Sunday Record for August 25, 2013

The Anniston Star l Sunday, August 25, 2013 l Page 6E

Sunday RECORD YOUR GUIDE TO PUBLIC RECORDS AND VITAL STATISTICS IN CALHOUN COUNTY BANKRUPTCIES

deAths Ann Albritton, Wedowee Jean Mangum Arrington, Piedmont Charlotte Ann Baggin, Roanoke Robert Baker, Anniston Larry D. “Hamburger” Ball, Atlanta Gerald B. Brown, Heflin Patricia Patty Campbell, Anniston Helen B. Carpenter, Ashland Kenneth M. Chambers Sr., Oxford Billy Wayne Cline, Ashland David Cole, Oxford Donald “Don” Coleman, Jacksonville William “Will” Crowe, Oxford Roger Dale “RD” Davis, Anniston Coach Wayne Dubose, Wedowee Mabel Claire Avery Duke, Delta Charles E. Frazier, Pell City Archie Garrett, Talladega Josephine Hinds Ginn, Blue Mountain Opal H. Guthrie, Wellington

Douglas L. Howard Sr., Georgia Thomas Edward Lackey Sr., Munford Luther C. “Buddy” Lane Jr., Ohio Earl Langley, Heflin Joshua Timothy Lyles, Heflin Harry L. McElwee, Phenix City Frank McKinney, Talladega Don McLeod, Roanoke Juanita Minniefield, Anniston June Mizzell, Oxford Merzialene Montgomery, Alpine Larry C. Moss, Pell City Donna Patterson, Talladega Melba M. Pounds, Anniston James Ramsey, Roanoke Reuben Allen Self, Roanoke Marjorie Ann Sleethompson, Piedmont Earl H. Sutley, Alexandria Lorenzo “Ren” Tucker, Birmingham Jettie Mae Veal, Roanoke Janice Carol Wadkins, Anniston Dianna M. Wright, Weaver

RATE OF BANKRUPTCIES 1010

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows the debtor to retain certain exempt property, but the debtor’s remaining property is gathered and sold by a trustee from which creditors will receive payment. It may also be used by businesses which wish to terminate their business.

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy enables debtors, through court supervision and protection, to propose and carry out a repayment plan under which creditors are paid, in full or in part, in installments over a three-year period.

During that time, debtors are prohibited from starting or continuing collection efforts.

The following bankruptcies declared by Calhoun County residents were recorded by U.S. Bankruptcy Court Northern District of Alabama last week:

Chapter 7 • Quashona S. Jones, Parkwin Avenue, Anniston • Josh Grizzard, Peek Drive, Oxford • Freddie M. Hockenberry Sr. and Sandra J. Hockenberry, Roberts Chapel Road, Piedmont • Robbie R. Trussell and Martha J. Trussell, Alexandria • Tammie S. Tate, West Main Street, Piedmont • Cody Duane Garrard and Kayla Marie Garrard, Meeks Road, Wellington

FORECLOSURES

10

8

8

6

6

4

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• Marcus R. Huckaby, a parcel of land in section 14, township 14, range 8.

• Andra L. Johnson and Sheree Johnson, Sun Valley subdivision, 1st addition, lot 15.

• Timothy B. Burton, Pebble Creek subdivision, 1st addition, lot 16.

• Mark Vance and Penny Vance, Sagewood subdivision, lot 31.

2

2

WILLS PROBATED

0

7

6

52 weeks ago

Last week

• Christa Jane Fair • John Bennett Peeples • Dana A. Whitley • John Howard Lindblom • Roy Rister

This week

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• Gladys Inez Jennings • Kinko Bakke • Elizabeth L. Torrey • Mildred C. Cole • Dave H. Dothard • J.C. Clements

