Friends and Classmates

Karl Sadler and Aurelia Ellison are friends and former classmates. They both graduated from Parrish High School (now Selma High) in 1950. Here, they are serving as Pilgrimage hosts at Sturdivant Hall. Selma's Historic Pilgrimage was held in mid-March, and Mr. Sadler made the trip back to Selma all the way from his home in Lewisburg, Tenn., to participate. He is also a photographer and considering joining the City Daily Photo Blog community with a photo a day from Lewisburg, Tennessee, USA. Here's hoping he will!
(Thanks to Charles Moss of the Historic Preservation Society for taking this photo with Mr. Sadler's camera.)

Sturdivant Hall Courtyard

The back courtyard at Sturdivant Hall is attractive any time of year but especially in the spring and summer when flowers and herbs bloom in formal gardens. This outdoor area is often used for weddings, receptions and picnics and has been the site of the Battle of Selma Ball that is held during the reenactment.

Tempted!

Ever since Satan took the form of a serpent and persuaded Eve to eat the one fruit that God forbade, mankind has been succumbing to temptation after temptation after temptation! This tablescape was among those at the Elkdale Baptist Church Ladies' Banquet a couple of weeks ago, and I thought it was just so original and colorful! Now, while we traditionally think of an apple as the fruit Eve ate, all we are told in The Bible is that is was a fruit, and if Adam and Eve ate it, they would surely die. What tempts you?

History and Hospitality

"History and Hospitality" is a fitting slogan. Selma is the second
oldest city in Alabama, and it traces its history back to DeSoto and Bienville.
Then there's the Civil War to Civil Rights history and a lot in between, including
Selmians who were instrumental in working for women's right to vote.
The town is home to the state's largest, contiguous historic district.
Then there's that famous southern hospitality, PLUS we've got good water!

Painting the Tank

The water tank on Summerfield Road has been under renovation for a long time. Now, the finishing touches are going up. These workers are painting SELMA on the sky-blue background (the prettiest water tank in town)! But they aren't finished yet. When I drove by the next day, a slogan had been added. I'll post that photo on Friday.

Morning Has Broken

Morning has broken into springtime pastels. In the foreground, the Bradford Pear is in full bloom. In the background, the redbud lends a lavender hue. (I have always wondered why it is called redbud!)
Now is the time to watch the sun rise and see how it brings colors to life.

Forsythia

Exuberant forsythia!
These nuggets are among the first signs of Spring here, and my neighbor's shrub is as golden as I have ever seen it. I have forsythia, but mine has never been this glorious. Forsythia (if you can bear to cut some of its branches) makes a wonderful filler in early-Spring arrangements. Just get some dogwood and redbud, perhaps a few Bradford pear blossoms, and what a beautiful bouquet!

Expecting

We noticed this squirrel dragging branches and twigs to her nest.
She would stop every so often to fuss at the cats, who gladly traded their outdoor ramblings for inside safety. I haven't seen her working the past couple of days, so I assume she is finished and ready for babies.

Happy Easter and First Anniversary!

HAPPY EASTER!

Today, Christians celebrate the resurrection of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

"And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was liike lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women. 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.'"
Matthew 28: 2-6

Today, The Selma, Ala., Daily Photo celebrates its one-year anniversary!
I have enjoyed being part of the City Daily Photo Blog community and look forward to seeing more great photos of cities around the world. Thanks to all who have visited, and thanks for the many comments and encouragement!

The Day After

Several Selma churches jointly reenact the events of Easter weekend. On Thursday evening, they recreate The Last Supper, and on Good Friday, they hold the trial of Jesus, followed by Jesus carrying the cross to Valley Creek Park (commonly known as Bloch Park). There, the Messiah is "crucified" and his "body placed" in the tomb of Joseph of Arimethea. Joseph, a rich man, had gone to the Roman leader Pontius Pilate and requested the body.

"When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed." Matthew 27: 59-60

The next day, the priests and Pharisees convinced Pilate to place a guard at the tomb, and they sealed the stone. They remembered that Jesus said He would rise on the third day and were afraid the disciples might steal the body and claim their Messiah had risen from the dead.
(I'm not sure how anyone could claim that the Messiah had resurrected without his physical appearance, however!)

Be sure to check out Dina's photos of this weekend's events commemorating the death, burial and resurrection of Christ at Jerusalem Hills Daily Photo.

The Good News of Good Friday

Most of Selma's churches are Christian. Here, a cross and cloak stand in front of Church Street United Methodist Church in the weeks preceding Easter. They represent the cross of Calvary where Jesus was crucified for claiming to be the Messiah, the long-promised Savior, who is also God incarnate. But, many religious leaders disagreed and accused Him of blasphemy.

