Education; Lee County, AL; The Old Rotation; Auburn University; Duggar, J.F.; National Register of Historic Places; Cotton; Legumes; Scientific Experimentation; Auburn, AL
Located on Lem Morrison Drive directly across the street from the Auburn University Parking Services Building, The Old Rotation exemplifies Auburn’s tradition as a bastion of agricultural education. Professor J.F. Duggar established the acre in 1896 as an experiment to determine the benefits of planting winter legumes such as beans or peas as a winter crop cover when cultivating cotton or corn. Duggar successfully demonstrated that winter legumes could offset some of the nitrate depletion inflicted on soil when planting cotton or corn in the same field yearly. The plots planted with winter legumes in the acre consistently yielded more cotton lint than those that lay fallow during those months. The Old Rotation is the third-longest running agricultural experiment and the oldest continuous cotton experiment in the world. In 1988, the National Register of Historic Places added The Old Rotation to its list.
Image Sources: http://www.aaes.auburn.edu/comm/pubs/old%20rotation/plotsoneandtwo.html http://www.kennysmith.org/wordpress/markers/2014/11/13/the-old-rotation/ Text Sources: Auburn University, http://www.ag.auburn.edu/agrn/cotton.htm. Auburn University, Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, http://www.aaes.auburn.edu/comm/pubs/old%20rotation/photos.php.
Colbert, County; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Wilson Dam; Wilson Lake; TVA
The powerhouse controls Wilson Dam. The building is connected parallel to the dam on the south side. It houses the generating machinery for producing electricity from the dammed water. It also controls the overflow water flowing out of Wilson lake. The powerhouse contains the penstocks to conduct water towards the turbines. The top level is the main generator room. The building is built of reinforced concrete columns and girders supporting a slab roof by steel trusses.
Carrie Keener, University of North Alabama
'FDR, TVA, And CCC Federal Influence In The Shoals: The Journal Of Muscle Shoals History Volume XIX'. 2015. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Collection. UNA Special Archives. Peyton, John Howe. 1916. 'America's Gibraltar Muscle Shoals'. Paper. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Collection. UNA Special Archives.
Historic Homes, Florence, Alabama; Lauderdale County; Jewish Settlers in North Alabama
The Reisman-Coffee-Looft House, located at 618 N. Wood Avenue, was the home to Mark Reisman and his family. Mr. Reisman was one of the first Jewish merchants in the Florence area. His business was located the corner of Tennessee and Court Streets. He was a well-respected businessman in the area and news of his death (from a gun accident in his home) shocked the community. The house, which is Queen Anne style, was built between 1888 and 1900.
Pam Kingsbury, University of North Alabama
History of Temple B'nai Israel, file 2-3, Local History Room, Florence- Lauderdale Public Library.
Rosenbaum House and Museum; Frank Lloyd Wright; Usonian Architecture; Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
601 Riverview, Florence, Alabama The Rosenbaum House is the only Frank Lloyd Wright designed house in Alabama. Louis and Anna Rosenbaum's wedding gift to their son, Stanley, and his wife, Mildred (known as "Mimi") was a two acre lot with a view of the Tennessee River and $7,500 to build a house. The Rosenbaums, who did not see themselves living in a "Colonial style" house, had read about Frank Lloyd Wright. After discussing their vision for a home with Aaron Green, they commissioned a Usonian style house (one of twenty-six pre World War II Usonian style houses designed by Wright). The house was built in an L-shape, using natural materials, cypress wood, brick and glass. It features low-rising steel cantilevered roofs on the house and carport. The original plan called for the house to be 1540 square feet. By the time the house was completed, with overruns, the house cost approximately $14,000. After the births of four sons in six years, the Rosenbaums approached Wright about adding an extension to the house. He agreed, designing a dorm space for the children. a larger kitchen for the family, a guest room, and a second carport, adding 1048 (a second L shape) to the house. The costs for the additions exceeded $40,000. The house was added to the National Historic Register of Houses in 1978. After Stanley's death in 1978, Mildred devoted her energies to giving tours of the house and preserving Frank Lloyd Wright buildings. Mildred lived in the house until 1999 (longer than any other Wright clients) when she sold the house to the city of Florence with the intention that it would be turned into a museum. After extensive restoration and renovation, the house was opened to the public as a museum in 2003. John Sargeant describes the house as "the purest example of Usonian style."
Broach, Barbara Kimberlin, Frank Lloyd Wright's Rosenbaum House: The Birth and Rebirth of an American Treasure. San Francisco; Pomegranate, 2006. Rosenbaum, Alvin, Usonia: Frank Lloyd Wright's Design for America. Washington, D.C.: Preservation Press, National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1993.
