Mobile Bay Magazine - June 2022

MOBILE.

PHOTO BY CHAD RILEY

While Todd Lasseigne was director at Tulsa Botanic Garden, COVID lockdowns meant no visitors

ON OUR COVER

Interior designer Matthew MetcalfeBees mixes antiques and bold color with panache in his master bedroom.

SCHLECHTER

Pulitzer Prize winner Cynthia Tucker provides her summer reading list.

Rae’s Kitchen brings its grab-n-go magic and new lunch options to downtown Fairhope.

TABLES The Tremayne family discovers entertaining at their historic home on Austill Lane.

Writer Audrey McDonald Atkins catches herself gardening like Granny. 80 ASK MCGEHEE

What’s the story of the building on St. Francis Street inscribed First National Bank?

Turn back time and peek into Orange Beach history with this photo of swimmers from 1928.

SOD SPECIALIST CHRISTINA WOERNER MCINNIS / PHOTO BY MIKE KITTRELL SHRIMP CREOLE, COURTESY OF THE TREMAYNES / PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU SPRING HILL’S RENOVATED CHINABERRY COTTAGE / PHOTO BY SUMMER ENNIS

PHOTO BY ANNIE

Mobile Bay

VOLUME XXXVIII

JUNE 2022 No6

PUBLISHER T. J. Potts

ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Stephen Potts

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Maggie Lacey

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Judy Culbreth

MANAGING EDITOR/WEB Abby Parrott

SENIOR WRITER Breck Pappas

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT Amanda White

ART DIRECTOR Laurie Kilpatrick

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Anna ornton

EDITORIAL INTERN Amelia Rose Zimlich

ADVERTISING

SR. ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Joseph A. Hyland ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jennifer Ray SALES AND MARKETING Carolina Groom PRODUCTION Melissa Heath

ADMINISTRATION

CIRCULATION Anita Miller ACCOUNTING Keith Crabtree

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Audrey McDonald Atkins, Jill Clair Gentry, Tom McGehee, John Sledge

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS

Summer Ennis Ansley, Matthew Coughlin, Elizabeth Gelineau, Laurey Glenn, Meggan Haller / Keyhole Photo, Mike Kittrell, Chad Riley, Annie Schlechter

ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL OFFICES 3729 Cottage Hill Road, Suite H Mobile, AL 36609-6500 251-473-6269

PUBLISHED BY PMT PUBLISHING INC

PRESIDENT & CEO T. J. Potts

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Subscription inquiries and all remittances should be sent to: Mobile Bay P.O. Box 43 Congers, NY 10920-9922 1-833-454-5060

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Please note: U.S. Postal Service will not forward magazines mailed through their bulk mail unit. Please send old label along with your new address four to six weeks prior to moving.

Mobile Bay is published 12 times per year for the Gulf Coast area. All contents © 2022 by PMT Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Comments written in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily re ect the opinion of the ownership or the management of Mobile Bay. is magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. All submissions will be edited for length, clarity and style.

Trowel and Error

My garden mystifies me. I just can’t seem to get anything in it to do what it should.

When we purchased our 1961 mid-century modern home, it came with an incredibly overgrown yard. As we dug through the mess, I was excited to discover that the first owner had a green thumb and a keen eye, having planted sasanqua camellias, rows and rows of azaleas in all colors, ginger lilies and more. There was even a complex irrigation system running from a natural spring through a pump and out spigots into the backyard. Impressive! Many people told us to rip it all out and start afresh, but I thought we had a good foundation, and all it needed was a little pruning.

I can now confess, however, that after years of giving it … well, not as much attention as it deserves … I’m not sure it looks much better than when we started. Nothing seems to grow where it should, resolving instead to grow where it should not. The fig ivy is threatening to consume the roof and chimney, causing our insurance company to recently cancel us outright, despite my best attempts at clipping while perched at the tippy-top of a ladder. Meanwhile, over on the concrete wall I have been dying to cover in fig ivy for three years now, one sad little stem is thinking about it. Maybe.

The little fern I planted under a spigot is thrilled and has suddenly taken over an entire garden bed, while a cypress we planted at the pond’s edge withered and died. Nothing does well where I expect it to, but I turn around and something else is running wild with free abandon. Like the muscadine. Don’t get me started on the muscadine that has totally consumed a live oak tree, a quarter acre of azaleas and most of the driveway. (Sigh.) When I try to pull those buggers down, I end up on my bottom in the dirt with a 12-inch stem of muscadine broken off in my hand. There is no hope.

The little joys our yard brings me, however, are many, even if I had no effective hand in bringing them about. Our sweet olive — sad and scrawny though she may be — wafts sugary scents towards our back door on warm sunny days. As I write this, the first magnolia blossoms have appeared on our gigantic tree. And leftover sweet potato vines are sprouting (unexpectedly, I might add) from pots we abandoned after last summer. I may have zero control of this little patch of earth, but isn’t it a miracle to behold!

This annual Home & Garden Issue will take you on a lovely stroll through some gardens much more purposeful than mine. The imagery is inspirational, even if it sets the bar a little high. We hope you enjoy reading about it as much as our staff enjoyed putting it together. Maybe if I got some better clippers … hope springs eternal. Just like my muscadine.

Maggie Lacey EXECUTIVE EDITOR maggie@pmtpublishing.com

SAVER AND WORTH KEEPING IN YOUR TOOLSHED. (INSERT IMMATURE JOKE HERE.)

LOVE THIS ISSUE

GO FIG-URE I PLANTED TWO FIG TREES IN MY YARD JUST A FEW MONTHS BEFORE HURRICANE SALLY DROPPED A PINE TREE ON THEM. THIS SUMMER, I’M HOPING AND PRAYING THEY’VE RECOVERED ENOUGH TO BEAR FRUIT.

WHERE THE GREEN GRASS GROWS THIS SOIL KIT TEST WILL HELP ME FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET A MORE BEAUTIFUL LAWN. THE IDEA IS GENIUS, AND IT’S LOCALLY MADE! PAGE 20

IT UP I LOVE HOW DESIGNER MATTHEW METCALFEBEES MIXES TRADITIONAL FABRICS, BOLD ABSTRACT ART AND ALWAYS A TOUCH OF ANIMAL PRINT. PAGE 44

YOU CAN DO IT INCORPORATING AFFIRMING MESSAGES INTO KIDS’ BEDROOMS IS BRILLIANT! SET A POSITIVE TONE FOR THE DAY BEFORE THEIR FEET EVER HIT THE GROUND. DESIGNER CAITLYN WAITE FOUND THIS ONE ON MINTED. PAGE 40

MIX

HOTHOUSE FLOWERS PRINT FABRIC BY SCHUMACHER, VELVET LEOPARD PRINT PILLOW FROM LANDOFPILLOWS.COM

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

Tell us how you really feel ...

SOUL SISTERS

On April’s Spotlight, “A Sisterhood of Faith,” featuring an affectionate gathering of 10 ordained women

What an honor it is to serve in the Presbytery of South Alabama with so many gifted women who lead us in ministry! It’s quite fitting that this article comes out just as we are preparing to celebrate Easter. Remember, the first human voices to proclaim the good news of the resurrection were those of women preachers!

- Buz Wilcoxon

I love this article!

- Kathy Brinson Rogister

So proud to be a part of Government Street Presbyterian Church and to get to work with incredible leaders across our community — women who lead with love and generosity. Rebekah Abel Lamar, Alexandra Stewart Hutson, Anna Fulmer Duke, Pam Hanes and so many more.

- Casi Callaway

A really great article about women in ministry.

- Linda Madsen

GSPC was pleased to host a wonderful group of women pastors from the Mobile area, including our own pastors, Rebekah Abel Lamar and Alexandra Hutson. Thank you to Mobile Bay Magazine for a wonderful article about the sisterhood of faith during this Holy Week.

- Government Street Presbyterian Church

Love that photo. The epitome of womanly love!

- Courtney Matthews

BRING THE BLING

On April’s Ask McGehee, exploring pop culture connections to the Port City

I watched “The Gilded Age” on HBO and never dreamed it had a connection to my hometown. Interesting article.

- Liska Wheeler Forsyth

KNOCK ON WOOD

On April’s feature, “Deep Roots,” about repurposed Bienville Square oaks

I have many great memories of being in Bienville Square with my grandaddy — feeding pigeons and squirrels while my parents shopped in the stores surrounding the square.

- Mary Weatherford Patchel

EAGER BEAVER

On April’s Endpiece, Class of 1921

Thanks for the Endpiece, Class of 1921. I am a proud graduate of the Mobile County Training School.

- Edna H. Rivers

WORTH THEIR SALT

On April’s Tastings, featuring West Food Bar

In 20 years, I’ve sent maybe one of these comments, this being the second. The first was to a NYTimes sports writer, funny enough. The review is terrific and Hallie King is an excellent writer.

For example, this sentence:

“… recognized his hunger and the scope of his vision from the beginning, encouraging him to fully embrace the metamorphosis before reopening the building.”

Understated and perfect within the article. Anyway, kudos to your writer. Outstanding work and a pleasure to read.

- Jason Adam van Beeme

 Want to share your thoughts and reactions to this issue? Email maggie@pmtpublishing.com.

SHREE SHAW LOVETT, MIDDLE, LAUGHS WITH FELLOW PASTORS ANNA FULMER DUKE, LEFT, AND ALEXANDRA HUTSON

PHOTO BY MEGGAN HALLER / KEYHOLE PHOTO

RIBEYE AU POIVRE AT WEST FOOD BAR PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

More Ways to Connect

We’re not just in print. Find us online, on social media and in your inbox.

text by ABBY PARROTT

mobilebaymag.com

COASTAL COOL

Learn how to create a cool coastal look with inspiring designs from Ashley Gilbreath, March + May, Suzanne Winston and more. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite coastal designs featuring bold colors, fun wallpaper and natural elements that will make any space feel fresh and modern.

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO

Beat the summer heat with these top June events including fishing tournaments, concerts, festivals, fundraisers and more.

PUT A RING ON IT

Share your proposal story with us, and we’ll feature your engagement announcement online.

SPRUCE IT UP

Exterior designer Catherine Arensberg shares the latest tips and tricks for creating the outdoor space of your dreams, no matter your budget. Browse our complete archive of videos chock-full of advice for local homeowners looking for simple solutions to common outdoor design questions.

COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

Slippery Otter: This Bahamas-inspired drink, featuring mango juice, dark rum and coconut rum, will instantly transport you to the Caribbean.

MAKE YOUR DAD A COVER STAR!

Give your dad the ultimate gift this Father’s Day with a custom keepsake magazine cover and 1-year Mobile Bay subscription for just $34.95. Scan the QR code (right) or visit mobilebayshop.com to purchase!

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST

Finally, an email you’ll actually love to read. Get the latest in food, art, homes, local history and events delivered right to your inbox. You’ll also be the first to know about new contests and exclusive deals for our online store. Sign up today!

COASTAL STYLE ENTRY BY DESIGNER ASHLEY GILBREATH // PHOTO BY LAUREY GLENN

FISHING THE GULF OF MEXICO // PHOTO BY MATTHEW COUGHLIN

SLIPPERY OTTER COCKTAIL // PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

EXTRAS

Raise the Roost!

text by MB EDITORIAL STAFF

THE MOBILE COUNTY HEALTH

DEPARTMENT

KEEPS A FLOCK OF 100 SENTINEL

CHICKENS

These little gals (only hens — no roosters allowed) work all summer long to help detect the presence of viruses transmitted by mosquitos.

YOU AIN’T SEEN MUFFIN YET...

Dropout Bakery opened May 7 on St. Louis Street, and they’re bringing the sweet.

Turn to page 28 to see a sampling of their stunning desserts in this month’s Bay Tables.

GARDEN TRIVIA

How much room should you give fungi to grow?

As mushroom as possible.

THE YEAR AMERICA’S MOST ICONIC YARD DECORATION, THE TACKY PINK FLAMINGO, WAS DESIGNED BY DON FEATHERSTONE.

Back then, you could order them from a Sear’s Catalogue for $2.76 a pair.

1/12

TEASPOON

The amount of honey the average honey bee will make in its lifetime.

NATIONAL COCONUT DAY

Sometimes you just need to get away. Reportedly, individual coconuts have floated as far from the tropics as Scandinavia.

MUSCLE THROUGH IT 26%

OF PLANT LIFE ON EARTH CONSISTS OF GRASS.

Flip to page 20 to pick up tips on how to keep your turf looking its greenest.

Experiments have shown that earthworms can push 10 times their own body weight. That’s the equivalent of a human pushing a large polar bear out of his or her way.

No Room is Complete Without…

Bay-area designers share their go-to elements to create interiors that WOW.

A touch of black to sharpen the edge, greenery to bring in God’s color and a special piece that means something to you.

SOMETHING OLD

Whether it be a sentmental family piece, a uni ue fnd while perusing an ant ue store, a gi or ust old books, something old is essental to make a house feel like home. t adds character and portrays that life has been lived.

Savannah Starring Vellum & Velvet

ILLUMINATION

So white bulbs mimic the natural glow of candlelight, which flls the room with a kind of warmth that makes everything more beautful.

