The Farmer’s Life • Pink Passion Party • Honey Boo Boo Veterans Home Opens • Gas Station Gourmets • Northside Expands
December 2012 - January 2013
Birmingham Sailing Club
Free-flying fun Disc golf comes to Pell City
Group took root before Logan Martin Lake existed
BIG GUNS
Recreating historic cannons
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Features and Articles D iscover The Essence of St. Clair
December 2012 - January 2013
Birmingham
Sailing Club
Group’s history in St. Clair predates creation of Logan Martin Lake
Page 42 Cover and Index photos by Jerry Martin
The Big Guns
Alabama Artillery recreates historic cannons
Gas Station Gourmets Page 8
Surviving Honey Boo Boo Cast of TV show in town to promote wrestling franchise
Page 16
Traveling the Backroads
Pell City: From small beginnings to fast-growing community Page 20 How to make traditional Pell City eggnog in a washing machine Page 23
Welcome Home
Cutting-edge veterans home opens its doors in St. Clair Groups deliver special quilts to new veterans home
Popular eateries emerging at convenience stores
Business News
Northside doubles size, boosts medical services From vacant buildings to shoppers’ paradise
Page 34
Page 50 Page 56
Love of the Land Vann Boys make their living off their land
The Tollison Family: Three generations, one farm Page 28
Page 36
Gerald and Sandra Tucker: Kinship with the land
Pink Passion
Friends celebrate beating the odds against cancer
Page 72
Free-Flying Fun Page 60
New disc golf course comes to Pell City Recreational disc golf rules
Page 66 Page 70
Page 78 Page 81
Creating New Dreams
Family literally rebuilds from devastating storm wreckage Page 82
online @ www.discoverstclair.com
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December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 5
Writers AND Photographers
Carol Pappas
Jerry C. Smith
Carol Pappas is editor and publisher of Discover The Essence of St. Clair Magazine. A newspaper veteran, she retired as editor and publisher of The Daily Home, St. Clair Times and Lakeside Magazine to start her own multimedia company. She has been published in various newspapers and magazines, won dozens of writing awards in features, news and commentary and was named Distinguished Alabama Community Journalist at Auburn University for 2011.
Jerry C. Smith’s interest in photography and writing go back to his teen years. He has produced numerous articles, stories and photographs for local websites and regional newspapers and magazines, including the St. Clair County News, Sand Mountain Living, and Old Tennessee Valley. His photos have appeared in books, on national public television, in local art displays and have captured prizes in various contests. A retired business machine technician and Birmingham native, Jerry now lives near Pell City. He recently published two books: Uniquely St. Clair and Growing Up In The Magic City.
Graham Hadley Graham Hadley is the managing editor and designer for Discover The Essence of St. Clair Magazine and also manages the magazine website. Along with Carol Pappas, he left The Daily Home as managing editor to become vice president of the Creative Division of Partners by Design multimedia company. An Auburn journalism graduate, Hadley also served as the news editor for The Rome News Tribune in Rome,Ga.
Jerry Martin Jerry Martin is chief freelance photographer for Partners by Design, a multimedia group based in Pell City. He is a veteran newspaper photographer, whose work earned numerous state awards. His photographs have appeared in many magazines, publications and online.
Mike Bolton Mike Bolton was a senior reporter for the Birmingham News for 25 years covering mainly outdoors and NASCAR. He was an eight-time winner of the Associated Press Sweepstakes Award for best sports story of the year. He retired from the News in 2009 but still contributes stories. He has lived in St. Clair County for 22 years.
Loyd McIntosh Loyd McIntosh is a freelance writer and former news reporter and sports writer for several newspapers throughout the Southeast, including The Daily Home. In over 10 years as a freelance writer, he has published work in a variety of magazines. He is a native of Trussville and now lives in Pell City with his wife, Elizabeth, and daughters Emily Grace and Lily. Loyd is currently the marketing manager for the Birmingham YMCA.
Samantha Corona Samantha Corona works as a communications coordinator for O2 Ideas, a public relations and marketing firm in Birmingham. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Auburn University, where she served as associate sports editor of The Auburn Plainsman and freelance contributor for the Opelika-Auburn News. She began her professional career with The Daily Home, covering community news, events and local government, as well as contributing to Lakeside Magazine.
Elaine Miller Elaine Hobson Miller is a freelance writer with a B.A. in Journalism from Samford University. She was the first female to cover Birmingham City Hall for the Birmingham Post-Herald, where she worked as reporter, food editor and features writer. A former editor of Birmingham Home & Garden magazine and staff writer for Birmingham magazine, she has written for a variety of local, regional and national publications, including American Profile, Woman’s World, The Dallas Morning News and The Birmingham News. She is the author of two non-fiction books, Myths, Mysteries & Legends of Alabama and Nat King Cole: Unforgettable Musician.
Veronica Kennedy Veronica Kennedy has been writing about people, places and things for four decades. She recently left The Birmingham News after a 27-year career there. She now teaches composition at Birmingham-Southern College and American literature at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She offers writing, editing and consulting services through her new company, V. Kennedy, Ink.
6 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
A wonderful community From the Editor
They call him “Lucky,” an appropriate name for a fourfooted fella who found a good home with Cledith Fisher. He is what is commonly referred to as a “shelter dog.” Hundreds of them each year wind up at the Animal Shelter of Pell City, a countywide haven for dogs and cats, kittens and puppies in need of adoption. They aren’t all as lucky as Lucky, but dozens of volunteers and staff do all they can to ensure that as many as possible can follow the same path as Lucky, eventually living in the comfort of a real home with people who love him. That affection was more than a little apparent this holiday season — Lucky’s second Christmas at the Fishers — when Cledith volunteered to let him be the star of a photo shoot for the shelter. It is a Discover Magazine tradition to donate a full-page ad to a nonprofit organization in the county, letting them tell our readers their story. It’s our way of saying thank you for the good works we find all around us. And Lucky’s face is worth a thousand words of telling that story. A half a dozen shelter volunteers gathered around as Lucky had his picture taken — first surrounded by Christmas decorations at The Cabin on Cedar Lane, which owner Judy Potter had opened early to stage the photo shoot. Next, Lucky found himself in the arms of his ‘mom,’ the two of them flanked by a fireplace mantle bathed in Christmas lights. The final photo was of course, in front of the Christmas tree, a red and green bow draping around his collar as if it were made just for him. The animated volunteers made all sorts of sounds to get Lucky’s attention so that the photographer could capture just the right angle, and their pride of accomplishment showed in
Cledith Fisher with Lucky their widest of smiles as the flash of the camera lit his adorable face again and again. Lucky seemed unfazed by all the attention. He sat with quiet confidence that he had finally found his place in the world, surrounded by people who don’t sit on the sidelines and wait for others to extend a helping hand. They’re front and center. And because of them, our community is the lucky one — just like its namesake. Carol A. Pappas, Editor and Publisher
Discover The Essence of St. Clair
December 2012 - January 2013 • Vol. 9 • www.discoverstclair.com
Carol Pappas • Editor and Publisher Graham Hadley • Managing Editor and Designer Brandon Wynn • Director of Online Services Jerry Martin • Photography Arthur Phillips • Advertising
A product of Partners by Design www.partnersmultimedia.com 6204 Skippers Cove Pell City, AL 35128 205-335-0281
Printed at Russell Printing, Alexander City, AL.
December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 7
Enemy telescope view of Number One
BIG GUNS
Alabama Artillery recreates historic cannons
Story by Jerry Smith Photos by Jerry Martin
Stewarts is a historic little community on Mineral Springs Road near Pell City. It’s scenic and pretty quiet, at least most of the time. But just up the road on Bowman Circle, a four-man group called Alabama Artillery occasionally punctuates Stewarts’ tranquility with sounds unheard since the Civil War. About a year and a half ago, John P. Church approached two of his sons with an idea. “Boys, let’s build a cannon!” Inspired by a smaller project completed by John’s 16-year-old nephew, Jordan Church, they reasoned that between them they had enough technical expertise and manual skills to construct and safely operate a working reproduction of a Civil War field artillery piece. John, Mike and Doug Church spent weeks assembling materials and information before the actual metal and woodwork began. From their previous involvement in the coal industry in Pike County, Kentucky, plus other interests, the trio sports a collective resume of gunpowder handling, hydraulics, millwork, carpentry, blueprint reading, blacksmithing, steel erection, metal fabricating and federal safety certifications, so this project was virtually assured of success from the start. John’s mechanical ingenuity was first evidenced in childhood. As one of 11 children born to a coal miner’s family in Buchanan County, Virginia, he built many of their toys, like seesaws, wagons, merry-go-rounds and swings. John was in the 17th Airborne Division during the Korean War. Like many other paratrooper volunteers, he jumped out of the first airplane he ever boarded. John went on to Officer Candidate School and at age 19, became the youngest drill sergeant in the Army. He’s also been an ordained Baptist minister for more than 50 years. While work proceeded on Number One, as they named their first cannon, the Churches were joined by a neighbor, Joe Johnson, who became a sort of d’Artagnan to “The Three Cannoneers.” A veteran jet fighter pilot who served in Vietnam and other theaters, Johnson had later worked in airplane propeller repair, so precision machine work and fine wood finishing were well within his purview. Joe also is an active member of the Ashville chapter of Sons of Confederate Veterans. When he came aboard, the now-complete cannon
Firing Number One at a field event
Mike and John Church and Joe Johnson unlimber Number One. December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 9
BIG GUNS John Church makes the sparks fly as he works on a metal part.
team assumed the sobriquet of Alabama Artillery. To look at these fellows, one would assume all four are in their late 50s like brothers Doug, 58, and Mike, 61. But Joe is 79, and John, who rides a Harley Davidson Road King when he’s not working on shop projects, is 81. Both men are admirably fit for their age — actually, for any age. The Alabama Artillery performs cannon firings and static displays for a variety of patriotic and general-interest events. When asked about the team’s mission statement, John replied, “I can tell you in three words: We honor veterans”. And they mean what they say. The group works entirely at its own expense. While their weaponry and self-chosen uniforms bear a proper resemblance to Confederate Army accoutrements, these men have equally strong feelings of patriotism and pride for American warriors of all battles, from the American Revolution through Afghanistan and Iraq. Cannon Number One is a freestyle facsimile of a Tredegar Mountain Rifle. Its barrel is about a yard long, has a 2-inch bore and is mounted on a beautifully crafted, large-wheeled gun carriage with matching limber. A limber is a separate, two-wheeled cart that carries an ammunition chest full of gunpowder, cannonballs, spare parts and other gun supplies and is rigged to tow the cannon for cross-country transport.
Alabama Artillery fits Number Two to its carriage.