MARRIAGE LICENSES • Monaleto Cardelle Irby of Morrow, Ga., to Charlisa Renee Roberson of Morrow, Ga. • Gerald Richard Kreitz of Jacksonville to Lora Jean Clarkson of Jacksonville • Steven-Tyler Lane Deerman of Jacksonville to Kayla Ann Kemp of Jacksonville • Jerel Eugene Greathouse of Anniston to Karen Michele Martin of Munford • Patrick Allen Comer of Wellington to Alyssa Renee Woodall of Wellington • Jeremy Michael Wideman of Oxford to Brandi Lee Gilliand of Oxford • Mario Martinez Meza of Oxford to Antonia Maria Barrios Elvira of Oxford • Terry Edward Martin of Anniston to Diane Theresa Hollingsworth of Anniston • Quinton Raytoris Dailey of Weaver to Blan-

ca Rosa Arguinzoni Diaz of Weaver • Michael Todd Ponder of Lyerly, Ga., to Carrie Michelle Golden of Jacksonville • Jesse Wayne Minton of Piedmont to Dieu Kim Mai of Piedmont • Dwight Jerome Bedford of Pell City to Nicole Alexandria Tate of Lincoln • James Scott Brewster of Jacksonville to Tina Bevels Wolfe of Piedmont • Charles Milton Ford Jr. of Anniston to Bethany Ann Colgrove of Anniston • Stephan Eric Hanford of Anniston to Teresa Lee Cofield of Anniston • Michael Wayne Higginbotham of Jacksonville to Robin Carol Rucker of Jacksonville • Todd Gavin Hill of Lincoln to Laura Elaine Charles of Lincoln

CATTLE SALE

Here is the livestock market report for the Tuesday sale.

Receipts for this week 1035 compared to 904 last week.

Receipts a year ago 993.

FEEDER CLASSES:

Bulls and steers (Medium and Large No. 1 and No. 2): 200-300 lbs. 160.00 to 242.50; 300-400 lbs. 153.00 to 235.00; 400-500 lbs.

140.00 to 194.00; 500-600 lbs. 134.00 to 179.00; 600700 lbs. 112.00 to 156.00.

Heifers (Medium and Large No. 1 and No. 2): 200-300 lbs. 160.00 to 207.50; 300-400 lbs. 145.00 to 185.00; 400-500 lbs. 137.00 to 167.50; 500-600 lbs. 123.00 to 147.00; 600700 lbs. 117.00 to 139.00.

SLAUGHTER CLASSES:

Cows: Breakers 81.50 to 85.50; Boners 86.50 to 92.00; Lean 73.00 to 80.00.

Bulls: Normal Dressing 5458% 103.00 to 106.00; High Dressing >58% 109.00 to 111.50; Low Dressing

INCORPORATIONS

• Zonic Gear LLC • Crème Dela Crème CleanDIVORCES ing Service LLC • April Sawyer and • Clarence Lavon • Aly Properties LLC Dan T. Sawyer Smith and Andrea • Stratos Ventures LLC • BMC Treats LLC • Lynne Elliott Burgess Grace Smith and Ronald Guice Bur- • Cory Andrew Bab- Dissolved gess bitt and Jessica Dawn • Wash Tech 2 Inc. • Johnny Lynn Sams Babbitt and Melanie Rae • Christopher Ball and Sams Angela Pitts Ball • David Christopher • Theresa Renee RedThe Anniston Star Durham and Angela dick and Howard TerMcCollough Durham ence Harris Community • Terrylin Nixon • Jeffrey Lynn Pettus Fleming and Lucius and Kristina Nicole BLOGGER Vaughan Fleming Pettus

On Twitter: @AnnistonStar

Join our roster of bloggers online at AnnistonStar.com

RESTAURANT INSPECTIONS Here are food service establishments recently inspected by the Calhoun County Health Department, along with scores.

A score of 100 indicates the inspector found no deficiencies. Potentially hazardous deficiencies (four- or five-point demerit items) are noted. These must be corrected immediately and inspectors say they are often corrected while the inspection is underway. Restaurants earning below 70 must raise their scores within seven days or face closure.

should eat/drink in designated areas only.

• Goal Post Bar-B-Que, 1910 Quintard Ave., Anniston — 99.

• Shoney’s, 1017 Quintard Drive, Oxford — 94, presence of • Julia’s Kitchen, 1 Cliff Garret Drive, Oxford — 99. insects.

• Lil Dixie’s Cue & Grill, 917 Noble St., Anniston — 99.

NO MAJOR DEMERITS • Marriott Courtyard (Kitchen), 289 Colonial Drive, Oxford • Bama Cowboy Saloon & Steakhouse, 1503 Hillyer-Robin- — 98. son Industrial Parkway, Anniston — 93.

