Mobile Bay Magazine - December 2017

December 2017

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR MOBILE AND BALDWIN COUNTIES

THE HOLIDAY ISSUE

Holidays at Home!

Brunch with Santa, Festive Decor & Setting the Christmas Table

ANGELS

AMONG US

lend a helping hand

pg. 42

SEAFOOD

GUMBO

for a Christmas crowd

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FEATURES DECEMBER 2017

VOLUME XXXIII / ISSUE 12

48

48

A Collected Christmas Page Smith’s home is just bursting with carefully curated Christmas decor that adds southern charm and sophistication to the holidays.

54

Holiday Style She styles local trendsetters and her own abode with equal panache. Holly Walton decks the halls with just the right touch.

62 SKINNER SMITH EXCITEDLY BRANDISHES ONE OF HIS CHRISTMAS GOODIES. PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

Angels on Earth Giving back takes a lot of heart. MB introduces a handful of Mobilians taking philanthropy to a whole new level.

ON OUR COVER

A Gulf Coast holiday staple that can feed a crowd, this seafood gumbo was cooked up by freelance writer Jill Clair Gentry.

Please pass the gumbo filé.

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

 Are you looking for inspiration to give back to your community? Look no further than Angels on Earth, page 62, to meet five leaders of local philanthropy.

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DEPARTMENTS DECEMBER 2017

VOLUME XXXIII / ISSUE 12

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30

LEFT Retired pediatrician Howard Harper has been carving so many wooden duck decoys for so long, he’s lost count. PHOTO BY TODD DOUGLAS RIGHT The opening of downtown Mobile’s newest upscale eatery has finally arrived — and it was worth the wait. PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

EDITOR’S NOTE REACTION ODDS & ENDS ELEMENTAL Red Alert Algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico can be a toxic nuisance.

19 SPOTLIGHT Not Your Usual Duck Hunt A local craftsman has been hand-carving beautiful duck decoys for decades.

26 THE DISH 29 HOLIDAY COCKTAIL Satsuma Old Fashioned Try this seasonal take on the classic libation perfect for festive gatherings.

11 12 14 16

30 TASTINGS Southern National The long-awaited LoDa eatery brings high style to Southern cuisine.

32 GOOD STUFF A Seat at the Table Get a few creative tips for setting a layered Christmas table with a festive mix.

34 BAY TABLES Breakfast with Santa These recipes will make for a memorable (and tasty) morning.

42 GUMBO Holiday Melting Pot Gumbo is an Alabama tradition, perfect for a wintertime supper.

72 ARCHIVES How to be Beautiful in Old Mobile Frances Beverly tackles cosmetics.

90 ARCHIVES Looking Back Get a glimpse of MB’s earlier days.

92 ASK MCGEHEE What is the oldest house in Mobile?

Learn which abode takes the cake.

94 IN LIVING COLOR “Mobile” Santa, 1951 The man in red with adoring fans

OUT & ABOUT

84 HIGHLIGHTS 86 ON STAGE & EXHIBITS 88 JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS

 The Old Fashioned is said to have been invented in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1880 by bartender James E. Pepper.

For a super-local spin on the classic cocktail, see MB’s Satsuma Old Fashioned recipe on page 29.

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Mobile Bay VOLUME XXXIII

No12

DECEMBER 2017

PUBLISHER T. J. Potts Stephen Potts Judy Culbreth

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Maggie Lacey MANAGING EDITOR/WEB Abby Parrott

SENIOR WRITER Breck Pappas

COPY EDITOR Chelsea Adams

ART DIRECTOR Laurie Kilpatrick

ASSISTANT PUBLISHER

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT

ADVERTISING

SALES MANAGER

Joseph A. Hyland

Adelaide Smith McAleer

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Anna Pavao

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

ADMINISTRATION CIRCULATION Anita Miller ACCOUNTING Jody Chandler

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Frances Beverly, Mallory Boykin, Jill Clair Gentry, Tom McGehee, Christy Dobson Reid CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS

Colleen Comer, Matthew Coughlin, Todd Douglas, Summer Ennis, Elizabeth Gelineau, Blair Merrills ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL OFFICES

3729 Cottage Hill Road, Suite H Mobile, AL 36609-6500 251-473-6269 Subscription rate is $21.95 per year.

Subscription inquiries and all remittances should be sent to: Mobile Bay P.O. Box 923773 Norcross, GA 30010-3773 1-855-357-3137 MOVING? 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 © 2017 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 reflect the opinion of the ownership or the management of Mobile Bay. This magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. All submissions will be edited for length, clarity and style.

PUBLISHED BY PMT PUBLISHING INC .

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EXTRAS | EDITOR’S NOTE

Great Expectations.

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

D

ecember is a time of anticipation. We eagerly await the holidays — the meals shared with extended family, vacation from school and work, gifts, festivities and meaningful exchanges with church and community. In many ways, this issue was a long time coming, as well. We began work on some of these Christmas features more than a year ago as stylish Mobilians began pondering the creative ways they would deck the halls. That is the world of publishing — trying to think about summer when it’s below zero outside, prepping for Mardi Gras at Halloween and wrapping Christmas presents all year long.

I even worked on a few of these stories in my first days on staff at MB a little more than a year ago. And now, with the holidays upon us once again, everything comes full circle.

Speaking of anticipation, we were first in line to cross the threshold of Southern National restaurant in downtown Mobile when it opened its doors this fall to much acclaim. Chef Nutter treated MB to a taste of his cooking in October of 2016 as a tease of what was to come, and we were thrilled to get another bite. Now you know where you will find me this holiday, sipping a handcrafted cocktail with friends.

When you pull out your Christmas shopping list, we hope you remember to shop local with businesses like those featured in the pages of MB. While the click of a mouse might get your holiday gifting done in a flash, supporting local businesses has a profound impact on the economies of Mobile and Baldwin counties. It matters.

There are so many fun ways to celebrate the occasion, trim the tree and share the love, and we hope you find some inspiration in these pages to make your holiday a bit more magical!

I PROMISE, SANTA, I’VE BEEN GOOD! BRING ME ANYTHING FROM HARVEST JEWELS!

[LOVE THIS ISSUE]

DECORATING WITH LOCAL CITRUS!

THE KELLY WEARSTLER FABRICS AT SOUTHERN NATIONAL!

Maggie Lacey EXECUTIVE EDITOR

maggie@pmtpublishing.com

 Did you miss our Holiday Shopping Guide last month?

Find all the best local gifts for everyone on your list on our website at mobilebaymag.com.

THE NAPKIN THAT INSPIRED OUR COVER!

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MCELMURRY HOME / PHOTO BY SUMMER ENNIS

[REACTION]

THE PERFECT FIT On October’s “Coastal Farmhouse” on the McElmurry’s Fairhope home Love the cozy charm, not only on the inside but on the outside as well. Beautiful cabinets by TK Woodworks in Fairhope!

- MardiGras624 Utterly stunning! Thank you for staying true to Fairhope’s sense of style.

- Karyn Peaceful, stylish and intrinsic.

I love your vibe!

- Ann

NO NEIGHS HERE On October’s “The Globe-trotter” on professional polo player Herndon Radcliff This article is fabulous and, of course, so is Herndon. We hope to see him in a polo match someday at the Point!

- Janice Anthony

HOME MAGIC On August’s “Antiques and Eccentricities” about Kitty Hutty Farm in Citronelle This is probably the most charming and enchanting home I’ve ever visited.

- Janet Ewing Anderson

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A LOFTY ACCOMPLISHMENT On October’s “Ask McGehee” about the new Broad Street lofts We did the insurance inspection on this property, and we had no idea what to expect once inside the building. The transformation is truly magical. To take such a risk on an old building like this and to renovate it as well as they have is amazing. A job well done.

- Johnny O’Dell This is an awesome story. I attended Russell School in the early 1960s and am so thrilled that the building has been renovated and remodeled. I toured the Lofts a week ago and was overwhelmed by the restoration of my old school.

Thanks so much for sharing the history of this beautiful building.

- Angela Strickland That is so cool!

- Mickey Lake

A TOAST! On October’s “Madame Le Vert: Hostess Extraordinaire” I enjoyed this story very much. I’ve heard much about Octavia, and your article made me visualize her even better. Such a sad departure for a beautiful life.

- Diane Skelton Moore

OWL TALK On October’s “A Hoot and a Half ” I haven’t seen an owl in my yard in over a year since I quit feeding birds. My birdfeeder attracted squirrels, and the owls would perch nearby, waiting for a snack.

- Basil C. Smith

GETTING TO KNOW YOU Do you have an idea for a story?

Share your thoughts and reactions to the issue with us.

EMAIL maggie@pmtpublishing.com MAIL P.O. Box 66200, Mobile, AL 36660 WEB mobilebaymag.com

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EXTRAS | ODDS & ENDS

Rockin’ Around the Magazine text by CHELSEA ADAMS

[ SOUTHERN RITES ]

MIND YOUR MANNERS

TO-MAE-TO, TO-MAH-TO

As you’re making the rounds at family Christmas dinners and New Year’s celebrations, make sure you remember these simple etiquette rules.

Gumbo is a widely known Southern tradition, but why are there so many variations on a relatively simple dish? It’s widely recognized as a Louisiana dish, but there are also plenty of Native American and African influences, as well. Simply put, filé is a Choctaw addition; okra, an African one; and the roux, a French one. Tomato is also an ingredient of much controversy.

If you’re going for true Louisiana gumbo, Creole gumbo uses tomatoes and classic Cajun gumbo does not. No matter how you like it, get in the kitchen and get to cookin’!

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The salt and pepper shakers are “married” and should always be passed around the table together.

If you see other guests who don’t know anyone, be the bridge and introduce yourself.

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Even though the food probably smells divine, don’t dig in until everyone has a plate.

White wine glasses should be held by the stem; red wine glasses can be held by the bowl.

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Poke a lemon with your fork before carefully squeezing into a drink or over food to avoid spraying.

Now you’re all set for your next night out!

So turn to Good Stuff, page 32, for some tips on setting the perfect table at your own holiday soiree.

Food truly is the great unifier, even a dish with such staunchly opinionated admirers. Flip over to page 42 for all you need to know to make great gumbo.

[SAY WHAT?]

“I may not be a smart man, but I know what love is.”

— FROM THE FILM “FORREST GUMP,” originally written by Point Clear native and renowned author Winston Groom Mobilians give of their time and themselves to spread love to others who need it. Meet these Angels on Earth, page 62.

[ WORD UP]

limnetic /lim-NET-ick/ adj.) Relating to or living in an open body of fresh water Harmful algal blooms often live in fresh water and can cause the harmful phenomenon commonly known as “red tide.” Read more in Elemental, page 16.

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[IT’S A DATE]

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS...

Take in a true Christmas classic as the Mobile Ballet performs The Nutcracker. Under the direction of guest artistic director Katia Garza, this year’s ballet promises to continue the holiday tradition with magic and delight. Catch the performance on December 9 and 10 at the Mobile Civic Center. Tickets available for purchase at mobileballet.org.

Make Christmas morning just as magical and exhilarating with a tasty breakfast for the family.

Get the best recipes for breakfast with Santa in Bay Tables, page 34.

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

[ WHAT’S THE DEAL?]

[MORE ONLINE]

Get even more local coverage this month on mobilebaymag. com. Here’s what’s new!

2017: The Review We close the door on 2017 with a look at the most eye-catching photos, scrumptious recipes and talked-about articles from MB this year.

2018: The Preview

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

We look ahead to 2018 with a brand new list of things to do, places to shop and restaurants to try. Happy New Year!

Gift Wrap 101 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we share tips for how to wrap your holiday gifts like a pro.

Shopping Made Easy Avoid the long shopping lines this season. Shop online at shoppmtpub.com to purchase MB gift subscriptions, cookbooks, prints and other local gifts without leaving the couch.

Party Pics Share your event! Just fill out the Party Pics registration form on our website and submit your event photos to be featured in a gallery on the Web.