Renee Mashburn Green Gates Market

The best rooms re ect the homeowners’ personal style, such as a family heirloom piece or favorite pictures. have a bowl flled with stones brought back from a family trip to Normandy. aving litle reminders of a special moment adds a beautful touch.

Michele Strength Inhabit Interiors

Katie Kirby | Katie Kirby Interiors

KATIE KIRBY INTERIORS

A FABULOUS LAMPSHADE!

Customize lamps with fun shades … pleats, prints, etc. It really adds a unique touch. While there are brands to splurge with like Fermoie, also look to Etsy, Ballard Designs or other online sources. Yellow ouse Ant ues has a lovely selecton of classic shade styles.

Lacy Phillips

Summer Ennis Summer Ennis Interiors

The patina of a one of a kind antique piece, whether from a thrift shop or family heirloom, adds distinct personality to a modern or traditional space.

Lacy Phillips Designs

SUMMER ENNIS INTERIORS

LAMPSHADE FROM FERMOIE.COM

A GOOD BLEND

All “old” can be stufy and all “new” can fall at. arry the two no room is complete without the warmth and character of a good ant ue, such as a treasure found at Ant ues at the Loop, plus eye-catching modern.

Rachel Anderson March + May

THE HOMEOWNER’S PERSONALITY

A er all the creatve work, planning, and executon, with the collaboraton of a great designer, the wishes and style of the owners should stll shine through. A couple of examples are the authentcity of an ant ue chest and colors or fabrics that speak the client’s language.

Cindy Meador Cindy Meador Interiors

A hint of gilt !

A gilt photo frame, art work framed in gold, a gold-gilt drapery rod, lamp or architecture will elevate any room to a new level of sophistication !

ORIGINAL ART

There are so many wonderful places to shop for art — Lyons Share and itle Art art are two of my favorites in Fairhope, as well as Sophiella Gallery in obile.

Brooke Chamblee Brooke Chamblee Interiors

Wayne Holder, ASID | Brinson Interiors

BRINSON INTERIORS

PAINTING BY JO PATTON AT LYONS SHARE GALLERY

CINDY MEADOR INTERIORS

PHOTO BY CHRIS LUKER

BOOKS

I have books in every room of my home and always incorporate them into the rooms I style for clients. They add color, make great bases for treasured items, and tell your guests a litle about your family’s interests and personality. Easy access to a cofee table book full of art or a cookbook in the kitchen can lead to spontaneous inspiraton ocally, love to shop for books at iving Well, rown and olony and age alete.

Katherine Goldman Katherine Goldman Interiors

Gorgeous lighting!

Investing in great lamps that have properly proportional shades makes the biggest difference in a space. Check out lamps, chandeliers, sconces — and everything — from Circa Lighting!

Caitlyn Waite | Cait Waite Designs

CYNARA CHANDELIER BY VISUAL COMFORT

Bite of the Bay

MB’s contributing food fanatics share their go-to local dishes.

BRISKET

BOARD AT RED OR WHITE

“Each night when they close Red or White, a special gift is placed in the brick oven. That gift would be brisket topped with caramelized onions. The brisket has a great bark on it, and under this, a thin layer of fat melts into and flavors the meat. Cut or tear a piece of the brisket and onion, put a dollop of the homemade tomato salsa with a little soft Cambozola blue cheese. Now place this on top of a toasted baguette slice, and you have a stacked slice of awesome.”

RED OR WHITE • 1104 DAUPHIN ST. 478-9494 • REDORWHITEWINE.COM

APPLE

PIE AT BIG TIME DINER

“Since I’m from a small town near Dothan, I love to get a taste of the country at Big Time Diner. Leon’s homemade apple pie and the burger are two of my favorites. The blue-plate specials taste like home, too. While the restaurant’s interior has a fun ‘50s vibe, the staff does a great job with take-out orders. Perfect for a country dinner, enjoyed in the middle of the city!”

BIG TIME DINER • 4936 COTTAGE HILL ROAD 666-2141 • FACEBOOK: BIG TIME DINER

SUNSET SALAD AT SUNSET POINTE

“It’s the perfect time of year to eat al fresco, and there is no better spot than Sunset Pointe. While their menu is filled with many delicious options, I keep coming back to the signature salad. Fresh produce topped with feta, bacon, and sweet and spicy pecans, paired with a cocktail, is the perfect way to say ‘cheers’ to summer!”

SUNSET POINTE • FLY CREEK MARINA 831 N SECTION ST. • 990-7766 SUNSETPOINTEFAIRHOPE.COM

BURGER AT BISTRO ST. EMANUEL

“With out-of-town guests staying at Fort Conde Village, I had a chance to experience Bistro St. Emanuel’s burger Emanuel and was not disappointed. Any food description that includes brie, Conecuh bacon and caramelized onion has to be experienced. My medium-rare burger was perfect, and the incredible combination of flavors had me filled and thrilled.”

BISTRO ST. EMANUEL • 53 MONROE ST. 405-5040 • FORTCONDEINN.COM

BENNETT HOOKS, M.D., Gastroenterologist, Diagnostic & Medical Clinic

TODD GREER, Executive Director of Innovation Portal

DR. LAKESHA BRACKINS, Deputy Superintendent of Academics, Mobile County Public Schools

JESSICA DEESE, Coordinator, Wed With Style

BRISKET BOARD AT RED OR WHITE MOBILE

Lovely Lawn

text by ANNA THORNTON and AMELIA ROSE ZIMLICH • portrait by MIKE KITTRELL

Lush, grassy lawns are one of many things

Southerners take pride in, and sometimes that pride takes shape in a not-so-secret competition between neighbors for the greenest front yard. However, if you’ve ever tried to get grass to grow under a magnolia or mown over an acorn-strewn yard, you know that keeping your grass looking its greenest is easier said than done. With so many hurdles, lawn care can be overwhelming to say the least. It can feel as if some lawns are destined for greatness, while others always seem to have bald spots and brown patches no matter what you throw at them. If you’ve been scratching your head over your lawn’s gnarly spots, look no further. We’ve got the breakdown on lawn care basics.

LOCAL VARIETIES OF GRASS

ST. AUGUSTINE

Forms a thick, carpet-like sod that is more shadetolerant than other varietes.

ZOYSIA

Keeps its color longer than most grasses in winter and is among the frst to green up again in the spring.

BERMUDA

Tolerates salt spray, making it suitable for coastal residences.

READY TO GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY?

We’ve rounded up tried-and-true tps to help you keep your turf in tp-top conditon (and maybe win the neighborhood lawn competton).

GET TO KNOW YOUR GRASS

Before you can give your lawn the care it needs, you must frst know what type of grass you have. Warm-season grasses like bahia, Bermuda, centpede, St. Augustne and zoysia are most common in Alabama, as they thrive in our hot, humid climate.

TAKE A SOIL TEST

Getng expert soil advice is as simple as purchasing SoilKit (see opposite page), flling it with soil samples from your yard and mailing it in for analysis. Labs evaluate samples for 15 diferent atributes to diagnose your soil’s conditon. Results arrive within 48 hours, so you can get to work right away.

NOURISH YOUR SOIL

Fret over fertlizer no longer. SoilKit takes the headache out of choosing fertlizer. Their moto is, “We analyze. You fertlize.” No

more wondering what kind of fertlizer to buy or how much to sprinkle. The test will develop a plan tailored specifcally to your grass’ needs.

TRIM IT UP

Adjust mower blades to allow grass to grow a litle taller in the summer — about 3 inches high. The extra length keeps the soil insulated and prevents it from drying out.

SOAK YOUR SOD

Give your grass a drink about once a week in the morning. This allows water to soak into the soil without evaporatng and allows tme for grass to dry out as the day progresses.

YANK THOSE WEEDS

The best tme to pull weeds is when you frst see them peeking through the soil. The less tme they have to grow roots, the easier they are to pull.

CENTIPEDE

Has the slowest growth rate of warm-season grasses and a creeping growth patern.

LOCAL EXPERT

With four generations of farming in her blood, and now a sod specialist herself, Christina Woerner McInnis is no stranger to the toils of tending land.

Because she grew up among farmers, Woerner McInnis is well versed in agricultural lingo. But after years in the sod industry, she began to notice frustration in homeowners when it came to fertilizer. Local extension offices tend to offer information in terms and proportions intended for farmers, which often leaves homeowners confused and their yards no better off. Woerner McInnis ruminated over the problem for years. Then, in 2016, her daughter developed food sensitivities which required an at-home blood test. The experience sparked an idea: “We need the blood test. We need the diagnostic test.” That’s when SoilKit was born.

SoilKit makes treating your yard a breeze. It’s as simple as scooping some dirt into a bag and mailing it off for analysis. “We put all the puzzle pieces together and make it easy on the homeowner,” Woerner McInnis explains.

After resonating with consumers at the local level, the product took off nationally and now sits on shelves in Lowe’s stores across the country. “SoilKit was born in an independent family garden center, so it’s exciting — the nation is looking for it now,” Woerner McInnis says. MB

CHRISTINA WOERNER MCINNIS /

PHOTO BY MIKE KITTRELL

Dive Deep into Summer Reading

Meet Cynthia Tucker, University of South Alabama’s journalist-in-residence, and get her summer reading recommendations for the curious mind.

text by JILL CLAIR GENTRY • portrait by CHAD RILEY

There’s nothing wrong with a good beach read. Sometimes, entertainment is all we need from a book. But for lifelong learners — those who are always seeking to enlarge their perspectives — a typical summer reading list might not satisfy their endless quest for more knowledge. MB asked Cynthia Tucker, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and the University of South Alabama’s journalistin-residence, for a summer reading list for those of us who will never graduate from wanting to know more.

Meet Cynthia Tucker

Born in Monroeville, Alabama, just five years before the publication of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Cynthia Tucker learned the power of words at an early age.

“I became a journalist because I wanted to change the world,” she says.

After an award-winning career as a columnist and editorial page editor for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Tucker began her second career as a professor at the University of Georgia before moving to Mobile in 2014 to be closer to her mother, who, at 95 years old, still lives in Monroeville. Tucker’s 13-year-old daughter Carly spends time there in the summers, learning her grandmother’s recipes and gardening techniques.

“I didn’t inherit those talents, so we are grateful Carly gets to spend time with her grandmother,” Tucker says.

Tucker’s life has been full of achievement, but at 67, she still has a desire to do more. So far in 2022, she’s received the Harper Lee Award for Alabama’s Distinguished Writer of the Year and released a book of

political essays, “The Southernization of America: A Story of Democracy in the Balance,” with local author Frye Gaillard.

“Writing a book was on my bucket list,” she says. “Now I think I want to write more books. It scratched an itch.”

As both a writer and an educator, reading has been a fundamental element of Tucker’s life, both personally and professionally.

“I’m always talking to my students about reading,” she says. “Read a newspaper, read good books. Growing up in a small town, I was only exposed to the wider world through books. A lot of my students are from the Gulf Coast area and haven’t traveled much, but I know I can introduce them to a wider world. It is rewarding for me to be able to do that for them.”

“Surprised by Joy”by C. S. Lewis. The late, great Harper Lee lent me a copy of C. S. Lewis’ “Surprised by Joy,” and I never managed to return it. The insights and inspiration it offers have made it worth several readings.

“The Promise of the Pelican” by Roy Hoffman, an area resident, hits the sweet spot for me because it’s a murder mystery, but it’s also quite well written.

“Driving the King” by Ravi Howard is a beautifully imagined story of a black World War II veteran who moves to Los Angeles to work for Nat King Cole, hoping to find a new life away from the oppression of the Jim Crow South.

“The House at Sugar Beach” by Helene Cooper tells the story of her childhood in her native Liberia, where the callousness of upper-class black Liberians toward their poor and less Westernized neighbors tears the country apart.

“Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury is a tale of an apocalyptic age in which firefighters’ job is to burn books. One firefighter, though, starts stashing them away and reading them...

“The 1619 Project” has had quite a bit of press, much of it negative. But I’d say that this well-written series of essays is worth reading, even if you end up disagreeing with some of the conclusions.

“The Last Slave Ship” by Ben Raines, also an area resident, is a masterfully reported and well-written account of not only the discovery of the Clotilda, but also the lives of the captives and the community, now called Africatown, they were able to build.

“The Violin Conspiracy” by Brendan Slocumb. I haven’t started “The Violin Conspiracy” by Brendan Slocumb, but it has been well-reviewed as another mystery by a writer who, like Hoffman, not only understands plot but also has a gift for language.

With COVID ebbing, it's safe to read Lawrence Wright's well-researched apocalyptic thriller, “The End of October.” It's about a deadly virus that creates a worldwide pandemic.

Testaments" by Margaret Atwood. I'm a huge fan of Margaret Atwood's work, and her novel, “The Testaments,” is a brilliant sequel to her mega-hit, “The Handmaid's Tale.” MB

 Cynthia Tucker is coauthor of "The Southernization of America: A Story of Democracy in the Balance," written with Frye Gaillard.

“The End of October” by Lawrence Wright.