• Original Jess BBQ, 512 W. 15th St., Anniston — 95.

• Bearcat Express, 101 Main St., Weaver — 98.

• Starbucks Coffee Co., 1011 Alabama 21, S., Oxford — 97.

• Betty’s Bar-B-Q, 401 S. Quintard Ave., Anniston — 95.

• Struts, 88 Ali Way, Oxford — 96.

4-OR 5-POINT DEMERITS • Bonnie Ray’s Bake Shoppe, 5818 McClellan Blvd., Anniston • Super 8, 1600 Alabama 21, S., Oxford — 100.

• Little Caesar’s Pizza, 1410 Quintard Ave., Anniston — 93, — 96. toxic or poisonous items not properly stored.

• Classic Tool/Classic Catering, 1021 Noble St., Anniston • Waffle House, 1530 Quintard Ave., Anniston — 97.

• Logan’s Roadhouse, 40 Ali Way, Oxford — 90, personnel — 97.

• Wendy’s, 1501 Quintard Ave., Anniston — 94.

ARRESTS The people listed in this arrest report, whose names and charges are obtained from public records, are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Anniston

The following felony arrests were reported by the Anniston Police Department (addresses not provided) during the seven-day period ending at 7 a.m. Thursday.

• Kevin Lee Hicks, 31: second-degree theft.

• Justin Aundre Lee, 22: breaking and entering a vehicle, fraudulent use of a credit card, first-degree theft.

• William Justin Sims, 28: third-degree burglary.

• Jessica Ann Blackwell, 24: obstructing

justice by using a false I.D. • LaDonna LaShae Cutsinger, 26: possession of a controlled substance.

• Robert Elston Milton, 30: obstructing justice by using a false I.D. • Patricia Lashaun Dunn, 37: first-degree possession of marijuana.

• Clyde Gaylon Yarbrough Jr., 43: possession of a controlled substance.

• Johnathan Michel Wimbs, 23: fraudulent use of a credit card.

• Johnathan Michel Wimbs, 23: fraudulent use of a credit card.

• Aljuan Elreco Datcher, 21: possession of a controlled substance.

• Christopher Vincent, 43: possession of a controlled substance.

• Aretha Ludessia Vaughn, 40: first-degree • James Franklin Maye, 52, of Anniston: firstpossession of marijuana. degree escape.

• Timothy Andrear Williams, 35, of Oxford: Calhoun County domestic violence by strangulation.

The following felony arrests were reported • Jimmy Ray Steed, 52, of Piedmont: murby the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office dur- der. ing the seven-day period ending at 7 a.m. • David Mallory Shelton Jr., 26, of Anniston: Thursday. third-degree escape.

• Kenneth Shane Allen, 25, of Jacksonville: • Kelly Nicole Brusaw, 33, of Piedmont: unlawful possession/receiving a controlled fraudulent use of credit card. substance.

• Larry Christopher Third, 19, of Ohatchee: • Johathan Lee Medders Sr., 52, of Weaver: unlawful possession/receiving a controlled probation violation. substance, second-degree possession of • Carly Marie Maldonado, 21, of Ohatchee: first-degree theft of property. marijuana.

• Jessica Ann Snyder, 24, of Anniston: third- • Derrick Dejuan Young, 30, of Anniston: degree escape. third-degree domestic violence.

BLOTTER Crimes are listed by location. Anonymous tips may be called in to Crime Stoppers at 256-238-1414. A reward of up to $1,000 may be given.

• Residence, 500 block of North Virginia Avenue: tools, mattress set.

• Residence, 2000 block of Leighton Avenue: washing machine.

• Residence, 3000 block of Walnut Avenue: Anniston washing machine, clothes dryer.

The following property crimes were report- • Residence, 400 block of East 22nd Street: ed to the Anniston Police Department dur- tools, string trimmers, generator, pressure ing the seven-day period ending at 7 a.m. washer, monitor.

Thursday.

Thefts

Burglaries

• Residence, 2100 block of Christine Avenue: string trimmers, lawn mowers.

• Commercial location, 800 block of Gurnee Avenue: water heater, valve. (Recovered 08-16-2013) • Storage facility, 1500 block of Front Street: aluminum castings.