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ELEMENTAL | RED TIDE

SEA SICK

Red Alert Harmful algal blooms, or “red tides,” have long been associated with Florida, but the Alabama coast is well within its toxic reach. text by BRECK PAPPAS

BACK TO BASICS The term “red tide” is used to describe a type of algal bloom. A certain species of phytoplankton, known as dinoflagellates, contains pigments that range in color from red to brown to green, and when that species is present in high quantities, the water it occupies will take on a hue within that range. In the most severe cases, coastal waters appear to turn red.

THE CULPRIT The dinoflagellate responsible for red tides in the Gulf of Mexico is a microscopic alga called Karenia brevis. During a bloom, K. brevis produces a dangerous neurotoxin that can kill marine life, contaminate shellfish and can even affect humans in the vicinity.

NOT SO FAST, MY FRIEND Though many refer to the phenomenon as a “red tide,” researchers tend to avoid the name for a couple reasons: algal blooms are not always red, and they are unrelated to the flow of tides. The preferred term is “harmful algal bloom” for dangerous algal species and simply “algal bloom” for non-harmful species.

GETTING PERSONAL The cell walls of K. brevis are so thin that the cells will burst when tossed around in the surf zone. This releases neurotoxins into the air that can cause coughing, itching and sneezing for humans in the area. But the biggest threat that a harmful algal bloom poses to humans is through contaminated shellfish, which, if eaten, can cause nausea, vomiting and disorientation.

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Neither cooking nor freezing a contaminated oyster will kill the red tide toxin. Fish caught in the affected area, however, are usually safe to eat if filleted.

That said, avoid eating any fish that appears sick.

KILLER ALGAE The neurotoxin released during a harmful algal bloom can be deadly to many species of marine life, including manatees, dolphins, fish and seabirds.

Since the toxin disrupts the central nervous system, affected fish are often described as swimming in a lazy circle. Shellfish, such as oysters, are particularly vulnerable since they feed on the algae responsible for red tides.

THE RED TIDES OF HISTORY ◗ In 1542, Spanish explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca wrote of a large fish kill off the Gulf Coast of Florida, but, without detailed information, researchers are hesitant to attribute the event to a red tide. In 1793, men under the command of Captain George Vancouver in British Columbia experienced sickness and, in one case, death after eating mussels from a cove for breakfast, making it one of the first red tides, and worst breakfasts, on record. ◗ Red tides occur naturally throughout the world, in places as far-flung as Scandinavia, Japan, Papua New Guinea and Chile. ◗ Although a yearly event on the beaches of south Florida, red tides are actually pretty rare for Alabama. In December 2015, the state experienced its worst harmful algal bloom in more than a decade, resulting in fish kills and the state closure of shellfish growing beds in Mobile and Baldwin counties. ◗ While there is no singular cause for red tides, there are several factors that can contribute to an outbreak. Warm water temperatures combined with low salinity, calm seas and high nutrient content is the recipe for a harmful algal bloom. In some cases, human activity, in the form of sewage spills and fertilizer runoff, has been blamed for contributing to algal blooms. ◗ Because of a red tide’s negative effect on the fishing industry, researchers hope future studies will allow them to more accurately predict impending harmful algal blooms to help shell fishermen plan for the event. MB

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PEOPLE | SPOTLIGHT

Not Your Usual Duck Hunt Mobilian Howard Harper reflects on a lifelong search for the perfect duck decoy. text by BRECK PAPPAS • photos by TODD DOUGLAS

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H

oward Harper looks down at his feet and furrows his eyebrows.

“I’ve got to think about that for a minute,” he says with a soft laugh. He pauses, then shrugs. “I can’t remember the first decoy I carved to tell you the truth,” he admits. “But this is one of the first ones right here,” he says, picking up a handsome blue-winged teal.

Harper turns the wooden duck over in his hands and rubs his thumb across the branded marking on its underbelly. “H. HARPER,” it reads in burned-out block letters. “SPRINGHILL, ALA.” It’s hard to blame Harper for his forgetfulness. After all, the retired pediatrician estimates he’s carved “several hundred” wooden duck decoys over the past 40 years or so, most of which he’s given away to friends or traded for other decoys. Today, the 74-year-old Harper stands before a wall-length bookcase in his Spring Hill living room, admiring dozens of ducks of all shapes and sizes. This small fragment of his collection contains decoys he’s both carved and accumulated over the years — mallards, wood ducks, pintails, teals, widgeons, a few doves, a couple of seagulls, a pelican. He gazes at them fondly.

“To look at all these decoys, you wonder how somebody can collect so many,” he says with a warm smile.

Lured In Harper, a Mobile native, says his fascination with ducks and their wooden counterparts didn’t take shape until he finished medical school in Birmingham and moved back home to begin his pediatric residency at Mobile General Hospital (now USA Medical Center) in 1969. Around that time, the young doctor waded into the living waters of the MobileTensaw Delta and declared himself a duck hunter. For the next 10 years, Harper chased ducks from Grand Bay to the Mississippi Sound to the marshes of Louisiana.

“That’s what I did every fall,” he remembers.

The story might have ended there, had it not been for a chance encounter in New Orleans around 1972 when, during a stroll through the French Quarter, Harper noticed OPPOSITE Harper’s Spring Hill home is a menagerie of wooden duck decoys, some collected and some hand-carved by the retired pediatrician himself.

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a wooden duck decoy in a store window.

“I thought, ‘Dang, I’ve never seen anything look that good.’”

Harper had the mind to call up the carver of the decoy, a sign-painter-turned-decoycarver named Roy LeGaux out of Slidell.

LeGaux was kind enough to invite Harper to his home and familiarize the young Mobilian with the basics of duck carving.

“So that kind of introduced me to it,” Harper says. “Then I just piddled with it for a long time.”

Without any carpentry training or pre-existing artistic ability to speak of (Harper maintains that a decoy is the only thing he can paint), the pediatrician sought out local carvers, picking their brains for advice and experimenting with his own techniques. As the years passed, the shotgun eventually gave way to the band saw.

“Duck hunting is a young man’s sport,” Harper says. “Walking around the water with waders on or hip boots — it’s hard work. So the older I got, the less hunting I did.” Carving decoys, he explains, is a good way to stay in the hunt, without all the sweat and mud.

A New Hunt

TOP A row of duck decoys made by Harper demonstrates the retired pediatrician’s attention to detail, as well as the variety of duck species he replicates.

BOTTOM While most of Harper’s original decoys feature his signature wood brand, some are simply autographed and others, he says, are “floating around that I didn’t do anything with.”

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A duck decoy is exactly what it sounds like — a man-made duck imitation used by hunters to lure in the real thing. While modern outdoorsmen prefer plastic decoys (as they’re lighter and more affordable), duck imitations were historically made from wood. Carvers like Harper, therefore, are part of a tradition stretching back to the early American settlers of the 18th century.

It all starts with a block of tupelo gum, which Harper describes as “not a real prized wood,” but it’s an ideal choice for carvers.

“It’s fairly light and doesn’t have a whole lot of knots,” he explains. “It also has a good grain and doesn’t splinter off very easily.”

While generally referred to as “carving,” Harper admits that most decoy-makers today have adopted power tools. (The most traditional carvers won’t go anywhere near a power outlet.) Harper uses a band saw to shape the bird’s rough form, but he does a

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lot of his fine shaping with a rotary tool he built himself out of an air conditioner motor and a sand drum. If he’s making a “working” decoy, one that could potentially be used on a hunt, he’ll hollow out the body to ensure the decoy floats. Harper does so by slicing off the bottom of the bird like a board and scraping out the body by hand or with a drill before reattaching the piece with nails and marine glue.

“I usually put a rock or a shell in it if I don’t forget,” Harper says, rattling a hollow duck.

This lets hunters know with certainty that a decoy is hollow and, therefore, will float. “I put a marble in a couple of ‘em, but they were so loud I had to quit. The kids would get ‘em and walk around the house shaking ‘em.”

At the height of his productivity, Harper could be working on six ducks at a time, but these days he’s a little more deliberate. He points out an unpainted duck that he’s “been fooling with for three or four months.” He says the next step, the painting, is the hardest (and perhaps the most important) part.

“That really makes the bird,” Harper says.

“You can be a so-so carver, but if you can paint, you can make it look really good.”

As for his decoy collecting, it’s fair to say that Harper is on a different type of duck

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ABOVE Harper holds an unfinished duck that he’s “been fooling with for three or four months.” Next, he will soak the bird with paint thinner, cover it with a base coat of paint then add layers of detailed oil paint on top. Harper says he hasn’t yet decided whether to mount this bird vertically on the wall (what he calls a “hanging dead” mount) or horizontally on the shelf (depicting the bird in mid-flight).

hunt than the young man at Mobile General all those years ago.

“Now I don’t think about duck hunting at all,” he says with a laugh. “But if I find a decoy, I feel like the luckiest guy in the world.” Decoys, Harper says, are hard to find in Mobile, so he occasionally travels to auctions, sometimes as far away as Maryland and Chicago.

“It’s kind of a personal hobby, because nobody really sees [my decoys], except family.

In fact, not too many people even know I collect.”

As for carving, Harper describes the hobby as a hunt for perfection.

“The more I did it, the better I got at it,” he explains. “It was something that made me feel like, if I kept doing it, the next one I’d do better.” MB  Find more pictures of Harper’s decoy collection online at mobilebaymag.com

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FOOD | THE DISH

Bite of the Bay

HOSEA LONDON, Leader and Manager, The Excelsior Band

GUMBO AT CORNER 251 “Gumbo is a traditional treat if you live on the Gulf Coast. Corner 251 at The Admiral Boutique Hotel on Government Street serves some of the very best. The dark roux is rich and spicy with a generous amount of shrimp, crabmeat and chicken. Served over rice and with crackers, this is truly a flavorful delight for any gumbo lover and calls you back time and time again.”

CORNER 251 • 251 GOVERNMENT ST. • 432-8000

SUSHI AT MASTER JOE’S “I hit it big on the appetizer. Beef Aspara Maki features sliced beef-wrapped asparagus, spinach and cream cheese, which is then panseared and served with kapayaki sauce — a great complement. I could not escape my favorite roll: The Titanic Roll. Shrimp and cucumber, topped with crab, shrimp and avocado and dressed with spicy mayo, kapayaki sauce and tempura flakes. Tried and true.”

MARY COURTNEY CANE, President, Courtney and Morris Real Estate

MASTER JOE’S • 21 N. SECTION ST. • 928-8668 MASTERJOESRESTAURANTGROUP.COM

DR. RICHARD OTTS, Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mobile Infirmary

SNAPPER AT CHUCK’S FISH “Our dinner at Chuck’s Fish began with a very fresh and well-seasoned salad, followed by a fresh piece of pan sautéed snapper served over crispy vegetables. The fish was very moist and was caught in the Gulf by Chuck’s fleet of deep-sea fishing boats. For dessert, we chose the rich, delectable brownie with caramel sauce and ice cream — it was over-the-top amazing!

Everything was under the expert guidance of John, the manager. ” CHUCK’S FISH • 551 DAUPHIN ST. • 219-7051

PHOTO BY BLAIR MERRILLS

FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/CORNER-251

CHOCOLATE BANANA SUSHI ROLL

DR. ASH PRAKASH, Asst. Professor of Oncologic Services, USA Mitchell Cancer Institute

DESSERT SUSHI AT BIKE SHOP “I start with their blackberry mint margarita every time, which is absolutely delicious and not too minty. Then I go with their seaweed salad, which is tangy and fresh. For sushi, their Miranda roll is a wonderful vegetarian option (I’m allergic to shellfish, so this is perfect) that has rice, seaweed, veggies and cream cheese. Their dessert banana sushi roll of rice, bananas, strawberry and chocolate (pictured) is a great finish to a great meal.”