“The

“The Sum of Us” by Heather McGhee is a brilliant polemic that argues that racism is at the foundation of Americans’ failure to provide themselves and their neighbors a decent safety net.

Rae’s Kitchen

GELINEAU

No stranger to the business, Nancy Dupre owned seven different restaurants before opening Rae’s Kitchen in 2013 with her daughter, Jessica Rae Barnhill. Previously residents of Dallas, the duo stumbled upon Fairhope while on the hunt for somewhere a little less busy. They quickly made a name for themselves with their first grab-and-go cafe. Since moving locations in January, however, to their downtown Fairhope digs across from Greer’s, they have been wildly successful in serving lunch daily. The newly constructed building features ample indoor and outdoor courtyard seating in a charming farmhouse setting, complete with two large counters of take-home meals and sweets. Whether you’re meeting friends for a bite or rushing in to grab a last-minute dinner, Rae’s Kitchen has you covered.

Menu options include the classic “old faithful” sandwiches, warm and gooey melts, a variety of grilled and cold wraps, and tasty salads served with a house dressing and your choice of protein. The kitchen provides a daily rotation of homemade soups, including white chicken chili, broccoli cheese and chicken pot pie.

Large refrigerators line the cafe wall and are stocked daily with fresh lunch items, including a selection of gluten-free options, such as the cauliflower chicken detox bowl. Convenient dinner servings for two or four include chicken spaghetti, beef stroganoff and shrimp and crawfish pasta. Made-from-scratch appetizers and casseroles make last-minute plans easy, with options such as their famous cowboy sushi (a must-try), creamy jalapeno cilantro dip and savory chicken salad.

“All of our produce is sourced locally, and seafood, too, with our shrimp coming straight out of Bon Secour,” Jessica says. Don’t forget to grab one of their decadent treats on your way out — the lemon squares are always a hit! For all your catering needs, Rae’s offers a wide range of finger sandwiches, savory bites, veggies, meats and seafood and, of course, their dips and spreads to pair. And if it seems as if all of the ladies behind the counter are best friends, that’s because they are. “My husband is so jealous,” Jessica says, “he always jokes, ‘You get to work with your best friends every day?’ and I’m like, I sure do!” MB

Rae’s Kitchen • 76 S Section St., Fairhope • 210-6135 • raesfairhope.com 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. M - F; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sa; closed Su.

text by CAROLINA GROOM • photos by ELIZABETH

MALLORY MELT

[ ON THE MENU ]

COWBOY SUSHI

This unique, bite-sized piece of heaven contains homemade pickled okra and a slathering of herbed cream cheese encased in ham for a downhome twist on sushi.

HOUSE SALAD

A colorful and tasty mix of greens topped with cabbage, carrots, feta cheese, roasted pecans and dried cranberries is finished with a homemade lemon vinaigrette.

MALLORY MELT

The popular melt features turkey, bacon, avocado and brie smothered with jalapeno jelly — all smushed between two pieces of oat nut bread and grilled to perfection.

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN WRAP

The ideal comfort cuisine with a kick is stuffed with grilled chicken, Monterey Jack, spicy chipotle ranch, jalapenos, avocado and crunchy Fritos, all rolled up and served toasted in a hearty jalapeno wrap.

KITCHEN SINK SANDWICH

The original “living hall” of the home is now used as an inviting dining room that seats ten people. The built-in china cabinets display family heirlooms and serving pieces.

A CLEAN SLATE

text by MAGGIE LACEY photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU

AAn incredible number of historic houses get ruined as the decades pass. Each new owner, each new generation, each new aesthetic brings with it remodels, updates and demolitions. But occasionally you’ll find a time capsule — a house that never had a bad 1960s pink bathroom added, a 1970s brown kitchen remodel or a 1980s ceramic tile living room install. When one owner keeps an old house for their lifetime, the structure is sometimes preserved with all its original components — hardware, millwork, floors and everything else — intact. These gems are rare and a source of excitement for lovers of old houses.

Such was the case with the house at the corner of Old Shell Road and Austill Lane. Many Mobilians drove past it every day but never took much notice. The volunteer ligustrum and camphor had taken over the property and almost completely obscured the 1901 Coastal Craftsman bungalow. But when Anne Goode passed away in 2015, after spending an entire lifetime in that home, her nephew decided to bring the place back to life.

It was never going to be a fix-it-and-flip kind of renovation, and that was the home’s second saving grace. When Fairhope’s David Sewell inherited the property, which measures almost an acre, he intended to move in full time. Because of that, the house wasn’t just updated, it was restored. Workng with architect Douglas Kearley, no detail was overlooked, down to the new custom working shutters, identical to the ones that had once hung on the windows.

Jenny and Richard Tremayne found more than a home when they bought a historic property on Austill Lane — they discovered a love for entertaining.

His plans changed, however, and the house was eventually put on the market. That’s when Jenny and Richard Tremayne snatched it up. She is a self-described old-house person, and she adds that while he is not, he is handy and owns a really nice set of tools. Sounds like the perfect team to take on life in a historic structure.

When the couple moved in, Richard continued the work of digging the house out of the foliage, removing dozens of volunteer trees and heaps of vines. Lifelong neighbors Ruth

Above The inset porch in the gable of the Tremaynes’ 1901 house was influenced by the antebellum Austill house just a stone’s throw away.

Austill and Nedra Greer came by to welcome the Tremaynes, bringing a photo album of early life on Austill Lane. A 1923 photo shows the home as it sat when the Goode family purchased it from the Austills, and while the paint colors can’t be perceived from the photo, during the renovation Sewell found a solution. He scraped down the layers of paint on the siding and found a chip of a butterscotch brown under layers of white and other colors. He took it to the paint store and got it matched. Today, the original wood siding shines a rich caramel color with deep green — almost black — shutters, a color combination true to its era.

A New Leaf

When the Tremaynes moved in just a few years ago, they were practically newlyweds. Both graduates of Murphy from the late eighties and early nineties, they claim to have never met until a friend set them up on a blind date just eight years ago. “My sister was in his class at Murphy, though,” Jenny says, “so she vouched for him.”

The couple enlisted the help of Rachel Anderson with March + May to help with decor. They told the designer they wanted color and elegance, and then handed her the reigns.

“Working with Rachel was great because she fully embraced the art that we already owned,” explains Jenny, who has amassed an eclectic collection of folk art, realist paintings and historic prints. Not everything made the cut, however. “The hunting camp took a lot of my old stuff,” laughs Richard.

While they collaborated with Anderson on rooms, such as the cozy library or expansive living-hall-turned-dining room, the kitch-

March + May added tailored drapery to lend an unfussy feel to the historic central hall.

Jenny serves shrimp Creole on her mother’s wedding china — Royal Dalton Canterbury.

The back porch was enclosed after Hurricane Frederic, improving the connectivity to the kitchen. The Tremaynes painted the porch floor a diamond pattern using the same dark green paint from the shutters.

“I GREW UP AT THE LOOP AND HAVE LIVED IN MIDTOWN MY WHOLE LIFE. I NEVER WANTED TO LEAVE BECAUSE I DIDN’T KNOW THERE WERE OLD HOUSES LIKE THIS IN SPRING HILL.”

– Jenny Tremayne

“I LOVE TO COOK OLD FAMILY RECIPES, LIKE SPAGHETTI OR PORK CHOPS. IT’S SUNDAY SUPPER KIND OF COMFORT FOOD.”

– Jenny Tremayne

en at the back of the home didn’t need a thing. Sewell had given the space a full, but period-appropriate, renovation before selling. An apron-front sink, glass-door cabinets, beadboard and airy cafe curtains give the kitchen a homey, last-century feel. And it is from here that so many new memories have been formed.

“We weren’t big entertainers before we moved to this house,” Richard says. “The house has really brought it out in us.” They have added family Christmas gatherings, debutante oyster roasts, Easter egg hunts for big kids with alcohol miniatures scattered all over the yard, and international dinners with foreign colleagues to their recent roster of soirees. “I’m kind of a control freak,” Jenny laughs, “so I don’t usually do potlucks.” She instead opts for a salad or appetizer plated on the table to start, followed by a serve-yourself buffet. Shrimp Creole makes a regular appearance, as Jenny says it’s great for a crowd, and her go-to chafing dishes are the ideal way to keep it warm and ready.

She admits she is not much of a baker, so when a crowd is coming over, she picks up the phone and dials Dropout Bakery for the sweet stuff. Ordering one course certainly makes entertaining a little less stressful.

When it’s just family, however, Jenny’s meals get a bit more homey. “I love to cook old family recipes, like spaghetti or pork chops. It’s Sunday supper kind of comfort food.” And those recipes are perfect for when the Tremaynes need to feed Richard’s two hungry teenage sons. “Anything that makes good leftovers is ideal!” he says.

Adding a New Chapter

Regardless of whether it is a bustling party, dinner with the boys,

or a quiet night in, the bones of the Tremayne home set the stage. Ten-foot ceilings, coal-burning fireplaces, original plaster walls and wavy glass windows are the backdrop for these new family memories. And the Tremaynes are celebrating the home’s history along with their own.

“Did you know that during World War II, some British officers lived upstairs while their vessel was being repaired down at the docks?” Richard asks. Jenny shows a small watercolor print of a British soldier she had framed to hang with her collection of art, commemorating that anecdote. Between stories of what Austill Lane was like when it was nothing more than a dirt path, to whispers about what Anne Goode did for the FBI during her career (“Was she a secretary or a spy?”), it becomes clear that the Tremaynes intend to preserve this home for another generation. As only the third owner of this more than 100-year-old dwelling, the task is simple. Just don’t screw it up. MB

Brown and navy set a fresh, not-too-feminine tone for the new library. An eclectic collection of art takes center stage.

A big and bold painting hanging in the library features Jazz and Blues Hall of Fame musician Gus Cannon. The banjoist helped popularize jug bands in the 1920s and ’30s. The painting hung in the Maison Bourbon in New Orleans for decades, “beaten and abused,” says Richard. The couple picked it up at Daphne Antique Galleria.

SHRIMP CREOLE

SERVES 25

This is an old-fashioned recipe from the Junior League “Jubilee” cookbook. It uses bacon grease, margarine and some vague quantities. The results, however, are amazing! The dish is great to make ahead for a crowd and is served over hot rice with French bread and salad.

1 tablespoon bacon grease

1 stick margarine

3 large onions, chopped

4 garlic cloves, chopped

2 large bell peppers, chopped

1 bunch celery, chopped

1 bunch parsley, chopped

3 large cans diced tomatoes

1 large can tomato juice

1 can tomato paste

1 bottle catsup sugar, to taste salt and pepper, to taste Worcestershire sauce, to taste Tabasco, to taste pinch of thyme

1 bay leaf

10 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

1. Melt bacon grease and margarine in a large pot.

2. Add onions, garlic, peppers, celery and parsley, and sauté until browned.

3. Add tomatoes, tomato juice, tomato paste and catsup. Let sauce cook the better part of the day.

4. Add remaining ingredients and continue a gentle simmer for about one hour.

5. Remove from heat and let stand at room temperature for several hours. Reheat about 20 minutes before serving.

RECIPES

GRAPE AND WALNUT SLAW

SERVES 6 – 8

This slaw pairs well with crispy fried shrimp.

3/4 cup walnut pieces 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2/3 cup sour cream 1 small or 1/2 large head green cabbage, finely shredded 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill 3 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon 8 scallions, chopped 2 cups chopped seedless green grapes

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread walnuts on baking sheet and toast lightly, about 5 - 7 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop.

2. Whisk vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil until well blended, then whisk in sour cream.

3. Add cabbage, cilantro, dill, tarragon, scallions, grapes and toasted walnuts to the bowl. Toss to coat with dressing. Cover and refrigerate for 1 - 4 hours before serving.

SOUTHERN FRIED SHRIMP

SERVES 6 – 8

canola oil, for frying

1 1/2 pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

EGG WASH

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

DREDGE

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup cornmeal

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons onion powder 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1. Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Line a platter with paper towels and set aside.

2. Whisk together eggs and buttermilk in a shallow dish. Add 1/2 teaspoons of salt and pepper. In another dish, mix the batter ingredients. Add all shrimp to the egg mixture and toss. A few at a time, add the shrimp to the dredge and toss to coat completely. Set aside while breading remaining shrimp.

3. Add shrimp to skillet in a single layer without overcrowding. Let shrimp fry for 3 minutes, turning, until crispy and golden brown. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon to platter lined with paper towels. Continue until all shrimp is fried. Serve immediately.

Dropout Bakery

Mobile’s Lacey Evans has always loved baking. After moving back home from Los Angeles, her dessert posts gained such a following on social media that she just launched a brick and mortar pop-up at Innovation Portal! Look for her hand-rolled croissants and other French delicacies three days a week until they are sold out!

