and family friends. Cousin Henry, Sally, and Carrie are mentioned. Kate continuously mentions her sadness at the recipient's absence. 3 handwritten pages
University of North Alabama, President's Home
Education; WPA; Great Depression; University of North Alabama; Lauderdale County, Alabama; Florence, Alabama
The President’s Home is located on the University of North Alabama campus. Ground was broken for this building in August 1939 when the university was under the name Florence State Teachers College. The Works Progress Administration completed the building in 1940. The original location was on Seminary Street and Morrison Street, facing Seminary. The home, a two-story brick building, was meant to correspond and compliment the surrounding campus architecture. In Shoals Magazine the interior of the house is described: “The front door enters into a central hall with a high ceiling, hardwood floors and a staircase with a U-shaped landing leading to the more private rooms. Branching from the hall are the dining room on the left and living room on the right-one complimenting the other […]” (Allen). The original pastel paint used for the walls was mixed by Mrs. Keller, the wife of President J.A. Keller. The university president, President J. A. Keller, stated that ‘it will be modest, but modern”. Though the internal décor has been changed and modified throughout the years that same concept has been kept. Once the building was complete, the university president and his family occupied the residence. This tradition has been continued by most university presidents since. The President’s Home has also gained a great deal of attention throughout its many years of being a gracious host to many social functions. The first great event held by the house was in May 1940, as documented in a news paper article. It stated that the home was opened to the graduating sophomores and faculty of Florence State Teachers College. This Sophomore Tea lead the way for all the many parties and social gathering the house holds today.
Katherine Rickard, University of North Alabama
Allen, Sherhonda, "Stately Oasis of Color," Archives and Special Collections, Collier Library, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama "Handsome New President’s Home at STC Thrown Open to Faculty and Students", Flor-Ala, Archives and Special Collections, Collier Library, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama New Building at STC Ready for Fall Term, Flor-Ala, Archives and Special Collections, Collier Library, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama "Presidents’ Home Open to Students, Faculty, Campus Social Events", Archives and Special Collection, Collier Library, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama Shoals Magazine 2006, Archives/Special Collection, Collier Library, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Native American; Early Settlement
In 1815, Michael Dickson and a group of white settlers sailed in a keel-boat down the Tennessee River and up Spring creek, settling where Spring Park is now. Dickson purchased this land from the Indian chief Tashka-Ambi for two pole axes and five dollars in cash. Tuscumbia, formally known as Ococoposa, was renamed in 1822 in honor of the Indian Chief. Spring Park was originally named Big Springs, but was renamed in the 1920’s. In 1817, Spring Park had 3 dwellings, a mill, and a store. Today, the park contains a two story open air shelter, several single story shelters, a large playground, a train, a carousel, a python roller coaster, and a splash pad. The largest man made natural stone waterfall is also located here, standing at 40’ tall and 80’ wide. 4,320,000 gallons of water pass over the falls a day into the lake. The lake also features a fountain in honor of Princess Im-Mi-Ah-Key, wife of Chief Tashka-Ambi. The fountain contains 51 jets, 1 shooting 100’ in the air in the middle and the 50 others shoot 40-50’ high. It is also choreographed to lights and music each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night at dusk. The water from the spring supplies the town of Tuscumbia, AL. It steadily stays at a temperature of 36 to 38 degrees year round. Many events have taken place at Spring Park and still do today. Federal troops camped on these grounds during the Civil War, and Jimmy Carter initiated his campaign to run for a second term at Spring Park on September 1, 1980. Today the Oka Kapassa festival is held at Spring Park. Oka Kapassa is a Native American gathering dedicated to celebrating the culture and traditions of the Native Americans who thrived in North Alabama. Other events include the Labor Day Festivities, Muscle Shoals Street Rod Run, and the annual Tuscumbia Fair.
Katie McVey, University of North Alabama
Mary Jane McDaniel, Historic Muscle Shoals: Buildings and Sites (Tennessee Valley Historical Society), 29. “Know Your State- Tuscumbia,” The Benjamin News, October 31, 1948. Thomas F. Hill, “Tuscumbia’s Big Spring.” Google. http//www.google.com/springpark.html Brent Moore. Flickr.com, “Cold Water Falls- Tuscumbia” Picture, Tuscumbia, Alabama, June 16, 2012.
Dr. Richard Henderson Rivers was the first president of Florence Wesleyan University. Dr. Rivers was named the president of LaGrange College in Leighton, Alabama, in 1854. In January of 1855, LaGrange College moved to Florence, Alabama, where classes were first held in the Masonic Hall. The name of LaGrange College was changed to Florence Wesleyan University on February 14, 1855. Dr. Rivers’ tenure as president saw the completion of Wesleyan Hall in 1856. Dr. Rivers left Florence Wesleyan University in 1861.