OK BICYCLE SHOP • 661 DAUPHIN ST. 432-2453 • FACEBOOK.COM/OKBICYCLESHOP

CHUCKSFISH.COM

 Share your favorite dishes around the Bay on our Facebook page.

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FOOD | MIXOLOGY

Holiday Cocktail ‘Tis the season for bright local citrus! This fresh take on an Old Fashioned will warm your spirit. It’s the perfect sipper for your next party. photo by ELIZABETH GELINEAU • crystal barware courtesy of CLAUDE MOORE JEWELER Waterford Town & Country “Ashton Lane,” $95 for 2 glasses

SATSUMA OLD FASHIONED 1 1/2 ounces bourbon 1/4 cup satsuma juice, freshly squeezed 1/2 ounce grenadine 5 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters satsuma peel, to garnish

Mix all ingredients in a rocks glass and stir to combine.

Fill glass with ice and garnish with a twisted strip of satsuma peel.

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FOOD | TASTINGS

Southern National text by MAGGIE LACEY • photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU

R

estaurateur Reggie Washington and Chef Duane Nutter have poured their hearts and souls into Southern National, a much-anticipated restaurant in downtown Mobile that was almost three years in the making. The food and decor live up to the expectations of local foodies who have been following the pair since their days at One Flew South, a groundbreaking James Beard Award finalist restaurant in the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport.

Washington and Nutter have created a menu with Southern roots and worldly flourishes, and Southern National has the decor to match. Most of the furnishings were made by local artisans, but the look is “big city bistro with high style.” Caramel-colored barstools and smooth gray bentwood chairs invite diners in, and a covered outdoor patio beckons you to linger.

The U-shaped bar is the centerpiece of the comfortably chic dining room designed by Atlanta-based Smith Hanes Studio. The

bar sports a sleek zinc top with brass rivets and a collection of spirits promises cool handcrafted cocktails.

When MB stopped by, Beverage Director Will Jones was busy squeezing baskets of fresh citrus in preparation for the night’s service. The unassuming but knowledgeable Jones offers a fresh take on an array of old school cocktails, and you won’t go wrong with any of them.

Southern National will began taking reservations in December with a brunch offering to follow shortly thereafter. Native son Washington is proud to bring his talented culinary team back home to cook for his fellow Mobilians. He and Chef Nutter have recruited an experienced fine dining staff from larger markets and, at the same time, hired and trained local cooks on the ways to run the house when the expectation is perfection.

Southern National has set their bar pretty high, but they plan to hit it every time. MB

 Southern National • 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. T - Sa. • 360 Dauphin St. • 308-2387 • southernational.com • Average entree price: $28

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FOOD | TASTINGS [ ON THE MENU ]

CATHEAD HONEYSUCKLE VODKA-CURED SALMON A bold pink horseradish cream beet puree is swiped across the plate and topped with micro greens, pickled and raw cucumbers, yellow beets, arugula, pickled red onion and a light vinaigrette. A tender piece of house-cured salmon sits alongside, the perfect starter to whet your appetite for the entrees to come.

GRILLED OKRA AND SHISHITO PEPPERS Unexpectedly satisfying, this dish features smoky grilled okra and peppers laid atop cilantro-whipped goat cheese topped with a drizzle of light teriyaki vinaigrette.

MUSSELS AND COLLARD GREENS Finely sliced shiitake mushrooms, tomatoes and diced local collards are steamed with a bowl full of mussels in a delicate seafood broth that you could drink by the cupful if it were offered.

CRISPY FRIED LOBSTER TAIL Perfectly fried, tender strips of lobster balance atop a bed of “underused vegetables” like rutabaga, red peas and bok choy. A drizzle of cilantro cream sauce and a few pieces of lump blue crabmeat finish the dish.

CRISPY FRIED LOBSTER TAIL

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GOOD STUFF | DECOR

A Seat at the Table

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1 Style a pretty holiday place setting with help from the designers behind Living Well in downtown Fairhope.

HOLIDAY TABLESCAPE TIPS Elizabeth Collins, owner and designer of Living Well, and shop stylist, Connie Cayson, offer these tips:

MIX OLD AND NEW Elizabeth blends the newest trends from her shop with heirloom and vintage pieces she has collected over the years.

INCORPORATE SOMETHING LIVING A simple bowl of lemons or a more formal arrangement of orchid stems can be equally impactful.

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ADD A TOUCH OF WHIMSY Adding something unexpected to the table, like the vintage carolers and elves used in this place setting, always adds a bit of humor.

DON’T THINK FORMAL OR CASUAL ... THINK FESTIVE! At the end of the day, everyone has gathered together to be with friends and family and to have a good time. Don’t overthink it!

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SMALL $35.

2. VINTAGE CHRISTMAS CAROLERS 3. METALLIC TERRACOTTA PLANTER, $45.

4. ELIZABETH’S OWN SILVER GOBLETS PASSED DOWN FROM HER GRANDMOTHER AND GREAT-GRANDMOTHER

10. JULISKA “CHALET” GREEN TARTAN NAPKINS, $18 EACH. 11. JULISKA “WINTER FROLIC” PARTY PLATE, $32.

12. JULISKA “WINTER FROLIC” DINNER PLATE, $55.

13. JULISKA “ISADORA” GOLD PLACEMAT, $35.

5. JULISKA “REINDEER GAMES” COCKTAIL NAPKINS, $75 SET OF FOUR.

14. ELIZABETH’S WEDDING GORHAM STRASBOURG STERLING FLATWARE

6. VINTAGE MINI CHRISTMAS TREES

15. JULISKA TARTAN “TIDBIT” PLATE, $20.

7. CHAMPAGNE FLUTES PURCHASED AT AN ESTATE SALE

16. JULISKA “REINDEER GAMES” COMFORT BOWL, $38.

8. JULISKA “WINTER FROLIC” BON BON BOWL, $85.

17. CRYSTAL AND GREEN AGATE CANDLE HOLDER, MEDIUM $30, SMALL $25.

9. VINTAGE RED ORNAMENT LIVING WELL 25 S. SECTION STREET, FAIRHOPE. 929-3255. FACEBOOK.COM/LIVINGWELLFHOPE

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PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

1. GOLD RESIN DEER, LARGE $65, MEDIUM $45,

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8 These glass ornaments are hand-blown by local glass artist Freddie Blache.

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11 12

13 Small-batch mustard on tap?

Who knew! The Happy Olive is one of just two sommelier-rated mustard makers in the country!

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FOOD | BAY TABLES

Breakfast with Santa Enjoy a magical Christmas morning with family and friends over sweet treats and cozy sides, straight from the kitchen of two sisters who know a thing or two about sharing good food. text and styling by MAGGIE LACEY • photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU

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he giving begins before Christmas morning for Tanya Eubanks and Lisha May. Every Christmas Eve, these two sisters, who are close as close can be, invite over family and friends (anyone without a place to go) for a holiday dinner, dirty Santa and plenty of treats. But the real gift comes when guests head for the door. Lisha and Tanya have ready a sampling of festive breakfast treats packed neatly inside tiny takeout boxes. The two accomplished cooks make sure everyone will wake up to a very merry Christmas morning. “It’s usually monkey bread or a slice of quiche – just something to make their morning a little less hectic, and a little sweeter,” say Lisha.

The sisters live next door to each other, both on family land in Wilmer, and they work together as well. They co-own Marcie 'n Me boutique in West Mobile with their daughters, Kristin Hatcher and Ashley Barnes. It’s a real family affair, with each woman tackling a different side of the business, and in recent years the shop has grown to be a go-to for adorable gifts and decor. The store is named after the matriarch of this clan, Marceil Harrison, who died of breast cancer before granddaughters Kristin and Ashley were born. Naming the boutique after her seemed like a natural fit for folks whose family ties are at the core of their being.

Now that Kristin and Ashley have kids of their own, Christmas morning brings a new level of excitement. Lisha and Tanya have nine grandkids between them, all living in the Mobile area, so holidays at their homes are full and festive. The women sourced holiday decor from their shop and set a table that would impress even Jolly Saint Nick himself. MB stopped by to try some of their tried-and-true breakfast recipes, perfect for your own Christmas morning or to pack in boxes to share with friends! Either way, they're sure to jump-start your holiday spirit.

OPPOSITE Tanya Eubanks, left, and Lisha May, right, dish out the hearty comfort food at a breakfast worthy of the man in the red suit.

ABOVE A few of Lisha and Tanya’s many grandkids sneak under the breakfast table but promise to be more nice than naughty. From left to right, Rylee Barnes, 3, Tucker Hatcher, 4, and Harrison Hatcher, 2, are all wearing Christmas pajamas from Marcie 'n Me boutique.

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Hot Curried Fruit Bake SERVES 10 1 20-ounce can pineapple chunks, undrained 1 15-ounce can sliced peaches, drained 1 15-ounce can sliced pears, drained 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and stems removed 2 teaspoons lemon juice 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon curry powder 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drain pineapple juice and reserve liquid. Combine all fruit in a lightly greased large baking dish.

2. Whisk pineapple juice, lemon juice and the next four ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Pour over fruit. Dot the top of fruit with butter pieces.

3. Bake uncovered for 55 minutes. Serve warm.

Cheese and Bacon Quiche SERVES 8 - 10 1 cup Ritz Cracker crumbs 1/2 cup melted butter 2 eggs, slightly beaten 3/4 cup sour cream 1/2 teaspoon salt 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 1 cup chopped, sautĂŠed onion 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup diced Swiss cheese

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine cracker crumbs and melted butter in the bottom of a 9-inch round ovenproof dish. Press crackers firmly into the bottom of the pan and up the sides to create an even crust.

2. Combine eggs, sour cream and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.

3. Sprinkle bacon, onion and cheddar cheese evenly on top of the cracker crust. Pour egg mixture over and top with Swiss cheese.

4. Bake for 30 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Baked Cheese Grits SERVES 10 1 cup water 1 1/2 cups whipping cream 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup uncooked grits 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese 4 tablespoons butter, diced 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 1/8 teaspoon minced fresh garlic

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine water, cream and salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients until melted and smooth. Pour into a greased 9-by-12-inch casserole dish.

Bake for 30 minutes. Serve hot.

Pecan Sticky Buns MAKES 12 BUNS 1/2 cup plus 6 tablespoons melted butter, divided 1/2 cup brown sugar 4 tablespoons light corn syrup 1/2 cup chopped pecans 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 package frozen yeast rolls, thawed

1. Combine 1/2 cup melted butter with the next 3 ingredients in a small bowl. Place 1 tablespoon of mixture in each of 12 wells of a medium-sized muffin tin. Set aside.

2. Place 6 tablespoons melted butter in a shallow bowl. Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon on a small plate. Cut each yeast roll into 4 pieces. Dip the yeast roll pieces into the butter and then the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place 4 pieces in each muffin well. Cover with a dish towel and let rise at room temperature for 30 minutes.

3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown on top. Remove from oven and allow to rest at room temperature in the pan for 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter and removing the sticky buns. Replace any pecans or sugar glaze that fell off. Serve warm.

TOP LEFT Kristin Hatcher, left, and Ashley Barnes, right, soak up some quiet time (and some decadent hot cocoa) after the gifts have all been unwrapped. BOTTOM RIGHT Tanya Eubanks packs pecan sticky buns in holiday to-go boxes.

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FOOD | BAY TABLES

Creamy Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa 1 1/2 cups whipping cream 1 can condensed milk

SERVES 10 - 12

6 cups whole milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups chocolate chips

1. Put all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2 hours.

Serve warm with marshmallows and optional whipped cream topping and a sprinkling of cocoa powder.

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GUMBO | TRADITIONS

Holiday Melting Pot Our gumbo roots run deep along the Gulf Coast, and the time-honored dish is often a welcoming wintertime staple. And yet, this one-pot wonder can seem too intimidating to try! Two local cooks, both famous for their Cajun stews, tell MB that once you master the roux, the possibilities are endless. text by JILL CLAIR GENTRY • photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU

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f all the senses, taste and smell seem to be most powerfully connected to memories. Holidays naturally beckon nostalgia, and in many families, traditions become wrapped around cooking and eating the same dishes year after year.