Jenny Tremayne is serving: Grapefruit tarts made with grapefruit curd and topped with rainbow vanilla meringue and white chocolate macadamia nut tart made with macadamia praline, swirled with an espresso infused white chocolate ganache and vanilla bean pastry cream, topped with vanilla meringue and a chocolate medallion

text by ANNA THORNTON • photos by SUMMER ENNIS ANSLEY

A Cottage to Cherish chinaberry

Chinaberry Cottage at the foot of Spring Hill has maintained the same disheveled appearance for years, so when it underwent an incredible transformation, many regular passers-by may have done a double-take. If you couldn’t believe your eyes the first time

you saw the cottage post-makeover, that’s understandable. Where once sat a building so overgrown that the cherryred walls were barely visible beneath a tangle of green, there now stands an immaculate structure sporting a bold charcoal exterior, neatly bordered by a white picket fence.

Newly restored Chinaberry Cottage has gone from an eyesore property to a structurally sound and attractive building.

The history of the Old Shell standout dates back to 1862 when it was first constructed by Philip Pfau. Pfau, a bootmaker by trade, was an immigrant from Baden, Germany. He even had his own boot business — The Pfau Company. Little else is known about him except that he died in his home in 1896. He was 76 years old and had been a Mobile resident for 45 years. His cottage was sold in 1897 to an unknown person. Surviving documents state that the sale included the “household furniture, one horse, one cart and harness, one buggy and harness and one wine press.”

In the following year, 1898, the cottage’s future owner was born. Her name was Anne Randolph Crichton, and she was the woman who would tend the cottage with love and give it a place in Mobile history. She christened the cottage “Chinaberry” and adorned it with its iconic red paint color. As the daughter of Hugh Crichton, the founder of the town of Crichton, Anne spent her early years romping around the Gulf Coast. She must have had an audacious spirit, as she was among the first women to ever enlist in the U.S. Navy at the outbreak of World War I. Anne traveled extensively throughout her career, keeping detailed scrapbooks of all her adventures abroad. Eventually, she wanted to get back to her roots, and she purchased the Mobile property upon her retirement from the Navy in the 1950s — approximately 50 years after Pfau’s death.

Not only was Chinaberry the dwelling of a remarkable woman, it is also an excellent example of early 19th-century Creole architecture. It consists of four rooms and a characteristic half-story attic. A defining feature of the layout is that there is no interior hallway — one enters a room by going through another room. Another distinct aspect of the dwelling is the kitchen, which is a detached structure. The property contains another outbuilding as well, a small chapel with lovely stained-glass windows, which was added by Anne. She was also an avid gardener, and her yard was known for its abundant blooms and verdant foliage. There

were likely Chinaberry trees on the lot in her day as well, hence the name, but none remain on the property today.

After Anne’s death, the house sat vacant and slowly began to deteriorate. Its history and classic Creole characteristics garnered Chinaberry a spot on local architectural historian John Sledge’s Restoration Wish List back in 2013.

In 2018, Sledge’s wish was granted when president and CEO of Burton Property Group, Philip Burton, decided to purchase the overgrown abode.

“I am a fan of historic Creole cottages, and it being close to the street, it felt as if it could be a commercial building — possibly a small restaurant or a bakery or someone’s office,” Burton reflects.

He would have to journey down a long road before the cottage’s potential could be realized. After sitting vacant for more than 30 years, Chinaberry was in dire need of aid at the time of its purchase. “It was caving in on itself,” Burton remembers. “While it looked probably not as bad on the Old Shell Road side, if you walked around to the rear, there were portions of the house that were collapsing. It was just a matter of time before the whole property was taken over by Mother Nature.”

With an undertaking this massive, most would not know where to start, but for Burton, the necessary course of action was clear. “The first step was to stabilize the property, and that

From left to right Half-story attic room. Chapel building added by Anne and constructed with salvaged, antique bricks. Kitchen outbuilding.

was the first thing that we did after we took possession,” he says. “We cleared out the undergrowth to get sunlight onto it so that mold wouldn’t be running rampant through the structure and creating a rotting environment or attracting termites.” After that, “we assessed what could be salvaged and what needed to be removed. We got rid of any appendages or parts of the building that couldn’t be saved.” It was this methodical approach that enabled them to save 90 percent of the cottage and 100 percent of the two outbuildings.

Once the house was completely stabilized, Burton and his team were able to start planning what steps they could take to restore its quaint features. They also increased the square footage with a seamless extension, creating extra room for office spaces.

Some noteworthy original details of the house include pine hardwood floors, dainty porcelain doorknobs and two rustic fireplaces. One of the fireplaces features hand-painted flowers with inlaid mother-of-pearl centers. There is no way to know for certain if Anne painted the colorful petals herself, as no old photos of the interior remain, but their presence suggests her artistic touch.

Burton and his team were also able to salvage the iconic sign that hung on the eave of the front porch. The panel exhibits the word “Chinaberry” in elegant cursive, probably painted by Anne, as a smaller sign beneath it heralds her signature. It has been refurbished and is now displayed in the main corridor accompanied by vintage photographs of the building’s exterior.

The most difficult part of the process, according to Burton, was just completing it.

“In the climate that we’re in, with supply chain problems and labor shortages, just finishing it was a challenge,” he says. Burton combatted these complications by dealing with unforeseen disruptions promptly. “We were pretty vigilant. As soon as something was uncovered that need-

ed to be dealt with, we vigorously tried to resolve it as quickly as possible to keep the crews moving.” Even so, the restoration took three full years to complete, wrapping up in late 2021.

Burton admits that taking on a historical rehabilitation project is a labor of love.

“You don’t do these projects to get rich,” he asserts. “You do them because they need to get done. I’m a fifth-generation Mobilian, and I wanted to see that house preserved.”

Burton hopes that Chinaberry will carry on a legacy of regeneration. “Mobile is a historic town, and if there are these little treasures within our community that we can continue to preserve and keep for future generations, I think that’s a good thing to do. The city has come a long way, and these little historic structures, whether they’re in Dowtown or Spring Hill or wherever, just add to the overall character of our city.”

Sledge is full of praise for the project. “I am so pleased to see Chinaberry restored. As a member of the Mobile Historic Development Commission, I’ve followed its decline for decades. I am especially glad that they restored both outbuildings, and the landscape elements are splendid as well. Chinaberry’s restoration is key to preserving and remembering Anne Crichton’s artistic quirkiness, and I think it’s terrific not to lose that house.” MB

A Dream Bedroom by Design

text by AMELIA ROSE ZIMLICH photos by SUMMER ENNIS ANSLEY

One local nonprofit uses the impact of interior design to bring healing to families in medical crises, one bedroom at a time.

For many, a childhood bedroom evokes a sense of comfort, fantasy and fun. It is a child’s domain, a place of escapism to play and create.

Savvy Giving by Design was founded to provide such spaces to children undergoing medical difficulties. Run by interior designers, the nonprofit aims to create these dream bedrooms at no cost to families.

The original chapter of Savvy Giving began in San Diego. Its first affiliate chapter was founded in Mobile in 2017 by Caitlyn Waite, owner of local interior design firm Cait Waite Designs. Waite discovered Savvy Giving through an interview with founder Susan Wintersteen. The organization’s mission hit close to home.

“I lost my mom to stomach cancer when I was 16,” Waite says, “and I felt like in that moment, when I learned about Savvy Giving, God was giving me an opportunity to combine my love of interiors with my desire to carry on my mom’s legacy of helping others and to honor her in doing so.”

Savvy Giving aims to complete three rooms a year and relies on donations and fundraising to do so, a process that has been significantly more difficult after COVID. But the need is ever-present; children with severe medical needs often spend long

Each design needs a starting point. It may be a pillow fabric, a piece of artwork or some great wallpaper. Once that is chosen, the rest of the room follows suit.

THE WHITE DRESSER BRINGS A STUNNING CONTRAST TO THE ROOM. THE ROCKET LAMPSTAND IS A CUTE AND CREATIVE WAY TO CONTINUE THE THEME. THE PLANET PAINTING GATHERS THE DESIGN ELEMENTS FROM EVERY CORNER OF THE ROOM AND DISPLAYS THEM ALL TOGETHER IN ONE PICTURE.

periods of time confined to their homes, so it’s important to make their space as bright, happy and accessible as possible.

“We are so blessed to have been selected to have the boys’ rooms redone,” says Irvington resident Alex Williams, mom of two room recipients, Noah and Caleb. “When we first met Caitlyn and the Savvy Giving by Design team, we admired their passion to create a space that incorporated everything that the children love.”

Before construction, Waite has the recipient describe their wildest dreams for their new rooms. Some of the kids’ combinations of interests have made for a challenge, such as Noah’s love for hammerhead sharks and school buses.

“We were cautiously optimistic that we could pull it off,” Waite laughs. “We used a lot of bright, happy colors and found a precious pillow in the shape of a stop sign. We used a toy school bus on a shelf and found some fun shark bedding and a shark chair.”

When transforming a room, Waite balances fun and creativity with functional design aspects that make life easier for the children and their families. Carpet is typically removed, if the family allows, since it holds allergens, and specialized furniture is installed to fit each child’s needs.

“Caleb’s bed was designed to have a side rail that drops down or can be raised and locked to provide him with a safe place to sleep, an area allowing for us to change him and provide ease of transfer to his wheel-

chair,” Williams says.

Savvy Giving also works with subcontractors to make the rooms perfect. Months of preparation ensure that the organization is only working in the families’ homes for one week.

The nonprofit doesn’t stop its mission with rooms for kids suffering from illness. Embodying the true meaning of “giving,” they go one step further and redesign their siblings’ rooms as well.

“When a sibling is sick, it is very common that the other siblings take a backseat for a little bit while parents navigate the families’ ‘new normal,’” Waite says. “Savvy Giving offers the parents one less thing to worry about.”

The look of surprise and excitement on the faces of children and their families when they see their new room is all the payment Waite and her team need.

“This has been an overwhelming experience for us that has been so hard to put into words,” Williams says. “It is so relieving to me at the end of the day that my boys have a safe place that brings them joy to decompress and heal.” MB

Kids get to pick the theme and then interior desi ners nd a way to tastefully implement them.

Noah loves color, so Savvy Giving incorporated as many in his room as possible while keeping it clean and simple. The reds and blues complement each other, and the hexagonal wall shelves (le ) are a fun and functonal display for Noah’s toys.

T ST S GN W AN S ARK B NG, B W, R Y B N N A ’S FA R T S S B S S AN A R A S ARKS.

The artwork always, always needs to be daily afrmatons for the children.

THE FRAMED POSTER, LEFT, SERVES TO ENCOURAGE AND INSPIRE NOAH, WHO HAS TO GET A SHOT EVERY NIGHT BEFORE BED.

VIVID POPS OF RED AND YELLOW AGAINST NAVY BLUE AK A B’S T RS A THEMED ROOM, ABOVE, SUPER FUN!

Each room needs one focal wall to add “wow.”

THE STARS ON THIS ACCENT WALL CON TINUE THE OUTER SPACE THEME WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY BRIGHTENING THE WALL COLOR. THE RED CURTAIN TRIM ALSO ADDS A SPLASH OF COLOR TO THE NIGHT SKY. CALEB’S BED IS DESIGNED WITH A MOVEABLE SIDE RAIL TO KEEP HIM SLEEPING SAFELY.

The Mix Master

Nationally renowned designer Matthew Metcalfe-Bees brings his impeccable knack for mixing classic antiques back home to Alabama.

text by MAGGIE LACEY • interior photos by ANNIE SCHLECHTER portraits by CHAD RILEY • shot on location at OLDE MOBILE ANTIQUES

athew etcalfe-Bees walks through the displays at lde obile Ant ues on St. ouis Street, armed with wallpaper, cache pots and oil paintngs ready for a client’s home. The Alabama natve has brought his discerning eye and air for color home to the Gulf oast.

the showroom of Olde Mobile Antiques,

time at his grandparents’ farm in rural Crenshaw County. He enrolled at The University of Alabama, where he was determined to study law and pursue politics. By his third year of college, however, one of the style mavens of Greenville (“Who taught me everything I know about floral design,” he adds) gave him a “come to Jesus” talk about his future. “She asked when I was going to stop wasting my time with politics and start doing what I was meant to do.” Matthew attributes her confidence in his design skills for giving him the confidence to pursue it as a career. “Every time I see her, I say thank you,” he continues. “She put the pieces of the puzzle together for me.”

Matthew finished with a bachelor’s degree in art history and then went back for another in interior design, but never worked under the tutelage of other designers before setting up his own firm in 2009. His creative eye, he says, came instead from his paternal grandmother. “She just had a way of making everything beautiful,” he remembers. “My life in design truly began in the garden with her; if she had a spade in her hand, I had one in mine. I was always one step behind her.” And while growing something beautiful

What looks like nonsensical markings to the untrained eye, however, tells Matthew that this pot is worth every bit of the $5,000 the antique store is charging for a pair. “It’s a perfect matching pair, pristine condition, and a style that’s out of production.” He once turned a pair just like these into lamps for a customer in Nashville, he tells me. His eye for giving fresh energy and new life to traditional antiques is what gives Matthew his edge in the world of interiors — and what has gained him national attention amongst designers and magazines.