A Brief Look at University of North Alabama History 1830-2005. Booklet published by the University of North Alabama. Image courtesy of UNA Collier Library Archives
The Florence Indian Mound Museum is located at the foot of the Florence Indian Mound. The Florence Mound was built by early Native Americans and dates back to the Woodland period. The museum has display cases that house arrowheads, spearheads, Native American pottery, and implements made from bones, shells, and rocks. The museum does not focus on the Florence Indian Mound, but features displays from different eras, tribes, and locations that are not related to the Florence site. There are enough labels and interpretive exhibits to allow a visitor to understand the meaning of the objects on display, even without a detailed tour. A video that is less than 10 minutes long is available for visitors to watch. It briefly covers Native American History, but really does not mention the Florence Indian Mound with any significance. The first exhibit in the museum is entitled “The New Americans Migrated from the Old World” and explains how this is thought to have been done. The second is entitled “Paleo Indian Nomadic Hunters: More than 10,000 Years Ago.” Continuing down the line you find the “Transition of Paleo-Archaic Hunters to Gatherers: 7,000 to 10,000 years ago,” “Woodland People The First Farmers: 1,100 to 4,000 years ago,” “Mississippian People: Temple Mound Builders 500-1,000 years ago,” “Historic Indians,” and “Trail of Tears.” After walking back to the other side of the room, a visitor is able to learn about the “Stanfield-Worley Bluff Shelter: One of the World’s Archaeology Greats.” This side of the room offers a look at Native American tools, Spanish trade goods, pottery, and the use of effigies in Native American culture. Industrialization has encroached on the mound site a great deal. Almost touching the drive that circles around the mound is a Co-Op store and related buildings. The railroad runs near the opposite side of the mound, where the Port of Florence is in close proximity. The above article was written in 2015, and tells the story of the first museum that was located at the Florence Indian Mound. Shortly after this article was completed, the old museum building was demolished. A new museum was completed in early 2017.
Kayla Scott, University of North Alabama
A Visit to the Florence Indian Mound Museum
General John Coffee was a Federal surveyor who did work in Tennessee and Alabama and is known as one of the founders of Florence, Alabama. Born on June 2, 1772, in Prince Edward County, Virginia, Coffee moved to Tennessee as a young man. As a resident of Davidson County, Tennessee, Coffee became friends with Andrew Jackson. Coffee married Mary Donelson, who was the niece of Andrew Jackson’s wife Rachel. Friendship and family ties closely linked Coffee with Jackson for the remainder of his life. Coffee served with distinction under Jackson in the War of 1812, and was instrumental in the U.S. victory of the Creek War. After the War of 1812 and the Indian campaigns, Coffee continued working as a surveyor and land speculator. In 1817 he was appointed Surveyor-General of Alabama, and moved to Huntsville. In 1819 he moved to Lauderdale County, and the district land office was moved to Florence. Coffee served as the Surveyor-General for the rest of his life. His home, Hickory Hill Plantation, was located off of present day Cloverdale Road, which was called Coffee Road at the time. John Coffee died July 7, 1833, and is buried in the Coffee Family Cemetery at Florence, Alabama along with his wife and several children. A Wal-Mart store is located in close proximity to the graveyard.
Northern Alabama: Historical and Biographical Illustrated. Smith and De Land, Birmingham. 1888. William Lindsey McDonald, A Walk Through The Past: People and Places of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama. Bluewater Publications, 2003. Gordon Thomas Chappell, The Life and Activities of John Coffee, A Thesis, Vanderbilt University, 1941.
Alexander Donelson Coffee was a Confederate veteran of the Civil War and a planter and manufacturer in Florence. He was born on June 3, 1821, to General John Coffee and Mary Donelson Coffee. He attended the Lorance school in Florence, and the University of Nashville. Alexander Coffee served in the Confederate Army as a captain of Company C, 16th Alabama infantry regiment. Coffee fought in the Battle of Shiloh, but left the army soon after due to bad health. Coffee spent the rest of his life in Florence, working as a planter. He passed away on May 12, 1901. Coffee was first married to Letitia Van Dyke (Campbell) Sloss, and later to Camilla (Madding) Jones after his first wife’s death. He is buried in the Coffee Family Cemetery in Florence.
William Lindsey McDonald, A Walk Through The Past: People and Places of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama. Bluewater Publications, 2003. William Lindsey McDonald, Civil War Tales of the Tennessee Valley. (Heart of Dixie Publishing: Killen, Alabama, 2003), 200-202. Thomas McAdory Owen, History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography, Volume III, 1921, Page 368. Accessed January 16, 2014, at http://www.archives.alabama.gov.
James Jackson was born on October 25, 1782, in Ballybay County, Monaghan, Ireland. Jackson came to America in 1799 and moved to Nashville in 1801. Upon his arrival in Nashville, James Jackson quickly became acquainted with Andrew Jackson and John Coffee, who were members of the Tennessee Land Company. The Tennessee Company and the Alabama Company joined to form The Cypress Land Company. James Jackson was a member of the Tennessee group, and was one of the seven trustees of the Cypress Land Company. The company and its members were instrumental in founding Lauderdale County and Florence, Alabama. Jackson had the Forks of Cypress mansion built five miles outside of Florence, Alabama, and he and his wife Sally Moore McCulloch Jackson made the plantation their home. James Jackson became a member of the Alabama General Assembly in 1822. Jackson held office in both state legislative branches, and became the president of the Senate in 1830. While Jackson was president of the company, The Cypress Land Company donated the land for the Florence Female Synodical College, the Methodist, Episcopal, and Presbyterian churches, and the Lauderdale County Courthouse. Jackson is probably most famous for importing, breeding, and racing horses. Even today, winning race horses can often trace their roots back to Jackson’s stables.
William Lindsey McDonald, A Walk Through The Past: People and Places of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama. (Bluewater Publications, 2003), p. 11-13. Elizabeth Kirkman O’Neal, The Forks of Cypress: Home of James and Sally Moore Jackson. Waring Sherwood, 1966.