Photograph Courtesy of Archives at Collier Library, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama
Theatre; Arts; Culture; Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
The Shoals Theatre, located in historic downtown Florence, Alabama at 123 North Seminary Street, first opened in 1948. At the time of its grand opening, the art deco style theatre was one of the finest in the Southeast. It originally sat 1,350 people and was one of four theatres in the world to have slide back chairs. On October 21, 1948, the first movie shown in the Shoals Theatre was That Lady in Ermine. Tickets for children cost ten cents and an adult ticket was forty-five cents. However, due to economic hardships the theatre closed on March 13, 1980. The last Hollywood film shown in the theatre was American Gigolo. Twelve years later in 1992 a California man by the name of Jackson Canup purchased the Alabama theatre. He spent nearly $200,000 on renovations, but was forced to sell the theatre after financial difficulties two years later. In 1996 the Shoals Association of Ministers took over the operations and was awarded two grants from the Alabama Historical Commission for restoration projects. In the 2000s, the Shoals Community Theatre Association purchased the theatre and currently puts on plays, movies, operas, comedies, ballets, and symphonies in the historic venue.
Jesse Brock, University of North Alabama
Text: Charles Van Bibber, “Shoals Theatre,” Cinema Treasure, in folder “Buildings—Shoals Theater,” Florence Collection, Archives/Special Collections, Collier Library, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama. Bernie Delinski, “Historic Shoals Theatre under New Ownership,” in folder “Buildings—Shoals Theater,” Florence Collection, Archives/Special Collections, Collier Library, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama.
This article appeared in The Charlotte News (North Carolina) on July 27, 1967. The article provides includes selections from an interview with wrestling promoter Jim Crockett.
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.
Lauderdale County, Alabama; Florence, Alabama; Education; National Youth Administration; Great Depression
In 1939 students working for the National Youth Administration, a New Deal program started by FDR to help keep high school and college students by giving them paid work, constructed the Stone Lodge. The Stone Lodge sits in the middle of UNA's campus today. Originally, the building was constructed as a student union of sorts for student leisure and recreational activities. Over the years it has been used by the band, several clubs, and the SGA for various meetings. In 1996, It was again used as a student recreation center. Today, the lodge is used by clubs and organizations as a meeting place.
Devin McMeans, University of North Alabama
“New Student Lodge Complete Constructed by NYA Boys.” FlorAla, October 11 1939, 9th ed. Skipworth, Jay. "Leo's Provides Students with a Place to Go." FlorAla, July 11, 1996. Image: University of North Alabama Archives and Special Collections
Historical Towns; Mooresville, AL; Limestone County, AL
Mooresville was the first town to be incorporated by the Alabama Territorial Legislature on November 16, 1818. The entire village is on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information, visit the town's website: http://www.mooresvilleal.com/
Dylan Tucker, University of North Alabama
“Town of Mooresville.” Accessed July 9, 2015. http://msnha.una.edu/plan-a-visit
Colbert County, Alabama; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Rockpile; Hiking; Fishing
The Rockpile TVA trail is a 2.7 mile in and out hiking trail that follows the Tennessee River. It is possible for the hike to reach 6 miles by exploring the area. This is an easily followed trail and is well marked along the paths. There is a large diversity of fowl along the trail. such as, song birds, migatory species, pelicans, and even eagles. The main highlight of the trail is at the turn-around point at the top of the dam. This point has a small cave system to explore and a waterfall cascading into the river. The trail is pet friendly. It allows camping, fishing, and hiking.
"TVA Reservation Rock Pile." AllTrails.com. 2015. Accessed December 1, 2015. http://alltrails.com/trail/us/alabama/tva-reservation-rock-pile.
The University of North Alabama traces its roots all the way back to LaGrange College and its charter in 1830. The college moved to Florence in 1855 and renamed Florence Wesleyan University. The college closed during 1861-1869 due to the Civil War. When it reopened, it failed due to lack of funds. The school and land was then deeded to the state of Alabama to be used as a normal college. The State Normal School opened in 1872. This college was the first normal school south of the Ohio River and the first co-educational institution in the state. In 1887 the name of the school was changed to State Normal College. In 1913 the school name was changed back to State Normal School. In 1957 the name was changed to Florence State College and in 1968 it became know at Florence State University. Finally, in 1974 the college became known as the University of North Alabama. The school now offers more than 90 majors and consists of more than 20 buildings. Currently there are over 7,000 students attending the university.
Claire Eagle, University of North Alabama
University of North Alabama, "Brief Look at University of North Alabama History." Florence, Alabama, 2005. University of North Alabama, "About," https://www.una.edu/about/ (accessed May 3, 2015).
Historic Markers; Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
This historic marker is located near the UNA Football Practice Field on Pine Street, Florence, Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "The University of North Alabama became the first school in the history of NCAA scholarship football to win three consecutive national championships (1993,1994,1995). Under Coach Bobby Wallace, UNA posted a 41~1 record over the same three ~ year period to become the first collegiate football team at any level to win as many as 40 games over a three ~ year period. UNA also became the first Division II school to win a football national championship on its home field in three consecutive games at Florence's Braly Municipal Stadium."
“The University of North Alabama Marker”. Accessed 11/10/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
The Unsolved Murder of the Carnival Musician
Italian musician Vincent Farmica was killed on March 11, 1912 walking back to Decatur after one of his shows. A woman discovered Farmica's lifeless body while walking home. The scene contained a vast amount of evidence, but no clues as to who could be the culprit. After the woman notified the Decatur police, they immediately went to examine the crime scene. Farmica's body was still warm to the touch when they arrived. After the police examined the body officers revealed that Farmica expired after being struck in the head by a heavy blunt object. Officers believed that the murderer had to be a friend of Farmica, knowing that he had a large sum of money on his person after he played his show. A major suspect, Arthur Boyd. Boyd, was a resident of Cullman County. Police apprehended Boyd and brought him to Decatur to face prosecution for manslaughter and theft.. After the police discovered that the large sum of cash that Boyd had was from his crop sales further south, they released him. Farmica's murderer was never found.