"Again the High Priest asked Him, saying unto Him, "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?"
Jesus said, "I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven."
Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "What further need do we have of witnesses?
You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?" And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death.
"Then some began to spit on Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him, and to say to Him "Prophesy!" And the officers struck Him with the palms of their hands.
(from Mark 14: 61b-65, The Bible - New Testament)

While the death of Jesus seemed terribly tragic to his followers, it was necessary for the completely innocent Son of God to sacrifice his life for the sins of everybody in the world. Since there is nothing that we can do to earn our way to Heaven, Jesus became the "sacrificial lamb" and willingly took the punishment that every person deserves. Only those who place their faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord receive the free gift of eternal life with Christ.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John 3: 16-18 (The Bible, New Testament)

So, the Good News that a Savior would deliver us from our sins was fulfilled on Good Friday.

Stay tuned for the resurrection and new life.

Spring!

The first day of Spring finally brings the redbud in bloom and dogwood gradually opening its white crosses. After almost an inch of rain yesterday, the skies are a brilliant blue today, and it's a bit cool! Forsythia and Bradford pear (not shown) are at peak.

The Petticoat Ghost

When news that Union Gen. J.H. Wilson's troops were headed to Selma back in the spring of 1865, Mrs. Frances John Hobbs set about to save the fine jewelry from her Confederate soldier husband's jewelry store. First, she hid silver in the walls of their house. Then, she stayed up late at night sewing the best pieces of jewelry in her petticoat. She deposited the least expensive pieces in the family safe. When Union soldiers knocked on her door, she welcomed them inside and pretended to be very reluctant about opening the safe. Of course, the Yankees took the jewelry, thinking they had made a great haul. They thanked her for her cooperation and did not burn the house.
Here, the "ghost" of Mrs. Hobbs returned from the grave last Friday to tell her story at Selma's Historic Pilgrimage.

Chocolate Fountain

Who can resist a chocolate fountain? The lucky ladies who sat at this table got to dip strawberries and pretzels into this fountain of flowing chocolate...PLUS eat M&Ms! What could be more wonderful? This table was among those at the Elkdale Baptist Church Ladies' Banquet this past weekend. Okay, I don't remember the Bible verse theme for this table, and I don't know if chocolate is mentioned in The Bible, but I'm sure the hostess worked it out...perhaps something about fountains of blessings!

A Bit 'O Green

There was a bit 'o green in this rabbit's garden at the Elkdale Baptist Church Ladies' Banquet Saturday night. Hmmm, I spy Easter eggs too, but I chose this springtime tablescape for the green glasses and cabbage-leaf plate. After all, this is St. Patrick's Day.
The annual banquet features Bible-verse table themes along with delicious food, door prizes and well-known Christian worship leaders. This year's speaker/singer/worship leader was Kim Bolton of Nashville, Tenn.
(Click photo to view larger version.)
To view the banquet album, click here.

Pilgrimage Bouquet

Part of the allure of Historic Pilgrimage is seeing the many colorful flower arrangements. This one graces the dining table in Sturdivant Hall. Notice the orchids. They were grown by a Selma physician in his greenhouse.

Marshall's Grove

Marshall's Grove, an 1840's Greek Revival house, is among homes on tour during this weekend's Historic Selma Pilgrimage. The home was built by one of the town's first doctors, and after all these years remains in the same family. During the 1865 Battle of Selma, Union Gen. J.H. Wilson used the house for a headquarters. Then, as the troops started to burn it, changed their mind when they noticed a Masonic chart on the wall.

Selma's "Papa Joe"

This portrait of one of Selma's best-loved pastors won rave reviews at Friday's Arts Revive juried art show during Pilgrimage weekend. "Papa Joe" is the Rev. Joe Knight, associate pastor of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. The artist is Vicki Stoudenmire. She didn't win an award for this, but it has my vote for People's Choice.

Craig Entrance

The entrance to the Craig Airport and Industrial Park is banked with the white blossoms of what appear to be ornamental pear trees. This photo was taken shortly after a surprise rain shower.

Wildflower

These barely blue/purple wildflowers can be found in yards and along curbsides this time of year. I have never known what they are called, but they are much to pretty to mow!

Easter Shopping

The weather may still be cool, but Easter frocks dress up the windows of The Lily Pad, a unique shop for children. I remember the days when my mother and grandmother painstakingly, yet lovingly stitched my Easter dresses, some with smocking, others with inset lace and one with tucks across the front. They were made of dotted Swiss, voile, polished cotton or organdy, and I always felt like a princess.

Father and Mother

Some of the tombstones in older sections of Old Live Oak Cemetery are unstable. I don't know if that was case with this one or if it just got overturned.