10 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
© 2012 Alabama Power Company
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Brought to you, in part, by Alabama Power. December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 11
BIG GUNS
John Church checks the diameter of a gun carriage hub. Copy of page from original cannon specifications book
Doug Church locks down the barrel of Number Two. 12 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
A truly authentic limber also has provisions to hitch a team of horses, but the Alabama Artillery is more likely to move its piece on a flatbed truck or tow it with a trailer hitch behind a four-wheeler. Together, the limber and gun make up a complete field artillery unit. Limbers were also used in combat to tow caissons, which are similar two-wheeled carts with additional ammunition chests and, often, a spare wheel or two. A limber/caisson combo becomes essentially a four-wheeled supply wagon, totally flexible in the middle for easy travel over rough terrain. Ammo chests often doubled as seats for gunners when on the move, but in hilly or muddy terrain, they all walked to spare the horses. The men recently completed a second cannon, called Number Two. Its cast-iron barrel was molded especially for them by Dixie Gun Works of Union City, Tennessee. It’s a 3/4-scale replica of what’s called a six-pounder — that is, its cast iron cannon ball would weigh 6 pounds. This was a common field artillery piece used by both armies during the Civil War and in previous conflicts as well. All metal and woodwork was crafted in Mike and John Church’s home workshop, using a real blacksmith anvil and a combo metal and wood lathe that dates back to the 1940s. Johnson did the final wood finishing on both carriages in his own shop. They invented some new methods for building carriage wheels with impressive results. Indeed, there’s evidence of constructive improvisation throughout every phase of both projects. For instance, for “live firing,” they use a 1 7/8-inch-trailer hitch ball instead of a much more expensive cast iron cannonball, and barrel swabs are tipped with fuzzy paint rollers instead of costly inlaid fur. Both guns are mounted on wheeled carriages fabricated from actual Civil War-era engineering drawings, except they’ve been exquisitely finished in stained wood color rather than Army Drab. They’re real show stoppers in every respect. And yes, there will be a (much larger) Number Three. Firing a field artillery piece is not a casual operation. Each man on a cannon team has a specific job to be executed in an exact way and sequence. Should any man not perform as directed, the entire operation could suddenly become quite dangerous and most likely would fail completely. The basic field manual on artillery fire dictates a bewildering syllabus of exact instructions and commands, all set in stone and precisely repeated for each shot. During actual combat, especially in “batteries” of several guns, crewmen used hand signals instead of
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December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 13
John Church fits aiming sight on Number One
Primer cartridge; the gun’s “trigger”
Firing officer view of Number One
Limber, modernized with trailer hitch instead of wagon tongue Mike, John and Doug Church and Joe Johnson with Number Two 14 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
BIG GUNS spoken commands because of the deafening noise. Every cannoneer knew his own job and several others, which helped to compensate for casualties. Remember, the enemy was shooting at them from places of relative safety while the gun crew was totally exposed and unable to shoot back except with their cannon. The loading drill was choreographed so that the enemy was never sure who’s carrying a live round. In fact, the man who carried powder and ball to the cannon’s muzzle was expected to shield the load with his own body, lest a stray bullet make it explode and kill the entire crew. Alabama Artillery uses a four-man firing team, but a real Civil War combat gun crew would have numbered from six men to more than a dozen, depending on the weapon’s size and purpose. Watching a field artillery piece being fired is an unforgettable experience, even if you’ve seen it before. The gun crew performs a customary setup and loading sequence, in full view of its spell-bound audience Then, with every man in his assigned position and constantly alert to safety issues, the firing officer jerks a long lanyard attached to a primer cap in the rear end of the cannon. A second or two later, the cannon responds with a powerful burst of man-made thunder that’s guaranteed to get anyone’s undivided attention, even if you’re a half mile down the road. Its muzzle blast kicks up dirt, grass and leaves in front of the weapon, and creates a huge cloud of fiendishly fragrant blue smoke extending many yards downrange. Those who witness a firing at dusk may also see cone-shaped shafts of orange flame boring a hole right through the center of the smoke cloud, comparable to shock waves often seen in supersonic jet engine exhaust. Everyone reacts differently to the blast. At a recent home school benefit firing, several children screamed with delight, one lady dropped her video camera, and a black Labrador Retriever ran until he was out of sight. Observers usually have lots of questions, especially after the first shot, and Alabama Artillery welcomes them all. After all, education, heritage and homage to veterans are what they’re all about. Some of these questions can be quite funny. For instance, “Where’s the trigger?” or “Can you shoot a deer with it?” It’s great stuff from seriously inquiring minds — and as much fun for the cannoneers as the crowd. Alabama Artillery does not normally load a projectile when firing at public functions, so there’s practically no danger of mishap as long as the crew does its job as proscribed by basic artillery protocol. In September, artillery members fired their weapon to open a charity dove shoot near Montevallo, an event sponsored by local Masons to benefit Wounded Warriors. They’ve also provided static displays and firings at various school and veterans’ events. Alabama Artillery requests that anyone who wishes a demonstration for patriotic, civic or school functions should call Mike Church at 205.405.1007 or Doug Church at 205.338.3373 for further information. The group is especially eager to perform for school children. Doug Church, patriarch of an entire family of teachers, will gladly provide a history lesson during the event. It’s a real bang-up way to begin any celebration. l
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December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 15
Surviving
Honey
Boo Boo
16 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
Crowds fill Pell City Civic Center as show cast comes to promote Global Championship Wrestling Story by Loyd McIntosh Photos by Jerry Martin Every generation has one of those cultural touchstones where they remember exactly where they were when they heard the news and were forced to take stock of the world around them. The dates are etched, to borrow a phrase, in infamy: Dec.7, 1941, the day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Nov. 22, 1963, the day Lee Harvey Oswald changed the course of history from the third floor of a Dallas office building; Oct. 18, 1987, the great stock market crash otherwise known as Black Monday, when the New York Stock Exchange lost over one-third of its value wiping out billions of dollars in wealth and assets. But those were tragic events upon which all can agree. In Pell City, depending upon your vantage point, the date to remember was Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012 – the day Honey Boo Boo came to town.
Crowd readies for arrival
The Fallout
The “stars” of the The Learning Channel reality series, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, made an appearance at the Pell City Civic Center that evening as part of a cross-promotion with Global Championship Wrestling. It was one of the weirdest events to be held in Pell City in many years — and it was one of the most polarizing. Since the moment the announcement was made almost two weeks prior to the event, opinion on the event ran the gamut from frantic anticipation to outright revulsion. All one had to do was check out Facebook on the day of the announcement to take in the citywide freak-out. “Honey Boo Boo and professional wrestling – let the madness begin,” read one Facebook post along with a photo of the Civic Center’s marquee sign. “Surely this is a sign of the apocalypse,” said another post. “Honey Boo Boo and wrestling? Heck yeah, I’m going,” read another. For the uninitiated, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo focuses primarily on the life of Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson, a grade-schooler and beauty-pageant participant, her couponclipping, relatively uneducated mother June Shannon, and their life in the poor, rural town of McIntyre, Georgia. Honey Boo Boo gained a following on another controversial TLC program, Toddlers and Tiaras, before getting her own show which debuted in August. It was an immediate hit. For instance, the show’s fourth episode drew more eyeballs than Fox News’ coverage of the Republican National Convention among viewers ages 18-49. Critics of the show have been loud and harsh, largely due to its portrayal of poor, rural Southerners. A review of the show in Forbes Magazine slammed Here Comes Honey Boo Boo for attempting to portray the family “as a horde of lice-picking, lard-eating, nose-thumbing hooligans south of the Mason– Dixon line.” Even fans of the show admit it can be crude, stereotypical and not the most appropriate show in the world for small children. Combined with GCW — a small, independent wrestling circuit operating throughout Alabama and other parts of the Southeast – this event, believe it or not, had the poten-
An overflow audience
Camera brigade captures moment
December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 17
Honey Boo Boo signs autographs
Honey Boo Boo tial to ruin friendships. “I actually had one person unfriend me on Facebook, and I had another person make some ugly comments about it,” says Jennifer Hannah, a lifelong Pell City resident, elementary school teacher and mother of three. Hannah says she learned about Honey Boo Boo through her oldest child, Hallie Kate, 12, and, despite its questionable taste, can see how it can be addictive. “You watch it once, and you really can’t quit. It’s like a train wreck.” Hannah also has a pretty wicked sense of humor – not a secret to those who know her well – but is also smart enough to know that the show is likely to be yet another cultural flash-in-the-pan that gets under the skin of the decency police. “I think in a lot of ways, we’re over analyzing the importance of Honey Boo Boo,” says Hannah. “She’s like everything else. She’s here, she’ll come, and she’ll go, and it’ll be over with.”
The Event
Hannah took her daughter and her two elementary-schoolage boys, Ty and Cason, to the Civic Center to see Honey Boo Boo and her family and to get an autograph or two, even though she doesn’t allow her sons to watch the show – not that they care about it to begin with. She joined several hundred people from all over the Birmingham area who crammed into the Civic Center for a momentary interaction with the latest reality TV star. “It was fun, and that’s all it was. It’s over and that’s that. I just can’t believe so many people have gotten bent out of shape about Honey Boo Boo coming to town,” Hannah says. “They were very kind and they said Ty was cute.” At first glance, the combination of professional wrestling
18 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
The actual main event
and Honey Boo Boo makes a whole lot of sense. Even though there is a lot of lowbrow fun inherent in both entertainment choices, the reality is they are very different. First, professional wrestling has a very old-fashioned male audience, albeit, not exclusively. The wrestling fans in the audience enjoy the old-school, flamboyant action, and colorful personalities of the GCW wrestlers. Many of them are senior citizens, and they take their wrestling seriously. Throughout the night, the wrestlers were heckled continuously by an older man in a plaid shirt and camouflage hat screaming at them as though the eventual winner was anything but predetermined. The fans of Honey Boo Boo, on the other hand, are mostly girls not at all shy about sporting their beauty pageant tiaras as they walk around the gymnasium, signed posters in hand, all but oblivious to the mayhem of a wrestling match going on inside the ropes. For the most part, the two fan bases don’t mix and basically tolerated each other throughout the night. “We love Honey Boo Boo,” says Jodie Phillips of Pell City. She and her preschool-age daughter watch the show together every week. “My daughter loves her, she’s 4, so we can relate. My daughter’s kind of sassy and acts a lot like her, so we had to come see her.” Phillips says she understands the criticism of the show, but she believes much of it is unfounded and doesn’t believe the show’s young star is being exploited, as many critics have suggested. “I think June does the right thing. They don’t push her, they let her be who she is,” says Phillips. “They don’t try to make her into anybody else.” Vestavia Hills resident Anita Gray made her first trip to Pell City along with her daughter, Rebekah, and her teenage friend, Emily Capra. Fans of Honey Boo Boo, the trio made the trek up Interstate 20 just to check out the scene and to see the pint-sized TV star. “It’s just funny. She’s hilarious, and we think she’s really smart,” Anita says. “Their family is just kind of a caricature of the South. We’re not from the South originally, so just seeing the caricature is funny to us, because we live in Birmingham, and it’s really not quite like that. I don’t really think there’s anything to criticize, it’s just entertaining.” Dustin Whittey, a 16-year-old from Gardendale, stands on the far side of the gymnasium away from the door leading into the room where Honey Boo Boo sits with her family, signing autographs. Taking it all in he says, “I would rather watch wrestling than to see Honey Boo Boo any day.” A fan of GCW for about a year, Whittey looks around at the crowd, adding the reality star made amazing business sense. “There are not this many people here, ever. Even though this is probably the biggest arena they have, it’s never this busy. Tonight’s the night. They’re going to make a killing.” Even though Here Comes Honey Boo Boo is one of TLC’s highest rated programs, there are a few people in the audience who have no clue who Honey Boo Boo is exactly. Take for instance Devan Edward Lee Hunt, a fun-loving, outgoing 23-year-old wrestling fan from Center Point. Being the ever-so-good big brother, he drove his little sister and her friend to Pell City from Springville to see Honey Boo Boo. He believes he was convinced to come to Pell City under false pretenses. “I thought Honey Boo Boo was a wrestler. No joke. I had no idea. I don’t watch TLC,” he says with a huge laugh. “I was sorely disappointed. So disappointed,” he adds with a big dose of humorous sarcasm. “I was so sure that she was a wrestler. My dad convinced me she was a 7-year-old girl wrestler.”