Knox, John. "Story of Decatur, Alabama."
Auburn, AL; Lee County, AL; Industry; Manufacturing; Scientific Tools
Thermo Fisher produces high-quality plastic vials used primarily by reference laboratories for drug and diagnostic and industrial testing. Originally Capitol Vial, the plant was purchased by Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2006. The business opened in 1999 and still operates today. It is currently one of the largest employers in Lee County, and is located at 2039 McMillan St., Auburn, AL.
Historic Homes; Lauderdale County, Alabama; Florence, Alabama
The Thimbelton home is located on 221 West Tuscaloosa Street in Florence, Alabama. Originally built as a two-story frame home in 1830, Thimbleton was modified to a Second Empire style home in the late 1800s. The home now has a false mansard roof (viewed from behind the home the false front is visible) and exceptional iron roof cresting. It is also L shaped. Ferdinand Sannoner drew up the plans. The original owners are unknown but in 1839 Thomas Kirkman inherited it, then in 1881 Mr. William P. Campell got it and through his widow Mary Coffee O’Neal, the home was passed into the hands of Edward A. O’Neal, III. Mr. O’Neal was president of the American Farm Bureau Federation during the administration of FDR. The home still stands today in downtown Florence, Alabama.
Anna Hughes, University of North Alabama
Alabama’s Tapestry of Historic Places: an inventory: page 92 Historic Muscle Shoals: a guide to places of historical interest in Colbert and Lauderdale Counties, Alabama: Tennessee Valley Historical Society: page 40 Journal of Muscle Shoals History: Historic Muscle Shoals Buildings and Sites: page 125 Florence Times: House and Gardening Pilgrimage April 25, 1954: UNA Archives, Florence Collection. Buildings. Miscellaneous Picture Source: UNA Archives, Photo Collection, File: Architecture. Domestic. Florence, Photo# AD: 25-11.
This historic marker is located in Florence's Walk of Honor located in River Heritage Park. The text on the marker reads: "In 1934, T.S. Stribling won the Pulitzer Prize for The Store, part of a trilogy set in Florence. His story "Birthright" was produced in Hollywood as a silent movie and, later, with sound. Inducted 2007."
“Thomas Sigismund Stribling Marker. Accessed 11/10/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Funeral home; African American History; African American Funeral Home
The Thompson and Son Funeral home was originally built in 1912 for a doctor and his family. The Thompson family along with Tim Ricks converted the house into a funeral home. Ricks left the business in 1922. The house was then renamed Thompson’s funeral home until the 1930s. During the 1930’s Thompson’s son would join the business, which would then be known as the Thompson and Son funeral home. Colonel Arthur D. Graves bought the business in 1968. The funeral home still retains the original interior from when it was constructed. The business is also still in operation to this very day.
Arthur Graves interview by Sam Keiser. November 11, 2015.
Cemeteries; Trinity, AL; Lawrence County, AL
The Thrasher Cemetery primarily served as a family cemetery. Most of the records in the cemetery are members of the Thrasher family that lived close to the cemetery. The cemetery is accessible by car. From Decatur, travel west on Lawrence County road 460. Travel two miles from the Lawrence County line, head north onto County Road 327. After the road dead ends 1/2 mile later on, turn right onto County Road 214. The cemetery sits on the left side of the road past the Caddo Congregational Christian Church. The cemetery sits on a hillside. There are some unusual features in the cemetery such as tiers that mark each level of graves. There is one major tombstone that stands in the center with no inscription.
Waldrep, Phil. "Cemeteries of Lawrence County, Alabama Volume I." 1993.
Bob Tiffin founded Tiffin Motorhomes in 1972, and the company has produced over 65,000 motorhomes since then. The mission for Tiffin Motorhomes is "building lifetime relationships by doing our best to exceed the sales, service and overall ownership expectations of Tiffin Motorhomes' owners and dealers." The Tiffin Motorhomes Company invites any current owners, customers, and anyone interested in the RV lifestyle to tour their factory in Red Bay, Alabama. Visitors will get the chance to meet the craftsman and see the construction of a motorhome. Tours for the factory are held Monday-Friday at 9:30 a,m. There is no need to schedule a visit, and tours usually last around one hour. Tours are not held through the week of July 4th and on the following holidays: Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
“Tiffin Motorhomes.” Accessed July 27, 2015. http://www.northalabama.org/
Limestone County, Alabama; Athens, Alabama; Tom Arlin Dean House; Architecture
Tom Arlin Dean, an engineer who admired the Rosenbaum House in Florence very much, followed many of Frank Lloyd Wright's ideals in creating the house located at 509 Clinton Street in Athens, Alabama. The house, which is a neighbor to two of the registered historic places -- the Robert Donnell House at 601 Houston Street and the Walker-Kuykendal House at 309 Clinton Street -- was showcased in the Limestone Journal on May 23, 1989. The house features steel beams, solid brick masonry, and California heart of redwood construction. The total finished space is 2,555 square feet and the house features two levels.