• Residence, 500 block of West 62nd Street: wallet, credit/debit cards, firearm.

• Residence, first block of Thomas Street: firearm.

• Residence, 1500 block of Warrior Road: laptop computer and charger.

• Residence, 5300 block of Whisperwood Court: laptop computer.

• Specialty store, 1800 block of Quintard • Residence, 1400 block of Forrest Lane: Avenue: cell phone. firearm, cash.

• Residence, 1300 block of Forrest Lane: Auto-related thefts navigation system, binoculars.

• Residence, 500 block of West 62nd Street: • Residence, 800 block of Kirkwood Avenue: 2008 Chevrolet HHR. purse, checkbook, wallet, checks, credit/ • Residence, 1000 block of Christine Avenue: debit cards. shoes, clothing, bag.

• Field, 1200 block of Crawford Avenue: 1987 • Residence, unspecified block of Mosby Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

Drive: cash, jewelry, cell phone.

Calhoun County • Residence, 5400 block of Centerbrook Drive: check, shoes, tools.

The following property crimes were report• Residence, 400 block of Longleaf Drive: ed to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office tools. during the seven-day period ending at 7 a.m.

• Residence, 300 block of East 22nd Street: Thursday. cell phone.

• Residence, 700 block of East 9th Street: Burglaries cash, sunglasses, phone charger, CDs, Please see blotter ❙ Page 7E paperwork, shoes, clothing, cosmetics.

JEWELRY & WATCH REPAIR WE BUY GOLD SILVER & DIAMONDS

DIAMOND DEPOT

Snow St., Oxford - Across from Cheaha Bank • (256) 365-2087

The Anniston Star

Sunday Record

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Page 7E

CALENDAR: AnnistonStar.com/calendar PROPERTY TRANSFERRED • Vernie F. Larson and Mary E. Larson to Mary E. Larson 2013 Revocable Trust, Indian Hills subdivision, lot 4, $10.

• Marie Cook to Joann Ballew and Tommy Ballew, Piedmont, block 58, lots 14-16, $10.

• Christopher Todd Chandler and Jeanna Chandler to Daniel W. Phillips and Lola D. Phillips, Spring Valley subdivision, 1st addition, block 5, lot 12, $10.

• Gerald J. Decker to Billy J. Payne and Deborah J. Payne, Woodgate subdivision, block B, lot 2, $10.

• B&S Ingram Properties LLC to Rickey R. Glover and Vickie B. Glover, a parcel of land in section 36, township 12, range 9, $10.

• Don J. James to Eric Gaines and Ayunda Gaines, Irene Fleming’s subdivision, block 1, lot 5, $10.

• Rose Dothard to James Leonard Johnstone III and Brittney Lee Johnstone, a parcel of land in section 3, township 14, range 9, $10.

• Veterans Affairs to Kirk A. Gaither, Carriage Hills subdivision, 1st addition, block 3, lot 13, $38,125.

• Donnie M. Morrow and Rheba Morrow to Gerald S. Brown and Tracy A. Brown, Standard-CoosaThatcher Co., block 2, lot 29, $10.

• Bethany Ann Thomas to James E. Paris III, Corning Land & Loan Co., block 18, lots 13-16, $1.

• Theresia O. Hayes to Jeff Fagan and Shirina Fagan, J.A. Battle’s subdivision, lots 3 and 4, 410.

• Margaret J. Starr-Estate to Danna M. Kimbrough and Richard E. Bearden Jr., Forrest Hills subdivision, block E, lots 1 and 13, $65,000.

• Elmira Christina Austin to Edgar

E. Crook, a parcel of land in section 26 and township 14, $10,000.

• Hui Chi Wilson-Estate to Edward E. Meadows and Darlene Meadows, Lenlock subdivision, block 1, lot 30, $18,000.

• Dorothy Sue Walley Revocable Trust to Annette F. Brothers, a parcel of land in section 4, township 14, range 8, $115,000.

• Joseph Dewey Cooper-Estate to Dhansukhlal C. Patel and Aartiben D. Patel, a parcel of land near 716 Monger Street, Oxford, $10.