The Final Verdict
A couple of weeks after the event, Hannah still can’t help but laugh at what she saw the night of Sept. 29. She recalls that GCW wrestling has been coming to her hometown since she was in elementary school, but this was something else entirely. And to those people in her social network who didn’t approve of her taking her own children to see Honey Boo Boo, Hannah says “relax.” As long as your children are grounded, and you’re doing your best to raise your family, you can survive the latest pop culture brouhaha. “For a long time, it was Miley Cyrus. What a stellar role model that turned out to be. Then it was John and Kate, and what a great example of how you want your marriage and family to be. “The bottom line is this. They’re not like me; they’re not like anyone I know, but whether we’re raising our children the way I think is best, the way you think is best, or the way Mama June thinks is best, we’re still all God’s children. So for us to sit there and judge them really isn’t our place,” Hannah adds. “You can go or not go, or you can watch or not watch. The town survived, and it was an evening of fun that my kids talked about for a good week.” l For more images from the event,visit discoverstclair.com
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December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 19
Traveling the
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Pell C ity When St. Clair’s largest city was just getting started
Story by Jerry Smith • Submitted photos 20 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
What magic molded a sleepy little whistle stop of 40 souls into St. Clair County’s largest city? Actually, the town owes its success to a missed train and a fortuitous marriage. Pell City was blessed with both a father and a mother — Sumter Cogswell, who nurtured it from infancy, and Lydia DeGaris Cogswell, who helped rescue it from a premature demise. A town charter was granted in 1887 at the request of six local businessmen: John B. Knox, T.S. Plowman, D.M. Rogers, J.A. Savery of Talladega, John Postell of Coal City and Judge John W. Inzer of Ashville. Postell was general manager of the East & West Railroad, and Inzer was the company’s attorney. The line was owned by the prominent Pell family of New York City, Pell City’s namesake. (See Discover August/September and October/November 2012 for more on that railroad.) An official incorporation map shows that Pell City was only about eight blocks square, some 400 acres. At the time, there were few houses and even fewer buildings, the largest of them the two-story Maxwell Building, which still stands on Cogswell Avenue next to Gilreath Printing. The East & West was a short line that connected Seaboard Air Line Railroad with Pell City’s Talladega & Coosa Valley line and Georgia Pacific Railroad (later Southern), giving the town an important rail junction. A shared depot was built, but Pell City remained largely dormant until an insurance agent from Chattanooga missed his train and had to lay over for the night. A 1936 St. Clair Times story recounts: “On a blustery March day in 1890, a young man about 29 years of age chanced to be en route to Talladega and was to change trains at a place known as Pell City. ... The young man was a guest at the Cornett House. … Looking out his window the next morning, the young man was so impressed with the natural beauty of the countryside, and it reminded him so much of the “Blue Grass” country of Kentucky, that he was interested. The young man … was Sumter Cogswell.” According to records furnished by Pell City’s Kate DeGaris, Cogswell worked as an agent with North American Insurance Company, a Kentuckybased Rockefeller subsidiary. He was traveling to Talladega to meet with the Mr. Savery to discuss establishing a new NAIC agency there. While in Talladega, he also met with Mr. Plowman, president of Pell City Land Company, which owned the town. Cogswell felt that Pell City’s three railroads, natural beauty and proximity to the Coosa River made it a natural spot for future development. Even better, the town was already up for sale. Cogswell negotiated a two-week option to secure the property, and quickly sold it to Pell City Iron and Land Company for $50,000. They resurveyed the town, and added more housing. Hercules Pipe Company, owned by Boston capitalists, came to Pell City in 1891 to begin the town’s
Gravette Cafe
Downtown Pell City
Avondale Mills December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 21
Traveling the
BACKROADS industrial base. Cogswell soon left town, secure in the notion that the seed he’d planted would grow and blossom naturally. In Heritage of St. Clair County, a latter-day Lydia DeGaris writes that Sumter returned home to Chattanooga only to find that his wife had left him for his best friend. Distraught, Sumter left Chattanooga and moved to Memphis, Tenn. It was there that he would meet his future bride and Pell City’s maternal benefactor, Lydia McBain DeGaris. Lydia was a recent widow of Charles Francis DeGaris, who was 34 years old when he and 18-year-old Lydia married. In fact, his proposal to Lydia had come as a shock to her mother, who until then had assumed Charles had been coming there to see her. DeGaris was a well-educated, accomplished civil engineer. Their marriage lasted from 1885 until his death in 1898. They produced three sons, one of whom would actively participate in Pell City’s future. The DeGarises had designed their dream home just prior to Charles’ death. Lydia saved the plans, hoping to build it herself when things got better. She met Sumter at one of her Uncle George Arnold’s lavish parties. Sumter was from a prominent family in Charleston, South Carolina, and had recently established a new agency in Memphis with five states under his jurisdiction. He was born on the first day of the Civil War in 1861, when Charleston’s Fort Sumter was fired upon, hence his name. Lydia quickly abandoned her current fiancé, and married Sumter in 1900. They moved to Atlanta, where Sumter took over the management of her late husband’s sizable estate. In 1901, Sumter revisited Pell City after a 10-year absence and found that it had almost died. In her History of St. Clair County, AL, Mattie Lou Teague Crow describes it thusly: “Upon looking from the train window, he was surprised to see a deserted village. The streets were grown up with weeds. The houses were empty, and the place had the appearance of a ghost town.” Other sources relate that goats inhabited the ground floor of the Maxwell Building. The Panic of 1893-94 had forced both Pell City Iron & Land and Hercules Pipe Company, into receivership. According to Grace Hooter Gates, in Model City of the New South: “The firm was a failure because skilled labor would not work in Pell City, according to local stories. The iron molders would get off the train, look around and, seeing nothing but one or two stores, would climb back aboard and then ride on in search of more excitement.” Gates continues: “Louis D. Brandeis, trustee for the company, engaged J.J. Willett of Anniston to foreclose the deed of trust for Hercules in 1893. Though the scarcity of skilled workmen in Pell City was the popular notion as to why the plant moved to Anniston, the more likely cause was the substantial savings of over 10k yearly in freights.” Brandeis won fame as a tireless advocate for consumers’ and workers’ rights, and eventually became a noted U.S. Supreme Court justice. Lydia purchased the ruins of Pell City from Brandeis for the paltry sum of $3,000, property that had been valued at more than $50,000 less than 10 years previous. She and Sumter began nursing the failing town back to health. According to a newspaper story, Lydia put her dream home on hold, and instead invested her wealth in Pell City. From her new holdings, she gave land for a town square to host a
Sumter Cogswell at 70
Lydia DeGaris Cogswell
22 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
StClairCountyMagHolidayAd_Counter Cards 11/28/12 9:27 AM Page 1
A Pell City tradition: Washing-machine eggnog
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Carrying on a tradition begun by his Tennessee ancestors, John (Jack) Annesley DeGaris threw a lavish party in Pell City every year on Christmas Day. Granddaughter-in-law Kate DeGaris relates that hundreds of people always attended, from as far away as Ragland, Riverside, even Birmingham. Despite all the fine fare being served, apparently the main attraction was the family’s signature eggnog, made from a recipe begun by their patriarch, Charles DeGaris.
CAUTION: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AT HOME! 6 dozen egg yolks 6 pounds sugar 6 quarts bootleg whiskey 12 quarts whipped cream 3 quarts sweet milk 6 dozen egg whites beaten until stiff 12 1/2 gallons vanilla ice cream fresh ground cinnamon and a washing machine with an agitator Beat the egg yolks and mix in the sugar. Next, gradually blend in the bootleg whiskey. Add whipped cream and sweet milk. Fold in stiffened egg whites. Add ice cream. Put in washing machine and mix thoroughly. Kate adds that every year Alabama Power Company loaned Jack a new, unused washing machine from their showroom for this purpose, no doubt in return for a share of the product. To filter and purify the moonshine, Jack used a clean glass funnel to pour it through a new felt hat. As a child, Kate’s husband John (Johnnie) Annesley DeGaris, was never allowed to play with his Christmas presents on that day. Instead, he spent the whole morning cracking and separating 72 eggs. After their guests had consumed all they could handle, the remainder was poured into glass milk bottles and distributed in the true “spirits” of Christmas to hospital patients and the poor on the streets. Ah, it’s a shame old traditions pass away!
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December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 23
Traveling the
BACKROADS
Bud Martin store, near present Arbor Baptist Church new courthouse after Pell City had been selected as a second county seat, 150 acres of property and an abundant spring for the building of Pell City Manufacturing Company (which later became Avondale Mills), and other acreage for a city park, schools, churches, two fraternal lodges and First Baptist Church. According to great-grandson Sumter DeGaris, they added three rooms to accommodate five children, plus a pantry, four porches, a servant’s house, carriage house and a large barn. Their arrival boosted Pell City’s population to 40. It is reported that they brought with them more groceries than were in the local grocery store’s entire inventory. The home they remodeled still stands today, at the corner of 18th Street and 2nd Avenue North in Pell City. It is currently occupied by Sumter DeGaris and has hosted some five generations of Cogswell/DeGaris kin. Backed by his wife’s inheritance, Sumter quickly got down to business. He hired George W. Pratt to supervise the construction of the cotton mill. Once built, Thomas Henry Rennie of New England was hired to manage the business, whose stock soon went from less than $50 to more than $400 per share. Next, the Cogswells founded the Bank of St. Clair County, presently known as Union State Bank, with Sumter as president and a dean’s list of local businessmen as directors, including McLane Tilton, E.J. Mintz, Arthur Draper, J. Fall Roberson of Cropwell, J.H. Moore of Coal City, Frank Lothrop of Riverside, and Lafayette Cooke of Cook Springs fame. In 1902, Pell City faced two serious occurrences which
Front: Isabella, Mary, Sumter, Elizabeth, and Lydia DeGaris Cogswell, Julian Sinclair DeGaris; Back: John (Jack) Annesley DeGaris, Righter Cogswell
24 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
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• –––––––––––––––––– • Governmental Domestic Real Estate Personal Injury December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 25
Traveling the
BACKROADS
would test its civic mettle. First, a warehouse full of dynamite and gunpowder exploded, killing several, destroying the depot, and heavily damaging several other properties. The explosives were stored in that location for use in excavating the Cook Springs railroad tunnel. As if that weren’t enough, some citizens from “the other end of the county” approached the state Legislature, alleging that it was unconstitutional to have two official courthouses in the same county. It took years to settle this highly disruptive dispute, ending with a constitutional amendment in 1907. Cogswell became mayor in 1903, serving for some 14 years. Sumter DeGaris tells that the town had a single saloon that provided enough tax revenue to pay for a grammar school, City Hall and numerous roads. Cogswell also served for many years on the City Council and St. Clair County Court of Commissioners. As president of Pell City Realty Company, in 1909, Cogswell published a promotional booklet called, Keep Your (picture of eye) On Pell City, which touted everything from railroads to salubrious weather to Southern work ethic, often stretching facts to the breaking point. Quoting from that book: “The climate is simply faultless. The temperature in midwinter seldom falls as low as 30 degrees, and in the summer time rarely goes above 92 degrees. Cases of prostration from heat are unknown”. Kate DeGaris tells that the Cogswells loved to quarter and entertain important visitors and investors in their home. A huge four-poster canopy bed was reserved for two uses only — overnight guests and having babies. She also relates a story of how Sumter Cogswell, upon watching a poor man trudge past his home every day in bitter cold while wearing only a thin topcoat, gave him a brand new, expensive overcoat he’d received as a gift, and he kept wearing his old, tattered one. The city flourished through World War II and beyond, with Avondale Mills supplying most of the cash flow. Lifetime resident Carolyn Hall relates that Pell City was a warm, safe place to live. While the “cotton mill” involved long hours and strenuous work, it was a welcome escape from even harder times for farmers and other locals who toiled all day for as little as a bucket of syrup. Dr. Robert Alonzo Martin was brought to town to supervise a new hospital in the mill village, which was outside the town limits in those days. Dr. Martin became a leader in all things medical, made a lifelong career of providing quality care, and delivered some 10,000 babies to local residents. Martin Street, US 231 in Pell City, is named after him. Pell City’s hard-working, industrious populace enjoyed many benefits from the “cotton mill,” including a fine lake, seasonal parties and every amenity a progressive company town could offer. The DeGaris descendants hosted lavish yuletide affairs, which were attended by people who had come from all over the county and beyond, mainly to sample Grandfather DeGaris’ potent eggnog (See accompanying story). John (Jack) Annesley DeGaris, who hosted these Christmas galas in Pell City, was Lydia DeGaris’ son by previous marriage. Jack graduated Pharmacy School in Birmingham, served as pharmacist’s mate aboard a troop ship in World War I, and nearly froze in the North Sea when the ship was torpedoed. He eventually returned home to Pell City, established Citi-
Cornett House Hotel
First Courthouse
zen Drug Company on Howard Avenue and, with the help of his wife Gertrude (Saylors), ran it successfully until his death in 1952. Jack was also a local campaign manager for Alabama Gov. Big Jim Folsom. Jack’s son, Annesley H. DeGaris, writes in Heritage of St. Clair County: “… (Jack) was one of the best civic workers Pell City ever had. For many years, Jack gave a banquet for the football players, cheerleaders and coach as invited guests. Also, one day each year, Jack let the high school senior class operate the soda fountain in his drugstore, taking all the proceeds to help with their school trip. The Citizen Drug Store was always referred to as ‘the drug store in the middle of the block’ at 1907 Cogswell. ...” Lydia never got to build her dream home, but she and Sumter presided over a dream city of their own making. They’re an indelible part of St. Clair history. Pell City’s Howard Avenue was re-named in their honor after his death. Longtime business associate McLane Tilton penned an appropriate epitaph for his dear friend Sumter:
His life all good, No deed for show; no deed to hide, He never caused a tear to flow Save when he died. l
For more on Pell City,visit discoverstclair.com
26 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
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December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 27
WELCOME HOME
Veterans Home in St. Clair opens doors
Crowd makes its way down ‘Main Street’ 28 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
Story by Carol Pappas Photos by Jerry Martin
Presenting colors
Governor, VA commissioner, officials cut ribbon
It was like a family’s long anticipated arrival of troops deployed to faraway lands. Flags waved. Welcome signs appeared. Cheers erupted. After years of planning for this day, the first two residents of the Col. Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home arrived to a hero’s welcome. William D. Gercken of Birmingham and Peter E. McConico of Vincent, both Vietnam veterans, made history at the new home with their arrival in late November. With their arrival, they ushered in a new era for veterans’ health care at the opening of this state-of-the-art facility, which has been hailed as a model for the nation to follow. Both were residents of Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City and are in the first wave of residents of homes there, Bay Minette and Huntsville who were given the option of transferring to the new facility. Their families opted for the move so they could be closer to them. “My husband looks forward to my visits,” said Gercken’s wife, Dawn. “Now that I’m only 20 minutes away, I’ll be able to visit him more often.” Shirley McConico echoed the sentiment, noting that the proximity of Vincent to Pell City will make her travel for visits easier. “Welcoming our first two residents to the Col. Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home is very special,” said Kim Justice, state Veterans Homes executive director. “We look forward to giving future residents the same level of respect they so rightly deserve when we welcome them ‘home.’ ” Just weeks before, officials from across Alabama cut the ribbon to dedicate the veterans home, named in honor of the nation’s most decorated soldier and an Alabama native. He was wounded 14 times and did five tours in Vietnam. He earned the medal of honor, presented by President Richard Nixon, for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.”