For many on the Gulf Coast, gumbo is a natural fit for a holiday meal. It’s time-consuming enough for most cooks to save it for special occasions, but as a one-pot meal, it feeds a crowd while also making for easy cleanup. Its regional mystery and magic generate conversation for out-of-town guests, and just about everyone likes it.

“When my four kids were little, we would load them all up and go from house to house at Christmas time,” says Leslie Baggett, a lifelong Mobilian. “We have a huge family, so that was a bunch of stops. So 11 years ago, I just made a big pot of gumbo, and we told everyone to come to our house. We’ve been doing it ever since.”

This year, Baggett expects to host 30 to 40 people on Christmas Day for dinner. She’ll start her Christmas Gumbo by making the roux the morning of Christmas Eve, combining a couple cups of bacon grease with about a cup of flour and stirring it over medium-high heat for at least an hour, adding more flour along the way, until the roux is a deep, dark brown.

“It starts as a caramel color and just keeps getting darker and darker,” she says. “I stir my roux constantly, so I’ve never had it burn. When you think the roux is dark enough, it’s probably not.”

Next, she sautés the vegetables — the Cajun trinity of onion, bell pepper and celery, along with okra — in bacon grease before

OPPOSITE MB digs into a big bowl of seafood and sausage gumbo made by writer Jill Gentry. Fresh crab claws, though not required, certainly make the dish outstanding.

RIGHT Leslie Baggett stirs a giant pot of seafood gumbo in preparation for the throngs of family and friends expected to pop in on Christmas.

Her recipe is all in her head, her hands stirring and pinching ingredients with muscle memory like riding a bike or driving a car.

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combining them with the roux, spices and chicken broth. This will simmer all day Christmas Eve. Christmas Day, she’ll bring it back to a simmer and complete the gumbo with shrimp, crab claw meat and fingers, and oysters.

Baggett’s recipe, which she has never written down, has been evolving since her early 20s when she worked at a tiny Fairhope shop called Just Gumbo.

“I took that recipe and others I had used and combined them to make what I liked,” she says. “I used to sell my gumbo, but now I just really enjoy cooking it for my family and friends. My 22-year-old has friends who have been coming to our house for this tradition since they were 11. It’s been fun to watch them grow up, and they all come home from college now and come over for gumbo on Christmas. I love how, with just the one pot, gumbo brings everyone together.”

All About the Seafood

Over the Bay in Point Clear, another Gulf Coast cook carries on a gumbo tradition that began with her mother.

“I’m originally from Mobile, and my family had a beach house down in Gulf Shores,” says Neno Ladd. “We always caught shrimp and crabs. My mother, Mary Hays, was an awesome cook and made the best gumbo with our fresh seafood. Gumbo is definitely a family tradition.”

Ladd, who has lived in her waterfront home on Mobile Bay for 24 years, still catches her own seafood and makes gumbo for her family. For her, the roux is essential; She echoes Baggett in encouraging beginners to keep going when they think the roux is dark enough. But Ladd is also particular about the seafood that goes into her gumbo.

“I have to plan ahead for gumbo, because I want my crab and shrimp fresh,” she says.

“My gumbo never has previously frozen seafood in it.”

Ladd doesn’t put entire crabs in the pot because she doesn’t want any shell remnants to end up in even one bite. Plus, she enjoys picking crabmeat. She also uses small shrimp.

“Some people think bigger shrimp are better,” Ladd says. “But for gumbo, a small 35-count shrimp is perfect so that you can

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get a little of everything in one spoonful.”

For both of these women, and many more families along the Gulf Coast, gumbo is an essential tradition with distinct rituals, smells and flavors that seem to unite every member of the family, even if it’s just long enough to enjoy one bowl — or maybe two. MB

TOP Neno Ladd readies her crab traps in Point Clear. She prides herself on catching her own seafood, including pulling a shrimp net behind the boat herself, a feat few men and almost no women do today. BOTTOM The Cajun trinity of bell pepper, celery and onion is the basis for any good gumbo.

A Storied Dish

The origins of gumbo are as mysterious and complex as its flavor. Just as gumbo has many variations and styles, you’ll hear a different take on its history depending on who you ask.

We can know for certain that gumbo is a New World dish that developed as Native American, French, Spanish and West African cultures mixed together in southern Louisiana. Many people believe gumbo originated as a dish made

by African slaves because okra is a key ingredient and the sole thickening agent in many gumbos — rouxs were not mentioned in recipes until many years after gumbo first began appearing in cookbooks in the early 1800s. Others claim it originated in Acadian culture as an evolution of a French bouillabaisse. And because of the use of filé powder (made from sassafras leaves) as a thickener in some recipes, some culinary historians trace its roots back to Native Americans.

It’s likely that gumbo’s true origin is a mix of these theories and other unknown stories. Gumbo is a reflection of the Gulf Coast’s rich cultural heritage, and because it is so easily changed and adjusted, it can gracefully absorb just about any culinary influence placed upon it.

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Perfecting Your Roux It is tempting to reduce the heat too soon when making a gumbo roux in fear of scorching, but rookie cooks can follow these step-by-step photos to ensure that you reach the deepest color with depth of flavor to match.

1. IN THE BEGINNING, CREAMY

2. GAINING COLOR

3. ALMOST THERE, DEEP CARAMEL

4. FINAL STAGE, DARK CHOCOLATE

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Neno’s Seafood Gumbo SERVES 15 Recipe courtesy of Neno Ladd. She says the flavor will improve overnight, so serve the next day if possible. Always use the freshest seafood you can find!

1 1 2 1 5

cup bacon grease 1/4 cups all-purpose flour sweet yellow onions, chopped green bell pepper, chopped - 6 stalks celery, including leaves, chopped 2 habanero peppers, seeded and minced (optional) 4 cloves garlic, minced 7 - 9 cups chicken broth or shrimp stock (if using shrimp stock, add 2 chicken bouillon cubes) 2 beef bouillon cubes 2 - 3 16-ounce cans diced tomatoes 3 bay leaves 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Crystal Hot Sauce, to taste Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning, to taste salt and pepper, to taste 2 - 3 pounds fresh okra, chopped 3 pounds 35-count shrimp, cleaned 2 pounds lump crabmeat (not jumbo, can use claw meat) 4 - 5 cups cooked white rice

1. In a large black iron skillet or pot, heat bacon grease over medium heat. Whisk in flour a little bit at a time, stirring frequently while browning, then stirring continuously toward the end, for about 45 minutes total.

2. When the roux turns dark brown (not red and not black), turn off heat and add onion, bell pepper, celery and habanero peppers. Turn heat to low and saute for about 4 minutes.

Add garlic and stir for 2 minutes. Set aside.

3. In a large pot, bring broths, bouillon cubes, tomatoes, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and spices to a slow boil. Add roux to the pot in about 4 - 5 batches, stirring well after each addition. Simmer for 1 1/2 - 2 hours.

4. Add chopped okra to the pot and simmer for another 30 minutes.

5. Add shrimp and crabmeat and return to a boil. Remove from heat, cover and allow to sit for a few minutes.

6. Remove bay leaves and serve over cooked white rice.

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A COLLECTED CHRISTMAS The French Country home of Page and Richard Smith in Fairhope is brimming with treasured Christmas decor that was gathered or made by hand, one holiday at a time, creating Christmas memories to last a lifetime. text by MAGGIE LACEY • photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU

OPPOSITE Skinner Smith, age 4, waits patiently for Santa Claus underneath his family’s opulent flocked Christmas tree. His mother, Page, collected Christopher Radko ornaments for years until she had completely filled the family tree with shine and sparkle. She also made sure to add plenty of natural elements, as well, to temper the glitz. Pheasant feathers, real deer antlers, fresh-picked greenery and ribbons were all handwired onto floral stakes and arranged perfectly inside the boughs of the tree. This was the first year the family chose a flocked tree, and Page vows to never go back.

ABOVE LEFT The Smith family gathers on the front stoop, surrounded by flocked wreaths, poinsettias and garland. Pictured are Page and Richard Smith, Skinner, 4, Hollins, 5, and Redford, 1. Santa will be bringing presents to new baby boy Sterling (not pictured) this Christmas.

ABOVE RIGHT A pair of flocked wreaths on the front doors of the Smith home welcomes guests with holiday cheer. The bows were created by Wildflowers in downtown Fairhope.

P

age and Richard Smith’s Christmas tree was sort of pitiful their first year of marriage. Page always decorated her family’s home as a teenager when the holidays rolled around, but that first year in her own home slipped by without much fanfare. She set out to change that by their next anniversary, collecting Christopher Radko ornaments to fill the family tree. Every year, she buys a new one for the family as well as a Radko birthday ornament for her oldest daughter Hollins, whose birthday falls during the holidays. “One day when she has her own home, she will have a collection of beautiful ornaments to decorate her first tree,” Page says.

Page is resourceful and creative, opting to make almost everything that decorates her house with her own hands. During those early years of marriage, she pilfered her husband’s collection of deer antlers and found greenery and feathers to fill the tree and mantle. These days, the house overflows with gilded touches here and there, stuffed pheasants and shimmering ornaments. Her Radko collection has outgrown the 10-foot-tall tree so much that she has had to move on to a new collection: nativities. “I love to decorate for every holiday, but Christmas really takes the cake.” She begins decorating early and OPPOSITE The neutral backdrop of the Smith’s French Country home makes the perfect canvas for holiday decor. Page fashioned the garland atop the fireplace mantle by hand with greenery she gathered at a Christmas tree lot. It is accented with real deer antlers, pheasant feathers and pinecones Page spray painted gold.

Magnolia leaves are a classic Southern decorating go-to.

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Every time Page declared she was finished donning the flocked tree, she came back and added another layer of holiday treasures.

Pheasants and gilded pinecones dot the mantle garland.

Page plans a gift wrap scheme each year so that all the presents under the tree are perfection.

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has as many as six trees throughout the house. Each child has a tree in their room with a unique theme.

Hollins has a hot pink Candy Land-themed tree, while younger brother Skinner’s features shotgun shells and a plaid skirt: “A real traditional Southern boy theme.”

There is a more casual tree in the family room covered with the kid’s art, and a tabletop tree in the foyer that has handprints in clay from all four of the children’s milestone ages.

Page frames a picture of the kids with the man in red from the Grand Hotel’s Breakfast with Santa every year to bring back Christmas memories of this growing family — they have added a new baby boy since last December! Santa will have a few more presents to leave under the Radko tree this year. MB OPPOSITE AND DETAILS The entryway console displays a fresh greenery cross from Fish River Christmas Trees. Page wires together fresh boughs to make her garlands by hand, and a delicate nativity scene is tucked amongst the evergreen.

THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP One of Page’s cherished nativities. Richard and baby boy Radford. In unseasonably warm winters, Page can pick fresh white hydrangeas in her own backyard for decoration. The flowers are a theme carried throughout the home.

RESOURCES CHRISTMAS AROUND THE CORNER / 398 FAIRHOPE AVE., FAIRHOPE / 928-8822 FISH RIVER TREES / 13982 WOODHAVEN DAIRY ROAD E., SUMMERDALE / 988-8114 HAZEL’S / 26751 US HWY 98, DAPHNE / 626-9939 WILDFLOWERS / 50 SOUTH CHURCH ST., FAIRHOPE / 928-6200

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HOLIDAY HIGH STYLE Boutique owner Holly Walton doesn’t miss a step in the world of high fashion, and she applies that same discerning eye to decking the halls.

text by CHRISTY DOBSON REID • photos by SUMMER ENNIS

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H

olly Walton exemplifies style. The local fashion icon has been bringing the latest trends and most sophisticated staples to Debra’s, which she co-owns with Natalie Jones, since 2001. So it’s no surprise that her home, like herself and her store, makes a statement. “I style women daily in the store, and I love to play with fashion and upcoming trends while keeping it always refined,” Holly says. “My heart literally skips a beat when the client gets the perfect outf it pulled together with the right accessories.”

