REACTION

Tell us how you really feel ...

CHEERS TO CHINABERRY

On June’s Architecture story, “Chinaberry: A Cottage to Cherish,” recounting the history and restoration of Chinaberry Cottage

I have always been drawn to this house since moving to Mobile in 1989. I once dreamed of buying the Chinaberry house to either live in or let it become a restaurant. I am so happy someone preserved this historical site in Mobile. Thank you for sharing the Chinaberry history and taking us back in time.

- Toni Kirkland Reed

I have admired this property for many years, and I never knew the history. Love that it has new life! Please keep us posted as to what happens next. - Georgia Weiskopf

My classmate at Mary B. Austin and St. Paul’s, Roe Acre, lived there our entire childhood. It was a mysterious little cottage in the vines and in the heart of Spring Hill. - Lizzie Little Nobles

Anne Crichton was my aunt by marriage, and I visited this house many times in my youth. She would have tea parties in the gardens in the back. She was a sweet and very special lady. - Zoe Austin Kuschel

I have a photo of Miss Anne at my wedding reception almost 40 years ago at Spring Hill Baptist. My brother-inlaw lived in the small house for several years and helped her with the yard. So wonderful to see it in action again! - Dianne Jones

CHINABERRY / PHOTO BY SUMMER ENNIS ANSLEY

SWEET DREAMS

On June’s Decorating story, “A Dream Bedroom by Design,” highlighting the work nonprofit Savvy Giving by Design puts into creating bedrooms for families in crisis

I have been volunteering in USA’s Children’s and Women’s NICU for about five years and had the privilege of getting to know Alex Williams. She is a great caregiver and a wonderful mom with a blessed family. Alex had told me this story was in the works, and I am so happy for the Williams family. Thank you for this article.

- Louis Mapp

ORANGE YOU GLAD?

On June’s End Piece on swimmers at the Orange Beach Wharf in 1928

I was so thrilled when I saw this very familiar picture in my newsfeed! My grandmother used to tell me about swimming here and also that she was probably one of the people in this picture, although I have never been able to identify her in it. Her mother, Hilda Dietz, built the hotel in 1923 where my grandmother grew up. It eventually became the original Coastal Arts Center. Lemuel Walker Sr. was my great-great-greatgrandfather. Thank you for helping to keep the history of Orange Beach alive, especially since none of it has survived progress except in pictures, stories and our memories. - Robin Walker Youngstrom

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

On June’s feature, “Not Your Garden Variety,” exploring some of Mobile’s most stunning gardens with Bellingrath’s Dr. F. Todd Lasseigne

The sneak peek into some of Mobile’s gardens was most enjoyable! The Oakleigh Garden Historic District home on Palmetto Street caught my eye with its two historic Bienville Square / Cooper Waterfront cast-iron benches. They are graceful, beautiful and iconic to Mobile — some have the Waterman Foundry stamp on them. Keep up the good work — I look forward to each issue and read it cover to cover! - Susan Stein

More Ways to Connect

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text by ABBY PARROTT

mobilebaymag.com

ARE YOU KID-DING ME? Who says kids’ rooms can’t be stylish? Local homeowners and designers have found creative ways to infuse the personality and interests of their little ones into practical spaces that maximize both storage and style. Browse our gallery of impossibly cool bedrooms and play rooms for a little design inspiration. CHILL OUT Surviving the dog days of summer is a whole lot easier with a cool, refreshing treat in hand. Go online for some of our favorite cold dessert and frozen drink recipes.

PUT A RING ON IT Share your proposal story, and we’ll feature your engagement online. 40 UNDER 40 We are now accepting nominations for the 2022 class of 40 Under 40! This program recognizes the top young leaders making a difference in our community. Do you know someone worthy of this honor? Go online today to submit a nomination. The deadline for submissions is September 16. COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH Midtown Mule: Try this local take on the Moscow Mule. Replace the alcohol with crushed raspberries or fresh raspberry syrup for the perfect mocktail.

DIY BOYS’ BUNK ROOM // PHOTO BY JUSTIN CORDOVA

ELLENJAY ICE CREAM SAMMIES // PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

MIDTOWN MULE COCKTAIL // PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

BEHIND THE SCENES

Want to know how we got the incredible shots on page 36? Follow Mobile Bay Magazine on Instagram for behind-the-scenes footage from this year’s Wonder Kids photo shoot with photographer Matthew Coughlin. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST

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