• Rosa Lenora Vaughn Sellers and Gerald Sellers to Cecil Chandler and Cleo W. Chandler, a parcel of land in section 18, township 15, range 8, $5.

• H. Trull Hill and Margaret S. Hill to Trull Hill 2012 Revocable Trust, a parcel of land in section 28, township 16, range 6, $10.

• Deborah Hendrix to Brighid Moore, a parcel of land near 925 West 56th Street, Anniston, $47,000.

• H. Trull Hill to Trull Hill 2012 Revocable Trust, a parcel of land in section 20, township 16, range 8, $10.

• Bernice J. West to Barry B. Burch and Phebe L. Burch, a parcel of land in section 2, township 15, range 7, $150,000.

• Jeffery L. Key, Holly H. Key and GMAC Mortgage LLC to Housing & Urban Development, Whites Gap Estates, 1st addition, lot 3, $1.

• Michael Watkins to Janice L. Watkins, Anniston City Land Co., block 533, lot 10, $10.

• Sara L. Norton to Chastity Waldrop, Lone Oak subdivision, lot 56, $10.

• Ray L. Davis and Carin M. Davis

to Scott D. Walker and Theresa L. Walker, a parcel of land in section 27, township 14, range 7, $238,000.

• Julie Cheatwood to Jonathan B. Spencer and Shana W. Spencer, a parcel of land in section 32, township 16, range 7, $100.

• Doris Wilson to Cassandra Hughes, Church Hill Downs, Phase 1, lot 9, $10.

• Louise C. Bannister to Dana C. Hamilton and Louise C. Bannister, a parcel of land in section 35, township 16, range 7, $10.

• Vickie L. Burt to Sandra J. Lee, Northside Defense Homes, block 8, lot 5.

• Hubert B. Hughes and Ann E. Hughes to Randall Quillan Cassity II, a parcel of land in section 35, township 16, range 7, $200,000.

• Veterans Affairs to Kirk A. Gaither, Carriage Hills subdivision, 1st addition, block 3, lot 13, $38,125.

• Nettleton Properties LLC to Anna M. White, Gaps Grove subdivision, lot 6, $158,500.

• James E. Roberts and Margaret A. Roberts to Christopher D. Probst and Alicia A. Probst, North Oaks subdivision, 1st addition, block B, lot 11, $217,000.

• Anniston Landmark Developers Inc. to John T. Kociaba and Linda Kociaba, Woodchase subdivision, 4th addition, lot 9, $10.

• Hassie M. Roberts and Norman L. Roberts to Brandon S. Brown and J. Amber Brown, a parcel of land in section 21, township 14, range 7, $10.

• N. David Collins and Kathy P. Collins to N. David Collins and Kathy P. Collins, High Oaks subdivision, 2nd addition, lot 1, $10.

• Farmers & Merchants Bank to Mazama Properties LLC, a parcel of land in section 30, township 15, range 8, $10.

• Vernice Tarwater to Deborah Bakke, a parcel of land near 4318 Welborn Avenue, Anniston.

• Lary Lawson to Raymond Williams and Silvia Williams, a parcel of land in section 27, township 13, range 7, $10.

• Helen F. Thompson to Peter D. Ruggiero, a parcel of land in section 13, township 16, range 8, $10.

• JPMorgan Chase Bank to Housing & Urban Development, C.S. Fite’s subdivision, block 3, lots 1 and 2.

• Derek Smith and Kelly Smith to Derek Smith and Kelly Smith, Greystone Place, re-subdivision of lots 57-61, lot 61, $1.

• Gary Steed to Smith River Farms LLC, a parcel of land in section 1, township 15, range 5, $1.

• New Century Home Equity Loan Trust 2006-2 to John M. Smith and Jennifer N. Smith, a parcel of land in section 16, township 13, range 9, $72,011.

• Freddie Mac to Chris Landers and Alison Landers, Golden Springs subdivision, block E, lot 5, $45,000.

• Green Tree Servicing LLC to Jeffery C. Turner and Brandy T. Maye Turner, a parcel of land in section 25, township 14, range 6, $10.

• Wilson Lynn Edwards to Tony Porco, Lloyd’s subdivision, lots 5 and 8, Russell’s re-subdivision, lot 22, $48,000.