John McKinley was one of seven trustees that made up the Cypress Land Company and is considered a founder of Florence, Alabama. McKinley was born on May 1, 1780, in Culpepper County, Virginia, and later moved to Kentucky. He came to Alabama around 1819 and was a resident of Florence by 1821. McKinley served in the Alabama legislature and the U.S. Senate as a representative of first Madison, and later Lauderdale County. McKinley was a founding member of the Presbyterian Church in Florence. McKinley was very influential in early education in Alabama. He was a founder of one of the first public schools in the region, and donated the land for the school that is now called Athens State University. In addition, McKinley was a member of the first board of trustees for the University of Alabama. McKinley’s most famous accomplishment came when he was appointed to be an Associate Justice on the United States Supreme Court. He took the job in January of 1838, and was the first Alabamian to have the honor. He spent 14 years as a Supreme Court Justice, penning 22 opinions concerning the cases that went before the court. He was a strong advocate of states’ rights, a fact that is illustrated by his court decisions. McKinley passed away on July 19, 1852. His remains were interred in Louisville, Kentucky. Family members interred in the McKinley Cemetery in Florence were moved to Louisville, Kentucky several years later. McKinley’s seat on the Supreme Court was given to John Archibald Campbell, who was also from Alabama.
William Lindsey McDonald, A Walk Through The Past: People and Places of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama. (Bluewater Publications, 2003), 2, 9. Robert Saunders, “John McKinley,” Encyclopedia of Alabama. http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-2052#sthash.iHyCkfy1.dpuf
Ferdinand Sannoner was born in Leghorn, Italy, in 1793. He graduated from the French Polytechnic Institute at Paris. Sannoner worked as a surveyor for Napoleon in France. He came to America around 1816. In 1818, John Coffee appointed him to survey the area that was to become Florence. Sannoner completed the survey, and drew the town plan. He gave it the name “Florence” after the Florence, Italy of his homeland. His payment for surveying Florence was partially made in land. He received two lots on Tuscaloosa Street between Wood Avenue and Walnut Street. Sannoner worked for the Cypress Land Company for a number of years, as well as being a clerk for Lauderdale County. He and his brother operated a bakery and delicatessen on Tennessee Street as well. Sannoner and his wife moved to Memphis in 1857, and he died there in 1859. He is buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis. His grave was unmarked until 1973, when a marker was donated by James Jackson, great-grandson of the James Jackson who owned Forks of Cypress and assisted in founding Florence. The Sannoner Historic District in Downtown Florence is named in his honor.
William Lindsey McDonald, A Walk Through The Past: People and Places of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama. Bluewater Publications, 2003, p. 3, 11-12. Robert S. Steen, History of Foster House- Courtview- Rogers Hall and Early City of Florence . Florence: University of North Alabama, No Date, p. 10. Image Courtesy of UNA Collier Library Archives
Zebulon Pike Morrison was born in Lexington, Virginia in 1818. He and his wife Bridget had nine children. He was the sixteenth Mayor of Florence, and served in that capacity from 1880-1890. Morrison was also an alderman for the city of Florence for thirty years. In addition, Morrison was an undertaker, and owned a distillery in Florence. He is probably most well-known for his building efforts. Wesleyan Hall, the Florence Synodical College, the Elks Building, and Patton Grammar School in Florence were all built by him. Morrison passed away in 1895 and is buried in Florence Cemetery. Morrison Avenue in Florence is named for him.
William Lindsey McDonald, A Walk Through The Past: People and Places of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama. Bluewater Publications, 2003, p. 34, 89, 91, 274. Image Courtesy of UNA Collier Library Archives Jill K. Garret, History of Lauderdale County, Alabama, 1964, 213.
Richard Rapier was one of the first settlers as well as one of the first merchants in Florence. A pioneer in the barge industry, legend names him as the first to bring a keelboat, or barge, through the river to Florence. Rapier began his business in Nashville, but resided in Florence by 1818. His business, Rapier and Company, was situated on the northeast corner of Court and Tennessee Streets in downtown Florence. Rapier later joined John Simpson, another Florence businessman in the cotton trade. Their partnership formed the company called Rapier and Simpson. Rapier eventually owned a fleet of keelboats as well as several warehouses in Florence. Besides engaging in commerce with settlers on both sides of the river, Rapier traded with the Native Americans in the area. Rapier passed away in 1826.
William Lindsey McDonald, A Walk Through The Past: People and Places of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama.( Bluewater Publications, 2003), 21, 22, 28, 74. Jill K. Garret, History of Lauderdale County, Alabama, 1964, 220. William Lindsey McDonald, “Captain Richard Rapier: The Merchant Prince,” The Journal of Muscle Shoals History Volume I, 1973.
George Washington Foster was born on November 28, 1806, in Nashville, Tennessee. On January 10, 1829, he married Sarah Independence Watkins. They had seven children: Mary Ann, Virginia (Jennie), Watkins (Wat), Louisa (Lou), George Washington Jr. (Wash), Andrew J. (Jack) and Sallie. Foster was a wealthy industrialist and planter, a fact illustrated by his large and extravagant home, Courtview. Courtview, now known as the University of North Alabama’s Rogers Hall, was built for Foster in 1854. Foster had decided he wanted to build a house in the middle of Court Street, turning Florence’s main street into a dead end. An act of the state legislature and $300 granted Foster his building site. Foster also owned Woodland Plantation in the Colbert Reserve in Lauderdale County, and a plantation named Oak Grove. Foster donated $10,000 to La Grange College toward construction of Wesleyan Hall. This was a third of the total cost. He also contributed heavily to the Methodist church in Florence, of which he was member. Foster later served as President of the Board of Trustees for Wesleyan college. He made a sizable endowment to the college for mathematics. Foster did not serve in the Confederate Army during the war, but he assisted with recruiting soldiers and raising money for the cause. When William T. Sherman visited the area, he encountered bushwhackers and cited Foster as being one of them. Foster was even arrested by Union forces once, but was released within a few days. He spent most of the war on his plantations, while his wife and family stayed at Courtview. Foster died on December 4, 1878, and is buried in the Florence Cemetery.