December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 29
VETERANS HOME 313th Army Band plays medley for all branches of service
A display case of his military memorabilia begins a series of displays of all branches of service lining both sides of the corridor of the new home’s entrance way. The corridor leads to a town center, where buildings connect to form neighborhoods that will be the homes of veterans living there. From skilled nursing to the first domiciliary in the state, this veterans home model has anything but an institutional look or feel. “It was built with the ‘wow factor’ in mind,” said state Veterans Administration Commissioner Clyde Marsh at the dedication ceremony. Williams Blackstock was the architectural firm for the project, and Marsh noted that its design says style “from beam to beam and stern to stern.” He also thanked Doster Construction for delivering “a magnificent building. They stepped up to meet each challenge” for the state’s largest veterans home. The size is impressive, with 240,000 square feet on 27 acres providing 254 private rooms. Eighty of those are dedi-
Miss Alabama Anna Laura Bryan sings National Anthem
30 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
We salute Gov. Bentley and St. Clair County leaders on making the Col. Robert L. Howard Veterans Home a reality.
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December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 31
VETERANS HOME First veterans home domiciliary in state
Part of the home’s fleet Game room in Freedom Court
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Freedom Court lobby 32 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
Dining room in Freedom Court
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ST T Div rust EV mo isio our ER rtg n f Mo age or r t or you gage ref r ne ina w nci ng. cated to assisted living and Alzheimer’s and dementia care — also firsts for the state. St. Clair Economic Development Council Executive Director Don Smith said he could talk about the economic impact, “but this isn’t about the economy. This is about the veterans.” In 2008, he said, Pell City wasn’t even on the radar screen of plans for the new home. But a passionate group of St. Clair County officials put their plan and their plea together, making a compelling case for the campus shared by St. Vincent’s St. Clair and Jefferson State Community College. When they were through, “there wasn’t much question where it was going to be,” Smith said. And by the fall of 2012, only two words could adequately put a much-anticipated exclamation point on it: Welcome Home.
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December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 33
VETERANS HOME
Handmade comfort Groups deliver special quilts for veterans Some of the quilters, from left, front row: Margaret Rose, Beth Staples, Brenda Franklin; back row: Sandy Richardson, Peggy Williams, Shawnee Weigt, Carroll DeGrenier, Shelia Robertson
34 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
Story by Carol Pappas Photos by Jerry Martin They marched through the front doors of the Col. Robert L. Howard Veterans Home like women on a mission. And they were on a mission, one that took them nearly two years to complete. One by one they entered, armed with colorful quilts destined for veterans arriving over the next several months at the new veterans home that has just opened in Pell City. It is their way of saying thank you for your service and welcome to your new home. Quilting groups from around the region have been working together on the project with the aim of providing quilts for every bed — all 254 of them. They represent J.O.Y. Guild of Jacksonville, Lickskillet Guild of Oxford, Friendship Guild of Pell City, Loving Hands Guild of Moody, Blount County Quilt Guild, Birmingham Quilt Guild, Evening Star Quilt Guild of Shelby County, and two clubs sponsored by Heart to Heart Quilt Shop, HQ and Pro Stitcher. Each piece is embroidered with the name of who made the quilt. Some tell the branch of service of the recipient. Some say who the maker was honoring. And all say: “To honor and comfort.” Margaret Rose, who headed the project, made a Purple Heart quilt in honor of her late husband. “He never received his Purple Heart.” This will pay tribute to his valor. Cledith Fisher made one in honor of her four brothers, all of whom served in the military. “This is a great day that we were able to do this and get it accomplished,” said Brenda Franklin. “It’s just a small tribute to the guys and girls who have given so much to us,” Sandy Richardson said. “It’s a small payback.” Becky Gilbert was overwhelmed at what she saw the group accomplish. “I am new to the community and new to the guild. I was amazed at the tremendous dedication of these women.” “It is overwhelming that these ladies would take the time out of their lives to make a quilt for someone they don’t even know,” said Veterans Home Director Manda Mountain. “I know they all will be thankful for them.” As Rose walked through the veterans home, she talked of its beauty and its style, but “when all the quilts get here and add the color, it’s going to really look like home.” l
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7067 Veterans Parkway, Suite 220 Pell City, AL 35125 December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 35
Gas Station
gourmets Popular eateries emerging near the pumps
Story by Carol Pappas Photos by Jerry Martin ‘Fill her up’ has taken on a whole new meaning in Pell City. From meat ‘n three to gourmet salads and sandwiches to ‘drunk chicken’ smoked on a beer can, three of the city’s most popular restaurants have opened in seemingly unlikely places — at gas stations and convenience stores. And they are some of the best eating around. Just take a look at — or better yet, a taste of — these GAStronomic success stories. Where there’s smoke there’s business Ask Wade Reich at Butts to Go, located inside and outside the Texaco station on US 231, what makes his business really go, and the word, “smoke,” will be somewhere in the answer. Smoke wafting from five smokers across the busy highway business district increases his own business by 20 percent, he said. And why not? On those smokers passersby get a whiff of Boston butts, ribs — baby back and spare — wings and even a new creation, drunk chicken. The drunk chicken gets its name from the innovative way it smokes, upright on a beer can. The chicken is marinated with a blend of spices, placed on an open beer can, and the liquid evaporates as it cooks, keeping it moist inside. The combination of a hint of smoke and moist and tender chicken is hard to beat. He can turn out about 20 every two hours, but they are usually a special order. So are hams and turkeys for the holidays. For Thanksgiving, his smokers produced a total of about 150 hams and 130 turkeys in addition to about 40 to 50 butts a day.
36 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
Johnny Thomas serves customer at Triple T’s.
Grilled chicken on flatbread at J&S Christmas will be equally as busy. Holidays are big at Butts to Go — especially the warm weather ones. On Fourth of July 2011, the Thursday to Monday span saw smokers turning out 850 butts, 300 slabs of spare ribs and 425 slabs of baby back ribs. Holidays are actually how this gas station/convenience store turned into a dining destination. Reich, who “grew up in the hotel and food business,” bought the station and convenience store with partners Tim Jackson and Harold Quick. He had returned to his home state of Alabama after being involved in business ventures in Europe. When Food World, which had been smoking ribs and butts on weekends and holidays, closed just down the road, he saw a niche. Better yet, he filled it. He started smoking meats on Memorial Day 2008. It grew to every weekend. After the Fourth of July, it was an every-day business. “One thing leads to another,” and tons of meat have been sold since then. Side dishes are available, too. “We’ll do whatever you want,” he said. The key to this success story is the ability to recognize a door of opportunity opening and focusing on customer service. “We are clearly here because people don’t have time. There is a value in maintaining a focus on the customer,” he said. The business has expanded to catering for weddings, business events, Fourth of July parties and fundraisers. It just keeps growing. So what’s next on the agenda for Butts to Go? “Frying,” he said with a smile and an apparent eye for yet another opportunity.
A slice of succulent ham at Butts to Go
December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 37
Gas Station gourmets Putting the convenience in convenience store What could be more convenient than a full meal cooked right inside your local convenience store? And that home cooking is putting Triple T’s on the culinary map. Call it a meat ’n two or a meat ’n three, but you better call in quick because this place fills up at lunchtime pretty fast. Serving homemade dishes from 10:45 to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday with breakfast from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday, Triple T’s definitely is not just another gas station. Although that’s exactly how it started out, owner Johnny Thomas said he wanted it to be more than a gas station and convenience store. He bought it eight years ago, remodeled it and made Triple T’s on Highway 78 between Pell City and Riverside into a welcoming place to do business. His wife, Angie, and his father, the late Ronnie Thomas, began cooking breakfast. It caught on and began to grow, serving more and more. Nearby industry employees started asking for lunch offerings, and he said, “Let’s do it.” Customers, he said, “made us what we are,” so he listens when they speak. And he credits his staff for building a thriving business by treating customers the way they would like to be treated. Meats, vegetables, casseroles — they all come from recipes handed down from family and friends. It’s the kind of home cooking plenty grew up on. And it’s the kind of home cooking that is building Triple T’s into a restaurant success story. His wife’s chicken casserole is a favorite now, and customers are disappointed if it isn’t on the menu once a week. The same goes for his mother, Sarah’s macaroni and cheese or baked beans. Manager Anita Johnston’s meat loaf is yet another requested staple of Triple T’s fare. “We use the best recipes we’ve got. It’s all about people coming back. Quality food at a good price.” He admits that overcoming the image of gas station food isn’t easy, but once they’ve tried it, they seem to come back for more. “We don’t want people leaving hungry,” he said, and judging by the overweighted plates passing from server to customer, there’s evidently no way. The success all stems from philosophies his father taught him. “He taught me how to run a business and how to treat people.” Although his father never got to see Triple T’s at full potential, he said, his mother often tells him, “Your dad would have loved to have seen what you’ve done with the place.” His dad is still with him — in his approach to business and up on the sign. Triple T’s got its name from the first convenience store he, his brother, Jerry, and his father — the three Thomases — bought. There were more stores after that, but he always kept the family name, Triple T’s. And he kept the family legacy of offering value and providing customer service with every dish he serves.
Drunk chicken atop a beer can, flanked by smoked ham and turkey
38 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
Katrina Boothe prepares hot dogs at J&S
Triple T’s popular hot bar
ANNETTE MANNING HALL Circuit Clerk St. Clair County 1815 Cogswell Avenue, Suite 217 Pell City, AL 35125 205-338-2511 100 6th Ave. Suite 400 Ashville, AL 35953 205-594-2184 email: annette.hall@alacourt.gov
JOHNNY’S
ELECTRIC, INC.
100 Council Drive Odenville, AL 35120 Phone 205-629-5185 Fax 205-629-9608
100 33rd Street North Pell City, AL 35125 Phone 205-338-2281 Fax 205-814-5613
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5000 Cogswell Avenue Pell City, AL 35125 We would like to thank all of our customers for your business, we strive to have the friendliest and best service in town. Are you hungry? That is just another reason to stop by. Try our hot bar served from 10:45 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday (call in orders are welcomed). Meat & 2 Vegetables $5.45 (price subject to change). We also serve Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ's, and snack pack boxes. Breakfast served Monday thru Saturday 5 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. All types of biscuits and Texas Toast sandwiches served Friday & Saturday morning breakfast bar all you can eat for $7.99 (Seniors $5.99) or just order what you want for separate prices.
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December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 39
Gas Station gourmets
Staff at Triple T’s Craig and Michelle Frickey of J&S Palate pleasers aplenty Craig Frickey is what you might call a culinary creator. He goes into a kitchen, sees the ingredients he has on hand, and he creates. It may be a pasta dish, a gourmet sandwich or an old favorite with a new twist. Whatever it is, you know it’s going to be good. Frickey has been a major player in the restaurant scene around these parts for years. He operated Sammy’s Touch N Go at the St. Clair County Airport for years, but he closed it as a regular restaurant. He now opens it for special events and for catering larger affairs. Most days now, you’ll find him at J&S Country Store, the gas station and convenience store his mother-in-law Sheila Moore owns in Cropwell on Alabama 34 and out of which he runs a café and small catering business with his wife, Michelle. Their daughter, 11-year-old Savannah, rounds out this familyrun business, which is quickly growing a reputation as a favorite lunch spot. He had intended to put in a deli, but decided to expand to a lighter, healthier fare. “A lot of our customers are women,” and he wanted the place to get away from the stigma of “gas-station food,” he said. With pot roast sandwich — eye of round cooked 12 hours then cooked in its own au jus — or grilled chicken on flatbread with an avocado sauce, the stigma has disappeared. And the customers have more than appeared, they have flocked to this corner convenience store. Linda Harness and Katrina Boothe handle the day-to-day operation, and they have been serving up tasty creations that have customers talking ... and eating. Loaded potato, chili, chicken and sausage gumbo and tomato bisque are favorites in the soup category. Then there’s specialty salads, like grape or pistachio cream salad or spinach and strawberry. Frickey changes what he serves with what’s in season. In their cooler display case, you’ll also find “grab-and-go” dishes like salads, soups of all sorts and wraps. For people on the go who don’t want to spend time in the kitchen but rather
Filling orders at Butts to Go spend it with their family, J&S caters to their needs with dishes to go. He makes sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole and other side dishes for customers to take home and serve — “pretty much anything. If you tell me what you want, we can make it happen.” He likes the instant feedback he gets from customers nowadays, and he enjoys returning to his roots of creating something special with what he has on hand. It’s what he grew up doing on a farm in Kansas. He made biscuits and gravy and had mastered his first pot of chili at age 11. He trained in the kitchen at a country club and later went full scale at Sammy’s. “I enjoy cooking,” he said. “It’s not as much of a job as it used to be.” Judging by the loyal customer base, it’s nevertheless a job well done. l
40 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
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December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 41
Birmingham Sailing Club boats have been a staple of Logan Martin Lake scenery since the lake first filled up.