Volin, Cynthia (interview), September 18th, 2015.
Churches; Town Creek, AL; Lawrence County, AL
The Town Creek Church of Christ is located at the intersection of Hwy 20 and Church Street in Town Creek. While the Church of Christ congregation did not formally organize until 1893, records indicate that members of the Town Creek community had gathered together for worship beginning in the 1860s. In the 1880s, Church of Christ minister T.B. Larimore of Florence traveled to Town Creek to baptize residents. The connection to Larimore, who had founded the Mars Hill Academy, may have influenced the community’s decision to follow the Church of Christ faith. J. H. Lemay donated the lot on which the congregation constructed the church. J. R. Armstrong and W. V. Prueitt ordered the lumber through their firm, Porter and Foster. Armstrong rode horseback to Landersville, Alabama to borrow enough money to pay the bill for the church. Today the Town Creek Church of Christ is located at 324 Church Street.
"The Heritage of Lawrence County, Alabama." Heritage Publishing Consultants, Inc. 1998. http://www.towncreekcoc.com/
Historic Markers; Killen, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
This historic marker is located on J.C. Mauldin Highway west of Poplar Street, Killen, Alabama. The text on side one of the marker reads: "The area known as Killen in Lauderdale County, was settled in the early 1800s. In 1826, Joseph Mason was appointed the first postmaster of the new community called Masonville, later to become Killen. The post office existed until 1866. In the 1830s the construction of the Alabama Canal brought growth to the area. The canal was built to solve the navigation problems created by the shoals in the Tennessee River. Construction on the new canal began in 1875 and the 14 1/2 - mile canal, with nine locks with a lift of 85 feet, opened November 10, 1890. The canal was renamed the Muscle Shoals Canal. Lock six served as the headquarters and was located just 1/2- mile south of Killen. The canal system had a major economic impact on the development of Killen. Many of the citizens were employed on the canal and others supplied raw materials and food for the operation." The text on side two reads:"In 1885, 200 men were employed by the Corps of Engineers. Many of these men built homes near their work. In 1895, Mr. James Sharp Killen built a general store and applied for a post office. He sent in three possible names with the application and Killen was chosen. The post office opened on August 22, 1896 and the Town of Killen was founded. Killen was incorporated and established a police department in 1957. A fire department was started in 1962 and a town park was added in 1976. The town library was established in 1985. Killen has grown because of the good citizens of this community and the moral fortitude established by our local churches. The Killen Lions Club was chartered in 1957 and is a major community asset. Other sources of pride for the Killen area are Brooks Elementary, dating to 1908, and Brooks High School which opened in 1968."
“Town of Killen Marker”. Accessed 11/10/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
Trails; Valhermoso Springs, AL; Morgan County, AL
Located on 7281 Hwy. 36 in Valhermoso Springs, AL, the Trail of Scriptures is a serene path for people to hike and enjoy. The trail contains multiple crosses and scripture for people to read. The trail is open from dawn to dusk with a picnic pavilion available.
“Trail of Scripture.” Accessed July 14, 2015. http://www.northalabama.org/
Trail of Tears; Waterloo, Alabama; Lauderdale County, AL
During the forced removal of the indigenous people from the eastern United States to Oklahoma, Waterloo was a stop for the Cherokees who came by boat, from Tuscumbia, after having walked from the homelands in the Appalachians in the winter of 1838/39. Approximately 17,000 people were removed. Though a few managed to escape, there were over 4,000 deaths.
Trail of Tears Marker, Waterloo, Alabama
Photograph of Waterloo, Alabama, c. 1900, courtesy of the Archives at Collier Library, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama.
Historic Markers; Waterloo, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
This historic marker is located on Main Street, Waterloo, Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "Thousands of Cherokee Indians passed through Waterloo in the 1830s when they were forced by the U.S. government to move West on the "Trail of Tears". Most came by boat from Tuscumbia and camped here to await transfer to larger steamboats. During the encampment several births, deaths, and escapes occurred. One party of 1,070 Cherokees traveled overland from Ross Landing in Tennessee due to low water in the upper river. Following the general route of U.S. Hwy. 72 to Florence, they arrived here July 10, 1838, in miserable condition after a 23~ day journey. About 17,000 Cherokees were driven from their homeland in the southern Appalachian Mtns. Most traveled by land thought Tennessee and on to Oklahoma. Great suffering and about 4,000 deaths occurred along the trail, especially during the winter of 1838-39."
“Trail of Tears Marker”. Accessed 11/11/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Trenholm High School; African-American History
Trenholm High School, which is located on Trenholm Memorial Drive, was the last African-American High School in Tuscumbia, Alabama before desegregation. The school, which opened in 1870 and closed in 1969, was subsequently torn down. A movement by the Trenholm Alumni Association and the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation led to the placement of a historical marker on the last location of the school which was a center of culture in the African-American Community. The inscriptions on the brick walkway leading to the historical marker include memorials, descriptions of student activities, and commemorate the accomplishments of members of the student body after graduation. The Trenholm Reunion is held every Labor Day Weekend.