Robert S. Steen, History of Foster House- Courtview- Rogers Hall and Early City of Florence . Florence: University of North Alabama, No Date, 18, 26-32, 31. William Lindsey McDonald, A Walk Through The Past: People and Places of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama. (Bluewater Publications, 2003), 45-46. Image of George Washington Foster Courtesy of UNA Collier Library Archives Image of Courtview/Rogers Hall Courtesy Kayla Scott
Sallie Independence Foster, Civil War Florence
Sallie Independence Foster was born on October 28, 1848, in Nashville, Tennessee. She was the youngest child of George Washington Foster and Sarah Independence Watkins Foster. From the age of seven she lived in Courtview, a mansion that is now named Rogers Hall, located at the end of North Court Street in Florence. Sallie’s best friend during her childhood was Julia O’Neal, the daughter of Alabama Governor Edward A. O’Neal. Sallie Foster kept diaries throughout the Civil War and later years that offer insight into life in Florence. Her first diary begins in June of 1861 when she was twelve years old. While the 1861 diary does not mention the Civil War often or with much detail, a later diary discusses the movement of Confederate and Union troops in Florence. Other subjects covered in her diary include Florence area stores, doctors, and people, as well as church. Today, these diaries are part of UNA’s Archives and Special Collections. Sallie graduated from Florence Synodical School and married Sterling Paine McDonald on February 9, 1870. They moved to Arkansas for several years, but returned to Florence to visit her family many times. Sallie, her husband Sterling, and their six children moved to Florence and into Courtview in 1886. Sterling McDonald was sick for many years and died on April 4, 1897. Sallie Independence Foster McDonald passed away on December 2, 1897.
Robert S. Steen, History of Foster House- Courtview- Rogers Hall and Early City of Florence . Florence: University of North Alabama, No Date, 20, 49, 59-60. Sallie Independence Foster Diary, 1861. Unpublished, University of North Alabama Archives and Special Collections. Images of Sallie Independence Foster and her diary are courtesy of UNA Collier Library Archives Image of Courtview/ Rogers Hall Courtesy of Kayla Scott
William Basil Wood was born on October 31, 1820. Wood was a LaGrange College graduate, and practiced law in Florence before the Civil War. Wood served as a colonel of the 16th Alabama Infantry Regiment and was recommended for promotion to brigadier general, but worked as President of the Military Court when he was assigned to General James Longstreet’s Corps. Besides being a lawyer, Wood served as circuit court judge and a Methodist minister after the war. Wood was instrumental in the movement of La Grange College from Leighton to Florence in 1855. Wood was also one of the first historians of Lauderdale County. William Basil Wood passed away on April 3, 1891. He is buried in the Florence Cemetery along with his wife, Sarah. Wood Avenue in Florence is named in his honor.
William Lindsey McDonald, A Walk Through The Past: People and Places of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama. (Bluewater Publications, 2003), 45-46. Jill K. Garret, History of Lauderdale County, Alabama, 1964, 228. Image Courtesy of Collier Library Archives
Born in 1824, Dr. Robert A. Young was the second president of Florence Wesleyan University and served from 1862 to 1865. Dr. Young, along with Professor Septimus Rice managed to keep the college open throughout the Civil War years. Enrollment was low during the Civil War. Confederate and Union troops occupied Wesleyan Hall multiple times. Dr. Young distributed the University’s library books to Florence citizens for safekeeping until the war’s end. Dr. Young is credited with saving Florence Wesleyan University and Florence from being burned by Union Colonel Florence Cornyn and his troops in 1863. Although Colonel Cornyn refrained from destroying the town, he and his forces torched a block of downtown structures before Young’s entreaty, and torched several old houses as they left Florence. Dr. Young not only helped protect the college, but also helped citizens like General Edward A. O’Neal’s wife Olivia when she and her children were accosted by solders. In 1866, Dr. Young moved to take a position at Vanderbilt University and the college operated on a limited basis until 1868.
Robert S. Steen, History of Foster House- Courtview- Rogers Hall and Early City of Florence . Florence: University of North Alabama, No Date, 41. William Lindsey McDonald, A Walk Through The Past: People and Places of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama. (Bluewater Publications, 2003), 52, 71. Jill K. Garret, History of Lauderdale County, Alabama, 1964, 229. A Brief Look at University of North Alabama History 1830-2005. Booklet published by the University of North Alabama. Image Courtesy of UNA Collier Library Archives
Dr. William H. Mitchell was the minister of the Presbyterian Church in Florence during the Civil War. On Sunday, July 27, 1862, Dr. Mitchell was arrested during the church service when he prayed for Jefferson Davis and the success of the Confederacy. General Don Carlos Buell’s Provost Marshal, Colonel John Marshal Harlan was present during the prayer and made the arrest. Dr. Mitchell was incarcerated at Alton, Illinois, for a number of months before he was released and allowed to return to Florence. Sallie Independence Foster recorded the incident in her diary on July 27: “The Yanks went into the Presbyterian Church and took Dr. Mitchell prisoner while he was praying and took him over the river, the Yankees sent word to his wife that she must come to see him or she would not see him again. They would not let him hoist up his umbrella. They said he could stand the sun as well as they could. Poor man, he used to be the president of our school. He said school would open again the 1st of September, but I don’t think it will as we have no president now.”