Birmingham
Sailing Club Group’s history in St. Clair predates creation of Logan Martin Lake Story by Carol Pappas Photos by Jerry Martin Atop a shoreline hill overlooking a mile-wide opening of Logan Martin Lake stands a piece of history. On Aug. 7, 1962, it wasn’t there at all, but neither was the lake. Even so, a group of sailing enthusiasts thought it was the perfect place to build a clubhouse when the lake did come, and the Birmingham Sailing Club was born. The late Sam Caldwell Jr., who worked for Alabama Power Co., the lake’s creator, began his search for that perfect piece of real estate long before the contract was signed on that late summer afternoon. His children, Skip Caldwell and Marietta Williams, remember the long rides in the back of the family station wagon as their father — armed with geotechnical drawings of the proposed lake — would scour the countryside. Marietta remembers “endless dirt roads while Dad looked at property and spoke with owners — farmers in battered frame houses; of Dad explaining, ‘This will all be underwater,’ and me thinking, ‘No way!’ ” Skip recalls those days, too. “I can remember spending a lot of time driving in the car, and Dad would tell us when we were driving into an area that would be underwater, or if it was close to the shoreline. I was too young to really grasp the concept as I remember looking
DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 43
Birmingham
Sailing Club Aquaplane gets close-up view of regatta
as far ahead as I could see on the road looking for water so we would not accidentally drive into the new lake!” On that August afternoon, as the sun was setting, Caldwell and Herb Hager sat on the front porch of the land’s owner and his family. When they explained their purpose, the family seemed “dubious about the use of the property for a club, apparently thinking about a night club or honky-tonk,” the elder Caldwell wrote in a history penned 50 years later. One family member even suggested that the contract specify no dancing allowed on the premises. Caldwell used a blank Uniform Real Estate Sales Contract and filled it out in pen and ink. Four acres fronting approximately 418 feet on proposed Logan Martin Reservoir, it said. Purchase price? $6,000 with $1,000 earnest money and $5,000 due on closing. And the initial deal was done. Additional lots would be purchased by July 1963, giving the club 1,000 feet of shoreline. The clubhouse would be built
Caldwells celebrate Caldwell Cup victory: Marietta, Sam, Skip and his son, Paul.
44 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
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December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 45
Birmingham
Sailing Club Sailboats of all sizes are in the water at the sailing club docks.
along with boat ramps and floating docks as the lake began to fill. The first boats in the water were launched Thursday, July 16, 1964, “with the Commodore beating the Vice Commodore by about 30 minutes,” Commodore Caldwell wrote. A report dated Aug. 7 of that year put the lake elevation at 460 feet, which is normal winter pool. It was thought the level would remain there until May 1965, when it would rise to its summer elevation of 465 feet for the very first time.
Sailing club at a glance • Located 10 miles south of Pell City, the club owns nine acres of land on Logan Martin Lake. The property is on the west side of the lake, some two miles above Logan Martin Dam. At this site, the lake is approximately one mile wide and affords excellent sailing conditions. • The Junior Sailing Program aims to teach the art of sailing to juniors and, for those who are interested, introduce them to the sport of sailboat racing. The junior sailors learn on the club-owned fleet of Optimist Prams, Lasers and Club 420s. • Learn to Sail spring and fall schedule will be posted online Jan. 1. The classroom session will cover sailing basics and safety and is taught by a BSC member who is a U.S. Sailing certified instructor. On-the-water classes will be hands-on (in boats) and are conducted by experienced BSC skippers. Each participant will receive the book, Start Sailing Right, which was developed by U.S. Sailing and the Red Cross to teach beginners. — From birminghamsailingclub.org
Today’s club A lot of winter and summer levels have come and gone since that time, but the constant has been the Birmingham Sailing Club. Caldwell’s children say it is still what their father and founding members envisioned when they built it. Caldwell didn’t want a yacht club, he wanted a sailing club. “He wanted a club that is open to anybody that is interested in sailing, not a country club on the water,” Skip said, noting that over the years, members continued with the visions of the founders. That, he said, “has resulted in one of the premier inland sailing sites in the country. I recently found some of the original plans of the sailing club and with small exceptions, today’s club is exactly as the original plans show.” A new day, same goals Tate Beckham counts himself lucky to be a part of it all. A relative newcomer to the club of 165 members, he joined in 2007. He sailed a bit as a kid in Florida, but he grew up in Sylacauga not knowing the club existed. When he grew older, he wanted to get back into sailing, and someone gave him a boat. He eventually found his way to the Birmingham Sailing Club after being introduced by Rick Scarborough. “When I went to the club the first time, people were sailing. There were all walks of life — doctors, lawyers, construction workers. They had the same wants and enthusiasm. That was it. I was there. The common denominator was they love sailing.” Now, Commodore Tate Beckham talks of the club and its impact with an apparent longing to share with others the rewards he has known.
46 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
REAL ESTATE BUSINESS LAW COMMERCIAL LITIGATION GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS PERSONAL INJURY CRIMINAL LAW FAMILY LAW
Early fall has just the right combination of warm temperatures and windy days.
Vice Commodore Danny Waters and Birmingham sail club instructor, right, gives a hands on training session to Stephen Waters and Donna Graham.
48 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
There are plenty of crewing opportunities, which is “a great way to get into it.” It is a chance to crew with people who know what they are doing and to learn the functions of the boat. “Come out any time and 85 percent of the time, if you show up, someone will take you out sailing,” he said. It is a sport and a love to be shared. There are “learn-to-sail” classes twice a year in the spring and fall. A junior sailing program complete with a summer sail camp gets the younger generation started early. Major October regattas draw sailors and spectators from all around the southeast, and locals often find their perfect spectator spot on land and on water just to watch. Just about every Sunday at 2 p.m., you can see a core group racing — puffed white sails, then colorful spinnakers bob along the horizon. An intermittent horn blowing its signals, and sails flapping and snapping in the wind seem to be the only sounds you hear. It is quite a sight to behold for novice and enthusiast alike. It is like a secret, buried treasure one would ordinarily want to keep for himself. Only this one is best when it is shared. l
Birmingham
Sailing Club
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Regattas
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Regattas at the Birmingham Sailing Club are gaining in reputation. October, when the water is not so cold and the wind picks up, is a flurry of activity for the club, with the most regattas being held that month. Here is a look at the better known regattas:
• ALL HOMES • ALL LAND • ALL AREAS • ALL THE TIME
Caldwell Cup
The Club’s premier regatta, the Caldwell Cup, is held in honor of and in tribute to Sam Y. Caldwell Jr., first commodore of BSC and the founding skipper. It is open to all members and there is no entrance fee. When it was established, they took the rudder from his thistle to use as a permanent trophy, and the club bought him a new one. Caldwell actually won the race that bears his name in his twilight years. “Winning the regatta really meant a lot to him, especially since he finally put his name on the trophy that was dedicated to him,” daughter Marietta said. “What Dad especially loved about winning the regatta that year,” son Skip added, “was that his children were his crew — we did it together.”
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Ironman Regatta
This multi-class regatta is held in the Spring and is one of the largest multiclass events held in this sailing area. As many as 90 boats have competed in the Ironman. It is a twoday event and normally has two to three races on Saturday and one to two races on Sunday morning.
Leukemia Cup Regatta
The Leukemia Cup Regatta started as an event held by the Pine Harbor Yacht Club on Logan Martin Lake for the benefit of the Alabama Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in April 1988. Funds were raised in memory of a member of the club who lost his life to leukemia, and $5,000 in donations were presented to the Society.
Other regattas
The club also holds the Great Scot Regatta with Flying Scots from all over the Southeast and the country and the Great Pumpkin Regatta, which is for thistles. Rock, Paper, Scissors is for juniors and draws from all over the Southeast.
December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 49
Business News Architectural rendering for the Northside Medical expansion
NORTHSIDE
doubles size, boosts medical services Story by Carol Pappas Photos by Jerry Martin When Northside Medical Associates put down roots on the north side of Interstate 20 in Pell City, an eye toward the future was clearly the focus. A growing practice needed room to grow. With the finishing touches applied in early December, the facility has nearly doubled, a pharmacy has been added, and new physicians and services are part of the overall plan. Dr. Rock Helms, a founding partner in Northside, said “the motivating factor primarily was the growth of the practice.” Northside had been adding nurse practitioners and needed rooms for them to see patients instead of moving them from space to space. It is a team approach to medicine. The doctor is never far away, and the added space gives the nurse practitioner and physi-
Dr. Rock Helms in new addition
50 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
GROWING TO MEET YOUR NEEDS Northside Medical Associates continues to bring total medical care to our community. We are proud of our community and thank our patients for their support.
Phone 205-814-9284 70 Plaza Drive Pell City, AL northsidemed.com
• Doubled size • Expanding walk-in hours
• Digital x-ray • Hearing Tests
• New specialists • Onsite Pharmacy Urologist, ENT, Oncology • State-of-the-Art technology OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday Saturday
7:30 am to 9:00 pm 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 51
Business News NORTHSIDE
New addition entrance
cian a greater opportunity to work together. Helms said there also was “a great need and interest in additional specialties and more space for them and time slots to accommodate their schedule.” On a growing list of specialties are urology, hematologyoncology, ENT, cardiology, dermatology, orthopedics, gynecology, general surgery, pulmonary, sleep disorder specialist, neurosurgery and allergist/immunology. After-care continues to be a strength of the practice as well, offering Saturday hours and evening hours during the week. State-of-the-art technology, such as digital x-ray, is prominent throughout. And a full-service pharmacy in the new addition — Northside Apothecary managed by Pharmacist Kathy Henry — enhances what Northside has to offer.
New waiting room expansion
52 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
More than a pharmacy... We take the time to fill all your needs Services provided: • Competitive Pricing • $4 Generic Medication List • The Latest Robotic Technology in prescription filling, ensuring fast turnaround times, limiting errors, and allowing your pharmacist and staff to provide a more personalized experience for you. • Drive Thru (hours same as pharmacy) • Complete line of diabetic supplies, & YES! We CAN bill Medicare!! • Automatic refill program where we remind you it’s time to get your prescription refilled! • Free medication information consultation • Internet refill requests • All prescriptions insurances accepted • Fast prescription transfers from other pharmacies • Flex Spending Cards accepted
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• Comprehensive selection of Rehab & Home Health products • Free Flavoring of liquid medicines • OTC selection • Fully trained staff • Respiratory therapy care and instruction (excl. oxygen)
Business News NORTHSIDE Pharmacy Director Kathy Henry looks over records with Heather Bosco.
“There was a desire to have a full-service pharmacy in the building,” Helms said. A significant percentage of larger practices dispense the top 40 drugs, but Northside wanted to take that strategy further to better serve the needs of patients and the public in general. Anyone may use the pharmacy, regardless of whether they are seen by one of Northside’s physicians. Plans also call for a delivery service from the pharmacy, a plus for patients who may be too sick to wait for prescriptions to be filled or are unable to travel to a pharmacy. It’s a return to old-fashioned, patient-focused care delivered with all the benefits of modern-day technology and specialty services. While Northside has expanded to meet demands, it is not losing its hometown appeal either. Helms is from Pell City, and he and fellow doctors focus on relationships and trust built over time. “It’s fun to take care of folks you grew up with. I have patients who were my teachers, high school and elementary school friends and their parents. “The connection is unique,” he said. “It makes it more personal and interesting. When you practice in a small community, it makes you do a better job. It naturally makes you more accountable. I think it makes you a better doctor.” l
54 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
Vassiliki Key (left) and Liz Gilbow at Northside Apothecary
Business News
From vacancy to
Shopper’s Paradise
The new Goody’s and Burke’s Outlet
Story by Carol Pappas Photos by Jerry Martin Submitted photos It began with the shell of an empty building left behind with the closing of a major grocery store. Today, cash registers are ringing again. Jobs have been created. And sales-tax coffers are building once again. Sound like a dream come true for a community hurt by a struggling economy over the past few years?
From the crowded parking lot of Goody’s and Burke’s Outlet in Pell City, that’s exactly what it looks like. On Oct. 17, Goody’s officially opened its doors. On Nov. 9, Burke’s followed right behind. Up ahead, look for a furniture store and a medical clinic to join them. Also hoped for on the horizon is a national restaurant chain on an out-parcel of the property fronting US 231 North and 7th Avenue. After Food World exited the scene in 2008, Pell City developer Jeff Jones bought the property. Parallel
56 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
Glenda Wright of Sylacauga, left, is helped by sales associate Ashley Jones of Alpine in the new Goody’s store in Pell City. to that sale, Ridgeland, Mississippi-based Second Street Plaza, LLC, bought a similar Food World-anchored shopping center in Leeds. The two later got together to discuss their investments, Brent Federick, a partner in Second Street Plaza said, and his company eventually bought the property from Jones. It was apparently a good fit since Second Street specializes in redeveloping buildings like the vacant Food World. And with the help of an incentive package from City of Pell City and St. Clair County, Second Street was able to turn an empty shell into a thriving shopping center with room for growth. The Façade Improvement Redevelopment Agreements with the new property owner using Amendment 772 legislation allowed public funds to be used in certain circumstances to spur new economic development in communities.