He walks casually up and down the rows of gilded frames, Louis XVI dining chairs and marble statuary, commenting on pieces that catch his eye, displaying an impressive depth of knowledge that doesn’t feel showy. When asked how he gained such expertise, he replies that auction catalogs can teach you a lot — what something is called, where and when it is from, what’s unique about it, and most importantly, what it is worth. “I almost never order new things for my clients,” he explains. “I prefer to buy an old piece and have it re-covered or restored to perfection.” Pulling together a truly stunning room with antiques, however, requires more than just encyclopedic knowledge: It takes panache, and Matthew has that in spades, too.

Matthew’s early path didn’t lead straight to design. Born and raised in Georgiana, Alabama, he says he spent a great deal of

Matthew Metcalfe-Bees turns over a Mottahedeh Chinese cache pot, inspecting the characters on the bottom.

“Shop owners probably hate it when they see me do this,” he admits with a laugh that’s easy and affable.

Matthew Metcalfe-Bees takes the time to check out each pot’s origins.

When I design, there is no set style because I am designing for my client, not for myself. But there are a few things I go back to again and again. One of them is eontne inens in New rleans. Their appli ue monograms are so beautful, used to ask my parents for their shams every birthday and Christmas.

This ouis hilippe half tester was the very frst ant ue ever bought. was 1 years

old, and my mother and I went to a football game in Tuscaloosa. t was an early game, so a erwards we had tme to shop. t was 5 , and put it on layaway Artst ristna epe came down from Toronto and hand-painted the pagoda and trellis work directly on top of the grasscloth wallpaper in my bedroom. t was inspired by the chinoiserie details in laydon House in the U.K.

“I strive to take even the newest of residences and make it look like it has been put together over generations. There’s nothing worse than store-bought interiors.”

Matthew Metcalfe-Bees breaks down the room

and creating something beautiful are two very different things, Matthew insists they go “hand-in-glove.”

He describes his grandmother as a force to be reckoned with, a woman who grew up “dirt poor” but came to run her own farm while her husband was away on projects as an engineer. “I don’t know how she balanced that and raising kids with a husband on the road, but the farm gave her the freedom to make her own decisions.” And when there was something she wanted to buy — like, say, a beautiful armoire going up for auction down in New Orleans — she would sell a cow or two. These days, Matthew is quick to laugh, “I can’t tell you how many times I wish I had a cow to sell!” The juxtaposition of life on the farm while shopping high-end estate sales perfectly explains Matthew. He loves Alabama football as much as he does bespoke drapery. He is as comfortable in the Crenshaw County dirt as he is in a room full of the country’s best designers. He fits in shopping the storefronts of New York’s Hudson Valley, and during the mayhem of Mobile Mardi Gras, too.

And Matthew credits Mardi Gras as one of the main reasons he left Charleston for Mobile. He had just been at Mobile’s Carnival in early 2020, reveling with old friends from his

University of Alabama days, when the pandemic struck. He retreated to his mother’s home in Georgiana for lockdown and, in later months, made frequent visits to close friends in Mobile when he needed a reprieve from the monotony. During these visits, he says, he made the decision that it was time to come home for good.

Not long after he made the move, Matthew met his now husband, Addison Metcalfe-Bees. “We met in August, were engaged in December and married by May.” Through a whirlwind romance, picture-perfect wedding at the Fairhope Inn and settling as newlyweds in their first home together, Matthew says he plans to follow the design advice he gives all young couples he counsels. “Buy one or two nice things every year, and before you know it, you will have five or 10 really wonderful things to anchor your home.” Compared to most newlyweds, however, Matthew has a head start.

And his work hasn’t slowed down either. With a roster of clients like his, scattered from Los Angeles to Nashville to upstate New York, where he lives and operates an office is almost inconsequential. Luckily for Mobile and Baldwin counties, from now on, that will be right here. MB

I almost always have a touch of animal print in a room, ust to liven things up. stripped the oors in my former living room (overlooking King Street in downtown Charleston), removing a deep red stain, and decided to whitewash them. Heart pine has a tendency to turn pink when you whitewash, so we added a touch of white to the poly, and it turned out so prety, didn’t want to cover it with rugs! The zebra was just enough.

This Hickory Chair sofa was originally made for a home on Pawleys Island, South Carolina. It ended

up with a client of mine in Montgomery, who wanted to trade for a painted sofa I owned. We made the swap, and I re-covered it in a Schumacher yellow velvet. My Goldendoodle Presley used to sit right there and watch the tra c go by out the window. Now the sofa sits in my o ce at Feather Your Nest

I love all the cypress-paneled drawing rooms in South Carolina homes and wanted to recreate that for myself but didn’t have the budget. opted instead for a vinyl Thibault wallpaper that gave the same look!

“During the Depression, Southerners were too poor to paint, too proud to whitewash.”

all in the details

ASK THE EXPERT

What are five things for which you are always on the lookout when antiquing or at estate sales?

Pairs of chairs, silver, stemware, china, any well-loved English antique.

What design advice can you give someone setting up their first home?

I tell young couples to invest in one or two good purchases a year, and in five years they will have a good collection of 5 - 10 good items.

What do you look for in a house or a good room?

Architecture. Albert Hadley always said you’ve got to get the architecture correct first. Once those windows, doors and moldings are in the right place, the design can truly begin to live. What do you try to accomplish in your designs?

I strive to take even the newest of residences and make it look like it has been put together over generations. There’s nothing worse than store-bought interiors.

What are ways you can take a stale antique and freshen it up? A reputable faux finisher can give any old thing new life, and I love painted furniture when done correctly. It all comes down to the lines of a piece.

What’s on the horizon?

I’m currently working on a sorority house in California, an architecturally significant home in Nashville, and soon a farmhouse in the Hudson Valley. I’ve also begun the process of writing my first book on interiors that I hope to publish in the coming years.

And what’s happening in Mobile? I’m prepping for a holiday pop-up here in Mobile, and hoping to get that going in mid to late fall.

This kitchen oor had asbestos tle that couldn’t safely remove, so glued down wall-to-wall sea grass rug, and it was phenomenal. loved it so much, did it again in my kitchen in idtown obile. t is surprisingly resilient, even with pets, wine and food

The yellow in this breakfast nook is ontcello yellow. They scraped the paint away in eferson’s home and discovered his dining room, which had been painted a so Wedgewood blue for years, was actual-

ly “the color of an egg yolk from a hen that has been fed marigold seeds,” as eferson himself described it.

A kitchen table is so much more invitng than an island We all have memories of gathering around our grandmother’s kitchen tables, and you ust don’t make the same memories around an island. The ant ue dining chairs were re-covered in a harlote oss fabric for ee ofa. The print is a traditonal oral in Wedgewood blue, another nod to ontcello.

I’ve always thought of myself as a Jeffersonian.

Pull it together

I love to frame works on paper in multples. Tearing sheets out of an old architecture book is an easy idea y family doesn’t come from people that have old oil portraits, let’s ust say. So we oated old black and white family photos in large glass frames and hung 1 of them over my mother’s dining room bufet.

Never be afraid to ask for a beter price. t’s not haggling, ust be honest about your budget. found this bust of Napoleon when was on a high school trip to France, and the ant ues dealer was selling it for three tmes the money had in my pocket. told him what could pay, and he made the deal. carried that bust in my lap on the airplane all the way from harles de Gaulle Airport to iami.

“Charlotte Moss once told me she could tell I designed a certain room. ‘There is always symmetry and balance,’ she told me. I am a Gemini, so I love symmetry. And I have an obsession with chairs.”

GARDEN VARIETY NOT YOUR

TAKE A STROLL WITH TODD LASSEIGNE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME, THROUGH SOME OF MOBILE’S MOST STUNNING GARDENS.

by BRECK PAPPAS • photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU

As the son of a horticulturist and the grandson of a sugarcane farmer, Dr. F. Todd Lasseigne didn’t have to look far to find his passion. “I think in eighth grade I knew I wanted a Ph.D. in horticulture,” he says with a laugh.

Reflecting on his journey from Thibodaux, Louisiana, to his current role as executive director of Bellingrath Gardens and Home, in Theodore, Lasseigne, whose last name is pronounced lah-SANG, tells a story of academic rigor, extensive travel and gardens. Lots and lots of gardens. He estimates he has visited 85 gardens — in England alone.

After earning degrees across the Southeast, Lasseigne entered the public garden world in 2005 when he was hired to be the founding executive director of the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden in Kernersville, North Carolina. “This family foundation wanted to build a botanical garden of all things in the middle of a historic district,” he says. Within six years, Lasseigne and his team had converted “an abandoned Dairy Queen and seven acres of kudzu” into an exhibition that caught the attention of another fledgling garden in Oklahoma. Lasseigne became the executive

director of the Tulsa Botanic Garden, and over the next 10 years, oversaw its $20 million development.

Following the retirement of longtime Bellingrath director Dr. Bill Barrick, Lasseigne was hired to run the historic home and garden in 2020. With his decades of expertise, he also brings a casual approach to gardening: “I want to see people garden,” he says. “The general rule of thumb is: Don’t be too timid. Try a lot of different things in your garden. Your thumb’s going to get greener, unfortunately, by killing more plants. That’s because you’re going to learn from your mistakes.”

Speaking of learning, MB decided to bring Lasseigne along to four Mobile gardens to share the lessons, memories and pitfalls gleaned from a life in the garden bed. Use what’s available, he insists, and stay true to your tastes.

Todd Lasseigne, executive director of Bellingrath Gardens and Home

“Bellingrath Home was built, in part, with salvaged bricks and ironwork from Mobile,” he points out.

In other words, be bold, be creative and have fun. Bellingrath’s executive director said so.

interview

This home is amazing. I love the whitewashed brick with those gray-green shutters. In fact, we used this color scheme while I was executive director of the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden in Kernerville, North Carolina.

By adding this circular feature, the owner has made their garden so much more inviting. Notice the arch over the main window? That’s the only curved line on the home, and it might have helped inspire this garden design. The homeowner could have built a square bed, but curves in a garden are always going to feel more relaxed than straight lines and corners.

The owner identifies this home as built in the Georgian style, and that’s reflected outdoors. Once those boxwoods fill in and become a low hedge, this garden will have a very formal outline with informal plantings within — that is classic British cottage garden style. At Sissinghurst Castle in the south of England, you can climb this beautiful tower and look down to see the garden’s perfectly clipped hedges, but within the hedges are all of these billowing plants. It’s such an interesting juxtaposition that we’re not used to seeing down here. I think there’s something for us to learn from the English style of planting and design, but we have to find the right plants that will work here.

GAURA

It looks like this owner has cleverly used gaura, which is the billowing plant you see around the statue. t s a natve that actually grows on Bellingrath Road. We don’t use it in the gardens yet, but we will. It blooms white or pin o ers over a long period o tme and it just sways in the breeze.

ADD HEIGHT

li e the t o identcal planters raised on columns. That’s a bold additon and a reminder to play with height in your garden.

OLD SHELL ROAD AND TUTHILL LANE, BUILT 1923

A BRITISH SENSIBILITY

UNDER THE OAK

HOME

Ithink one of the coolest things you can do under live oaks is to have fun with texture. Your color palette’s going to be more limited because you’re not going to find a lot of plants that are going to thrive. In this case, the homeowners could have said, “Let’s plant some camellias,” but they didn’t want a bunch of shrubs, they wanted to see their home. And I don’t blame them!

This feels very Deep South to me and absolutely Mobile. There’s an undeniable French and Spanish influence present. I absolutely love that they went crazy with the autumn ferns, which is actually a Japanese fern. You can also see some little palmettos interspersed throughout. So this yard is like a textural gumbo. I applaud them for being a little bold with the ferns because you’re not going to get much turf to grow under a live oak. We all try and we all kill it, and the turf companies appreciate us for continuing to try.

Here’s a fun test: Photograph your garden in black and white. If it looks good in black and white, it’s going to look even better in color. They’ve done that here. This home is so much fun for the eye — the ferns, the oak tree, the brick, the shutters. It’s very sumptuous.

I’m not an architect, but whoever designed this really did a great job. The oversized windows, all of that detail on the front door and the act that the shuters practcall touch it s all ver evocatve.

FOLIAGE ON OAK

That plant growing on the oa lim is a natve called resurrecton ern. t creates spores which blow in the ind. hen the fnd the right habitat, in this case the bark of a live oak, they’ll germinate. on t ret it won’t cause any harm to your tree.

OAKLEIGH GARDEN HISTORIC DISTRICT, PALMETTO STREET, ORIGINAL STRUCTURE BUILT 1867, RENOVATED POST-WWII

CAST-IRON

This scene has a strong Bellingrath feel, especially considering the choice to use a black cast-iron planter to complement the bench.

CONTAINER his is an ar ul com inaton of plants — the height and boldness of the elephant ears against the color and fne te ture o the impatens and creeping jenny. Something to consider is the root volume of your container. Vigorous plants, such as elephant ears, will eventually dominate smaller containers, so keep that in mind when choosing a container and deciding ho to fll it.

For reliable, summer-long color, impatens are hard to eat.