William Lindsey McDonald, A Walk Through The Past: People and Places of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama. (Bluewater Publications, 2003), 67. Image and diary page courtesy of UNA Collier Library Archives Sallie Independence Foster Diary, 1862-1887. Unpublished, University of North Alabama Archives and Special Collections.
Edward A. O’Neal was born on September 20, 1818, in Madison County, Alabama. His parents were Edward and Rebecca Wheat O’Neal. O’Neal graduated from La Grange College and worked as a lawyer in Florence. He served as a solicitor of the Fourth Judicial District. He was married to Olivia Moore O’Neal. They made their home in Florence, Alabama. They had several children. A son, Emmet O’Neal, would become Governor of Alabama in 1911. O’Neal supported secession and raised a company from Lauderdale County: the 9th Alabama Regiment. O’Neal joined the Confederate army at the beginning of the Civil War with the rank of Captain. He was steadily promoted from captain to colonel. He served in the Army of Northern Virginia under General Robert E. Lee as a colonel in the 26th Alabama. Later he served under General Joseph Johnston and General John Bell Hood. Before the war’s end, O’Neal had obtained the rank of brigadier general. He and his men were engaged in battle at Yorktown, the Battle of Seven Pines, the Seven Days’ Battle, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Franklin, and Nashville, among others. After the war, O’Neal continued to practice law. He was elected to the Constitutional Convention in 1875. While at the convention he helped to pass Section 9, Article 13, a measure that sanctioned the reform of the state education system. O’Neal was elected the twenty-seventh governor of Alabama in 1882 and again in 1884. He passed away on November 7, 1890. His remains are interred in the Florence Cemetery.
William Lindsey McDonald, A Walk Through The Past: People and Places of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama. (Bluewater Publications, 2003), 50-52. Robert S. Steen, History of Foster House- Courtview- Rogers Hall and Early City of Florence . Florence: University of North Alabama, No Date, 66-67. Image of Edward A. O'Neal courtesy of UNA Collier Library Archives Images of Edward A. O'Neal Home and Historic Sign, Kayla Scott
The son of Edward A. O’Neal, Emmet O’Neal was the thirty-sixth governor of Alabama and a resident of Lauderdale County. He served as governor from 1911-1915. Emmet O’Neal was born on September 6, 1853, in Florence, Alabama. After graduating from Florence Wesleyan University and the University of Alabama, Emmet joined his father in practicing law. Emmet O’Neal married Elizabeth Kirkman in 1881. Courtview, the mansion originally built for George Washington Foster, became the O’Neal’s home in 1900. He was elected governor in 1911, serving two terms in this position. He passed away in 1930 and is buried in Florence Cemetery.
William Lindsey McDonald, A Walk Through The Past: People and Places of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama. (Bluewater Publications, 2003), 50-53. Debra Glass and Larry Fisher, eds. Remembering Florence: A Pictorial History Volume 1. 2011, 105. Image of Emmet A. O'Neal courtesy of UNA Collier Library Archives Image of Courtview/Rogers Hall courtesy of Kayla Scott
Robert Miller Patton was one of five Lauderdale County residents to serve as governor of Alabama. Patton was born in Virginia in 1809. He and his parents came to Alabama in 1818 and he took up residence in Florence in 1829. In 1832, he became a member of the Alabama State Legislature and served several terms between that time and the onset of the Civil War. He married Jane Locke Brahan the same year, and they made their home at Sweetwater. He and his wife had eight children, two of which died in the Civil War. One of these, William Anderson Patton, was killed at the Battle of Shiloh. Robert Patton became the first president of the Florence Synodical Female College in 1855. In 1865, Patton became Alabama’s twentieth governor. Federal authorities removed him from office in July 1867 by military order because his actions in office did not suit the stringent federal authorities. Following his term in office, Patton worked to establish railroads in the South and served on the University of Alabama’s Board of Trustees. Patton passed away in 1885.
William Lindsey McDonald, A Walk Through The Past: People and Places of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama. (Bluewater Publications, 2003), 48-49. Jill K. Garret, History of Lauderdale County, Alabama, 1964, 217. Image courtesy of UNA Collier Library Archives
William Lindsey McDonald, Florence Historian
Florence, Alabama’s first official City Historian was William Lindsey McDonald, a man who did much to research, preserve, and promote local history. Born in 1927, Mr. McDonald served in the U.S. Army for thirty-eight years before retiring with the rank of Army Reserve Colonel. McDonald was both a World War II and Korean War veteran. His army reserve career included sixteen years as a staff member at the Pentagon. McDonald served thirty-eight years with the Tennessee Valley National Fertilizer Development Center. In addition, McDonald spent thirty-eight years as a Methodist preacher in Colbert and Lauderdale Counties. Mr. McDonald graduated from Florence State Teacher’s College in 1952. He was also a graduate of the Military Police School, the Army’s Command and General Staff College, the Army Finance School, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. His education also included seminary training. McDonald served as Chairman of the Florence Historical Board from 1968 to 1989. He was designated the City Historian in 1989. He had a historical column in the Times Daily for many years, and was a frequent contributor to the Tennessee Valley Historical Quarterly journal. During his lifetime, McDonald wrote over fourteen books on Muscle Shoals area history. McDonald passed away in 2009.