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Trenholm High School; George Washington Trenholm; African American History
Trenholm High School was originally founded as the Osborne Colored Academy in 1877. From there it became Tuscumbia’s Colored School, which lasted until 1921. The Tuscumbia’s Colored School changed its name to Trenholm High School in 1921. The school was named after a beloved teacher and principal George Washington Trenholm. While the school was segregated, it offered a wide range of educational activities for students. Some of these activities included clubs, contests, and plays. Trenholm High School had an active athletics program for students to participate in, including basketball, football, and track teams for its students. The black community in the area also heavily supported Trenholm High School. The school also became a space for community activities. The school began being used as a meeting site for various organizations and speakers. The building also provided entertainment for the community through various concerts and movies as well as prominent lecturers and speakers. Church congregations also used the school as a meeting place. Trenholm no longer stands today. A small memorial next to the school can be found with a list of every principal the school had prior to its removal.
Arthur Graves, interview by Sam Keiser, November 11, 2015 Colbert County Heritage Book Committee (Colbert County, Ala.). 1999. The Heritage of Colbert County, Alabama. Clanton, AL: Heritage Pub. Consultants. 64-65
Cemeteries; Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
The Tri-Cities Cemetery was established in 1954. The cemetery is located off Highway 72 close to Deibert Park. The cemetery contains over 8,000 burials. It has a combination of ground burials, mausoleums, and a columbarium. For a full description of graves visit this link: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder/cem-tricities1.htm
"About Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens." Burial Planning. http://www.burialplanning.com/cemeteries/tri-cities-memorial-gardens/cemetery-about/. Accessed April 12, 2015. Torbert, Robert E. "Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens, Garden No. 1." Rootsweb. August 2000. http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder/cem-tricities1.htm. Accessed April 11, 2015.
The Episcopalian movement in America began in the late 1700’s and spread into northwest Alabama during the 1800s. The oldest Episcopalian parish in the area is Trinity Episcopal Church in Florence, Alabama. In the 1820s the early congregation met at school houses, hotels, and private homes. It was not until the arrival of South Carolina Reverend Thomas Cook in the Shoals did a plan for constructing a church building emerge. Cook helped raise nearly fifteen thousand dollars for the construction of a building. As a result, the first church structure was completed in 1838. This edifice was located on a lot donated by local resident James Jackson, and sat on the corner of College and Cedar Streets in Florence. Seven years later in 1845, the first Bishop of Alabama, Reverend Hamner Cobbs, concentrated Trinity Episcopal Church. Trinity Episcopal Church closed during the Civil War. In fact, all Episcopal churches in the state of Alabama closed during the war by Federal authorities because the ministers were ordered to omit prayer for the President Abraham Lincoln. Nearly thirty years after reopening its doors to the public, in 1893 a fire caused for the church to burn down. One of the few items salvaged was the church’s bell, which is in the present day church’s belfry. Following the fire, Florence resident Mrs. William Hardin gave the congregation a lot of land on the corner of Pine and Tuscaloosa Street downtown Florence. On this land, a new brick structure was completed in 1894. Five years later, Bishop Richard Wilmer consecrated the new church building on June 12, 1898. The brick structure is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Lauderdale County. The building consist of a carved wood altar, chancel furnishings, and beautiful stained glass windows. Some of the renovations include the Parish House’s construction in 1929 and the additions of an education building and a Mullen Hall in 1967.
Text: Oscar D. Lewis, “Trinity Episcopal is One of City’s First,” in folder McDonald Collection: Church Information Collection-Vol. 8: Other Denominations-Episcopal, Churches 8.2,” Bill McDonald Collection, Archives/Special Collections, Collier Library, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama. Jill Knight Garrett, A History of Lauderdale County, Alabama, 145-146.
This historic marker is located on N. Pine Street at E Tuscaloosa St, Florence, Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "Episcopal services in Florence began in 1824. Rev. Thomas Armstrong Cook organized Trinity Episcopal Church in 1836. The original building, on the northwest corner of College and Cedar Streets, was consecrated Feb. 23, 1845, by Bishop Nicholas Hamner Cobbs. It burned in 1893, and this building was constructed in 1894, using the tower bell from the old church. Services have been held here since Easter Day, 1895. Building Consecrated by Bishop Richard Hooker Wilmer June 12, 1898. Parish Hall added in 1929. Education building and Mullen Hall erected 1967."
“Trinity Episcopal Church 1894 Marker”. Accessed 11/11/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
Education; Lee County, AL; Trinity Male High School; Trinity Female High School; Browneville, AL; Salem, AL; Marshall's Hill, AL; McGreen, James
One of Lee County’s first academic institutions opened in the now-defunct community of Browneville in 1837. The school lay four miles south of the modern-day unincorporated community of Salem, AL, near Marshall’s Hill. James McGreen founded the schools and served as principal.
Text Source: The Heritage of Lee County Book Committee, The Heritage of Lee County, Alabama (Clanton, AL: Heritage Publishing Consultants, 2000), 36.
Limestone County, Alabama; Athens, Alabama; Trinity School; African-American Education
The Trinity School Cistern, which is located on Market Street near the railroad track in Athens, Alabama, is the last remnant of the Trinity School. Trinity School, which was in operation from 1865 to 1997, was a school for the children of slaves. Miss Mary Frances Wells who served as the school's principal and advocate was largely responsible for establishing the school on the old Richardson family property.