The same is true of her home. “It’s all about personal style being reflected through the layering of textures in fabrics and wall coverings, which can add a new dimension to any room,” says Holly. She and husband Chris found their Spring Hill home five years ago. “We really liked the house, location and neighborhood,” says Chris. “It is the perfect size for a single-child family, and we appreciated the high quality construction.”

After they made the purchase, the Waltons created a neutral palette and brought in modern furniture with clean lines. “Everything I have is square and black and white,” Holly jokes. “I’m very masculine in my taste,” she says of her tailored, clean aesthetic. Much like at the store, Holly was hands-on in decorating her home, but enlisted a tal-

ented local team to help put the pieces in place. She brought in Tricia Willis who helped with the design work of some of the home’s unique features, such as the custom kitchen backsplash, living room mantel and Fromental hand-painted wallpaper behind the entertainment center in the family room. Willis also custom designed a floating console in the dining room inspired by a vintage piece that, sadly, wasn’t the correct size. “Tricia has awesome attention to detail,” Holly says.

Working with clothing day in and day out, Holly has a keen eye for a good textile. She appreciates the way it feels, how it falls and what it is made of. She called on Katie Kirby of Detail Designs to help source fabrics for pillows that enhanced each room. She also sourced many fabrics from local retailer Cotton Capers. “Ann at Cotton Capers has an eye for just what I will be drawn to and calls me when she gets new fabric books in the store,” Holly says.

While the style is modern and minimalist, the home is full of vintage pieces as well. “My parents (Wilson & Sheryl Smith) tease me that they can’t get out of our chairs or furniture.” The low slung, vintage pieces Holly has incorporated into her decor might not suit the parents, but they pack a major style punch. Chris adds that their place also has a touch of Southern charm.

Christmas decorating at the Walton home starts the day after

ABOVE LEFT Stylish like her Momma, 9-year-old Camille wears a dress Holly purchased while traveling for market in New York. ABOVE RIGHT Carol and Melissa from Elizabeth’s Garden did the flowers throughout the house for this holiday season. “I told them I wanted flowers the deepest color of Merlot,” says Holly, referring to the amaryllis and deep red ribbons. OPPOSITE A mirrored wall from Plantation Galleries makes a statement as guests enter the Waltons’ front door. The chaise lounge was an Ebay win and Cotton Capers recovered the piece. “Tricia Willis found the starburst tree for us at an antique gallery in Florida,” Holly says. “She suggested suspending it with industrial chain to give it a different vibe.”

PREVIOUS PAGE A close-up of Holly’s Christopher Radko ornaments, including a glimmering version of the New York City Rockettes in honor of the time Holly spends shopping in New York for her clients and boutique shelves.

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ABOVE The Waltons’ living room features clean-lined decor with a few touches of ‘60s-era glam. ABOVE AND DETAIL The family’s art collection came from Callan Contemporary in New Orleans. “Chris and I developed a wonderful relationship with Callan Contemporary,” Holly says. “The metal sculpture over the sideboard is by George Dunbar, whom we discovered through their gallery.” The holiday decor doesn’t overwhelm the home, but rather adds delicate and sophisticated touches here and there that are in keeping with the home’s overall style.

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TOP RIGHT Star of Bethlehem flowers spring up out of silver vases, and a small gingerbread house that Camille made while at Ashland Place preschool adds a personal touch. BOTTOM RIGHT Tricia Willis designed the modern mantel out of blue limestone. The surround is, surprisingly, a Phillip Jeffries wallpaper she found to mimic dark mahogany wood that serves double duty by camouflaging the television. Holly added just a touch of greenery and metallic sparkle to the mantle.

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Thanksgiving. “I am most looking forward to watching my daughter, Camille, get excited about the upcoming holidays. She makes everything much more fun and gives me a reason to decorate.” The little girl’s favorite part of the holiday season is decorating her own 8-foot-tall pink tree. The family makes an annual trip to Robert Moore where she selects new ornaments. Her grandmothers also present her with new additions for the tree each year. “She has everything from the Rockettes to Disney princesses to now emojis,” Holly says. “The top of her tree is Glenda the Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz, which we purchased a couple of years back on our annual trip to Robert Moore.” She hopes Camille remembers these times as she grows older and is one day in a home of her own.

Holly hosted both a debutante party and the Premier Medical office Christmas party at her home last season, so the holiday sparkle was in full effect. “When entertaining I have a few tall vases I use often, and my go-to flowers are white lilies. I love their aroma as it drifts through the house. But for special occasions, Elizabeth’s never disappoints. I am drawn to more architectural arrangements and for these parties, Elizabeth’s brought in deep red amaryllis and sculptural magnolia garlands.” The look, like Holly’s decor, was sleek and sophisticated.

The Waltons have made a home that is true to their style but incredibly livable at the same time. “This is the kind of home that we look forward to raising our child and growing old together in,” Chris says. “I can’t imagine living anywhere else.” MB

OPPOSITE A Caesarstone tabletop in the color white cloud rests atop a base designed

by Refine Limited that Holly purchased from 1st Dibs online store. The chairs are vintage Pietro Constantini, also from 1st Dibs. Holly scored deep burgundy ribbon at Al’s 5 & 10 that coordinates perfectly with the fresh blooms, and the color adds a little pop on natural greenery. LEFT Garland made from magnolia leaves is striking in the kitchen. A hand-painted wallpaper from England brings pattern to the room. BELOW Sleek lines and neutral tones begin at the entrance of the Waltons’ Spring Hill home.

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ANGELS ON EARTH This time of year gets people thinking about giving back. For many Mobilians, though, “giving back” is simply a way of life year-round. Here, meet a handful of locals who take philanthropy to a whole new level. text by CHELSEA ADAMS • photos by MATTHEW COUGHLIN

CHARLEAN BROWN | EMBRACING THE ELDERLY

“W

hat did you say your name was?” It’s a ques- tem,” she explains. “They needed me to drop by and say, tion Charlean Brown hears a lot from one ‘Hi, how are you today?’ It’s something you need to experiparticular woman in the nursing home she ence for yourself to understand. When you go there, just be visits. Brown has answered it countless aware of being humble, kind and loving.”

This altruism has always come naturally to Brown, but times. After she answers once more with a patient smile, the resident sighs contentedly. “Well, I just love you, Charlean,” she realizes that may not be the case for everyone. It takes she says to Brown. “I remember you because you always work, she says, to find what service truly calls out to you and instills a fire in your heart. “If you don’t like somecome in with a pretty smile.”

There truly is no better introduction for a woman who thing, move on to something else. Along the way, you’ll spends much of her life putting positivity into the world. find what you really like. It doesn’t have to be giving money, but just letting people in need know that Since she was a young girl, Brown has made someone cares for them,” she shares. it her business to visit with the elderly of Part of Brown’s drive comes from her acMobile. Some of those she spends time with “I’ve been knowledgment that many of the people she have no other family and no other visitors for doing this for visits are left forgotten in these homes. In her months or even years at a time, so Brown has 40-something experience, people don’t like to talk about as“adopted” them as her own. years, and I’ll sisted living or nursing homes. Perhaps, she A special education teacher by trade, just put it like theorizes, it’s too frightening to think about Brown has built a life around loving. She age creeping up on us, or maybe it’s painful says over and over that her passion is bringthis: I love going. to think of loved ones in that state. ing joy to others. “I’ve been doing this for I’ve never had a “It breaks your heart sometimes. I try to 40-something years, and I’ll just put it like complaint.” fill in the gaps and show how much kindthis: I love going. I’ve never had a comness there is in the world.” It’s taught her to plaint.” Brown speaks earnestly and laughs not be afraid to live her life because, as she’s easily. It’s no wonder how her smile could be learned, “you never know when you’ll breathe your last.” so memorable.

Brown tears up not long into her reminiscences. She dabs Born in California, Brown came to Mobile with her great-aunt and uncle (“But I call them Mother and Fa- at her eyes frequently, even as she laughs and smiles, recountther”) at age 4. While in middle school at Most Pure Heart ing all the people she’s met and how they’ve touched her of Mary Catholic School, she began visiting hospitals and life. The way she tells it, she’ll never stop being the positive nursing homes with her class. As they grew older, most of source of comfort needed in the lives of the lonely. “They are her classmates eventually stopped going; she never did. In just like a child with no parents. They need someone to take fact, it never occurred to her to stop. “It was in my sys- care of them. And that someone is going to be me!”

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ZENZO “COACH Z” NDLOVU | REACHING OUT TO REFUGEES

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He met his first refugee family in 2007 — a Sudanese famunning up the field, a teenaged Zenzo Ndlovu dribbles the soccer ball between his bare feet. He ily of 12 attending his church. Ndlovu introduced himself dodges opposing players as he makes his way across and, over the next year, grew to be close friends with them. the dirt. Finally, he lands a powerful strike and turns He helped the children with homework and took the parents to celebrate — he scores. Growing up in Zimbabwe, Ndlovu to the grocery store. Oftentimes, he didn’t return home until –— fondly known here in Mobile as “Coach Z” — didn’t play midnight after having spent all day with the family. He now soccer with cleats until he was 16 years old. “You talk about sees this as an important part of his journey to bring Soccerno running water, no electricity, walking 15 miles to and from 4Life into existence: “I got to understand the refugee mind, why they think the way they think. It was a training ground school — that’s 30 miles a day!” he says jovially.

Now, Ndlovu runs a nonprofit soccer league in Mobile called for me. So now it’s easy for me to look at the refugee and unSoccer4Life. His aim? Using the sport to guide and mentor the derstand why they do what they do.”

Ndlovu reaches more than just the kids, too. He works underprivileged and refugee children living in the city. “We hope to bridge the gap and give kids an opportunity to play soccer and, closely with parents to help them adjust to their new home. He explains that, culturally, African parents aren’t heavily involved in the process, have a mentor that teaches life skills,” he shares.

Originally from a small rural village, Ndlovu really got into in their children’s social lives. But since those children are now interacting with American children, the parents soccer after moving to a larger city. After high have to step up their participation — attend school, he even played semiprofessionally before “We’re not games and practices to support their children. coming to the United States to play soccer for the Now, many of those parents coach on his teams.

University of Mobile. For a few years after that, worried about “These guys didn’t know anything about soccer, he conducted soccer camps, both locally and in them becoming and now they’ve transformed into championZimbabwe. That’s when the idea struck him. “Fiprofessional ship-winning coaches.” nally flying back from Zimbabwe, God gave me soccer players And he’s not kidding about that. At the a name: Soccer4Life. That’s when I had the idea overnight as long time of writing, three of his teams (split into to register this program as a nonprofit and solicit age groups) have advanced to state championdonations and be able reach out to the kids.” as we fulfill our ships, and the 15-year-old team has won five In 2007, he registered Soccer4Life, hosting mission, which out of the six games played this season. soccer camps around the area while building is the mentoring “Soccer4Life is like my child. I see myself his larger vision. Five years later, his first team part.” there. I thought about how nice it would be for began playing games in local leagues. In the a child to have a coach who says, ‘Hey, good last four years, his organization has grown from eight players to nearly 120. “My goal is not the [program’s] job! High five! You did good work.’”

Soccer4Life emphasizes more than just winning on the socgrowth because if you do well, you’re going to grow,” he shares.

“I just want to stay focused on the mission and don’t want to cer field. “We care about education,” he says. “We tell them if compare myself to anybody else. If [other causes or programs their grades are bad to stay home and study.” He recounts a are] growing faster, whatever. I just want to be happy doing story of a parent coming to him to explain that a player wasn’t doing well in school. So Ndlovu spent a week going to classes what I do and make sure that the kids are impacted.”