William Lindsey McDonald, A Walk Through The Past: People and Places of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama. (Bluewater Publications, 2003), ii. Image Courtesy of UNA Collier Library Archives Jill K. Garret, History of Lauderdale County, Alabama, 1964, 214.
George Lindsey was born on December 17, 1928 in Fairfield, Alabama, and grew up in Jasper, Alabama. Lindsey became interested in acting after watching a play when he was fourteen. He later became interested in football and the sport gave him a way to fund his education. Lindsey briefly attended Walker Junior College in Jasper, Alabama and Kemper Military School in Boonville, Missouri, before attending Florence State Teachers College (now the University of North Alabama) on a football scholarship. Lindsey majored in biological science and physical education. He received his degree in 1952. Following his graduation from UNA, George joined the Air Force. He was based in Orlando, Florida, and worked as a recreational director while spending his spare time working in theater. Lindsey next worked at Hazel Green High School in Alabama. After a year of teaching, George decided to move to New York to pursue further education in acting. Lindsey’s first career breaks came with theater and his part in two plays: All American and Wonderful Town. After the plays ended he managed to land small roles on shows such as The Rifleman. Lindsey was most famous for a part of Goober that he landed on the Andy Griffith Show. He later played Goober on Mayberry R.F.D. and Hee Haw as well. UNA awarded Lindsey an honorary doctor of humane letters degree in 1992. Lindsey was instrumental in founding the George Lindsey/UNA Television and Film Festival in 1998. Lindsey attended the festival for several years before his death on May 6, 2012. He is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Jasper, Alabama.
“George Lindsey-Biography” https://www.una.edu/library/collections/george-lindsey---biography.html Cindy Watts, The Tennessean, “George Lindsey, aka Goober Pyle, dies at 83.” http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/people/obit/story/2012-05-06/goober-pyle-george-lindsey-obit/54787304/1 Images courtesy of UNA Collier Library Archives
Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House ; Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL; Museums
The Rosenbaum House was built in 1939-1940 with a price tag of approximately $14,000. The Rosenbaum House is located in Florence and serves as the only example of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in Alabama. Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum were the owners of the house until 1999. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Rosenbaum House using the Usonian architectural style. The house was designed to blend with and rise from the landscape, and features carports, flat roofs, overhanging eaves and a concrete floor. The home is constructed from cypress, glass, and brick. Wright designed a 1,540 square feet floor plan. Storage space was a key component, and every inch of the house was meant to be used to the fullest extent. The kitchen is a tiny workspace that allows for standing room only. There were numerous problems with the home’s construction. The chimneys were not ventilated properly. The flat roofs did not drain, so water leaked in. Despite these problems, an addition was added in 1946-1948, with Wright designing the plans. The addition added an additional 1,084 square feet, adding two wings to the house and enlarging the kitchen. A second carport was also added at this time. The Rosenbaum House was purchased by the city of Florence in 1999 for the sum of $75,000. Termite and water damage had caused extensive structural problems over the years, requiring between $600,000 and $700,000 of renovations. The house now serves as a museum and is open for tours each week Tuesday through Sunday.
www.florenceal.org Ben Berntson, “Rosenbaum House Museum,” Encyclopedia of Alabama. http://www.encyclopdiaofalabama.org/article/h-2397#sthash.Ja3m6yMb.dpuf Image courtesy of UNA Collier Library Archives
The Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts serves as an art gallery and hosts workshops and classes. The Center for the Arts is also the headquarters for the Florence museums. April 1, 1976 marked the opening of the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts in Florence. Three houses were donated to the city of Florence for this purpose by Reverend Hiram Kennedy-Douglass, whose will stipulated the arrangement. The Kennedy-Douglass Center for the arts takes an active part in the community by promoting the arts and educating the public. The Center sponsors a festival called Arts Alive that is held in Wilson Park at Florence, Alabama and at the Center each year.
www.florencal.org Images courtesy of Kayla Scott
The Edith Newman Culver Museum features Native American items, Civil War artifacts, and items used by previous owners of the house. The museum also discusses history associated with the town of Waterloo. The house museum is located near the Trail of Tears, and was in the middle of Civil War related events such as the burning of the town. The Edith Newman Culver Museum was dedicated on October 14, 1995.
http://www.visitflorenceal.com/things_to_do/edith-newman-culver-memorial-museum/ http://waterloo.alabama.com/attraction_details.html?detailsListingId=ATTRACTIONS_3c4f68f11454ce067fcf44a2a2da0ef2 Image courtesy of UNA Collier Library Archives
Pope’s Tavern Museum has been the site of a stagecoach stop, an inn, and a tavern, besides serving as a private residence. The city of Florence acquired the building in 1965, and it has been used as a museum since that time. The museum’s site has had numerous owners, and more than one structure. The first of these buildings is thought to have been erected by Christopher Cheatham, who built an inn and stagecoach stop at the request of Huntsville founder LeRoy Pope. There is no evidence that this building was ever called Pope’s Tavern before the city gave the museum its name. Today the museum holds artifacts associated with the history of Florence. Pope’s Tavern served as a hospital for both Confederate and Union troops during the Civil War. The museum has a collection of Civil War artifacts on the second floor, including weapons, ammunition, flags and uniforms. The museum also includes antique furniture, dishes, arrowheads, and paintings. A section is devoted to telling the story of Forks of Cypress, the home of Florence co-founder James Jackson. Forks of Cypress burned in 1966, only leaving the columns standing as a reminder of the stately mansion. An antique wagon made by the Florence Wagon Works is displayed behind the museum. Pope’s Tavern is owned and operated by the city of Florence. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday. Florence’s Frontier Days Celebration is held at Pope’s Tavern during the first full week in June each year.
www.florenceal.org Carolyn M. Barske, “Pope’s Tavern Museum,” Encyclopedia of Alabama. http://www.encylopediaofalabama.org/article/h-3669#sthash.N7bRWPGD.dpuf Black and white image of Pope's Tavern courtesy of UNA Collier Library Archvies All other images courtesy of Kayla Scott
Lauderdale County, AL; Florence, AL; Handy, W.C.