Porscha Garrett, left, is helped by sales associate Charlene Coleman at the new Burke’s. December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 57
Business News
Shopper’s Paradise
Food World in Leeds redeveloped for CVS and Warehouse Discount Grocery (below). On the Pell City project, in addition to city and county officials, Federick lauded the efforts of St. Clair Economic Development Council Assistant Director Candice Hill and Executive Director Don Smith. “They were awesome to work with.” “This a great example of how progressive elected officials can partner in supporting local developers in creating a larger tax base, quality retail shopping options for the community, and, most importantly, eliminate abandoned shopping centers with no risk to the taxpayers,” Hill said. “When all is said and done,” it will represent a total investment of $2.6 million, Federick said, and the job creation will be in the 35 to 40 range. Federick expressed gratitude to the cooperating governments supporting the plans, noting that the project would not have been feasible without the incentives offered. But he was quick to point out that the city and county will reap far greater benefits than what they invested with new jobs created, increased sales tax revenue, and it is no longer a blighted property. It fits with St. Clair County’s retail needs as well, said Hill. In 2007, the EDC ordered a study to be done by the UAB Business Analysis Laboratory that pinpointed the areas of St. Clair County’s main corridors that had significant retail gaps. This study not only used Census data, but also polled residents about their retail preferences, she said. Pell City’s study showed that clothing, especially men’s and children’s clothing, was barely present. Hill explained that the study takes a look at the dollars available in a market, which is determined by Census information about incomes earned by residents and compared them with dollars spent in a surrounding radius. “The difference between dollars available and dollars spent shows how much money we are losing as a county to other shopping corridors,” Hill said. “The technical term for this is ‘leakage,’ and for projects like the Food World Redevelopment, this information helps elected officials determine the actual needs in their community that are worth incentivizing.
It also helps them to see how much money is available in the market so that they can have a good idea of whether the market can sustain the additional business.” This is Second Street’s third redevelopment project in three years, having initiated its first in Booneville, Miss., turning a vacant Walmart into a productive shopping center. The second project took Federick and partner Myles Harris across state lines to Alabama. It was in Leeds, where the company developed a CVS Pharmacy and Warehouse Discount Grocery. Pell City’s shopping center is well on its way to fruition, giving the company a sizable stake in the St. Clair County region. As for the future, Federick said, Second Street, named for that first shopping center it developed, is “looking for other opportunities in Alabama. We are looking for other municipalities where we can redevelop retail properties.” l
58 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
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A love of the land Like most of Alabama’s counties, farming was the prevailing occupation in St. Clair County until well into the 20th century. Today, according to the Encyclopedia of Alabama, agriculture and related activities account for only 1.6 percent of occupations in the county. For the Vann Boys, it’s all they’ve ever known. For the Tollisons, it’s a legacy of love. And for the Tuckers, it’s a kinship with the land they’ve farmed since 1883. All three are among a handful of families who have carried on the tradition of family farms. These are their stories about roots that run deep in St. Clair County soil.
Farmers Forever The Vann Boys make a living off their land Story by Elaine Hobson Miller Photos by Jerry Martin The sea of black cows parts briefly to let the John Deere 2650 come through the gate. Like the children of Hamelin following the Pied Piper, they fall in behind the tractor, nibbling at the bale of hay before it starts unrolling. “If you ever see a cow come up to a good bale of hay on a cold, rainy day, it does your heart good,” says Frank Vann, watching approvingly as his brother, Charles, drives the tractor across the pasture. It’s a sight that Frank and Charles Vann, ages 70 and 78, respectively, have witnessed many times since their father purchased their 232-acre farm in St. Clair Springs in 1948. For more than 60 years, they’ve raised cotton, vegetables, minnows, hogs, hay and cows, whatever it took to survive. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, an average of 350 small and mid-sized farms in the U.S. go under every week. Yet the Vann Brothers are still here. Ask them why or how, and Frank will scratch his head, Charles will chew his gum, and they’ll both tell you it’s all they know and all they do. “People ask us how we make it just farming,” says Frank. “I tell folks, ‘Quit that other job and just farm.’ I tell them not to say, ‘We make a living,’ but to learn to live on what they make.” Today, the Vanns raise only cows and hay. They’ve made a few other changes in
DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 61
A love of the land
The Vann Boys
Frank and Charles Vann use four-wheelers to get around their property.
their farming methods, relying more on machinery and less on brawn as age and modernization have crept up on them. But they still do most of the work themselves, from feeding and inoculations to hay baling and hauling their calves to the market. “When Daddy bought this farm, he had no tractor or pickup truck,” says Frank, the more talkative of the two. “He moved everything he had here with mules and wagons. If he’d of had as many tractors as we have (three), he’d have cultivated all of St. Clair County.” Typically, the Vann Boys, as they’ve been called since they were youngsters, start their day around 7 a.m. In cold weather, they light a fire in the wood-burning furnace in the boardand-batten building they call a shop. Then they take hay to the cows, and return to the shop to sit around the furnace and shoot the bull with friends who stop by. Sometimes they will cook venison stew in a fish cooker to accompany the conversation. It’s a miracle that any extra people can fit into that shed. It’s crammed with odd pieces of lumber, two refrigerators, a freestanding cabinet, a wheelbarrow full of wood for the heater, and the two Arctic Cat 4x4s that Charles, known as Mick, refers to as their “cow horses.” A wagon wheel leans against
62 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
The Vann Boys show off some of their deer antlers.
Charles Vann driving a tractor with a forklift attachment one wall, a cane-back chair hangs from a peg, the 6x6-point rack from an elk a friend shot in Montana hangs from a rafter, and small machines and just plain “stuff” take up the remaining floor space. “In winter, we accumulate things, but we clean ‘em out by spring,” Frank explains. A grocery-store shopping cart stands full of deer antlers, each set marked with the initials and date of the kill. The oldest one says 2007, but the Vann Boys, who “only go hunting once a day during deer season,” according to Frank, have another shed full and have started hanging them on nails. “We only killed three between us last year,” Frank drawls. An old blue heeler named Tramp, who is 14 and crippled, lies in the sun outside the shop on warm days, inside on a ragged blanket next to Mick on colder ones. Kittens run in and out, often climbing up on Frank’s lap in search of a stroke. A bulletin board serves as a showplace for photos of the Vanns with their awards and their animals, including one of Tramp in his younger days, keeping the hogs penned in a corner of their sty. “His delight was to load ‘em on that trailer so we could take ‘em to the market,” says Frank. For 59 years, their main business was hogs. Starting with some registered spotted Poland Chinas that their daddy bought, they later got into purebred Landraces, a breed that originated in Denmark. “We were raising feeder pigs, the 50-pounders you take to the market and someone else buys and raises,” says Frank. “We got into the Landrace hogs, and showed them at state fairs all over the Southeast as well as national Landrace conferences.” Every time they showed, they won in several divisions, and for many years held the record for the highestselling gilt (female hog) at $3,150 and the second highest-selling boar (male) at $5,000. They got out of the hog business four years ago. “Of everything we’ve done that we don’t do anymore, I miss showing hogs the most,” Frank says. “The competitions were a lot of fun, and going to national shows was like going to a family reunion. We got out of the hog business because we needed a little less work to do.” They have 120 crossbred cows, calves and heifers, plus two bulls. Most have black Angus in them, except for the 10
on - Ashville, AL Shoal Creek Farm Aucti (Wednesday) 1:00 p.m. December 19th Tracts ~ ~ Land can be purchased Complete or in
December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 63
A love of the land
The Vann Boys
red ones, which will be weeded out over the next two or three years. “We prefer black cows,” Frank says. Several cows will calve for the first time in the spring, which will keep the Vanns busy for awhile with inoculations and castrations. “The castration always falls to the youngest,” Frank says, referring to his son, Lamar, who lives on the farm. The Ashville Stockyard is their main market, and the Vanns recall taking a load of 30 calves there for a neighbor in 1964, when the yard first opened. “Ours was the first load ever hauled there,” Frank says. “The loading chute was fresh-poured.” Now, they take three or four loads per year, whenever they have a few calves ready to leave their mommas. They used to feed 10-12 steers a year until they reached 1,000-1,200 pounds, then they’d sell them to individuals for beef. But feed — principally corn and soybeans — got too high for that to be profitable. “We enjoyed doing that, and we would kill one ourselves, too. But the last feed we bought was $300 per ton, so we quit that,” Frank says. Their pastures are fenced and cross-fenced, so the cows don’t over graze any one field. They also lease 50 acres a few miles from their farm where they grow a mixture of grasses for sale and for feed. “We have a couple of old fellas with horses, but we mainly sell hay to cow people,” Frank says. Two of their hay balers are for round bales; one is for square bales. They don’t bale squares unless they get a specific order, and then the customer has to pick up the bales from the fields himself. “And we won’t bale a single bale more than ordered, either,” Mick says. “We don’t have equipment big enough to handle the squares, so we have to do them by hand. That’s why most people have gone to round bales.” Cancer slowed Frank down for a while, but he’s been cancer free for seven years. During the year he was taking chemo treatments, his biggest fears were vomiting, and how the hay would get baled. He never threw up, though, and a friend, Bo Perry, helped Mick bale the hay, not charging them a dime for his labor. “I think they hold the record for the most hay baled on this farm in one day — 219 bales,” says Frank. “You can do it by yourself, but it takes two days to do one day’s work,” Mick says. During his cancer battle, Frank fought nausea and fatigue, but managed to work a little each day. “Some days I would lie on the tailgate of the truck in the shade and sleep, with a gallon oil jug for a pillow, while Mick and Bo did the baling,” he says. “The tractor would shut off in the field, and I’d wake up.” While they have rolled as many as 1,200 round bales a year, they’re down to 600-700 now, plus another 500-600 squares. Mick says that to succeed in farming, a person has to be a little bit veterinarian, a little bit mechanic, a little bit carpenter and a little bit electrician. The proof of his axiom is evident on their farm, where they’ve built every building except Mick’s house, which is the family home place. The shop and its woodburning heater, two hay barns, a chicken house, Frank’s modest three-bedroom, one-bath frame house and an 8-foot-by-24-foot concrete-block storm shelter testify to their handyman skills. When they’ve needed a piece of machinery, they’ve usually built that, too, including the hay unroller attached to the back of the big John Deere, the forklift on the front of their Massey Ferguson 255, and the overhead trolley-and-rope system that runs along a steel beam at the top of their shop. They use the trolley to raise a tractor or truck when it needs servicing.
Frank directs Charles in the hay loader (above).
Bo Perry, who lives in Clay, says he’s known the Vann Boys for 30-plus years, and they helped him a lot when he had a chicken farm in Springville and when he had a few hogs. He believes they’ve succeeded at farming due to hard work and diversification. “That was their way of making a living, and they were good at it,” he says. “Lots of times the best survive.” As for the farming industry, the Vann Boys have seen many changes over the years, particularly in the size of farms. “Most everything is going to bigger operations nowadays,” says Frank. “Land is so high, it’s hard for a fella to start out if he didn’t inherit some. I saw 400 acres for sale for $10 million in Tennessee recently. The small farmers are falling by the way.” He has watched neighboring farmers die and their land turn into subdivisions because their children don’t want to live on a farm. He feels fortunate that his son and daughter plan to hang on when he and Mick, a bachelor, are gone. “They may have fewer cows, though,” he adds. Meanwhile, just how long do the Vann Boys plan to keep farming? “You hate to quit doing something you like,” Frank muses. Mick agrees, adding, “And you’ve got to like it to do it.”
64 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
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December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 65
A love of the land
The Tollison Family
Jimbo Tollison feeds some of his family’s cattle.
Three generations, one farm
66 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
Story by Graham Hadley Photos by Jerry Martin and from the Tollison Family
Jimbo Tollison knew growing up that he always wanted to work in agriculture, but when he admitted to his father that he did not know how to repair their farm equipment, the senior Tollison replied, “Well Son, you are so dumb then, I guess we will have to send you to college.” Jimbo came back from Auburn University four years later with a degree focusing on agriculture business. He was the first in his family to go to college. “My Dad kept hassling me so much about being a ‘college boy’ that I went back and got my MBA so he could really be disappointed with me,” he said. But anyone who knows Jimbo, knows he is anything but dumb. He is a successful banker, operating as a vice president and manager of the Talladega branch of the Alabama Farm Credit, owns part of his family farm in St. Clair County, and still finds ways to spend time with his wife, Brooke, and their children. And though the younger Tollison actually owns around 40 acres of the cattle farm he helps operate, he is quick to point out that it is all his father’s operation. “Everything I learned about running a farm, I learned from my Dad, and he is still better at it.” Jimbo said. “I have a piece of paper that says I own some of the land, but it is still his farm. … He is the one who really knows how to keep things running.” Family Business Just to keep things clear, there is Jim Tollison Sr., Jim Tollison Jr. (Jimbo), and now Jim Tollison III (Jay) — Jimbo’s son. And all three Jims live on the farm. According to Jimbo, his grandparents had been farming in the area and acquired the land where the current property sits in the 1940s. His father and uncles grew up there, working the land and learning to farm. One of his father’s brothers actually dug the pond there. “My uncle took a lot of time off from school to do farm work,” Jimbo said. Eventually Jim Tollison Sr. bought the property from his mother. The original farmhouse had burned down, and Tollison built the new family home on the same spot. A painting of the old farmhouse still hangs in the Tollison home today. Like his father, Jimbo was raised working on the farm. “I knew growing up on the farm that I loved it. When all my friends were going off to play golf or hang out at the lake, I built fences. I have a masters degree in fencing,”
Jim Tollison Jr. (Jimbo), Jim Tollision III (Jay), and Jim Tollison Sr.