AUTUMN FERN

Not all ferns are created equal. August fern, shown here, is cold hardy, meaning it’ll survive our winters. Holly ern li e ise is practcall bulletproof. But that Boston fern we like to put in a hanging basket? That’s a tropical plant, so don’t e pect to put it in the ground and have it survive winter. What I enjoy about autumn fern is that its new growth is this eaut ul ind o shrimp pink. Not everyone does this, ut recommend cu ng it all back in late winter, like the end of February or even the frst hal o arch. on t get me wrong, it’s going to be bare for a few weeks, but then ou ll get this erupton of new foliage, it’s going to be this wonderful pink.

“WHEN PEOPLE LET STUFF GROW BETWEEN THE CRACKS OF THEIR STEPPING STONES, IT CREATES A KIND OF ROMANTIC FEEL. I CAN’T BE CERTAIN, BUT THIS LOOKS LIKE IT COULD BE PEACOCK MOSS, WHICH HAS LITTLE UNDERGROUND STEMS THAT RUN. IF SO, THIS HOMEOWNER DESERVES FIVE EXTRA CREDIT POINTS ON THIS LITTLE TEST.”

NEW SOUTH

This house reminds me of the home that my mom and dad built in Thibodaux. It almost looks like a bit of a hybrid between a classical Southern home combined with the bungalow period. And that big wrap-around porch — who doesn’t want a big porch?

The thing that I really picked up here is that they’re showcasing their home — and they should. They have some beautiful live oaks around. The garden plantings are mostly informal but then for some reason, which I like, they’re clipping their yaupon tree. And so you have this formal home, in the sense of hard lines, and then you have these informal plantings and trees because that’s how live oaks grow. But then there’s this one specimen which they have sheared to perfection. A three-tiered topiary is also of interest in the backyard (right). It reminds me of some of the English gardens I’ve seen where there are billowing masses of informality tucked amongst formal hedging. It gives you this romance, and they have it here.

CAST-IRON PLANT

Cast-iron plants are ubiquitous down here because they’ll grow in the darkest shade you put them in. They are a popular choice beneath live oaks, as you see here.

CONTEMPLATE YOUR GARDEN

Gardens are great for their spiritual propertes so a lot o people fnd solace and even spirituality just by si ng in the ard. ven i the ench is never used, it creates a certain welcoming atmosphere.

HANGING FERNS

Hanging ferns are the earrings of a house. Some homeowners can grow oston erns to this si e protectng them in a greenhouse over the winter, and some use a low-level liquid ertli er to eep them lush. ut don t underestmate that a lot o people are simply purchasing big, new ferns each year.

WESTWOOD STREET, MIDTOWN MOBILE, BUILT 1917

GRASS

t. ugustne grass ith its road lea lades has a classic loo . hen mo ing this month don t cut too lo . eople li e to clip their la ns ver short here ut i ou cut our t. ugustne too lo then our grass isn t a le to use its lades to create car oh drates or itsel . o the taller our grass ithin reason the eter.

PRUNING

he rule o thum ith a aleas is that ou ant to prune them a er the loom ut e ore ather s a so get to it ou prune a er ather s a then ou re potentall cu ng o ne t ear s o ers.

ersonall li e to use a apanese rand o pruners called atsune.

WINDOW SCENE

his is the per ect e ample o the indoor outdoor e perience invitng the garden into a home. sp a orist h drangea and a eaut ul litle maidenhair ern this homeo ner reall adores plants. hat a great scene and it s all anchored that onder ul angel statuete.

PINE STRAW

esides creatng a eaut ul clean loo pine stra allo s ater to run through it eter than a mulch hich ill hold ater and can lead to rot especiall in a place as rain as o ile . t s also a natural acidi ing agent. ost plants pre er to gro on the acidic side so stra can help maintain that p level.

“WHITE IS THE GREAT UNIFIER IN TERMS OF GARDEN COLOR. YOUR FLOWER BED COULD FEATURE A RANGE OF COLORS, BUT IF YOU PUT WHITE TOGETHER, LIKE HERE WITH THESE ANNUALS, IT’LL UNIFY THAT PLANTING.”

DUTCH COLONIAL

This is actually the home of my friend and coworker Tom McGehee, museum director of the Bellingrath Home, so it’s no surprise that he has a lovely home and garden. Knowing Tom, I know that he likes his hedges clipped very finely, and you can see that he’s doing a perfect job of that. The dual topiaries by the door almost remind me of those concrete pineapple elements you’ll often see.

A lot of things make this home standout: the pavers, the well-kept yard, the arch over the door (which you’ll see is duplicated in the window on the right). The yard is wide open and he’s kept the flower beds and hedges low, so this is a showcase home. Full sun means colorful flowers, and you can see Tom is using this to his advantage with maybe some marigolds, rudbeckias and black-eyed Susans. Some say it gets too hot down here for full-sun flowers, but baloney! Just drive around Alabama and see how many plants are growing in full sun — the sky is the limit.

PAVERS

I’ve really come to li e di erent paving optons. hese loo li e luestone panels hich complement the color o the home. lthough much more e pensive pre er luestone over ric ecause ric is porous and there ore accumulates much more moss.

OLD SHELL ROAD AND MARGARET STREET, BUILT 1922

GARDEN PATH

Another feature in Tom c ehee s propert luestone pavers oatng in a sea of pea gravel. Look at all o the di erent plants and textures and how the apanese e has een clipped to ft et een the awnings. This is a highmaintenance garden, but it’s what the owner wants, and he’s doing a great job. a lea h drangea an la ama natve shru provides a billowing contrast to a pret ormal scene. e ore installing our o n path, make sure the area has proper drainage. Otherwise, a er a three inch rain our pea gravel might end up in the neigh or s ard

CHERUB STATUE

tatuar in a garden is al a s a nice additon and so much o it is about personal taste. This piece just looks as if it belongs, and a lot of that has to do with scale. en a small statue is s allo ed the ard. his one flls its space nicel .

CLIMBERS

Fig vine is an architectural feature around this fountain. Granted, he will have to clip this a lot, so it is an ownerdriven element. But let plants so en our hardscape architects like to think their houses are the end-all be-all, but landscape architects make our homes more livable.

FOUNTAIN here s nothing eter than the sound of moving water in a garden, but remember, a fountain will need to be maintained. Don’t think it’s something ou can plug in and orget a out or ears. ou understand and accept that then ou can have a eaut ul ater eature or a long tme. MB

“LOOK HOW LOVELY TOM’S COURTYARD IS: THICK ZOYSIA GRASS, CLIPPED BOXWOODS ON BOTH SIDES, ENORMOUS AZALEAS CREEPING IN AND SOME ROSE BEDS FOR COLOR. YOU DON’T HAVE A SPACE LIKE THIS UNLESS YOU’RE GOING TO ENTERTAIN. IT SPEAKS TO THE PERSONALITY OF THE OWNER.”

[ MOBILE BAY MAGAZINE PRESENTS]

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

photos by CHAD RILEY

SPOTLIGHTING A FEW OF THE BAY AREA’S LOCAL INSURANCE EXPERTS, YOUR GO-TO RESOURCE FOR PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY, HOME AND BUSINESS.

HUB International is the largest privately held insurance broker in the world with HUB Mobile leading the rm in coastal property insurance placements.

Our Mobile agency has been helping clients with their business and personal insurance needs since 1978. e insurance market is constantly changing and having a broker who negotiates insurance placements on a large scale is the key to navigating the complexities of our geographical market.

We separate ourselves by our ability to negotiate on behalf of our client during the placement of their coverage, helping with loss prevention resources and advocating for our client when a claim occurs.

Our team has helped provide risk management solutions for various risks, including Aviation, Ship Building, Technology, Retail, MultiFamily and Municipalities across the Gulf South Region. Whether it be property and casualty, employee bene ts, or personal insurance, our teams' combined experience will deliver you the best results.

Lyon Fry Cadden has been serving South Alabama’s insurance needs since 1905. rough our commitment to industry knowledge and prioritizing personal attention, we have become one of the area’s premier insurance agencies.

We are excited to announce that we have now partnered with Higginbotham Insurance Agency, headquartered in Texas. In addition to insurance, Higginbotham specializes in nancial and HR services, giving us the ability

to o er an even wider range of products and services to our clients. Higginbotham ranks as the 20th largest insurance broker in the nation, and they have over 70 o ces across the lower half of the United States.

Lyon Fry Cadden will continue to be the local agency you have trusted for generations, now with more resources to ful ll all of your insurance needs. We encourage you to learn about our additional services through Higginbotham at higginbotham.com.

LEFT

RIGHT: BILL GOODLOE, ERLING RIIS III, RANDY FRY, GAYLORD LYON JR., MCCRARY OTTS, ED CADDEN, GEORGE OSWALT, SPENCE ADAMS

Morris Insurance Agency

Morris Insurance Agency is a thirdgeneration family-owned and operated business originating in the 1950’s. ey provide superior service and a wide range of products from personal and commercial lines to marine and aviation insurance.

eir mission is to serve their clients with the utmost honesty and integrity. ey take pride in treating customers in a professional manner with a personal touch.

Morris Insurance Agency’s success has contributed to their continued growth, not only in Mobile, but in Baldwin County as well. Their sister agency, The Insurance Center, is conveniently located on Highway 59 in central Baldwin County. The officers and senior management team

have serviced clients in the insurance marketplace all throughout the Southeast for many decades. e training and experience of their sta enables them to handle the diverse needs of all types of risks. eir decades of experience proves they will be here in the future to help customers along the gulf coast and beyond, with their ever-changing needs.

"WE STRIVE TO BE A POSITIVE VOICE WHILE SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY, AND ENJOYING THE GREAT QUALITY OF LIFE HERE IN MOBILE AND BALDWIN COUNTIES."

LEFT TO RIGHT: TRACY ESTES, KIRA NGUYEN, PAMELIA LEWIS, MELANIE MANDERSON, MICHAEL MORRIS, STEVEN TURNER, JACKSON FAULKENBERRY, KYLE MORRIS, MATTHEW MORRIS, MICHAEL FILLERS, KATIE UHLER, JILL TURNER, SUZI LEE, PJ MILWEE, MARI JONES (NOT PICTURED - JONAH DISMUKES, CHRISTY GEORGE, MARIA ANA LAULHATI, MARK MCWILLIAMS, CHRISTINE MORRIS, ZACK MORRIS)

Petra RMS

Petra RMS is a Risk Management and Human Capital Solutions rm providing bespoke insurance program design, implementation, and management to middle market business throughout the Southeast. Our property casualty and bene ts consultants are creative thinkers who proactively nd solutions to provide our clients with “Con dence in Tomorrow.”

Our engagements are Diagnostic and Consultative in nature allowing Petra to create an insurance program designed from the ground up speci c to each client’s unique needs.

With 17 o ces throughout the Southeast and Midwestern United States, Petra RMS / Sunstar Insurance Holdings services clients in 42 states, and 8 countries worldwide. At Petra we take great pride in our ability to o er clients the resources and capabilities of a publicly traded brokerage while still retaining the hands-on client focused approach our company was founded upon.

Our Group Bene ts Practice takes a consultative approach by giving guidance over Group Medical, Stop Loss Insurance, Life, Disability and worksite solutions. Petra RMS delivers and manages

cost-e ective bene ts program, enhancing the quality of your current plan o erings while assisting in attracting and retaining a talented workforce. We provide value added services to our clients at no additional cost such as: HR Consulting and Compliance Support, Bene ts Technology Enhancements, Employee Communication and Engagement, Data Analytics, and Actuarial Consulting.

Petra’s Employee Bene ts team will serve as a partner to you and your team to ensure that your employee bene ts program aligns with your nancial needs as well as reduce your risk through innovative plan strategies and transparent cost containment solutions.

PETRA RMS

308 Saint Michael St. 251-438-4099 info@petrarms.com

LEFT TO RIGHT: GULF COAST REGION GROUP BENEFITS PRACTICE. TODD LACOUR, BENEFITS PRACTICE LEADER; CINDY ANDREWS, SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER; PETER MARTIN, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT; KELLI BECKMANN, HR CONSULTANT/ACCOUNT MANAGER; JD BROWN, PRESIDENT PETRA RMS

Schneider Insurance, founded in 1959, is a third-generation independent insurance agency focused on providing risk management and insurance services to businesses and families across the Gulf Coast.

In the latest news, after 34 years of dedicated service to the Schneider team and its clients, Jim Schneider retired at the end of 2021. They wish him well and hope he thoroughly enjoys retirement.

Also in 2021, Paul Carter with Paul Carter Agency joined the team as an insurance advisor, bringing with him 30+ years of experience in not only insurance, but real estate as well. e Schneider team and their clients appreciate his

Schneider

wealth of knowledge and experience.

As for the community - Schneider Insurance has been instrumental in the grassroots e orts to build the popularity of IBHS’s FORTIFIED® Home Program. Schneider’s Personal Insurance Advisors have the answers if you are considering building a new home and have questions about the program.

Schneider Insurance is actively developing the next generation of risk management and insurance professionals here on the Gulf Coast. They firmly believe that great people and professional education set them apart and give them the ability to serve the community for years to come.

