Friday, April 25, 2014

The Battle Begins

So what would you do if invaders were about to storm your town?

Back in April 1865, there weren't many able-bodied men left to defend Selma 
from federal troops, but the city that supplied much of the Confederacy's munitions
 was surrounded with a three-mile long semi-circle of fortifications.

 After a hard-fought but brief battle led by wounded
 Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest,  Selma's arsenal, naval ordnance works
 and many private homes and businesses were burned. 

The 149th reenactment of the battle is this weekend at Riverside Park.
Blue skies are forecast.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

164 Miles to Go

It's 164 miles from Selma to Alabama's oldest city of Mobile,
 and there is a lot to see along the way...if you make the time! 

 This route takes you through rural towns along Alabama Highways 22, 5 and 43.
 Just 10 miles down the road, take a side trip to Old Cahawba Park,
 the state's first permanent capital. 

Then, head back through Orrville and have lunch at The Hungry Fisherman
 in Safford, where you really shouldn't miss shopping for things 
you haven't seen in years at Safford Hardware. 

Another great lunch spot is David's Catfish in Thomasville.
 Order catfish with cheese grits, one of our state's dishes chosen
 to eat before you die!
 Stop at Alabama Southern Community College and tour
the Kathryn Tucker Windham Museum. Alabama's "Ghost Lady"
 and nationally known storyteller was born in Thomasville, then lived 
and wrote her many ghost story books and more in Selma.

The arts are alive in Grove Hill, so you might like to stop by 
the Grove Hill Arts Council gallery downtown.

If you enjoy hiking, birdwatching or wildlife photography, take a bit more time
 to visit the Fred T. Stimpson Wildlife Sanctuary 12 miles south of Jackson. 

On to Mobile!


Wednesday, April 23, 2014

O is for Old South

Fashions of the OLD SOUTH is one of several living history venues 
at the Battle of Selma School Tours. Hundreds of students will attend 
the event which begins Thursday. This year marks the 149th anniversary
 of one of the last battles of the War Between the States.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Because He Lives


HAPPY EASTER! 

"Because He Lives" by Bill Gaither.

God sent his son
They called him Jesus
He came to love
Heal and forgive
He lived and died
To buy my pardon
An empty grave
Is there to prove
My Savior lives.

(Chorus)
Because he lives
I can face tomorrow
Because he lives
All fear is gone
Because I know
He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because he lives.

Monday, April 14, 2014

Time to Plant

The weekend was perfect weather for planting the warm-season garden 
in Central Alabama.  However, there is a threat of frost by mid-week! 
Uh OH!

Friday, April 11, 2014

Confederate Headquarters

It won't be long before hundreds of students experience life in the 1860s

Here, a wooden fence separates Confederate Headquarters from the battlefield,
 and there is plenty of firewood for cooking. The headquarters is among
 several stops where children will learn  about medicine, communication,
 clothing, weapons, period music and more. 

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Signs Signs, Directions at First Presbyterian

Getting around Selma's First Presbyterian Church
 is easy with this outdoor direction tablet!

Not only can visitors view a map of the buildings,
 but they can easily see the office hours and times of services.



Wednesday, April 9, 2014

M is for Magnolia

Although it's known as Old Live Oak Cemetery, this historic resting place 
is home to many magnolias too. The enormous trees provide much
 of the shade along the lanes.