‘Everything I learned about running a farm, I learned from my Dad, and he is still better at it.’
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Jimbo and Jay on their tractor December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 67
A love of the land
The Tollison Family
Jimbo and one of their dogs make the rounds on the farm.
he said. “When I was 16, I could run any piece of equipment here — according to Dad, not well — but I could run it.” Jimbo and his family renovated an old guest cabin on the property — actually built a beautiful craftsman-style home around the original structure — that overlooks a large pond on the property. When Jim Sr. acquired the farm, he purchased around 40 acres. The family now has around 160 acres, with Jimbo owning part of the land. In total, they farm around 200 acres, including some property owned by another family the Tollisons harvest hay on. Evolving Cattle Business Though the Tollisons do cultivate some of the land for produce — which they keep for themselves and share with family friends — their primary business is cattle. “This has always been a cattle farm,” Jimbo said. At the height of the operation, there were more than 100 cattle on the Tollison farm. Today, there are between 30 and 40 brood cows on the land. Part of that is due to changes in market demand, but it is also largely the result of new demands on the family’s time. Both Jimbo and Brooke have professional careers, which does not leave as much time to tend to the farm. “Brooke and I both love farming, everything about it, but we felt we wanted to do more, too,” Jimbo said.
“To run 100 momma cows takes lots of work, cutting hay, fixing fences and equipment. That worked when I was in school because I had the time. But now I have a full-time job at the bank and can’t do that as much.” Back in the 1970s, the Tollison farm was registered for Santa Gertrudis cattle. Today, they raise mixed cattle with a “good registered bull,” Jimbo said. And, while he gives credit to his father for teaching him everything he knows about farming, Jimbo also gives a nod to Auburn University for teaching him some of the economics of farming. It gives him a better sense of the big-picture of the farming business beyond how just their farm operates. That has led him and his father to look into different forms of cattle farming as ways to generate additional revenue. “One thing we have started in the last four years is freezer calves,” Jimbo said. “I had started looking for a way to make more money. Chad Richey was over eating a steak one night and said it was great. He asked how he could get some meat like that — not just a steak, but a whole cow worth of the meat.” So they started raising meat cattle to order. Customers pay them to raise individual cattle — sort of a custom-order cow. Jimbo said they have always paid special attention to what they feed their cattle — they are raised naturally (which is not the same as organic, requiring special certification), and that is especially true of the freezer calves.
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Jimbo works closely with his feed provider — Daniel Jackson’s Feed Mill in Ranburne — to make sure they are getting high-quality feed that puts the right kind of weight on the cattle in a time-frame that keeps the whole operation profitable. “Nothing should ever go into the feed that you might not want to eat yourself,” Jimbo said. “We get really good weight gain with that feed. It’s been a good working relationship.” Aside from the specially raised cattle, Jimbo said, they sell most of the rest of their cattle at the stockyard in Ashville, which he said is a huge boon to the cattle farmers in the region. Like many businesses, the rapid increase in fuel prices is a big factor for local farmers to deal with, and having a stockyard in the area makes things that much better for cattle farmers in St. Clair. Jimbo said that he hopes to get the farm up to around 60 cows in the not-too-distant future. “With 60, I can do everything I need to and still work.” That increase also comes because Jimbo’s nephew, Ethan Coker, is helping out now. “Ethan now lives with my parents and is an integral part of our farming operations. He is learning to service and care for the equipment and doing a lot of the work that I used to do when I was his age as I transition into doing some of the things Dad did,” he said. “I don’t know how we would get everything done without him. He works another job and, like me, does this part time. When hay season comes in, Ethan can handle most of the operations now and within a couple of more seasons will be ready to take care of this by himself if needed.” Be ready to work Jimbo said he has seen a lot of professionals trying their hand at farming lately and has a piece of advice for anyone considering taking up the job — be ready to work and work hard. “You have got to love it. It never fails. When something goes wrong on the farm, it is 29 degrees out and windy,” he said. And there is so much to keep up with, so much to know, not just about the cattle industry, but about farming, business, construction, mechanical maintenance and more. “It’s rough work. Back when we ran more cattle — we would get some bad-tempered ones. I have had a tractor kicked over with me on it — I had to jump off. And I have seen Dad break five ribs,” Jimbo said. Both Jimbo and Brooke grew up on farms, and they want the same experience for their children. “Raising kids on a farm — being raised on a farm, you really get a strong work ethic,” he said. “Dad always told me you did not have to be the sharpest out there, just the hardest working.” Despite the long hours and hard work, the Tollisons would not have it any other way. They love their farm and the outdoors. They invite friends over to the property for hunting or just to enjoy the land, and Brooke has several walking horses there, too. For them, it is the perfect place to live and raise a family and a good way to earn a living. It’s something they have worked their whole lives for.
Cattle wade along one of the ponds on the Tollison Farm.
This painting of the original farmhouse hangs in the home built on the same spot.
The Tollisons also keep a few horses on the family farm.
A love of the land
Gerald and Sandra Tucker
A kinship with the land Story by Mike Bolton Photos by Jerry Martin Gerald and Sandra Tucker stand on the back deck of their glass-encased home hidden deep in the woods along Big Canoe Creek in Springville. There, brightly colored leaves constantly spiral and parachute from the canopy and land without a sound on the forest floor. While many travel great distances to see the changing colors, the Tuckers need only to look out the window or step out the back door. Gerald Tucker, 77, is at peace on these 160 acres that his ancestors farmed as far back as 1883. He once farmed here himself and still raises cattle here. These days, his five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren have discovered the wonder of it all, which Tucker says is good for his soul. Family land carries a kinship that urban dwellers never experience, he says. “I love this land and what it represents,” he says. “I still discover things here that amaze me. The other day I found a shrub that I found to be yellow root. I read about it. In the past people boiled it down and it was supposed to heal everything from rheumatism to headaches.” Gerald and Sandra Tucker’s ancestors came here from Virginia by wagon and carriages, as many of the area’s original settlers did. They first put down roots near Ashville. Tucker’s great-grandfather, James Awtry, and his wife, Sims Awtry Wright, settled the 160-acre farm following the Civil War in 1883. Like many ancestry searches, there are things of an unsettling nature that are sometimes discovered. “My great-grandfather attended military school in the North,” Tucker said. “He was born and raised in the South but when the Civil War broke out, he went and fought with the Yankees. His brothers and other family members fought for the South. “The people here never accepted him for that.” Awtry and his wife lived on the land for only a few years before moving to Oklahoma. They only returned here when their bodies were brought back home for burial. Tucker’s grandfather lived on the property at the turn of the century. He was a railroad man with five girls and no boys. He leased the land out for farming. Cotton and corn were the main crops. Various farmers farmed here through the 1900s until Tucker and his wife bought the property from heirs in 1976. Tucker himself raised soybeans, corn and cattle for a decade. He planted his last crop in 1990 and now just watches over about 90 head of cattle. He still bales hay here for his cattle. “We still get up at 5:30 a.m.,” he said with a laugh. “Now we have to get ready for those great-grandkids that stay with
70 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
Sandra and Gerald Tucker
Tucker oversees 90 head of cattle
Gerald Tucker out on the property with some of his cattle.
us during the day. I still get out at daylight to feed the cows.” Tucker understands he is just the keeper of the land. He shares it with white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, owls and many other creatures. They even had a visit from a black bear four years ago. “It is so quiet out here,” he said. “On a rainy night you can hear the train’s whistle, but that’s about it.” Years of living in the wilderness has humbled him into understanding that the Good Lord and Mother Nature are still in charge. Hurricane Opal destroyed one of his barns and took the roof from another. The blizzard of 1993 left him without power
for eight days and trapped in his house for four days. But country boys can survive. “We made do,” he said with a laugh. “We ate the stuff from the refrigerator first and then we went to the deepfreeze. We even had things we canned to eat. We did OK. We could get by here for awhile if we were forced to.” Walking and studying the property, he has also learned to respect the fact that his family weren’t the first inhabitants here. He has found arrowheads and broken pottery from the Creek Indians that lived here for centuries before his ancestors did. “I still thank the Lord for letting us live here,” Tucker says. l
December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 71
Pink Passion Survivor (ser-vahy-ver) noun:
1. Somebody who survives: somebody who remains alive despite being exposed to life-threatening danger. 2. Somebody with great powers of endurance: somebody who shows a great will to live or a great determination to overcome difficulties and carry on.
Friends celebrate defying odds Story by Carol Pappas Photos by Jerry Martin At first glance, you’d think it was simply a patio party in early fall, female friends gathering for wine and cheese and a little ‘girl talk.’ But on closer look, a touch of pink here, a dab of pink there and a plethora of pink just about everywhere, and you realize this is more than just a get-together for friends. It’s a coming together for a noble cause — a celebration of survival. A half dozen or so of the women being celebrated fought the odds and won. They are survivors of breast cancer, and they — along with their friends — now celebrate each October with a Pink Fundraiser. It’s a chance to help others follow in their battleworn footsteps and beat cancer. It all began three years ago when Rebekah Hazelwood Riddle at Trendsetters Salon raised $1,000 in memory of her mother, Bella, who died of breast cancer
Survivors from left, front row: Kate DeGaris, Virginia West; second row, Yvonne Bell, Sylvia Cornett, Cindy Goodgame; American Cancer Society’s Malinda Williams, rear.
72 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
when Rebekah was just 3 years old. Deanna Lawley invited friends and family of Kate DeGaris, who had just begun her battle with breast cancer, to have pink extensions applied to their hair in symbolic support of the project. The next year, the group more than doubled the fundraising effort when Vicki Smith and Charlotte George expanded it to a wine and cheese reception at the home of Nelda Coupland. DeGaris’ longtime friends and her family worked to raise money for the American Cancer Society. In 2012, a larger group returned to Coupland’s home for an even bigger event to recognize and honor a sisterhood of survivors, Cindy Goodgame, Virginia West, Sylvia Cornett, Kate DeGaris, Yvonne Bell and Annette Galloway Thomas. Their stories share a common theme. It’s the tragic moment of a devastating diagnosis and an undying will to live. Four years have passed since doctors told Kate DeGaris she had three to six months to live. She was in fourth-stage breast cancer that had spread to her arms, legs and spine. “It was a rough time, but I made up my mind I’m going to survive. I’m going to beat this,” she said. “I have good doctors. I have kids who are very supportive and friends who keep me pushing on.” DeGaris credits her mother with setting the example she follows. She too, had breast cancer. She remembers telling her mother one day that she knew she had to be in a lot of pain. “She pointed her finger at me and said, ‘Nobody likes a complainer.’ ” Lesson learned. Lesson followed. Just like her mother, she tries to keep a positive attitude. “I just keep going. I make myself,” she said. It has been 14 years since Yvonne Bell heard the dreaded diagnosis: Breast cancer. Now, she is celebrating more than a decade as a survivor. The gathering of friends at the fundraiser “lets you know you are not alone in this. At some point in your lifetime, you will know someone with cancer.” It was much the same in her own family. Her mother was a survivor. Her husband Jimmy beat the odds, too. At the Pink Fundraiser, she is surrounded by friends who know firsthand what
Beth Jones checks out her pink highlights.
Attendees greeted with pink beads and pink ribbon pins December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 73
Pink Passion Cindy Grimes and Julie Luker show off their pink.
Teresa Busby gets a ‘pink fix’. 74 •• DISCOVER DISCOVER The The Essence Essence of of St. St. Clair Clair || December December 2012 2012 -- January January 2013 2013 74
rising above the challenge means. “It’s a little sisterhood — someone to talk to who knows exactly what you’re going through.” Blair Goodgame hasn’t had breast cancer, but she was a central figure in the fundraiser to honor the ‘sisterhood’ that includes her mother, Cindy. She had a mastectomy when Blair was just an elementary school student. Now a young woman who owns Lakeside Package in Pell City, she was a driving force behind the wine and cheese reception this year, working tirelessly to ensure that the celebration was just right, say party planners. Through her company, she furnished wine and attended to details of the event. Of her mother’s own story of survival, Blair described her as a woman who is “as strong as they come” and inspires her involvement in the cause. Lydia Pursell, DeGaris’ daughter, provided flowers, and she has been a source of great support for her mother. There were others who added to the event to make it special, like Lakeside Coffee House and Princess Cupcakes; DeGaris’ brother,
Nelda Coupland and her dog, Lulu
Deanna Lawley talks about survivor Annette Galloway Thomas.
