Across the Creek

Here is a look at the back of Kenan's Mill. The 1860's gristmill 

sits above Valley Creek, and this view is from the bank

 by the swinging bridge near the charcoal kiln. 

The mill operated until the 1970s, then was restored 

years later and is operated by the Selma-Dallas County

 Historic Preservation Society. Cornmeal was ground here

 during the recent Selma Pilgrimage. 

Linking to Our World Tuesday and Tuesday's Treasures

The Tremont School Challenge

There is a $10,000 Challenge going on to help preserve the old TREMONT School.

Built in 1913 as Selma's first high school, the structure has been used

 as storage for the past few decades, and since its acquisition

 by the Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society,

 windows have been replaced along with other repairs. But before

 it can be used again, this historic gem needs a lot more help.

 Over $80,000 has already been invested, but a matching $10,000 grant

 will mean at least an additional $20,000 toward restoration. 

Plans for the former school will be discussed by architect Dick Hudgens

 at tonight's annual meeting of the SDCHPS. The 6 p.m. meeting

 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church is open to all who are interested.   

Linking to ABC Wednesday

The Letter T 

 

Alabama's Oldest YMCA

Selma is home to Alabama's first Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA)

 that was founded in 1858, and this is the oldest YMCA building still standing

 in the state. Built in 1885, the historic structure on Broad Street

 was in danger of demolition when it was purchased 

by the Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society last spring. 

Today, it is undergoing stabilization so that it can be preserved for future use.

 You can see an architectural rendition and postcard of the original facade HERE. 

Linking to Friday Fences and City Daily Photo Blogs

Society's Queen City Swallowtail

Selma is the "Butterfly Capital of Alabama," and the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is its official mascot. This butterfly sculpture was sponsored by the Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society and painted by member Candi Duncan. It sits on the corner of Heritage Village near Sturdivant Hall.

The Butterfly Project unveiled 45 sculptures Thursday just in time for festival visitors to include the tour in their weekend. The Alabama Tale-Tellin' Festival continues tonight at Pickard Auditorium at 7 p.m., and Riverfront Market Day on Water Avenue is open until 5 p.m.

More Butterfly Project photos can be viewed HERE.

Kenan's Mill Bluegrass Day

Kenan's Mill and surrounding grounds were alive with people Saturday at its annual bluegrass festival. The mill was open and cornmeal ground. A bluegrass band and cloggers provided music and dance while onlookers sat on hay bales nearby. A barn was raised the old-fashioned way, and children took rides down the shady lane in a wagon pulled by a tractor. Others braved the swinging bridge across Valley Creek. Kenan's Mill, once owned by the Kenan family, is now a project of the Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society.

This Old Mill

This 1800's grist mill just outside the city limits ground mill until the 1960s.

It survived by selling meal to local grocery stores and has been restored to working condition by the Selma/Dallas County Historic Preservation Society.
urvived by selling meal to local grocery stores and has since been restored into working condition by the Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society