LEFT TO RIGHT: ANNA SAWIN, EMMA CLEEK, TAYLOR LANGLEY, AMBER HOLSTON, MISSY CARTER, PAUL CARTER, RICHARD SCHNEIDER, CARL SCHNEIDER, ZACH SCHNEIDER, FRANK SCHNEIDER, CASSIE CRUMP, LYDIA EMMONS, PAM FLOWERS, JANDY HANKS (NOT PICTURED – JEAN RUSSELL)

Katie Riley

STATE FARM INSURANCE

As a second-generation State Farm agent, I am passionate about State Farm and the insurance industry.

I love helping my customers create an insurance plan that ts their needs. Being in this industry for 10+ years, I have learned that the cheapest insurance price is not always the way to go. at is why I thoroughly enjoy having in depth conversations with customers to determine their needs, and ensure they are paying for the proper coverage.

I am married, and blessed with one son. When I am not at the o ce, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and neighbors, being near the water, and discovering new restaurants.

At Katie Riley State Farm, we o er auto insurance, homeowners insurance, renters insurance, boat insurance, ATV insurance, pet insurance, business/commercial insurance, life insurance, and health insurance.

My o ce would love to help you get your free quote started today!

KATIE RILEY

STATE FARM INSURANCE

1621 S University Blvd Suite A1 251-661-8811

katierileyinsurance.com

Thames Batré

In 89 , Thames Batré Insurance began in downtown Mobile as a partnership between Gustav Thames and Lloyd Batré. Although there is no longer a Thames or a Batré associated with the agency, the current owners represent generations of four Mobile families. Thames Batré also remains the largest, locally owned Independent Agency in south Alabama.

Thames Batré is recognized as the leader in our region for Insurance and Risk Management programs that complement our customer’s needs. We consider it a privilege to claim over years as a “Best Practices Agency.”

Our performance-focused group of over 55 employees is the reason we are counted in this elite group.

Serving our customers from offces in Mobile and Gulf Shores, Alabama, we are central to one of the most vibrant and diverse economic regions of our country. And our client base is as diverse as our region, ranging from businesses with a local presence to those who have exposures and operations across the country and around the globe. Whatever their footprint or scope, Thames Batré has the knowledge and resources to help our clients reach their destinations.

SALES TEAM, LEFT TO RIGHT: CHARLES JACKSON, TAYLOR BEVILLE, PEYTON MATTEI, JAY ISON, LAURA MARIE CALDWELL, COLEY BOONE, DONNA KAISER, BO MATTEI, ALLEN LADD, ERNEST LADD AND PHILIP ISON

Jump Into June

MONDAYS IN JUNE

SPARKS AFTER DARK

6 - 9 p.m. The weekly fireworks show will flash to life again this summer!

THE WHARF • ALWHARF.COM

WEDNESDAYS IN JUNE

TREASURE HUNT FOR HUNGER

6 - 9 p.m. Bring ye crew on down for a swashbuckling good time. For each Cap’n that completes the hunt, The Wharf will donate $5 to the Meals for Hungry Children program.

THE WHARF • ALWHARF.COM

THURSDAYS IN JUNE

CHESS CAMP

Improve your concentration and memory with this classic game! Participants must be between the ages of 10 and 17.

MPL, THEODORE OAKS BRANCH EVENTKEEPER.COM

JUNE 1

TEACHER WORKSHOP: USING DELIBERATION IN THE CLASSROOM

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Pick up teaching tactics on how to prompt students into deeper thinking. Free to area teachers.

BLAKELEY STATE PARK SOUTHALABAMA.EDU

JUNE 2

JIMMY BUFFETT IN CONCERT

5:30 - 10:30 p.m. Sway into summer as you listen to the lyrics of this legendary musician.

THE WHARF • ALWHARF.COM

JUNE 3

MUSIC AND A MOVIE

4 - 7 p.m. Peruse local vendors, enjoy live music and watch a family-friendly movie.

HERITAGE PARK, FOLEY FOLEYMAINSTREET.COM

JUNE 4

KICKBALL TOURNAMENT

8 a.m. - 6 p.m. This event supports the efforts of Community Health Initiative.

SAGE PARK • CITYOFMOBILE.ORG

JUNE 4

PORT OF MOBILE CRUISE

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Cruise down the Mobile River on a relaxing voyage through the Port of Mobile.

BLAKELEY STATE PARK • BLAKELEYPARK.COM

JUNE 4

KYSER MIREE FISHING TOURNAMENT

12 - 5 p.m. Join the fun in fishing for red snapper, speckled trout and more at this tournament honoring Kyser Miree.

MOBILE BIG GAME FISHING CLUB, ORANGE BEACH (WEIGH STATION ON DAUPHIN ISLAND) KYSERTOURNAMENT.COM

 To have your event included in the online or print edition of Mobile Bay Magazine, email calendar@pmtpublishing.com.

CHESS CAMP

JUNE 7 - JULY 28

MOBILE SUMMER STRINGS

One hour a day between 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tu. or Th. Learn how to play a stringed instrument or develop existing skills under the expert guidance of a professional string teacher.

LARKINS MUSIC CENTER • ALWHARF.COM

JUNE 9

ROBERT EARL KEEN CONCERT

7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Join songwriter and entertainer Robert Earl Keen as he wraps up 41 years on the road with his final “I’m Comin’ Home” tour.

SAENGER THEATER ASMGLOBALMOBILE.COM

JUNE 10 - 11

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TURKEY CALLING CONTEST

8 a.m. F - 7 p.m. Sa. Originally begun in Mobile in 1940, the WCTCC seeks to find the best turkey-caller in the world.

MOBILE CONVENTION CENTER MOBILESPORTSAUTHORITY.COM

JUNE 10 - 12

FLORA-BAMA FISHING RODEO

The “Funnest’ Fishing Tournament on the Gulf Coast, Flora-Bama’s Annual Fishing Rodeo is the “Every Man’s” fishing rodeo.

FLORA-BAMA • FLORABAMA.COM

JUNE 10 THROUGH AUGUST

SURPLUS IN PANTOMIME EXHIBIT

Exhibiting artists include Caleb Jamal Brown, Rosa P. Duffy, Jaymerson Payton, Zeke Wright Robinson and Hasani Sahlehe.

ALABAMA CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER ALABAMACONTEMPORARY.ORG

JUNE 11

VOYAGE TO BAYOU CANOT

9 - 11 a.m. This two-hour excursion showcases the incredible beauty and natural diversity of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Price: $25 adults; $15 kids ages 6 - 12.

BLAKELEY STATE PARK BLAKELEYPARK.COM

JUNE 12

MIKE DIAMOND CONCERT

11:20 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Mike Diamond showcases a variety of genres including country, honky-tonk and classic rock.

THE TIN TOP RESTAURANT AND OYSTER BAR GULFSHORES.COM

JUNE 15 - 16

TEACHERS ON THE ESTUARY WORKSHOP

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. This multi-day, interactive workshop introduces science and social studies educators to the “Sea Level Rise in the Classroom” curriculum.

WEEKS BAY RESERVE TONSMEIRE RESOURCE CENTER • EVENTBRITE.COM

JUNE 17

CHAMBER CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT

7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tee up for a day of fun on the green. Registration includes cash prizes, breakfast, lunch, beverages, door prizes and team awards.

MAGNOLIA GROVE GOLF COURSE MOBILECOUNTYAL.GOV

JUNE 18

CORN FESTIVAL CAR SHOW

8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Celebrate Father’s Day weekend by viewing beautiful cars or shopping the arts and crafts vendors.

COASTAL ALABAMA FARMERS AND FISHERMEN’S MARKET ON MIFFLIN RD, FOLEY MIKESAMERICANMUSCLECARS.COM

JUNE 18

DASH TO THE CASH

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Compete to see who’s swiftest at completing the Aqua Play courses and win cash prizes.

OWA • VISITOWA.COM

JUNE 19

BRITTANY GRIMES

11:30 a.m. Brittany Grimes plays original country songs along the Gulf Coast.

TIN TOP RESTAURANT AND OYSTER BAR GULFSHORES.COM

JUNE 20 - 24

WATERCOLOR & SKETCHBOOKING CAMP

Learn how to capture the world around you through sketchbooking and watercolors.

EASTERN SHORE ART CENTER ESARTCENTER.ORG

JUNE 23

SHARE THE BEACH SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION PROGRAM

2 - 3 p.m. Learn about the sea turtles that nest on Alabama’s coast and discover ways you can support these endangered ocean creatures.

BEN MAY MAIN LIBRARY EVENTKEEPER.COM

JUNE 23 - 25

DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMEN FINALS

7 p.m. See some of the most talented young women from around the country compete for scholarships at the 65th annual national finals. Tickets start at $22.

MOBILE CIVIC CENTER DISTINGUISHEDYW.ORG

JUNE 24

ZOO ANIMAL AMBASSADOR SHOW

10 - 11 a.m. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Animal Ambassadors will be on site to inspire learning about wildlife conservation, instill compassion for animals and spread a little love and laughter!

MOBILE PUBLIC LIBRARY, TOULMINVILLE BRANCH EVENTKEEPER.COM

JUNE 25

WHEELS OF SOUL CONCERT

7 p.m. A standout summer concert series returns with the 12-member strong Tedeschi Trucks Band, exemplifying the best of the modern soul movement.

MOBILE CIVIC CENTER DOWNTOWNMOBILE.ORG

JUNE 26

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

12 - 5 p.m. Come out with your four-legged friend for a doggone good cause as local animal shelters host an adoption day. The event features drink specials, live music and treats for your pets.

THE WHARF • ALWHARF.COM

[JULY HIGHLIGHTS]

JULY 3 - 4

48TH

ANNUAL WATERMELON FESTIVAL

3 - 7 p.m. Su. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. M. Sample locally grown watermelon while enjoying music, arts & crafts and a car show.

ODD FELLOWS FESTIVAL PARK GRANDBAYWATERMELONFESTIVAL.ORG

JULY 4

2022 SHARK 5K

7 - 11 a.m. Stretch your legs on Independence Day at this 5K run and walk. All finishers receive a finisher’s medal, and both events will have age group awards.

THE WHARF • ALWHARF.COM

JULY 4

SQUARE DANCE LESSONS

6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy fun and fellowship as you learn to shuffle and swing like an authentic square dancer.

FELLOWSHIP HALL, FAIRHOPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH FAIRHOPECHRISTIAN.ORG

JULY 13 - 17

BLUE MARLIN GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP

Drive on over for the finale of the acclaimed Gulf Coast Triple Crown Series. It’s a tournament experience you won’t want to miss.

ORANGE BEACH EVENT CENTER, THE WHARF BLUEMARLINGRANDCHAMPIONSHIP.COM

* Check event websites for most current status.

WATERMELON FESTIVAL

The Legend of Mobile’s Princess Charlotte Christina Sophia

Did an adventurer impersonating a dead Russian princess really live in French Mobile?

text by JOHN S. SLEDGE

According to the romancers, she arrived at Dauphin Island in the spring of 1721 aboard a pest ship loaded with German immigrants. French Louisiana was then under the administration of the Scottish gambler, banker and speculator John Law, who was sending over hundreds of German and Swiss farmers in an attempt to bolster Louisiana’s small European population. Most of these newcomers settled above New Orleans on a stretch of the Mississippi River subsequently known as the German Coast. But one young woman chose to live in Mobile. She was, in the words of the mid 20th-century local historian Caldwell Delaney, “not of the common herd.” She carried herself like a lady, owned expensive jewelry and bought a little cottage, and in her social interactions, manifested a “noble sorrow.”

Attractive, unattached European women were scarce in early 18th-century Mobile, and the officers at Fort Condé showered her with attention. Chevalier d’Aubant was especially smitten and was convinced he had seen this lady somewhere before during his peripatetic services. He visited her often at her little plastered, half-timber cottage with the bark roof, and she gradually took him into her confidence. She was really, she asserted, Princess Charlotte Christina Sophia of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, the wife of Tsarevich Alexis Petroviche, Peter the Great’s son! The credulous d’Aubant read-

ily accepted this, for he had once glimpsed Princess Charlotte in St. Petersburg, and this young lady certainly bore a striking resemblance.

But how, he begged to know, had she come to be in provincial Mobile, perched on the edge of a howling wilderness? Her story was heartrending. Betrothed to the tsarevich when only in her teens, she discovered him to be an abusive, alcoholic brute. Life with him was unbearable, including his drunken rages and his habit of parading his lovers. To make matters

worse, she had been isolated and lonely, shunned by the court, a stranger in a strange land. Only her father-in-law the tsar had been kind to her.

Soon, d’Aubant and Charlotte became lovers, and neither was shy about sharing her fantastic identity. d’Aubant’s fellow officers were experienced, informed and well-traveled men who, though interested in this improbable newcomer, were not in love with her. They were happy to indulge d’Aubant his little adventure but less likely to believe his paramour was a Rus-

Left Tsarevich Alexis Petrovich, son of Peter the Great. PORTRAIT BY JOHANN GOTTFRIED TANNAUER Right The real Charlotte Christina Sophia of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, as depicted in a 1720s portrait. ARTIST UNKNOWN

sian princess. Several were quick to point out that the tsarevich’s wife had in fact died in 1715 after falling down some stairs and then giving birth to her second child.