Locally Owned Businesses; Foodways; Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
Trowbridge’s Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop (nee Bar), located at 316 North Court Street, is a truly a Florence, Alabama landmark. Opened in 1918, Trowbridge’s is the oldest business still operating in its original location in Florence. Still owned by the Trowbridge family (third generation, Paul’s grandson, Don), the shop seats fifty, and the menu features sandwiches, chili, ice cream, milkshakes, and Wednesdays are bean day. An unassuming building and restaurant with large windows that face Court Street, the eight stools at the food counter allow customers to watch their sandwiches being assembled or their ice cream being dipped. Booths line the wall on the left and various artworks (photographs, newspaper clippings, and a few original pieces by local artists) are hung around the restaurant giving the customer an impromptu history of place; both Florence’s and Trowbridge’s. Locals of a certain age will recognize the waitresses of yesteryear in the oil painting on the back wall. Several small tables are scattered between the booths and the counter. The green vinyl padding on the stools and the chairs, alongside the 1950s style formica tables, give the place a completely unassuming retro feel. According to the Official Travel Site of Alabama, in 1917 Paul Trowbridge, who was on his way to a dairy convention in North Carolina, stopped in Florence and liked the area so much that he returned to Texas, packed his family and moved to Florence. A year later, he opened the Trowbridge Creamery where he developed the recipe for orange pineapple ice cream. He added hot dogs and chili to the menu in the 1940s. Trowbridge’s has long ceased making all ice cream by hand but the recipe for orange pineapple ice cream has become a Southern classic. It was named by Travel and Leisure magazine as one of “50 Reasons to Love the U.S.A. Now,” is included in the cookbook Alabama’s Historic Restaurants and Their Recipes (by Gay N. Martin, 2004), and is discussed and reviewed on websites as prosiac as Yelp, Trip Advisor, and Facebook; as Southern as Deep Fried Kudzu; and as commercial as Remax and Alabama Chanin’s Journal. Trowbridge’s, which has never been pretentious or had any aspirations to go more upscale, is a tradition for locals and a delight for visitors.
Walker County, Oakman, Religion, Christianity, Tubbs Church of Christ, Daniel Tubbs, Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in 1992
Tubbs Cemetery is adjacent to the Tubbs Church of Christ. The oldest markers date back to burials in the Tubbs family as early as 1842. The patriarch of the family, Daniel Tubbs, had enlisted in the war of 1812 and fought in the Battle of New Orleans. He moved his family to Walker County in 1835. Tubbs and his family donated a portion of their land for community use such as for religious and educational purposes. The family owned the property until 1953 when it was bought by the Tubbs Church of Christ. About 200 persons are interred at Tubbs Cemetery today. Tubbs Cemetery was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in
During the 1960s and 1970s the music industry in the Shoals earned national recognition through the success of FAME Recording Studio and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. Musicians such as Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, and Percy Sledge have all recorded hit songs at a Shoals recording studio. However, neither studio was the first official studio nor the first recording company in the Shoals. In fact, the first recording company in the Shoals, Tune Records, operated out of the back room of a bus station in Florence, Alabama. James Joiner, whose dad started a Florence-based charter bus company in 1939, wanted to expose the rich musical talent in the Shoals. So, with Kelson Hurtson, Walter Stovall, and Marvin Wilson, Joiner formed Tune Records and Publishing Company during the 1950s. Tune Records was the “first full-fledged record company in Alabama.” Using local radio stations, such as WLAY, to record songs, the company’s first regional hit, “A Fallen Star,” came in 1957. Joiner wrote “A Fallen Star” after watching a shooting star across the night sky, and relied on Bobby Denton’s vocals to do bring the song to life. As a result of the song’s success, musicians across the north region of Alabama traveled to Florence in order to sing for Tune Records. One teenager who cut songs with Joiner’s company was Rick Hall, who would later become Alabama’s most successful music producer at FAME Recording Studios. Due to the inability to produce another regionally successful hit, Tune Records closed down by 1960.
Text: Greg Carmalier, Muscle Shoals: The Incredible True Story of a Small Town with a Big Sound, DVD, Magnolia Home Entertainment, 2014. Christopher S. Fuqua, Music Fell on Alabama (Huntsville: Honeysuckle Imprint, 1991), 8.
Tuscumbia Female Academy; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; School; Education; Historical
The Tuscumbia Female Academy was also known as the Tuscumbia Female Seminary. It was established around 1825-26, as a means of education for women. The Academy was destroyed by arson between 2 and 3 a.m. on the morning of September 13, 1868. It was burned due to civil turmoil during Reconstruction by members of the Loyal League of Tuscumbia, after being aroused by an agitator from Memphis.
Thomas Hale, University of North Alabama
Richard C. Sheridan, Deshler Female Institute: An Example of Female Education In Alabama 1874-1918 (Birmingham: Birmingham Printing and Publishing Co., 1986), 7. Nina Leftwich, Two Hundred Years at Muscle Shoals (Tuscumbia, 1935), 118-123.