As a transplant himself, Ndlovu’s largest target audience is with the student, sitting beside him throughout the day to help Mobile’s refugee population. Families from the Congo, Sudan, him keep focus. “We’re not worried about them becoming proPakistan, Tanzania and other countries have settled in com- fessional soccer players overnight as long as we fulfill our mismunities around the city. For them, adjusting to a new culture sion, which is the mentoring part.”

Ndlovu sees a lot of himself in his players, and he does what can be a challenge. Ndlovu explains how simple things, such as grocery shopping or how to keep up with homework, can be he can to bring smiles to their faces. He keeps a bag of candy in the soccer van (which is often running carpool to bring players completely new experiences.

“We’re talking about kids born in makeshift homes whose to and from practice if their parents can’t) and a backpack full lives never had any type of structure, so social life is nonexis- of clean socks in case someone needs a pair. “Because I grew up tent,” he continues. “It’s like starting fresh from scratch to teach very poor, I was always that kid on the outside looking in, wishthem basic manners — how to keep stuff clean, keep up the ing, hoping. So when I was in a position to do something, I just wanted to make sure that there’s no child left behind.” uniforms. It’s not only soccer we’re dealing with.”

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JENN GREENE | PATRON OF THE PETS

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hile working at one of her community out- clients — furry and non — every year or twice a year also means reach nonprofits, Jenn Greene got the idea for they get to teach people how to properly care for their animals. her next one. Downtown at the Delta Bike Take heartworms, for instance. Someone who had never been to Project, a fix-it-yourself shop serving Mobile’s a vet before may not even know that heartworms are a problem in-need population, her dog Charlie garnered a lot of attention. or how to prevent them. “With just a little care and investment “People would ask me, ‘How did you get your dog to look so from us, the pets are completely fine,” Greene shares.

In addition, she hopes that Mobile may join other cities healthy? Why is his fur so nice?’ And I just said, ‘I don’t know.’”

For Greene, she didn’t think she was doing anything beyond across the nation, including Montgomery, to put common basic veterinary care for her pup: good food, yearly shots and sense spay-and-neuter laws in place. “Shelters are full and overflowing every day, and part of that is because we don’t have a plenty of love.

She thought for a while about why Charlie struck a chord spay-and-neuter law in our community. We do what we can to with the Delta Bike Project patrons. How could she help their help the animals that are here, but we won’t make any progress dogs get what Charlie was getting? Thus, Delta Dogs was born. until the laws are updated.” As she says, it’s bad for everyone.

At its inception, Delta Dogs focused on providing care to the Animals live short, painful lives without the care they need, and pets of the homeless in Mobile. In the intervening four years, unwanted or nuisance animals hurt communities, particularly communities in poverty. the organization has helped more dogs and Delta Dogs also partners with Animal Resowners than she would have ever envisioned.

“That’s one cue Foundation as well as Eagle’s Landing, a “We still work with the homeless,” she explains transitional housing community for veterans. on the front porch of Cream and Sugar in Oakcool thing about Many of the residents there have PTSD. This is leigh, “but the elderly, disabled, veterans and Mobile: You can where Greene and Eiland-Wilder come into the others in crisis make up about 90 percent of come here, and if picture. “We pair veterans with dogs, and they who we help now.” Along with Dr. Jennifer Eiyou want to invest work towards training it to be their emotional land-Wilder of Ark Animal Clinic (“the Jenns,” Greene jokes early on), Delta Dogs provides and engage yourself support dog. We have pit bulls, labs, even a husky. I love working with Eagle’s Landing because medication, vaccinations and education for in making the I feel like that’s where Delta Dogs can play a very how to care for many pets (obviously dogs, but community better, hopeful role in the community.” they also see plenty of cats, rabbits and more). you can do that.”

Oftentimes, Delta Dogs meets people in the Greene says they receive about 10 or 15 appliworst situations of their lives. “When you have cations a week, all by word of mouth. someone who’s in crisis, you want to help them It’s a simple idea — keeping animals healthy for owners without financial means — but it’s still very rare to as much as you can. You get personally invested in every person find a group that focuses on that need. Greene knows of only because you hear the stories, and every person living below the one other — in Austin, Texas. “And I call them constantly asking poverty line has a story. We’re just a tiny piece to the solution.”

The biggest lesson Greene has learned? Most people are unifor advice,” she adds with a chuckle. “It’s expensive to have a pet, but that doesn’t mean that people in need shouldn’t be allowed to fied through animals. “I thought we were going to get more negative feedback because of preconceived notions about who have that support. I can’t imagine not having my dogs or cats.”

Greene says there’s a tendency to point fingers and complain should have a pet, but we’ve found it to be the opposite,” she about a problem without offering a solution. In her mind, it’s says. “People identify with our mission, they understand what not anyone’s job to pass judgment. “My dog makes me laugh their own pets mean to them.”

And Greene hopes Delta Dogs continues to grow and 100 times a day. We find that for some of our clients, these pets may be the only ‘person’ they see all day. Pets are their compan- change. Greene and Eiland dream of one day providing temions. So instead of saying, ‘They shouldn’t have that pet,’ I can porary housing to board pets of women and families in crisis, say, ‘How can I help you?’ They want to care for their pets; they all while gathering more support to reach more people in need.

“That’s one cool thing about Mobile: You can come here, just don’t have the means.”

Delta Dogs also has a larger mission. They’re not a “one and and if you want to invest and engage yourself in making the done” stop for random rabies shots or inconsistent checkups. community better, you can do that. There are a lot of people They provide stability and continuity in care, something that can doing that. And with Delta Bike Project and Delta Dogs, we’re be tough given the circumstances but is worth it. Seeing their doing that, too.”

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JOSHUA JONES | SANTA WITH A BADGE

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irens blasting through a neighborhood isn’t typically Jones says. “Money is fine, but if a child sees that you’re willcause for celebration. But as blue and red flash across ing to spend the time to get to know his issues and help them front lawns and people emerge from their homes to see become better, he’s more likely to respond to that than the what’s going on, there’s another sound emanating from money. Because money is disposable. Time, they’ll remember that forever.” He shares a story of visiting one of the men he the police cruiser’s loudspeakers: “Here Comes Santa Claus.”

It’s December 2015, and Joshua Jones and a few partners used to mentor. That boy now plays college football, and Jones have a surprise in store: a trunk full of toys they’re ready to hand decided to stop by a game. Jones has a soft smile as he recounts out. “After we gave the gifts, we played flag football with them the experience. “When he saw me, he ran past his parents and for two hours, and the kids all loved it! That ball that we just came over to hug me and pick me up. This is a big guy, now,” he gave them, we’re playing football with. It was cool,” Jones says. says, chuckling. “He was so tall, I looked up and told him that Just a few weeks prior to that day, Jones and the criminal he should be mentoring me now. He will never forget the times apprehension team arrested a man in this neighborhood. As we spent together, the time I spent fussing at him, encouraging they were leaving, he noticed a child in the house — the man’s him, coaching him. I never had to spend a dime to do that.”

In addition, Jones is also part of the mayor’s executive younger brother. “I decided that I wanted to go back and reassure that child that it was going to be okay,” Jones shares nearly protection team and a member of the National Guard.

He’s organized a “push-up team” for Setwo years later. “This happened the first week nior Bowl, where National Guard members of Christmas break. So my partners and I went “For me, it’s who’ve never been to college get to parto Dollar General, bought some toys and realways been about ticipate in game day activities with ROTC turned to the neighborhood.” Thus, Mobile’s building that members of the school.

Santa with a Badge was born.

Each year since 2015, Santa with a Badge Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Jones bridge for those has grown. As he’s shared the idea with the joined the Mobile Police Department in 2012 children to know city, he’s been met with overwhelming supsoon after graduating from the University of their current port and donations of toys, even from outSouth Alabama. Even before playing “Jingle circumstances side Mobile. (He’s even received donations Bells” through his cruiser’s loudspeakers and don’t have to from California!) Unlike some of the nationhanding out gifts, he searched for ways to reach al organizations, Jones thinks people appreout to the communities he served. be their lifelong ciate being able to see where their donations “I grew up without a father as the only boy circumstances.” are going to help children right here in Mowith my mom and three sisters. I had to grow bile. They were able to distribute more than up fast, and I missed out on a lot of aspects of childhood,” Jones says. “I see a lot of those trends in the 400 gifts last year.

And this year, he’s hoping for the biggest event yet. “This areas that we serve. For me, it’s always been about building that bridge for those children to know their current circumstances year, I want to be able to pull into those neighborhoods in a U-Haul truck!” he says with excitement. He explains that don’t have to be their lifelong circumstances.”

Santa With a Badge, then, is truly part of a larger goal to donation bins are set up in all Mobile police precincts, inshow Mobile and the people he polices that he’s actually more cluding Mobile police headquarters, for anyone to drop off than the badge — he’s a human, and he cares. “People hate toys for donation.

In the end, the toys aren’t even the most important part police. It’s just a reality. We’ll always be looked at as the villain, even though we’re supposed to be the heroes.” Jones of what Jones is looking to accomplish; it’s merely a tool. His says this matter-of-factly, no anger or bitterness in his voice. larger vision means creating lasting bonds and positive memoHe understands how people come to believe that, particularly ries with the citizens of Mobile and helping the youth take when young children watch him arrest their parents, siblings control of their futures. And that’s something you can’t do or friends. But it’s important, he says, to break that perception. from the outside.

“When we say ‘Protect and Serve,’ a lot of times, the service “You have to create these positive interactions with the kids so they can see we’re human. And eventually it’s no longer Officer aspect is only being covered by the patrolling. But that’s not it.

Jones, it’s Mr. Jones.” He says the kids are more likely to come Serving is getting into your communities and helping the folks to him for help or advice that way. “We’re not just there to de- change the way they live, the way they see their community and themselves. You can’t have protect and serve without either stroy their families. We care.”

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JOHN KILPATRICK | FOCUS ON VETERANS

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ellow ribbons wrapped around trees. American out that most large-scale recovery programs involve some elflags flying on front lawns. “We support the troops” ement of fellowship.

“To get sober is one thing, and that happens in a clinical bumper stickers spotted around town. Signs of support for the men and women who fight for the environment, but to stay sober you really have to change your United States aren’t hidden from view. For John Kilpatrick, whole life,” Kilpatrick explains. “You have to change everyhowever, one incredibly important support component is thing, and it’s difficult to do without a support system and without a community of folks helping and supporting you in much harder to find: mental health recovery resources.

“Last January, the Community Foundation of South Ala- your recovery.”

And the best people to prop you up in times of need, he bama published their Veterans Needs Assessment, which reports there are more than 64,000 veterans in south Alabama says, are those who’ve been there. He adds, “When you are and that 50 percent of them report having had some sort of in the throes of addiction or in a mental health crisis, you feel ashamed and isolated, but we are never alone. There mental health issue,” Kilpatrick shares.

Where many see numbers on paper, Kilpatrick sees the is always hope, and our worst experiences will become our greatest source of strength once we work individuals they represent and the collective through them.” struggle they face. He knows it because it’s a “When we’ve Getting this network off the ground takes struggle he’s faced himself. Having enlisted in got hundreds of money, but Kilpatrick has a plan. Veteran Rethe Marine Corps Reserve in 1986 and in the covery Resources received a $2,000 grant from National Guard in 1998, Kilpatrick built a veterans living in the University of Alabama. Plus, as of this career in the Armed Forces. Currently a lieuthe Gulf Coast printing, Kilpatrick and Veterans Recovery Retenant colonel in the Army reserve and Comarea connected sources are in the middle of their capital cammander of the 7223rd Medical Support Unit, through this paign. They’re looking to raise $1.5 million to Kilpatrick returned from his most recent decommon goal of build a treatment facility in Mobile for veterployment to Kuwait in February 2016. ans., and they’re a third of the way to their goal.

And in 2016, Kilpatrick and a team of other recovery, I think After this initial infusion, the organization veterans came together to create Veterans Recovthat will be a mark will be completely financially self-sufficient. ery Resources, a nonprofit geared specifically to of our success.”