Nila McBrier, Sylvia Cornett and Blair Goodgame
Grimes adds pink touch to Renee Lilly.
Cancer Society’s Williams, left, enjoys moment with Lila Jones, DeGaris, Judy Ellison andDellaine Allen.
Group savors camaraderie December 2012 2012 -- January January 2013 2013 || DISCOVER DISCOVER The The Essence Essence of of St. St. Clair Clair •• 75 75 December
Pink Passion
Blair Goodgame serves Vicki Smith Earl Hodges; Renee Lilly of Lilly Designs; Winn-Dixie; Publix; and Julie Luker and Cindy Grimes, who added their own touch of pink to the occasion with pink hair streaks for all attendees. And the extended sisterhood, the core group that made it all happen were Judy Ellison, Sylvia Cornett, Judi Denard, Beth Jones, Vicki Smith, Sally Vinson, Ginny West, Sylvia Martin, Charlotte George and Deanna Lawley. It is through all of their efforts that this pink party is now a sanctioned event of the American Cancer Society, raising more money for breast cancer research and increasing the level of awareness with each passing year, according to the Cancer Society’s Malinda Williams, whose own mother is a two-time breast cancer survivor. Motioning toward the survivors at the reception, Williams said, “Y’all are the reason we’re standing here today.” DeGaris acknowledged the sentiment. “It is good to have a family that’s real supportive, good friends and the man upstairs,” she said. “Every day I wake up, I’m thankful.” l 76 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
Julie Luker and Cindy Grice
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December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 77
Matt Black’s children — Evan, Matti and Brooklyn — attend Eden Elementary, located across the street from Eden Westside Baptist Church. Black said one hope is that students at the school can one day play disc golf as part of their exercise during the school day.
78 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
Free-Flying Fun Disc Golf Comes To Pell City Story by Samantha Corona Photos by Jerry Martin When most people think of golf — clubs, balls and wide-open spaces come to mind. When Matt Black thinks of golf, he sees chain baskets, colored Frisbees and ridges high enough to offer a nice launching pad. Traditional golfers practice their swings and prefer limited sand traps. Black and other disc golf enthusiasts warm up their throwing arm and aim for heavily wooded targets. Disc golf isn’t new to the recreational sports scene. It dates back as early as the 1960s as a fun activity that takes the “gentlemen’s sport” and morphs it into a more highflying twin brother. On Nov. 17, Black and Eden Westside Baptist Church cut the ribbon on the new Revelation Mountain Disc Golf Course off Wolf Creek Road, bringing the growing sport to Pell City and St. Clair County for the first time. “It definitely takes a little practice, but there is no age limit. It only costs the price of your discs, and it can be as intense as you want it to be,” Black said. “Disc golf is fun and a great way to get exercise and enjoy time outside.” There are more than 40 listed disc golf courses in Alabama and thousands across the country. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), courses can be found in countries worldwide, and with more than 40,000 members, the PDGA serves as the governing body of the sport for every player, from novice to professional. The rules are the same, only the tools have changed. Disc golf mirrors traditional golf in its truest form. Courses are made up of 18 holes, or baskets, as they’re called. Tee boxes are launching pads, baskets have par numbers, the fewer number of throws the better, and a “basket-in-one” is a special rarity. Golf bags tote your discs instead of clubs, but players still have a driver and a putter – discs of different sizes and density that can give throwers an edge on certain baskets.
Golf bags tote your discs instead of clubs, but players still have a driver and a putter – discs of different sizes and density that can give throwers an edge on certain baskets.
December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 79
Free-Flying Fun
Matt Black throws a disc from the top of the course
Church Recreational Director Lance Bowman, left, and course creator Matt Black said the course is open to members of the community for enjoyment, not just Eden Westside members.
Changing terrain – flat lands to high mountains and grown woods – adds to the challenge. According to Black, the new course at Eden Westside Baptist Church more than meets that requirement. “This course is unlike any other course in Alabama with the elevation, mountains, distances, not to mention being a beautiful area,” he said. “This space was perfect for a course, and I know that people are not just going to come from out of town to play, but from out of state, too.” Black spearheaded the effort to bring a disc golf course to St. Clair County. He said the idea came about five years ago after he had taken an interest in the sport for fun and for fitness. “I started playing with friends awhile ago and really enjoyed it. We would play on trips together or travel to different courses to play. Then I started thinking how great it would be to have a course here, close to home,” Black said. Effort after effort led Black nowhere, so he decided to just put the plans on hold. Seven months ago, he was approached by his church community to build a course on the church grounds. “I didn’t say anything about my original vision to build a course five years ago, so when I was asked to head up the project, it was amazing,” Black said. “It shows that God knows best, and His timing is perfect.” Development began in May, and Black started immediately
80 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
Recreational Disc Golf Rules Tee Throws Tee throws must be completed within or behind the designated tee area. Do not throw until the players in front of you are out of range. Lie The spot where the previous throw has landed, mark with a mini disc or turn over the thrown disc, directly towards the hole or dog leg.
Matt Black spearheaded the effort to bring a disc golf course to St. Clair County. recruiting sponsors. Individuals, companies and small businesses were all interested in the concept and eager to sign on. “Our sponsors have been great. It could not have been done without the church’s support and the sponsors’ support,” Black said. Labor-intensive work days and dedicated volunteers are responsible for the finished product that is now open to the community free of charge. The course is open year-round, with the exception of October because of the church’s annual outdoor Revelation Walk, which is held on parts of the course. Hours are regularly daylight until dusk, and golfers need to bring their own discs for play. Eden Westside Recreational Director Lance Bowman said the course is a wonderful addition to the church’s youth- and family-focused activities. The campus already offers a basketball camp open to both church members and the Pell City community, as well as a baseball field and a host of youth-centered activities. Bowman said this is just one more example of Eden Westside Pastor Jacky Connell’s challenge to “Embrace the Vision.” “ ‘Embrace the Vision’ is a term our pastor uses to say that this land and these activities need to be used to embrace this community. We need to be a light in the community and one way to do that is through recreational activities that allow families to be outside and enjoy time together,” Bowman said. Black has already seen that firsthand. A few months into course construction, a father and son were playing at one of the baskets. Black walked over, introduced himself and apologized for the course not being fully completed yet. The pair weren’t members of Eden Westside and were just happy playing with their one disc on the only basket. “I thought that was great because that’s what it’s all about — time spent with family, enjoying the outdoors and each other’s company,” Black said. “Waiting for God’s timing on building this course in Pell City has been very hard, but He has made it so worth the wait.” l
Throwing Order After teeing off, the player whose disc is farthest from the hole always throws first. The player with the least amount of throws on the previous hole is the first to tee off on the next hole. Fairway Throws Fairway throws must be made with the foot closest to the hole on the lie. The other foot may be no closer to the hole than the lie. A runup and normal follow-through, after release, is allowed. Dog Leg A dog leg is one or more designated trees or poles in the fairway that must be passed as indicated by arrows. Until the dog leg is passed the closest foot to the dog leg must be on the lie when the disc is released. Completion Of Hole A disc that comes to rest in the Disc Pole Hole basket or chains constitutes successful completion of that hole. Un-Playable Lie Any disc that comes to rest above the ground is considered an un-playable lie. The disc must be thrown from the lie on the ground, directly underneath the un-playable lie. Relocate to avoid damage to the vegetation. Out Of Bounds A throw that lands out of bounds must be played from a point 3 feet in bounds from where the disc went out of bounds. Permanent water hazards and public roads are always out of bounds. — Disc Golf Association, www.discgolf.com For complete rules from the Professional Disc Golf Association, see www.pdga.com
December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 81
Creating new dreams Family literally rebuilds from storm wreckage
Aaron Crawford at the bar that he made out of pallets that would have been nothing more than scrap wood 82 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
Story by Veronica Kennedy Photos by Jerry Martin Aaron and Kelly Crawford likely will never forget the night of April 27, 2011. They crouched in their basement with 30 other men, women, and children — including their 3-week-old son — as an EF5 tornado blasted their beloved Shoal Creek Valley. When the danger had passed, they opened the door to utter devastation: No house, no vehicles, no nothing. Kelly’s childhood home, also the home of her parents — Gary and Phyllis Liverett — down the drive on Alpha Ranch, was leveled. Several of their animals died in the storm. Her parents were not home at the time because her father had brushed death with a heart attack that morning and they were at the hospital. That day and night were a defining moment for thousands of Alabamians who had lost loved ones, houses and possessions. In Shoal Creek Valley near Ashville, 14 people died, including a neighbor and close friend of the Crawfords. One year later, the Crawfords — Aaron, Kelly and their children Bria, 18; Ashton, 13; Alexa, 10; Avalee, 8; Brooks, 7; Mallie, 6; Kyla, 4; Ellia, 3; and Jax, 1 — moved into their new dwelling built by Aaron and his construction crew at 3:23 Builders. Out of the devastation, they are finding ways to build new dreams. A bright turquoise door now greets visitors, and Scripture verses in curly type decorate the interior walls. The door came from Southeastern Salvage Home Emporium in Irondale. “We just needed a door, and the turquoise one was the cheapest,” Kelly said, chuckling. As far as she was concerned, it was also the most beautiful, with its heavy carving and distressed paint. “I literally stopped in my tracks when I saw this door,” she writes on her website. “And I never moved from it. My husband walked around the store, and I just stood in front of the door, mesmerized. He knew by the look on my face that we couldn’t leave without the door. And we didn’t. “And that was the beginning of my obsession with the color turquoise,” she wrote. Sitting in her home with several of her children close by, Kelly said, “Now, everything I see that is turquoise makes me happy.” She added, “Color. Me. Turquoise.” to her Generation Cedar website, which features her blog, family-made products, and her thoughts on homeschooling, birth control and managing a home the way she and Aaron believe God intends. The Crawfords began homeschooling
The Crawford family, from left, back row: Bria, Ashton, Alexa, Kyla, Mallie, Ellia; front row, Aaron, Kelly, Jax, Brooks and Avalee.
Ashton Crawford works on a drawing that is about one third completed. December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 83
Creating new dreams their children when Bria was in the secondgrade. She graduated high school in the spring. Now, she is helping teach her younger siblings as well as working, giving horse lessons, saving money to pursue a certificate in holistic health and volunteering at an Equine Assisted Therapy Program for children. “If God is Creator of all things, we cannot separate knowledge from Him. And since He gives us the responsibility of raising our children, we believe their education is one of the biggest parts of that responsibility.” Life has returned to as close to normal as possible for the Crawfords. The younger children are learning their lessons from Kelly and 18-year-old daughter Bria, and the family works together to run their Internet business, selling books, homemade skin products and other resources for families.” Aaron named his construction business 3:23 Builders from Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (New International Version). The Crawford home features countertops and the family table made from salvaged wood. In fact, Aaron now builds farm-style tables to sell on another family website, bigfamilytable.com.
The Crawford home almost completed after being destroyed by a tornado.
Bria Crawford works on a sewing project.
The family area
A work in progress using scrap corrugated metal roofing material in the bathroom of the Crawford home.
“God makes all things good to those who love Him,” Aaron said. “This is very small compared to the life of Job.” Bria, a photographer, has started a photography business called Savy Shots (based on her middle name of Savana), and Ashton offers drawings as well as portraits from photographs at his website, Art By Ashton. It is their way of all participating in a dream of a family business, she said. After the storm, making money wasn’t so important. Rather, building a new house for his family and helping relatives and friends rebuild took priority. The Crawfords were able to salvage the foundation of their house, and wood recovered from the home of a recently deceased neighbor as well as wood hand-milled from trees pummeled by the tornado were used in the construction. “Not only did we rebuild our home using the lumber we milled ourselves from all the trees we lost around us, but another home in our community, which had become an ‘icon’ because of its old age, was damaged in the storm. The 92-year-old resident had died just before the storm. Her daughter tearfully asked that we ‘do something’ with the wood because she knew her mother would be heartbroken to think it had
Creating new dreams
100 year old wood forms the wall in the main area of the Crawford home.
Alexa Crawford shows some of the items that she makes. been discarded,” Kelly said. “We not only used the wood to design a ‘feature wall’ in our home, but we have begun making beautiful farm tables as well. It has been a really meaningful metaphor to see this historical home go through death (of its resident) and then more destruction (from the storm) and finally have it salvaged and used to restore some beauty and life back to Shoal Creek Valley.” Summarizing her own family’s story of life after the storm, Kelly describes it as “a story of salvaging what was lost, creating beauty from devastation and seeing life breathed back into our community after so much death.” l
Kelly Crawford displays some of the skin care products that she sells.
86 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair | December 2012 - January 2013
December 2012 - January 2013 | DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • 87
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