Cat in the Alley

During a walk through Old Town, this beautiful gray cat stopped in an alley to see what I was doing. Naturally, I snapped his picture!

McKinnon-Riggs Doctor's Office

The McKinnon-Riggs Doctor's Office is another of the 1800's buildings at Heritage Village. A museum in miniature, it features medical equipment and furniture from the days when it served Dr. Kenneth McKinnon (1852-1871), Dr. S.W. Riggs (1905-1945) and Dr. William Staggers, 1950s. The Greek Revival structure with Doric columns was moved here from Pleasant Hill in 1981. The building will be on tour next weekend during the Historic Selma Pilgrimage.

Brown Chapel in Pasta

Here's historic Brown Chapel AME Church "in pasta." The art is another masterpiece of Selma's Vernon Spicer, who also produced the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
This weekend is the 15th annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee, and Brown Chapel, a 1908 Romanesque structure with twin towers, played a big part in the Voting Rights Movement of the 1960s.

Social Security Administration

Even modern construction in the South often features graceful white columns. This building is one of several offices in a nook at Park Place, and it houses the Social Security Administration.

The office park is home to other agencies such as Medicaid and to several health-related offices.

Snowdrops

Dainty snowdrops! The clumps in my backyard were transferred from the flower gardens of my mother in law years ago. My grandmother had these too, and they are always among the first flowers of spring.

Relieve Fatigue: 5 Cents

Here's the entire "Drink Coca-Cola" mural downtown. I posted part of it here last October, but the whole wall art couldn't be seen due to the bushes in front of it. Maybe someone will cut the bushes back before this summer. Notice that around the turn of the century, Coca-cola relieved fatigue for just five cents!
(Oops! the photo cuts off on the right, but it does say that!)

Historic Property Signs

Who built that house and when?
These signs identify historic property and go along with the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce's Windshield Tour. They are available for sale from the Historic Preservation Society.
This sign belongs to the vine-covered cottage featured a few days ago.

Doggie Art

What's not to love? These doggie depictions on the outside wall of the Central Alabama Animal Shelter are just a preview of the loveable, huggable creatures inside. As for us, we adopted two cats and a dog here.

March Theme Day, Murals or Graffiti

Welcome to the City Daily Photo Blogs March Theme Day! Murals...Graffiti. There are several historic-type murals in Selma, but I am partial to the wall art at the Central Alabama Animal Shelter. Here's the cat, and the little (well...big!) paw prints leading to the shelter entrance. Other sections of this wall feature dogs, but for now, I'll post the cat. There are more than 140 other photoblogs participating this month. Please visit their great murals/graffiti at the following links: Adelaide, Australia by Gordon, Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, Aliso Viejo (CA), USA by Rodney, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Bandung, Indonesia by Guntur Purwanto, Baziège, France by PaB, Belgrade, Serbia by BgdPic, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Boston (MA), USA by Fenix, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Brighton, UK by Harvey, Bucaramanga, Colombia by Fernando, Budapest, Hungary by Isadora, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cape Town, South Africa by Kerry-Anne, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chicago (IL), USA by b.c., Chicago (IL), USA by U R us, Christchurch, New Zealand by Michelle, Clearwater (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Clearwater Beach (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Cologne, Germany by April11, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Detroit (MI), USA by Taittems, Dunedin (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, Evry, France by Olivier, Forks (WA), USA by Corinne, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Guelph, Canada by Pat, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Gerald, Inverness (IL), USA by Neva, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Joplin (MO), USA by Victoria, Juneau (AK), USA by Gwyn, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Le Guilvinec, France by ds2944, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Jsaltao, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Ham, London, UK by Mo, Mainz, Germany by JB, Maple Ridge, Canada by Susan, Mazatlan, Mexico by Kate, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Melbourne, Australia by John, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico, Mexico by Poly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Montréal, Canada by Douber, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by Kunalbhatia, Mumbai, India by MumbaiIteanu, Naples (FL), USA by Isabella, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK by Cassie & Chris, Niamey, Niger by Dinabee, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Nottingham, UK by Gail's Man, Ocean Township (NJ), USA by Josy, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Quincy (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Radonvilliers, France by Deslilas, Riga, Latvia by Prokur, Rome, Italy by Giovanni, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation by Lark, San Antonio (TX), USA by Kramer, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Diego (CA), USA by Zentmrs, Santa Fe (NM), USA by Randem, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seguin (TX), USA by Thien, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Silver Spring (MD), USA by John, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, St Francis, South Africa by Sam, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Terre Haute (IN), USA by Zann, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Toulouse, France by Julia, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Wrocław, Poland by Loompi, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,