VRR will provide outpatient and residential connecting veterans so they can help each other services as well as support to lead healthy, prothrough the often difficult reintegration to norductive lifestyles within the community. mal life after deployment.

“We are focused on those veterans, service members and During the late 1990s, Kilpatrick found making those connections without help almost impossible. In 2009, he again no- first responders for whom a residential intervention is needticed this discrepancy while working at the Pentagon. “I was ed,” he shares. “The VA has just 20 beds available in Biloxi; assigned to write the order to expand the Army’s confidential there are none in Mobile even though we have a higher conalcohol treatment program,” he shares. “The idea was that centration of veterans.”

VRR has the potential to impact many lives on the Gulf a soldier could self-report a drinking problem and get help without affecting his or her career. The problem was it only Coast, but Kilpatrick shies away from the word “legacy,” inaddressed the clinical needs and did nothing to establish that stantly turning the focus back to his organization. “We’re looking connection with others in recovery. That was the spark that to create not just a place to recover but a place to work that’s really made me realize the need to connect service members grounded in recovery in the way we treat our employees, donors, volunteers. We want every aspect of the organization to be and veterans in recovery.”

VRR is an organization for veterans, by veterans. Because grounded in recovery.”

Beyond the peer-to-peer network he’s aiming to create, their of that, they are uniquely equipped to face this challenge head on. They recognize that recovery encompasses a wide plan also focuses on getting veterans in recovery out into the variety of struggles, which can range from severe PTSD, de- community, working jobs, volunteering — doing all the things pression or social isolation to alcohol and substance abuse or healthy people do in life. “The best gauge of success is how big even suicidal thoughts. Through coming together and con- our fellowship becomes. When we’ve got hundreds of veterans necting with others who have been there, Kilpatrick believes, living in the Gulf Coast area connected through this common getting better becomes a less daunting journey. He points goal of recovery, I think that will be a mark of our success.” MB

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HISTORY | ARCHIVES

How to be Beautiful in Old Mobile Looking stylish in the days of our Mobile ancestors sometimes required a trip to New York, a little homemade creativity or, occasionally, a brush with death.

text by FR ANCES V. BEVERLY • illustration by COLLEEN COMER Frances Beverly Papers, The Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of South Alabama

Born in 1865, Frances V. Beverly toiled away at her home on Government Street throughout the 1930s and ‘40s, writing what she hoped would become the almanac of Mobile. Unfortunately, it was not to be. Beverly died in Mobile in 1954, leaving behind piles of manuscripts hidden from the very audience whose lore and customs she so tirelessly documented for posterity — that is, until now. In this series, MB presents the Frances Beverly Papers.

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n scanning the pages of the old Mobile directories from 1839 to 1850, barber shops [for men] were quite as numerous as beauty shops [for women] are today. In those days, women would never have gone into any public place for beauty treatment, because it would have been considered just as immodest as it would have been to powder one’s face on the street.

We will go back to the days when hairdressers visited homes, and complexions, which were far more beautiful than they are today, did not cost a week’s salary. If a girl was anxious to be particularly lovely and al-

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luring, she would go into the privacy of her own room, tie her hair back in red flannel curlers, and cover them with a large towel.

Then she would apply a liberal coating of honey and the white of an egg or just plain flour and water paste, and remain behind closed doors until it had done its work of beatification, which took about two hours.

[By using] warm water and Castile soap and a flannel cloth, all traces of the beautifier were removed, and she powdered her face with “prepared chalk,” which was a most ghastly white. It was either prepared at home or could be bought at the drugstore. Usually it was prepared at home by placing a quantity of the crude chalk in a platter filled with water near a window where there was plenty of sunshine. After about three days, the water was allowed to dry; then another quantity of water was added, and it had to be stirred with a silver spoon several times a day to ensure smoothness. It took about four days to become perfectly dry, and the girls who were inclined to be a little reckless of criticism would add a few drops of cochineal (a red food coloring derived from insects) swiped from the kitchen, where it was used in icing

cakes, and it was a dead secret, because if her friends ever found it out they would say that she was “fast.”

Cosmetics like this were all that were used, except occasionally a very rash young lady would dampen a red ribbon, or a red rose, with cologne and rub it on her cheeks, and it did produce a very fine imitation of “rosy cheeks” and all of the old women would snicker behind their fans and whisper: “I always did say that she isn’t any better than she ought to be.” The writer had a sister-inlaw, who used this method of producing a “healthy color,” for 10 or 15 years, and even her own mother never knew it.

Of course, present day beauticians, as they are pleased to call themselves, ridicule the old-time beauty aids, but they cannot improve on them. The simple home treatments did the work, and the most beautiful women in the world were our grandmothers, whose faces were not plastered with base creams, powder, rouge and lipstick, to say nothing of the shadow creams and adjustable eyebrows, which always inspire one to say: “Laugh, Clown, laugh,” just to see if the face will hold together.

During the years preceding the Civil War, there was a perfectly legitimate and respectable way of having a beautiful complexion, if one was so unfortunate as to have an ugly, muddy skin … If there was enough in the family exchequer, the face was taken to New York and “enameled.” It made the face look like a wax doll and lasted for several months, or as long as there was money to pay for it. A light enamel could be had to last for a week, and as it grew thicker, it grew more expensive. It had its disadvantages, for the face could not be washed during its occupancy; a slightly damp cloth removed all dust, and

it would have been fatal to laugh. A very discreet Mona Lisa-ish smile was all that could be indulged in. For some unknown reason, the art of enameling never reached Mobile, and the belles who had to have it had to go north for it. Men object to kissing lipstick now, and there certainly could have been no thrills kissing a “plastered face” in the 1860s.

Men at that time (1839) indulged in quite as many vanities as women, as they wore toupees, wigs, goatees, side burns and whiskers, to say nothing of the horrible moustachios, which decorated men’s faces and were such a nuisance at meal times that

somebody had to invent a “mustache cup” which held the offending ornament out of the coffee cup. Some old men’s whiskers were so long that at meal time they would open their vests and tuck the foot-long whiskers in and put them away for safe keeping.

The barber shops did all of this beauty work, keeping the whiskers soft and luxurious, and using all kinds of ointments and creams on the faces, and soaking them with Bay Rum and scented soaps. In those days, there was a favorite expression, “smells like a barber shop,” if anyone came around too highly perfumed.

Men dyed their hair then more than women did, and it was seldom a successful operation. Often they would dye both heads and whiskers, and in many instances it proved fatal … a great deal of sugar of lead was used and, if applied too frequently, it caused insanity. Grey hair was so allied to old age that people became panic stricken if they discovered one grey hair and were willing to take all kinds of chances.

One of the favorite barber shops of 1839 was called The Temple of Adonis, and it was in the basement of the Alabama Hotel, with entrance on St. Francis Street, and had 15 barbers on duty. In the 1880s, this was also called the “ladies entrance” to the Battle House because ladies did not go through the lobby of any hotel.

John Reed, who had a barber shop at 47 Royal Street, was another popular [barber].

There were numbers of them all the length of Dauphin Street, as far up as Lawrence Street, and another funny thing about a barber shop was the fact that ladies must not look in one. Barber shops, pool rooms and saloons were places to be passed with averted eyes. The saloons had halfway doors and so did the pool rooms, and one could only see dozens of feet on sawdust-covered floors, which was very much more provocative than open doors. Barber shops always had a spiral red, blue and white sign in front, sometimes it was stationary and sometimes it kept up a perpetual spinning. Little girls were taught to look at the barber pole and never glance in where men did not have on their coats and collars. That was in 1839. In 1939, if one looks into a barber shop, they can see just as many women in the chairs as men, and not even noticing each other. MB december 2017 | mobilebaymag.com 73

Mobile Bay Magazine Presents 2017

NOTABLE WOMEN

In this special section of Mobile Bay Magazine, meet some of the Bay area’s most successful, innovative and dynamic women.

From the medical field to the restaurant and hospitality industries, these movers and shakers have, in their own individual ways, managed to strike a balance in their personal and professional lives, while also giving back to our community. Join us in applauding these local innovators who make us proud to call ourselves Mobilians.

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Jennie Campbell CEO / President || Stewart Steelwood Investments, LLC The vision of The Stewart Lodges is simple: to create and deliver a private, exclusive, customized experience, whether for a business meeting, golf or fishing trip or family gathering. “Our goal is to take care of our customers with the utmost respect, creating an environment of connection.”

“I believe you earn respect. You gain progress and move forward in your career by having solid integrity and ethics, by having a good attitude, by embracing challenges, by being thankful for every opportunity, and by constantly growing your knowledge in all areas of business. If you can master these traits, no matter who you are, you will be successful.”

Campbell’s favorite part about her job is impacting and making a difference with her employees and her customers.

“I hope I have made a difference in other peoples’ lives by mentoring and sharing through my personal experiences and knowledge as my mentor has done for me,” Campbell said. “It is my time in my life to give back and pass on to the next generation.”

STEWART LODGES AT STEELWOOD 32311 Waterview Drive East Loxley, AL 36551 251-602-1300 StewartSteelwood.com april 2017 | mobilebaymag.com 75

SPONSORED CONTENT

Jacquitta Powell Green CEO and Chairwoman || Commonwealth National Bank Commonwealth National Bank was founded in 1976 by 14 African-American men and one diverse member who had a dream to have a financial institution in which they could be treated with dignity and respect. It serves as the foundation to financial literacy and fiscal responsibility, regardless of economic standing. Commonwealth was born out of community, and Green’s relationship with the bank is inter-generational and spans decades; her grandfather was an early shareholder.

Green feels, “Commonwealth National Bank has taken a path of serving customers who look like our world; culturally diverse and community minded for social impact.”

The Mobile native gives back to her community with organizations such as Penelope House and Boys and Girls Club. She is active with the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Alliance, and is a graduate of Leadership Mobile and Leadership Alabama. She received a BS in Business Administration from Alabama A&M University and an MBA from Spring Hill College.

She and her family reside in Mobile.

COMMONWEALTH NATIONAL BANK 2861 Springhill Avenue Mobile, AL 36607 251-406-1430 ecommonwealthbank.com 76 mobilebaymag.com | april 2017 SPONSORED CONTENT

Dr. Heather Haley Dermatologist || Haley Dermatology Dr. Haley formed Haley Dermatology in Fairhope upon completion of her medical training from UAB in 2003.

She started with the sole purpose of providing excellent medical and cosmetic skin care to the community. Her willingness to remain educated on the latest advances in skin care was the key to her early success. Today, she continues to research and train on the latest technologies and is careful to choose only the best for her patients.

In 2007, Dr. Haley expanded Haley Dermatology to include Clear Medspa with the construction of a new office in Rock Creek. She assembled a group of board-certified dermatologists, physician assistants, and aesthetic staff who share her vision. Together, they’ve earned a reputation for exceptional care and impressive results. This state-of-the-art medical facility now includes Clear Medspa and the Skin & Body Studio. The Skin & Body Studio is the latest addition to provide not only quality skin care for the face, but to offer full body treatments in a relaxing environment.

HALEY DERMATOLOGY 202 Rock Creek Parkway Fairhope, AL 36532 251-928-2310 haleyderm.com SPONSORED CONTENT

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Dr. Diana Hashimi, MD Physician and Owner || Access MD Born, raised and trained in Mobile, Dr. Diana Hashimi is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine with over 25 years of experience in our community. She practices a traditional art of medicine centered on exceptional and accessible medical care developing a personal relationship with each individual patient.

Founded in 2012 and located in the heart of Springhill, Access MD is Mobile’s first and only Concierge Medicine practice, offering retainerbased, private medical services. Dr. Hashimi provides personalized attention and offers convenient, relaxed appointments with no wait time.

The practice size is intentionally limited to allow for and preserve quality time with patients to focus on medical needs and personal communication. Dr. Hashimi is easily reachable by phone or email and schedules established patients with timely appointments. Currently, there are available memberships. For more information, please give us a call.

