Christmas in the Courtyard

It's Christmas in the courtyard at the St. James Hotel. Poinsettias fill the urns, and wreaths with red ribbons decorate the inner balconies. I read in today's newspaper that a local Master Gardener did the decorations. To see the outside decorations, scroll down to the December 10 post.

The St James at Christmas

The St. James Hotel is decked out in Christmas wreaths, and the fountain out front is filled with poinsettias. The hotel on Water Avenue has recently undergone renovation, and its restaurant is expected to reopen just before Christmas. The hotel, originally built in the 1800s, was gutted and rebuilt and reopened in 1997. For a view last May, link here.

Cruisin' Upriver in December

December isn't a usual month to see boats on the river, but the weather has been so balmy recently. Right now, our air conditioning is on...first time I ever remember needing it so close to Christmas. More near record temperatures are expected the next few days, with the thermometer close to 80 degrees F.

Community of Light

The Community of Light, a drive-through display of lights, choirs and a live nativity, brings hundreds of Selmians to Vaughan Place for one evening each December. Luminaries purchased in honor or in memory of loved ones line the lanes. It is sponsored by the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce along with Vaughan Regional Medical Center and the Vaughan Auxiliary.

First Christian Church

Selma's former First Christian Church was organized in the 1850s, but this building was built in 1906. Today, the structure is the New Beginnings Center, which I assume is a church or religious mission.

Homemade Peanut Brittle

Wouldn't this make a nice gift for somebody with a sweet tooth?

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Walnut

These jumbo walnuts got recycled into whimsical Rudolph Christmas ornaments and are for sale at Holiday House. It's fun to browse a whole building full of crafts that local folks have made. I enjoy their creativity!

Holiday House

Holiday House at the Performing Arts Center is among the merriest places in Selma during the Christmas season. Its halls and walls are decked with ribbons and wreaths, ornaments, toys, jams and jellies, tons of baby things, aprons, birdhouses, nativity sets and just about anything your friends and family can wish for! Many of the items are homemade by area artists and craftsmen, and all are for sale. I found stuffed toy puppies that really breathe, angel ornaments made from magnolia cones, monogrammed checkbook covers, drink holders, and keychains; all kinds of prepared mixes for that holiday cheeseball or salsa, jewelry galore, kudzu jelly and fabric totes. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Old Depot Museum.
Oh! Don't miss the bake sale. There's one each day by a different caterer or civic organization!

Wreaths, Bows and Garlands

Wreaths, red bows and garlands are going up all over Selma, and these are on the side door of the Selma-Dallas County Public Library. Reflected in the door's window panes is the former First Christian Church.

Who was Edmund Pettus?

Here's another view of the Edmund Pettus Bridge looking toward downtown. Who was Edmund Pettus anyway?
While this bridge today is well known for its Civil Rights history, it's not as well known for its Civil War history. No, the bridge wasn't around during that war, but it is named for one of Selma's most prominent citizens of the Civil War era. "Borrowing" from an article written by my eldest son, Pettus practiced law in nearby Cahawba, Alabama's first capital. When the war began, he organized the 20th Alabama Infantry Regiment and was elected major. During the Vicksburg Campaign of 1863, his commander called him "fearless and chivalrous" and praised his attempt to save one company that was cut off during the retreat. He was promoted to colonel, and after the fall of Vicksburg was promoted to brigadier general. He commanded his brigade at Lookout Mountain, Rocky Face Ridge and Resaca, and after the war, returned to Selma and later was elected to the U.S. Senate where he served with fellow Selmian John Tyler Morgan. When Pettus died in 1907, he was the last Confederate brigadier general to hold a seat in the Senate.
The other bridge across the river on the bypass is named for Selma's other Confederate general and U.S. senator, John Tyler Morgan.