The W. C. Handy Home and Museum located in Florence is dedicated to telling the story of “Father of the Blues” William Christopher Handy’s life and musical career. The museum’s main building is the cabin Handy was born in. The home was in a state of disrepair in 1954 when Handy donated the funds for its purchase to the city of Florence. Because the original site was in the way of a housing development, the cabin was painstakingly dismantled and each piece was labeled and put into storage. In 1970, the W.C. Handy Home was reassembled and restored at its present location at 620 West College Street. A separate building for the museum houses furniture, pictures, and musical instruments that Handy owned. The cabin is furnished with items donated by Florence citizens that are representative of the era during which Handy lived in the cabin. The W.C. Handy Museum is the location of an annual W.C. Handy Birthday Celebration each year on November 16. The W. C. Handy Music Festival is held each year during the last week of July.
www.florenceal.org Barbara Broach, “W.C. Handy Birthplace, Museum, and Library,” Encyclopedia of Alabama. http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-3147#sthash.XJAPN575.dpuf Images courtesy of UNA Collier Library Archives
University of North Alabama Archives and Special Collections
The University of North Alabama’s Archives and Special Collections is located on the second floor of Collier Library on UNA’s campus. The archives’ primary goal is the collection and preservation of records regarding the University of North Alabama. The secondary goal of the archives is the preservation of materials concerning Florence, Sheffield, Muscle Shoals, and Tuscumbia. Lauderdale and Colbert County historical materials are also housed at the archives, as well as the university’s collection of rare books. The UNA Archives also houses “special collections” of documents and memorabilia. The William Lindsey McDonald Collection is an invaluable tool for researchers interested in local history. McDonald was the official Florence historian for many years, and wrote several books, newspaper articles, and journal articles during his lifetime. His collection features books, research materials, pictures, and copies of newspaper articles and documents on Muscle Shoals history. The Sallie Independence Foster Collection features photographs of the Foster family as well as letters and two Civil War era diaries. The George Lindsey Collection includes movie scripts, pictures, and memorabilia associated with the UNA alumni’s acting career. Other collections housed by the archives include the T.S. Stribling Collection, W.C. Handy Collection, and TVA Collection.
http://libguides.una.edu/unaarchives http://libguides.una.edu/unaarchives/archivescollections Images courtesy of Kayla Scott
The Florence-Lauderdale County Veterans Memorial was dedicated during a Veterans Day ceremony on May 30, 1977. The memorial serves to honor all Lauderdale County veterans of all wars. The memorial’s location was originally named Point Park, but the name was changed to Veterans Memorial Park in 1983. The Veterans Memorial Fund Raising Campaign began in May of 1971. Anson Cooper, a disabled veteran of World War II was the driving force behind the establishment of the memorial. His idea was taken by Reverend Rowe Wren, a World War II veteran who came up with architectural drawings for the memorial. Wren’s drawings were used by Ebbe Kindahl to design construction layouts that were used by the building contractor. The memorial features a Cobra helicopter and a plane. War-era guns, ammunition, and memorabilia are displayed inside the memorial, which is open to the public from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on weekends.
Sources: Robert S. Steen. Florence State Teachers College: Heroes of World War II (1941-1945). University of North Alabama, no date. Destination Shoals Magazine, 2011 Images courtesy of UNA Collier Library Archives
Forks of Cypress Plantation Site; James Jackson; Greek Revival Style; Tourism; Alabama Historical Commission
Originally owned by James Jackson, one of Florence’s founding fathers, the Forks of Cypress was one of the earliest Greek Revival homes built in Alabama. The home featured a temple-type veranda supported by massive columns that surrounded the exterior of the house. The Forks of Cypress plantation house burned on June 6, 1966. A severe thunderstorm produced cloud-to-ground lightening that struck the mansion, setting it on fire. The fire destroyed everything except the twenty-four Ionic columns that had surrounded the foundation. Forks of Cypress had been a part of Florence and Lauderdale County for 145 years. The Forks of Cypress was owned by Mr. Rufus B. Dowdy at the time of the fire in 1966. The Forks served as a museum that housed around a million dollars worth of antiques. Imported china, silver and glassware, pioneer artifacts, and other museum pieces were lost in the fire. The Forks of Cypress had been the number one tourist attraction in Florence. While the historic ruins are owned by the state and presided over by the Alabama Historical Commission, the access road is privately owned. The ruins are viewable from a distance via a public road.