• P.D. Pritchett to Nettleton Properties LLC, Gaps Grove subdivision, lot 7, $10.

• Jack L. Hines and Judy N. Hines

to Vann R. Hollingsworth and Donnette H. Hollingsworth, a parcel of land along McIntosh Road, Oxford, $1.

• Sybil Williams to Randall W. Smith, Anala Acres, block 4, lot 2, $10.

• Anthony Todd Parris and Tammy Parris to Stanley Mark Siskey, Fortune’s addition to Corning, block 7, lots 15 and 16, $10.

• Iva S. O’Kelley Russell to Mathew J. Moon and Larry L. Chasteen, Hoyt & Eva Smith Property, lot 4, $10.

• AOD Federal Credit Union to Pordlaw Properties LLC, a parcel of land in section 4, township 15, range 8, $38,000.

• William E. Cody and Connie S. Cody to Cassidy Farms LLC, a parcel of land in section 34, township 16, range 6, $1.

• Barbara Ann Melton to Jacob Gann and Carrie F. Gann, Jacksonville Lillies subdivision, block B, lot 3, $10.

• David Pugh and Myra Pugh to James E. Roberts and Margaret A. Roberts, Overbrooke Forest subdivision, lot 21, $325,000.

• Fannie S. Anderson to Fannie S. Anderson, Winston L. Anderson Jr., Carol A. Dorrill and Stanley R. Anderson, Oakdale Estates, block B, lots 10 and 11, $10.

• Fannie S. Anderson to Fannie S. Anderson, Winston L. Anderson Jr., Carol A. Dorrill and Stanley R. Anderson, Piedmont, block 19, lots 23-25, $10.

• Harriet Conville-Estate to Margaret B. McCullough, Jarrett’s subdivision of Forest Hills, block E, lots 8-10, $100.

BLOTTER

blotter

elry, coins, cash.

• Residence, Tredegar Road, Jacksonville: Continued from Page 6E lawn mower, tablet computer.

• Residence, Six Foot Road, Ohatchee: weld- • Residence, Benefield Gap Road, Piedmont: saw, string trimmer, gas can. ing helmet, tools, electric motors.

• Residence, Six Foot Road, Ohatchee: jew- Thefts

• Residence, Pattiway Drive, Alexandria: lawn mower.

• Residence, Grayton Road South, Ohatchee: motorcycle.

• Residence, Whisenant Road, Ohatchee: mower knives, scrap metal, PTO shaft, gokart frame, blades, metal rods.

Auto-related thefts

• Residence, Glen View Drive, Alexandria: firearms, radio adapter, holster.

• Residence, Thompson Road, Ohatchee: 2001 Ford E150.

• Residence, Pattiway Drive, Alexandria: debit card, video camera, cash.

Bottle trees branch out from South

By Mary Beth Breckenridge Akron Beacon Journal

AKRON, Ohio — Deidre Betancourt is used to getting puzzled looks and wisecracks about the tree sprouting from her yard.

It’s not a living plant, but a bottle tree — a tree-shaped metal frame with wine bottles stuck on the ends of the branches. It’s a playful sculpture that fits right in with the free-spirited garden Betancourt tends behind her house on the shore of the Portage Lakes’ East Reservoir.

The tree was given to her about 10 or 15 years ago by a friend. “It just made me laugh,” said Betancourt, who has fielded her share of jokes about the source of the wine bottles.

“Honestly, I don’t like wine that much,” she said. “I’m a bourbon drinker.”

Bottle trees like Betancourt’s are a common decoration in the South, but they’re still fairly unusual in Northern gardens.

That’s changing, however, thanks largely to the Internet and socialnetworking sites like Pinterest that are spreading the concept to new audiences.

Bottle trees can be real trees — living or dead — with bottles slipped over the branch tips, or they can be metal frames like Betancourt’s, simple wooden posts with pegs or pretty much any form the creator can dream up. Blue wine bottles are often used, but any kind or color of bottle is fair game.

“Bottle trees are a concept,” said Felder Rushing, the celebrated Southern gardener who recently published “Bottle Trees: And the Whimsical Art of Garden Glass.” No rules govern their creation, he insisted.