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Tuscumbia Historic District; Architecture; National Register of Historic Places; Historic American Buildings Survey
The Tuscumbia Historic District encompasses a substantial portion of the city's 1817 street plan, including Spring Park, the North Commons, and the entirety of the Colbert County Courthouse Square Historic District, which is itself listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district and the city have served as the seat of Colbert County governance since the county's creation in February 1867 (excluding the two-year period between November 1867 and December 1869 when the county was abolished by the State Constitutional Convention). Significant political figures associated with the district include Scottish-born Alabama governor Robert Burns Lindsay and U.S. representative Edward B. Almon, the latter known for his role in establishing the Federal Highway System and the Tennessee Valley Authority. In all, 461 of the district's 639 properties contribute to its historic character and significance. These include several examples of Tidewater cottages dating from the 1820s and 1830s, along with homes built in the Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Tudor and Bungalow styles. Most of the district's commercial properties, meanwhile, reflect architectural trends of the late Victorian period, with the Palace Drugstore being a particularly noteworthy example.
Brian Corrigan, University of North Alabama
National Register of Historic Places, Tuscumbia Historic District, Tuscumbia, Colbert County, Alabama, National Register #85001158. Historic American Buildings Survey, HABS AL-360, http://loc.gov/pictures/item/al0087 (accessed November 12, 2015).
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Tuscumbia Landing; Native American History
During Indian Removal, Tuscumbia’s Landing served as the point of disembarkation for the water route used to move Native Americans west of the Mississippi. The train to Tuscumbia brought the Cherokee Nation to Spring Park, where they were held before being shipped on boats along the Tennessee River. Tuscumbia Landing still holds significance to the descendants of the Native Americans. Every year during the Oka Kapassa festival Native Americans make the two-mile journey from Spring Park to Tuscumbia Landing to signify the road their ancestors traveled during the Trail of Tears.
Gail King, Historic Document Research, Geophysical Survey, Mapping, and Archaeological Inventory at Tuscumbia Landing, A Trail of Tears National Historic Trail site in Colbert County, Alabama (Aug 2011) pg. 101-143
Tuscumbia Railroad and Transportation Museum
Tuscumbia, Colbert County; Alabama; Historic Railroad Depot; Museums; Railroad Museum; Frontier Railroad Town
The Tuscumbia Railroad Historic Depot, located at 204 W. 5th St. in downtown Tuscumbia is a fully restored museum based on how it was when it was built in 1888. The museum displays train memorabilia, interactive train simulators, telegraph demonstrations and information about Tuscumbia's history. Its hours of operation are Tuesday – Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Jacob Grandstaff, University of North Alabama
“Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area,” Accessed November 17, 2015, http://msnha.una.edu/plan-a-visit/?a=28. “Historic Tuscumbia Railroad Depot,” Sweet Home Alabama: The Official Travel Site of Alabama, Accessed November 21, 2015, http://alabama.travel/places-to-go/historic-tuscumbia-railway-depot.
Colbert County Alabama; Tuscumbia Alabama; church; African American Church; African American History; Tuscumbia Shed Church
This church was located close to what is now downtown Tuscumbia. The original buildings were cotton gins sheds. It has been said that these cotton gin sheds were used as a church as far back as the year 1870. The church served as a place of worship for African Americans of all Christian denominations. This was in part due African American parishioners not having churches to call their own. The location of the church was originallyon a hill that now serves as the Basden Bus Company parking lot.
Arthur Graves interview by Sam Keiser. November 11, 2015 McWilliams, John L. Tuscumbia. Charleston, S.C., South Carolina: Arcadia Pub. 2012. 35
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Railroad; Native American History; Trail of Tears.
The Tuscumbia-Courtland & Decatur railroad was established by a group of investors led by Benjamin Sherrod in 1841. Originally a two-train car, the railroad was established to allow ships to bypass the shoals of the Tennessee River. In 1843, the railroad line expanded to other towns including Courtland, Jonesboro, Leighton, and Decatur. After the completion of the railroad it would be eventually put to use during the Trail of Tears. The train played a prominent role during the forced relocation of the Native American tribes in Georgia. The train provided the means to transport a large number of Native Americans quickly to Tuscumbia Landing where they would then be shipped off to land allocated for their use west of the Mississippi. The primary tribe to be relocated on this train were the Cherokee Nation. The Creek Nation in Georgia had largely been moved out prior to the use of the train. The Cherokee Nation would travel to Decatur where they would board the train heading for Tuscumbia Landing.
Gail King, Historic Document Research, Geophysical Survey, Mapping, and Archaeological Inventory at Tuscumbia Landing, A Trail of Tears National Historic Trail site in Colbert County, Alabama (Aug 2011) pg. 109-143
Tuskegee Students March on Montgomery, March 10, 1965
Colbert County, Alabama; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Hiking; Pet Friendly
The TVA Nature Loop is a 2.5 mile loop trail on TVA protected land. Overall, there are roughly 11 miles of footpaths in the area. The loop is around a section of the TVA reservation. The path is well paved and taken care of. People with disabilities should be able to navigate along the path. The park is pet friendly. One of the most interesting features of the trail is the old railroad bridge. The bridge once crossed the expanse of the river from Muscle Shoals to Florence. The bridge originally had an upper and lower deck. People, carriages, and animals could travel along the bottom deck while trains crossed across the top. Now only a portion of the bridge still exists and has been renovated for the walking trail. The bridge is a popular spot for pictures in the area.
