Gates of Old Live Oak

Here's a sampling of the iron grillwork that can be found in Old Live Oak Cemetery. This gate stands at the entrance to the Jones family plot where the little lamb rests atop an infant's grave. Other larger, exquisite monuments are here too. Notice the ironworks company name and Philadelphia, Pa., location at top left.

St. Andrew's Hall

St. Andrew's Hall stands adjacent to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church downtown. In the book, Selma, Queen City of the Blackbelt, the author states that Jesuit priests moved Cahaba's Masonic hall to Selma in 1880, and the building became St. Andrew's Hall, a school for boys. However, an article in the June 6, 1884, edition of The Times-Argus newspaper states that work was progressing on this three-story building, and the bricks and lumber were from "...a large, untenanted building" at Cahaba. The supplies were shipped upriver from Cahaba to Selma. While some of the construction materials could have been from a masonic hall, Old Cahawba Park archaeologists have no evidence of one, so it is possible the Masons met in a portion of one of the town's public buildings

Cahaba, which lies at the junction of the Alabama and Cahaba rivers, was Alabama's first capital, and its ghost town lies about 10 miles west of Selma. The capital was moved due to flooding and political reasons. A federal prison was located there during the Civil War, and the town made a good comeback only to be vacated later. Several homes and buildings in Selma are Cahaba originals or have "recycled" materials from Old Cahawba structures installed in them.

Little Lambs

This little lamb curls atop the grave of a baby in Old Live Oak Cemetery. The gravestone reads in part: "Beneath this stone in sweet repose is laid a mother's dearest pride."

A walk through the monuments reveals how short life used to be. So many infants and young children succumbed to illnesses that today are easily cured or perhaps no longer exist. Losing a child or children in the United States was not uncommon in the 19th Century. But now, it is relatively rare. We almost lost two of our children in infancy due to prematurity, but modern medicine and the will of God prevailed. Now, they are adults.

Yet, babies and children still die occasionally...whether by natural causes or accidents, and we all grieve with the families, and some of us wonder why such precious lives are cut so short.

A well-known Alabama radio show commentator lost his two-year-old son less than two weeks ago, and his family's strength has been a testimony to hundreds of thousands of people. During the memorial service, Rick Burgess testified about the source of their strength and how his son's death has challenged him to go to the next level of his Christian faith. He challenges other believers as well. The service was videotaped, and a friend uploaded it to YouTube. The first part of "A Father's Heart" has already experienced more than 400,000 hits, and parts 2 and 3 have more than 200,000 visits and are just as inspirational.

Many Selmians listen to the syndicated radio program, and the YouTube video link is traveling rapidly through our email service providers. The way this father has responded to the death of his youngest son was the subject of many Sunday School and Bible study meetings last week.

(I am posting yesterday's post on Wednesday since we lost power due to high winds last night.)

On Misty Pond

The pond across the fence from our backyard is veiled in a cold mist after last weekend's snow. Since trees have grown up, we can't see the pond at all during summer, but wintertime brings a pretty peek.

Church Steeples

Two of Selma's downtown church steeples are easily visible from this angle of the courthouse and Centre for Commerce parking lots. First Baptist, Lauderdale Street, is on the left, and First Presbyterian's clock tower is to the right. The steeples of Church Street United Methodist Church and St. Paul's Episcopal Church are nearby.

Memorial Stadium

Memorial Stadium is quiet these days...no football games or track meets. Selma High School and some other area football teams use the stadium in the fall, and in spring, it is the site of area and state track meets as well as Special Olympics. On July 4, it becomes the venue for the city's patriotic celebration and fireworks show. In the distance are Bloch Park, the baseball stadium; and Valley Creek Park, site of the walking track, a playground and picnic area. Behind you are tennis courts, a skate park and barbecue pit. War memorials line the stadium's front. Inside are city recreation department offices.

Pettus Bridge from the Park

In winter when the trees are bare, Pettus Bridge is easily viewed from Bienville Park on Water Avenue.

Kitty Steps

It's well known that cats don't like to get their feet wet. They don't much care for frozen slush either! So, unaccustomed to snow, this kitty uses as many stepping stones as she can to get where she's going.

Snow-Covered Holly

Our snow-covered holly makes it look like Christmas in January. The snow is gone now, but this sure made a perfect photo opportunity.

Snow-topped Gazebo

While most of Selma's snow melted Saturday afternoon, the miraculous white stuff managed to cling to the roof of this gazebo for another day or two. An almost full moon on Sunday night added to this awesome event when we got to see moonlight reflected on leftover snow.

To: Zentmrs, Jana, Halcyon and American Fork...thanks for making my day with the "Make My Day" bloggers' award! You all make my day with such wonderful photography and interesting posts. I presented awards to 10 photobloggers several days ago, so I guess I will end my "award fest" for now!