Bob Martin, “Mid-Morning Today: Historic Forks Burns.” Tri Cities Daily, June 6, 1966. Florence Herald “Historic Forks of Cypress Burns to Ground Monday.” June 9, 1966, p. 2. Personal Interview with Lee Freeman, November 24, 2014. Images courtesy of UNA Collier Library Archives
The Children’s Museum of the Shoals is located on Darby Drive in Florence and is part of Deibert Park. The museum offers hands-on exhibits, which allow children of different ages to explore the arts, science, and the history and culture of the Tennessee Valley. The purpose of the Children’s Museum of the Shoals is to promote education and learning. School and group tours are offered by the museum.
http://shoalschildrensmuseum.org Destination Shoals Magazine, 2011. Images courtesy of Kayla Scott
The Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area (MSNHA) encompasses the six counties of North Alabama’s Tennessee River water basin, which includes Lauderdale County. An act of Congress established the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area in 2009. Since that time, MSNHA has worked hard to help preserve and promote the history of the Muscle Shoals Region. It is the only Heritage Area in the state of Alabama. MSNHA is sponsored by the University of North Alabama and operates under the National Park Service. MSNHA partnered with UNA to sponsor a successful Civil War conference in 2014. Other partnerships include living history events that were co-sponsored by the Florence-Lauderdale County Public Library. University of North Alabama graduate students help to create educational resource packets, driving tours, walking tours, brochures, and other educational materials for the Heritage Area. MSNHA and UNA Public History Center share offices near UNA’s campus in Florence, Alabama.
The Tennessee Valley Historical Society (TVHS) was established in 1923. Since that time, TVHS has served to educate the public and promote the region’s local history. The Journal of Muscle Shoals History is published by TVHS, and includes articles about historic places, people, and events that are important to the Muscle Shoals Area. TVHS participates in various forms of community outreach, including the Helen Keller Festival and the North Alabama State Fair. Quarterly meetings are held each year. TVHS and the University of North Alabama’s Public History Center recently began work on an oral history interview project. The UNA Public History Center is also assisting with the digitization of out-of-print volumes of the Journal of Muscle Shoals History. TVHS sponsors yearly scholarship competitions in conjunction with UNA’s history department.
Alabama Department of Archives and History
Montgomery; Montgomery County, Archives, Museum
Keith S. Hebert heberks@auburn.edu 9-11-2015
Lee County, AL; Dupree. AL; Agriculture; National Register of Historic Places
The Jenkins Farm House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 15, 2008. The house is located in Dupree, Lee County, Alabama.
Keith S. Hebert, Rivers A. Langley, Photographer
Lee County, AL; Smiths Station, AL; National Register of Historic Places
The Lowther House Complex was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 16, 1993. The Lowther House Complex is located in Smiths Station, Lee County.
Lee County, AL; Loachapoka, AL; Festival; Lee County Historical Society
Annual festival organized by Lee County Historical Society celebrating old-time music, storytelling, dance, food, and crafts. http://www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org/leecountygathering/main.html
Annual Historical Fair: Syrup Sopping Saturdays
Lee County, AL; Loachapoka, AL; Festival
Annual festival celebrating local food, music, and crafts. http://www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org/fair/index.html
Lee County, AL; Beulah, AL; National Register of Historic Places; Commerce
Franklin Yarborough, Jr. Store was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 29, 1989.
Lee County, AL; Opelika, AL; Government; National Register of Historic Places
Montgomery; Alabama; Trenholm Court; African American; black; education; Alabama State University; Booker T. Washington High School; church; segregation; food; marching band; oral history
Oral interview of Leon Vandiver recorded by Keith S. Hebert in December 2016 for the Montgomery County Historical Society as part of their Alabama Bicentennial commemorations. The interview was conducted at Vandiver's home in Montgomery, Alabama. To listen to the full interview, click here to access the Soundcloud file.
To listen to the full interview, click here to access the Soundcloud file.
This article appeared in The Charlotte News (Charlotte, North Carolina) on 23 May 1934. The article promotes an upcoming wrestling match between "two former college grid stars": Joe Savoldi of Notre Dame and Bill Middlekauff of University of Florida. The match was held at Southside park in Winton-Salem, North Carolina. Jim Crockett and J.J. Reinhardt are listed as the event promoters.
Newspapers.com The Charlotte News (Charlotte, NC)
Here It Is, Defense For Wrestling: But Horan's Hokum Has Kayoed Us
Professional Wrestling American South Wrestling Fan Greensboro, North Carolina Charlotte, North Carolina
This article appeared in the Charlotte Observer on 25 May 1934. A wrestling fan defends the entertainment value of professional wrestling.
Professional Wrestling Boxing Commission Charlotte, North Carolina Jim Crockett Bill Lewis
This article appeared in the Charlotte Observer on June 12, 1934. Wrestling promoters Jim Crockett, Greensboro, and Bill Lewis, Richmond, Virginia, plan to apply to the Charlotte boxing commission for a permit to organize professional wrestling shows.
Professional Wrestling Professional Boxing Jim Crockett Bristol, Virginia Garage Building African American
This advertisement appeared in the Bristol News Bulletin on August 22, 1932. The wrestling and boxing event was promoted by Jim Crockett.
The Bristol News Bulletin, 22 August 1932
New Wrestling Promoters To Ask For Permit
Professional Wrestling Boxing Commission Jim Crockett Irish Horan Charlotte, North Carolina
This article appeared in the Charlotte News (Charlotte, North Carolina) on April 23, 1934. Jim Crockett appears before the Charlotte boxing commission requesting permission to organize professional wrestling matches locally.
The Charlotte News (Charlotte, North Carolina), 29 April 1934
Professional Wrestling African American Jim Crockett
This article appeared in the Charlotte News (North Carolina) on August 10, 1934. The editorial suggests that local wrestling promoters should employ African American performers to elevate tensions with White wrestlers to draw larger crowds and publicity.
Professional Wrestling Jim Crockette Raleigh, North Carolina Memorial Auditorium
This article appeared in The News and Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina) on February 9, 1934.