The trees have a spiritual aspect as well as an ornamental one. Legend has it that the bottles lure and trap evil spirits to keep them from entering a house.

The roots of that superstition reach just about as far back in history as glass bottles do, Rushing said.

He said hollow glass vessels first appeared in Egypt and Mesopotamia around 1600 B.C., and it wasn’t long before stories started circulating about spirits living in them. Probably that belief grew

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“It’s an easy way to get people to EXPRESS themselves.

The garden needs something to PERSONALIZE it.”

— Felder Rushing, author of ‘Bottle Trees: And the Whimsical Art of Garden Glass’ from the whistling sound made by the wind blowing over the bottles’ mouths, he said.

Rushing said people started putting glass vessels near their entries, believing roaming spirits would enter the vessels at night and be destroyed by the morning’s sunlight. That concept took a number of forms, including witch balls, gazing globes and the bottle tree idea that was brought to America by African slaves.

Often the bottles were blue because of the color’s association with water, which was thought to repel spirits, or “haints.” In fact, haint blue is still a popular hue for trim and porch ceilings in the South.

Bottle trees have long been a part of Southern culture. Eudora Welty wrote about them in her short story “Livvie,” and a photograph she took in 1941 shows a cabin in rural Mississippi with bottle trees in the yard.

As a Northerner, though, Jerry Swanson had never heard of bottle trees when he started searching for ideas for using some blue bottles he owned. He made his first one in 2001, “and I thought, maybe I could sell these.”

Now Swanson crafts bottle trees from iron in a variety of styles and sells them through Bottle Tree Creations, his company in Princeton, Wis.

Mike Cardew/MCT

Deidre Betancourt looks for a bottle from France on her bottle tree in the middle of her backyard garden in Coventry Township, Ohio.

His diverse designs include bottle tree “saplings” (straight metal rods topped with individual bottles), a tree with bottles that spiral around a center post, an arrangement that resembles cattails and small bottle sculptures shaped like turkeys and peacocks. He even incorporates such accents as birdbaths and gazing globes and makes a bottle tree that doubles as a plant hanger.

Swanson has sold his bottle trees to customers in 45 states, three Canadian provinces and even Great Britain.

He attributes their growing reach to the increasing popularity of gardening and people’s desire for something different to put in their gardens.

Bottle trees are still a novelty in the North, “something most Midwesterners don’t come across,” he said. “It’s nothing you’ll see down the street.”

Rushing said Northerners historically have tended to be less expressive with garden ornamentation than Southerners, especially those of African descent.

But baby boomers were raised with more interest in color and self-expression than previous

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generations, he said, and they’re embracing quirkier art forms such as bottle trees.

“It’s an easy way to get people to express themselves. The garden needs something to personalize it,” Rushing said.

For North Canton, Ohio, art teacher Ashley Villers and her students, a bottle tree was a means of expressing a bigger message: the importance of protecting the Earth.

In the fall of 2011, Villers and her eighth-grade students at North Canton Middle School designed a bottle tree for the school as a work of public art with an environmental theme.

Villers said she had been inspired by the bottle trees created by an artist whose shop she’d visited in Florida, so the concept was one of the options she suggested to her classes.

Gervasi Vineyard and community members donated wine bottles, Knoch Corp. donated rebar, and Accent Concrete bent the metal bars and created the tree shape. The students painted the bottles with environmental messages and used them to decorate the tree, which was installed

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in the school’s courtyard.

The school is in good company. Rushing said he’s seeing bottle trees in top garden shows, even the vaunted Chelsea Flower Show in London.

They’re just another way of decorating with glass, a material popularized in garden art on a more upscale level by Seattle artist Dale Chihuly.

Bottle trees, he said, “are just what I call redneck Chihuly.”

Still, some people consider them tacky. Others reject them as a pagan symbol.

Rushing has no patience with either of those views. Adorning a garden with bottles is no more tacky than adorning ears with earrings, he said. And he argues the pagan associations aren’t any more significant with a bottle tree than they are with a Christmas tree.

Betancourt isn’t so sure.

She said the friend who gave her the bottle tree in her yard did so after Betancourt had complained about a woman in her neighborhood.

“I jokingly said I put it up to keep her away,” she said. “And she stayed away.”

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