This intelligence did not trouble the chevalier since his lover had a ready explanation. She had faked her death, she claimed, and enlisted a few ladies-in-waiting to assist in tricking the tsarevich and tsar. As a last request, she had entreated the tsar not to have her embalmed. He agreed but still gave a grand funeral complete with horses, carriages, soldiers, clergy and all the rest. Shortly afterward, her devoted servants broke open the royal tomb and released her. After much intrigue, she managed to escape to distant Louisiana, where she was at last free of her evil husband and his many spies.

Doubtless there were many in tiny Mobile who considered the tale nothing more than an elaborate fiction, but d’Aubant was not one of them. As the story goes, he and Charlotte married and had a daughter. When he assumed command at Fort Toulouse, near present-day Montgomery, Charlotte followed him, and they lived, in Delaney’s words, “in a cabin within the fort, while Indians prowled the forests surrounding the stockade. It was a far cry from the Imperial Palace of St. Petersburg, but it was happiness and content.”

D’Aubant’s service soon took them to France, and he died there in 1754. Charlotte lived as a wealthy widow. But one day, the Count of Saxony saw her at the Tuileries and proclaimed her a fraud. Rather than the Princess Charlotte Christina Sophia, she had been a mere wardrobe mistress who had been in the royal Russian household. After the princess’ untimely death, this opportunistic servant girl filched some jewelry and took advantage of her resemblance to Charlotte to pass herself off as royalty. Her acting skills and ready explanations that had so easily worked in colonial Louisiana were quickly exposed in aristocratic Paris, and she subsequently died in poverty.

This story, the first version of which began circulating in Europe around 1760, thoroughly charmed 19th-century American regional historians like François Xavier Martin,

Charles Gayarré and Albert James Pickett, who embellished it in their books. Later romantically inclined writers eagerly repeated it well into the 20th century. Delaney devoted an entire chapter to the episode in his elegiac “Remember Mobile” (1948). Others were appropriately skeptical, none more so than Peter Joseph Hamilton, who in his monumental “Colonial Mobile” (1897), claimed that according to church records, d’Aubant’s wife was Louise Marguerite Bernoudy, a local woman of respectable family who “can hardly pose for a Russian princess.” Nor, it would seem, a fast-talking fraudster arrived on a pest ship.

Is it all just lies then? No Mobile princess, no devoted colonial lover, no deceiving wardrobe attendant? Let us adopt a gentler response. It is an old legend with 18th-century European roots, one of many colorful stories that give Mobile its exotic character, redolent of humidity, moss, cast iron and romance. That, at least, is very real, indeed. MB

John S. Sledge is the author of the “Gulf of Mexico: A Maritime History.”

Above The real Princess Charlotte lies next to her husband, the Tsarevich Alexis, in the Cathedral of Peter and Paul in St. Petersburg, Russia.

PHOTO COURTESY LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Manure and a Models Coat

The secret to gardening? Just walk out there and garden. Take it from Granny.

AUDREY MCDONALD ATKINS illustration by ANNA THORNTON

This morning I realized that I have turned into my grandmother. I found myself in the backyard clad in my housecoat and sturdy moccasin slippers with my left elbow resting on my left knee while my right hand searched down through the damp monkey grass for the base of an offending weed. This morning I pulled that weed and a handful more and cast them over the fence.

It all started with a cup of coffee with Husband on the deck, the morning unnaturally cool. As we chatted, our attention turned to what we have come to refer to as “the backyard reclamation project.” Our sloping, rocky backyard has become weedy and overgrown, and we have been vigilantly trying to fight back Mother Nature one little section at a time, with mulch, gravel, pavers and the carefully placed, hardy shrub.

We think we’re winning, but it’s a close one.

That’s how I came to be in the yard, in my housecoat. There was a weed, audacious and mocking, peeking out in one of my carefully manicured flowerbeds. I could not sit still. A force greater than I could ignore compelled me to go down to the bed, stoop over, and pluck the offending interloper, and all of his insidious little friends, up by the very roots. Rear end in the air, head down, the realization hit me. I am Granny.

Now Granny was an avid horticulturalist, and I, admittedly, have a black thumb when it comes to cultivating anything more than weeds. Granny would head out into the yard early every morning in her Models Coat and Baw’s old loafer-looking man slippers. She and Leroy, her yardman, would water, plant, haul, edge, mulch,

and prune until the sun was high. Then, around eleven or so, Granny would head inside to clean up and get dressed for the day.

Every day, you would find Granny and Leroy, shoulder to shoulder, amongst the daylilies, camellias, zinnias, snapdragons, water lilies. The lantana, amaryllis, pansies, Johnny jump-ups, azaleas, iris. The roses, princess feathers, crinum, spider lilies, geraniums, impatiens. Granny in her housecoat, with a truckload of manure and a trowel, could grow anything.

And she won prizes!

Not only did she coax beautiful blooms from all manner of seedlings, cuttings, and bulbs, she fashioned the blossoms into glorious arrangements. She entered every flower show the Citronelle Garden Club hosted and brought home ribbon after blue ribbon. She had a true talent for taking a dry block of green oasis and studding it with the best, handpicked blooms from her yard until it was miraculously converted into a piece of living artwork.

But try as I might, with my garden clogs, Smith & Hawken garden kneeler, flowered gloves, and wide-brimmed sunhat, about the best I can do is not kill the hardiest of hardy plants. I overwater and underwater. I prune and transplant at all the wrong times. My Virginia creeper and poison ivy thrive, while my expensive storebought plants shed leaves, turn brown, shrivel up, and die.

But maybe I’ve been going about it all wrong. Maybe today was a revelation of a different sort. Maybe it doesn’t take expensive tools and gear to turn my backyard jungle into a lush Garden of Eden.

Maybe all it takes is a little daily attention, a truckload of manure, and a sweaty, dirty Models Coat. MB

 Born and raised in Citronelle, Atkins shares stories about growing up and living in the South in her book, “They Call Me Orange Juice,” and at her blog folkwaysnowadays.com.

excerpt from the book THEY CALL ME ORANGE JUICE by

What’s the story of the building on St. Francis Street inscribed “First National Bank?”

text by TOM MCGEHEE

the First National moved, but by 1872, it was listed at 40 St. Francis Street in a far more modest storefront. According to city directories, there were at least four banks operating in that vicinity, including the Deposit Savings Bank next door at 38 St. Francis Street.

As the decades passed, the First National survived while many of its competitors did not. There were national panics, and other banks had runs on their deposits. One of the most famous occurred in July of 1884 when the city’s oldest, the Bank of Mobile, had a run and promptly closed its doors after 66 years.

1906 and 1910.

Perhaps the bankers admired the firm’s latest creation, the Cawthon Hotel on Bienville Square. In any event, their instructions were extremely specific in what they desired. All of Mobile was admiring the gleaming white skyscraper of the City Bank and Trust Co. fronting on Royal Street. It stood seven stories, contained high-speed elevators, and its marble-clad lobby was the most elegant in town.

Although Mobile’s First National Bank will long be identified with the skyscraper which is now home to the New Year’s MoonPie, the bank had a few former homes. This is not surprising for a bank which was founded back in 1865 and had the distinction of being the state’s oldest existing bank for generations.

The year 1865 seems an unlikely one for the start of a bank. Barely a month after Lee’s surrender, a group of 25 businessmen met in the original Battle House Hotel and organized it. The First National opened within an impressive columned Greek revival building at the northwest corner of St. Francis and Royal streets. Ironically, it had been built in 1832 to house a bank. That bank was short-lived.

In 1870, the bank’s new president was James Masson, who had previously been listed as a “money broker.” It is unclear why

Mr. Masson resigned in 1904 due to what the bank claimed was “ill health.” After a very nasty divorce, Masson remarried a younger woman and took a trip around the world where he died — some say rather mysteriously — in Kyoto, Japan.

A New President and a New Home

The bank’s newly elected president was Henry Hall, and it was under his leadership that the bank sought a new look. Between 1902 and 1906, a half dozen banks were being built or renovated in Mobile, and apparently the management of the First National Bank felt they needed to keep up with the competition.

A recently formed architectural firm was hired — Watkins, Hutchisson and Garvin. Of the three, only Clarence Hutchisson was a Mobilian. George Watkins had designed numerous buildings in Buffalo, New York, and Erie, Pennsylvania, before arriving in Mobile in the mid-1890s. Little is known about Joseph Garvin. Described by some sources as an engineer, his name only appears in Mobile’s city directories between

The structure housing the First National Bank would not be a skyscraper. The bankers considered the new skyscrapers as too new, too commercial and just downright revolutionary. They demanded a design that stressed dependability and the firm’s solidity, using recognizable classical design elements. It must declare the firmness of the business being conducted within its fireproof walls while containing the city’s most burglarproof vault.

Inspired by Antiquity

In 1906, the old row of storefronts that housed the bank was demolished. A two-story, temple-like structure fronted with white-glazed terra cotta was built in its place. Steel beams and reinforced concrete were used in its construction.

The first floor held the bank lobby featuring green marble wainscoting seven feet in height. Above this was green burlap wallpaper stenciled in a gold design. The tellers’ counters were of white marble fronted with gleaming bronze grills. The floor was of mosaic tiles, and mahogany desks were placed for the convenience of customers.

The main floor also contained a meeting room for the board of directors. No expense had been spared, and an artist from St. Louis

Above In 1906, Mobile’s venerated First National Bank requested a building that would reflect their solidity, but they occupied it but a brief time.

was hired to paint the ceiling mural. The second floor held 15 offices while the rear wing contained space for the employees, including locker rooms and an area for their breaks and lunches.

Mobile’s City Bank and Trust grew rapidly and enlarged its building with the help of George B. Rogers. A spectacular run on deposits in November of 1915 led to its demise. The First National Bank, which had occupied this monument to solidity for only eight years, opted for a former competitor’s skyscraper and would occupy it for nearly 50 years.

Alabama Power’s New Home

The dignified bank building on St. Francis Street was converted into an office space before the Mobile Electric Company bought it in the early 1920s. In 1925, that firm merged with Alabama Power Company, and the refined banking lobby became a retail store for an assortment of electric appliances, including monitor top refrigerators and stoves on graceful metal legs.

Alabama Power Company kept their offices and retail store at this address for more than three decades, moving to St. Joseph Street in the late 1950s. Bidgood Stationery operated in the building after that.

First National Bank, which was the oldest bank in the state and occupied the tallest skyscraper in Alabama, merged with Birmingham-based AmSouth in 1985. Number 68 St. Francis became a bank again soon after when former executives of the First National had it remodeled to house the newest Bank of Mobile.

Although that bank was formed to promote the idea of a hometown bank, it was ultimately sold to out-of-state interests. The white terra cotta still gleams on the facade of the 1907 structure, but it eagerly awaits a new tenant and a new purpose. MB

Orange Beach Wharf, 1928

"Early in the 1900s, there were many farmers along the shores of Wolf Bay, Bay St. John, Bay La Launch and Terry's Cove. Strawberries and oranges were the most commonly grown fruits. It is told that one 12-year-old tree bore 2,000 sweet oranges in one season."

– excerpt from the book "The Best Place to Be: The Story of Orange Beach, Alabama" by Margaret Childress Long with Michael D. Shipler

AT THE TIME THIS PHOTOGRAPH WAS TAKEN, Orange Beach was little more than an outpost for the timber and turpentine industries. Shown here is the old Orange Beach Wharf on Bay La Launch, near the present-day Coastal Arts Center. This property was purchased in 1908 by a man named D. R. Peteet, who would go on to build a shingle mill. Pictured below are some buildings Peteet constructed to support his operation, including an office, a commissary store and camphouse for his workers (who are likely the ones pictured swimming with their families). The rails along the wharf were used to cart supplies into the store from schooners making deliveries. The young boy on the wharf is Clifford Callaway, whose grandfather James C. Callaway was one of the community's earliest settlers.

ORANGE BEACH TIMELINE

1901: he area s frst post o ce opens in the home of Lemuel Walker r. ho also planted the area s frst orange groves hence the to n name .

1910: he ntracoastal ater a e pands into the area cu ng o most o range each rom the mainland.

1926: he last o a series o hard ree es e ectvel ends the local citrus industr .

1947: irst paved road to the to n is completed.

1948: lectrical service esta lished.

1979: urricane rederic rea s havoc on the area ut redevelopment spar s tremendous gro th. 1984: o n o range each incorporates.

Top speed, in miles per hour, of the school bus that, in 1930, began shutling many of the above children to school in Foley.

Acres of range Beach land purchased by . R. eteet in 1 . eteet s shingle mill, and the setlement that blossomed around it, would evolve into the city of range Beach.

The total area, in square miles, that comprises present-day range Beach. Water makes up 1. s uare miles of that total.

101

Orange Beach's statewide rank in populaton. At the height of the summer, however, the beach community becomes Alabama’s f h largest city.

Photo courtesy Doris Rich Collection, The Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of South Alabama