Americantrails.org,. 2015. 'Trail Details: National Recreation Trail Database'. http://www.americantrails.org/NRTDatabase/trailDetail.php?recordID=3. Gunther, John. 1953. 'The Story Of The TVA'. Book. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Collection. UNA Special Archives. AllTrails.com,. 2015. 'TVA Nature Loop'. http://alltrails.com/trail/us/alabama/tva-nature-loop?ref=search.
Festival; Arts; Culture; University of North Alabama; Florence, AL
One of the world’s oldest spoken art form is storytelling and the Communication Department at the University of North Alabama acknowledges this. Beginning in 2011, UNA communications professor Dr. Bill Huddleston started to offer the course COM 480/580, which focuses on storytelling. Also beginning in 2011, the University of North Alabama and the Alabama Humanities Foundation, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities, co-sponsored an annual event known as Front Porch Storytelling Festival. The festival takes place in May on the University of North Alabama’s campus and various places in the city of Florence, such as Wilson Park and McFarland Park. During the festival, national, state, and local orators and musicians provide entertainment. In 2015, the first “Story Slam” took place. The Story Slam is an open competition to high school and middle school students, who share a five minute personal stories from their lives based on a themed subject. The winner of the Story Slam competition receives a five hundred dollar award.
Text: “A Class Act,” in folder “University Events: Front Porch Storytelling Festival,” University Collection, Archives/Special Collections, Collier Library, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama. Terry Pace, “Front Porch Storytelling Festival,” The Quad-Cities Daily, May 13, 2013. University of North Alabama, “Story Slam,” UNA Front Porch Storytelling Festival, www.una.edu/storytelling.student-competition-html (accessed May 1, 2015). Images: folder “University Events: Front Porch Storytelling Festival,” University Collection, Archives/Special Collections, Collier Library, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama.
Mascots; University of North Alabama; Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
On October 7, 2002, University of North Alabama had the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the brand new lion habitat. The habitat was named after a long time contributor to the university, George H. Carroll. After the death of the previous mascot Leo II, animal rights activists did not want UNA to have another mascot. There were concerns that having a lion on campus would drain money meant for academics. However, all money, labor and equipment needed to build habitat for the new mascots were donated by corporations and individuals. The 12,764 square foot habitat met USDA and the American Zoo and Aquarium standards. The habitat is located between Willingham Hall and the university president’s home on campus. It is equipped with a simulated waterfall and rock wall, separate climate controlled sleeping quarters for both of the lions, a quarantine area for when they get sick, a squeeze cage that allows veterinarians to work on the lions, and two visitor observation areas. The George H. Carroll Lion Habitat is currently the home of Leo III and Una.
Malik Emmett, University of North Alabama
“UNA to dedicate lion habitat, but without new cubs,” Birmingham News, Oct 6, 2002, Lion Habitat Collection, University of North Alabama Archives. “UNA’s Lion Habitat Finally A Reality,” Courier Journal, Oct 16, 2002, Lion Habitat Collection. University of North Alabama Archives.
Mascots; University of North Alabama; Florence, Alabama; Lauderdale County, Alabama
Description: Leo was born April 14, 1974 in Knoxville, Tennessee. He came to UNA on July 22, 1973. Dr. Robert M. Guillot established a new tradition by making UNA the only school in the country to have a live lion mascot living on campus. In addition to being UNA’s mascot, Leo was also a tourist attraction. Leo died January 20, 1988 and Leo II took his place in July of 1988. He was brought to UNA with the help of the Shoals community. UNA now has a system where all funds associated with the care and feeding of Leo III and UNA, the operation of their habitat, and the conduct of a related educational program are funded exclusively by charitable contributions. Leo II died in February of 2000 and he was replaced by the lion that currently is the king of the jungle at UNA, Leo III. He and his sister Una were brought into UNA in the year 2002.
Damion Johnson, University of North Alabama
“Leo: the story of Leo the lion, mascot of the University of North Alabama,” printed in 1977, Bill McDonald collection, University of North Alabama archives “Leo and Leo II- a living tradition at north Alabama,” UNA’s Lions, printed 1995, Bill McDonald collection, University of North Alabama Archives "University of North Alabama." RSS. Accessed November 13, 2015. http://www.roarlions.com/sports/2015/4/2/GEN_0402151225.aspx. "Lion Mascots Featured on Campus." Flor-Ala. Accessed November 13, 2015. http://www.florala.net/news/lion-mascots-featured-on-campus/article_cb611cda-eb4c-11e3-ae91-0017a43b2370.html.
Union Grove Cemetery is located in Opelika south of Creekstone Drive and west of South Uniroyal Road. Coordinates: 32.6287456, -85.3374448
Education; Lee County, AL; Union Grove School; Chewacla, AL; Private Academies; Antebellum Era; Mitchell, William M.; Methodist Church
Formerly the lone educational institution in the community of Chewacla, this tiny log cabin Christian school was built around 1840 run for two years by the Reverend William M. Mitchell. The one-room facility was located near the Methodist church on Lee County Road 391.