ACCESS MD 4310-E Old Shell Road Mobile, AL 36608 251-895-4345 Diana@AccessMDmobile.com 78 mobilebaymag.com | april 2017

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Johnna Hazley Caregiver || Synergy Home Care Out of 153 offices and over 4,000 caregivers, Johnna Hazley was crowned 2017 National Caregiver of The Year for Synergy HomeCare of Daphne, AL. Johnna’s accomplishments don’t stop there, as she has won every caregiver award Synergy HomeCare gives out!

More important than the awards she has won is the work she does and how she goes about it. Being a caregiver is one of the most challenging and uncelebrated careers, yet Johnna brings unmatched energy and compassion into every home. As she puts it, she did not choose this career; God chose her to touch the lives of others when they are in their most vulnerable state.

Johnna believes the health and welfare of her clients extend beyond their physical needs, and she makes certain to bring joy and love to every home she steps foot in. Surprise birthday parties, coordinating events, and even helping her clients’ grandchildren with their homework are just a few of the ways Johnna has gone above and beyond.

When she goes to a home, she brings joy with her. And when she leaves, she leaves everyone with a smile.

SYNERGY HOME CARE 1048 Stanton Road Daphne, AL 36526 251-621-1900 synergyhomecare.com april 2017 | mobilebaymag.com 79

SPONSORED CONTENT

Misty Hudson Franchise Owner || Chicken Salad Chick Misty Lee Hudson grew up in Georgia.

She graduated from Valdosta State University with an honors degree in public relations. She was a pharmaceutical and medical device representative for 14 years prior to discovering the Chicken Salad Chick family. Misty sits on the Ronald McDonald House of Mobile’s executive board, the CSC Foundation that fights cancer and hunger as well as the CSC Franchise Advisory Council.

Misty is also an active member with the Mobile and Eastern Shore Chamber and St. James Episcopal.

Misty is the mother of two boys — Hudson, age 14, and Mason, 12 — and her golden doodle Winston. The boys attend Bayside Academy and are extremely active in sports, which Misty says is her favorite pastime (watching them play football and basketball). In Misty’s free time, she enjoys cooking, working out, traveling and spending time with her family, friends. Misty says the Bay area is her forever home and hopes people continue to love her delicious chicken salads!

CHICKEN SALAD CHICK 5753 Old Shell Road, Mobile 2370 S. Hillcrest Road, Mobile 1802 US Highway 98, Daphne 251-406-1430 chickensaladchick.com 80 mobilebaymag.com | april 2017

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Dr. Angelene H. Naro Doctor of Audiology || Naro Audiology & Hearing Solutions Angelene Hanks Naro, Au.D., audiologist and owner of Naro Audiology & Hearing Solutions received her master’s degree from Auburn University in 2000 and Doctor of Audiology from A.T. Still University in 2017. Dr. Naro is a native of Butler County, is married, has three children, and runs her audiology practice with three office locations across south Alabama. Her years of experience, dedication and perseverance have undergirded her success as an audiologist while being a wife and mother. Her motivation is improving a person’s hearing and thereby improving that person’s quality of life.

Her compassion, experience and true understanding of hearing loss-related complexities allow her to provide unique, personalized care and quality solutions for her patients. Her compassion is driven by her personal convictions and life experiences that have shaped her perspective and deepened her care for others who are in need.

NARO AUDIOLOGY 22530 US Hwy 98 STE 240 Fairhope, AL 36532 251-929-9397 naroaudiology.com Additional offices in Bay Minette and Brewton

SPONSORED CONTENT

Tillie Pan Co-Owner || Orange Beach Concierge

Throughout her career as a corporate sales and marketing executive for international cosmetics brands, to her current role as co-owner of Orange Beach Concierge, Tillie Pan has been driven by her passion for making clients feel like royalty or rock stars.

That passion for total client satisfaction includes gourmet catering and private chef services, total coordination of corporate events, and opulent weddings and receptions. Tillie and her team create cherished experiences for hosts and guests alike.

Tillie and her husband, talented and acclaimed Chef David Pan, take the same level of personal pride in planning and catering lavish events as they do in providing personal chef services for vacationing families or an intimate private dinner celebration for anniversaries or birthdays.

The company now offers The Space, a new event venue at The Wharf for up to 100 people, as well as The Pantry, world class gourmet cuisine to-go for discerning vacationers and qualityconscious locals.

ORANGE BEACH CONCIERGE 4790 Wharf Parkway Orange Beach, AL 36561 251-228-6729 orangebeachconciergeservices.com 82 mobilebaymag.com | april 2017

SPONSORED CONTENT

Lydia Noble Owner || Noble Events

Lydia Noble is recognized for her fresh and innovative ideas, attention to detail and devotion to her clients through her wedding and event planning company, Noble Events, LLC. A native of Alabama, she has a Bachelor of Fine Arts and acquired her trade by assisting another event planner while in Manhattan. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Women. Noble Events has won TheKnot.com’s “Best Of Weddings” Award for the last several years.

Her work has also been spotlighted in several local publications, including Mobile Bay Monthly and Access Magazine. With offices in Mobile, New Orleans and Pensacola, Lydia continues to dominate the event market in the Southeast.

Lydia’s experience has helped her assemble Southern elegance with over the top fun while still constructing sophisticated events. With more than twelve years of experience and a sincere love of her work, Lydia will guide you to your dream event.

NOBLE EVENTS 70 N. Joachim Street Mobile, AL 36602 251-533-1395 lydianobleevents.com SPONSORED CONTENT

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DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 ON STAGE & EXHIBITS PG. 86 • JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS PG. 88

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

[DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS]

through december 22

through january 1

december 1

Holiday Season at the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion

Christmas Nights of Lights

Fairhope’s Magical Christmas Parade

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tu - F. The antebellum beauty comes to life with on-the-hour tours this Christmas season.

BRAGG-MITCHELL MANSION BRAGGMITCHELLMANSION.COM

5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Drive through a magical spectacle of Christmas cheer at Hank Aaron Stadium. Tune radios to the designated radio station to hear Christmas music timed to the lights. Admission: $6.

HANK AARON STADIUM CHRISTMASNIGHTSOFLIGHTS.COM

7 p.m. Embrace the spirit of the season as Fairhope’s Christmas Parade hits the streets.

DOWNTOWN FAIRHOPE • COFAIRHOPE.COM

december 1 - 2

through december 31

through january 14

Magic Christmas in Lights

Ice Skating Rink at The Wharf

More than 3 million lights and 15 scenes make this spectacle a Port City tradition.

Admission: $15 - $24 for adults, $7.50 - $13 for children (5 - 12), free for children under 5.

4 p.m. - 10 p.m. M - F, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. S Su. Lace up and skate around this winter wonderland. $10 for skating; $13 for skating and Ferris wheel; $80 for freq. skater pass.

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. F. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sa. Unique poinsettias and seasonal plants are on sale at this joint venture between the Mobile Botanical Gardens and Mobile County Master Gardeners.

BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME 973-2217 • BELLINGRATH.ORG

THE WHARF AT ORANGE BEACH ALWHARF.COM

MOBILE BOTANICAL GARDENS MOBILEBOTANICALGARDENS.ORG

Botanical Gardens Holiday Sale

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

84 mobilebaymag.com | december 2017

NEW YEAR’S EVE IN DOWNTOWN MOBILE

december 2 Let It Snow 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Who says Southern winters can’t be white? Hear live musical performances, listen to Mrs. Claus read stories and play in the snow.

DOWNTOWN FOLEY • 943-1300

december 16 Holiday Market & Winter Wonderland 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Enjoy arts and crafts, music, dance performances and more at this annual family friendly event.

DOWNTOWN MOBILE • NCSMOBILE.ORG

december 23 The Dollar General Bowl 6 p.m. Nationally televised on ESPN, the Dollar General Bowl features some incredible college athletes hoping to impress during the last game of the football season. Various events will be held throughout the week leading up to the big game. Check the website for details on individual events.

LADD-PEEBLES STADIUM DOLLARGENERALBOWL.COM

december 31 New Year’s Eve Celebration Ring in 2018 in style with the MoonPie Drop and live entertainment in downtown Mobile.

DOWNTOWN MOBILE • NCSMOBILE.ORG

december 31 City of Fairhope New Year’s Eve Family Celebration 8:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Say goodbye to 2017 across the Bay with face painting, a DJ, a band, fireworks, and a ball drop.

DOWNTOWN FAIRHOPE • COFAIRHOPE.COM

december 2017 | mobilebaymag.com 85

[ON STAGE & EXHIBITS]

through june 1 Back to Havana Explore the relationship between Mobile and its sister city Havana, Cuba, in this exhibit featuring multimedia projects from 15 of Cuba’s contemporary artists.

ALABAMA CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER ALABAMACONTEMPORARY.ORG

through january 7 Curious George: Let’s Get Curious!

Explore the world of the beloved children’s book and TV series character Curious George. Play around in the apartment building, construction site, city park and more.

THE GULF COAST EXPLOREUM • EXPLOREUM.COM

through january 7 5 Mobile Artists 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tu - Su. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Th. Get to know the works of five artists who have been an integral part of the Port City’s art scene.

MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART MOBILEMUSEUMOFART.COM

through january 7 A Painter’s Hand: The Monotypes of Adolph Gottlieb 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tu - Su. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Th. View monotypes of one of the founding members of Abstract Expressionism in the United States.

MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART MOBILEMUSEUMOFART.COM

through january 21 Posing Beauty in African American Culture 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tu - Su. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Th. This exhibit explores how African and African American beauty has been portrayed in a range of media platforms.

MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART MOBILEMUSEUMOFART.COM

december 1 USA Holiday Concert 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an exciting celebration of the world’s favorite seasonal music during this holiday concert by the University of South Alabama Department of Music.

Free admission and refreshments.

USA MITCHELL CENTER 2195 MITCHELL CENTER DRIVE

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THE REVIVALISTS AT THE SAENGER

december 6 “A Christmas Carol” 6:30 p.m. Doors open. 7:30 p.m. Show starts.

The beloved Dickens’ Christmas story brings familiar characters — Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Marley, and of course, Tiny Tim — ­­ to life. Tickets: $20.

PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK PLAYHOUSEINTHEPARK.ORG THE MOBILE SAENGER • MOBILESAENGER.COM

december 9 - 10 Mobile Symphony Orchestra: Mobile’s Magical Christmas 7:30 p.m. Sa. 2:30 p.m. Su. Experience a glamorous holiday concert by the Mobile Symphony accompanied by the Mobile Singing Children. Tickets: $15 - $75.

MOBILE SYMPHONY • MOBILESYMPHONY.ORG

december 14 The Revivalists 8 p.m. Show starts. The New Orleans alt-rock band takes the stage. Tickets: $27.50 - $49.50.

THE MOBILE SAENGER • MOBILESAENGER.COM

december 14 The Doug Breau Show: Classic Christmas 7:30 p.m. Doug Breau and The Magnificent 5, along with special guests, ring in the holidays with a full-length show featuring seasonal classics. Tickets: $15 at the door.

DAVIDSON HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM • 3900 PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD • DOUGBREAU.COM

december 20 Home Free: A Country Christmas Tour 2017 7 p.m. Doors open. 8 p.m. Show starts. The 5-man band with their brand of all-vocal, no-instrument music mixes with their unique brand of humor. Tickets: $19 - $79.

THE MOBILE SAENGER • MOBILESAENGER.COM

december 2017 | mobilebaymag.com 87

COLD HARDY ANNUAL DISPLAYS AT BELLINGRATH

[JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS]

january 1 The Polar Bear Dip Ring in 2018 in style by taking a chilly dip in the Gulf of Mexico.

THE FLORA-BAMA • FLORABAMA.COM

january 2 - february 28 Winter Camellia and Cold Hardy Annual Displays A variety of winter blooms and beauty thrive in the coastal climate at Bellingrath Gardens and Home.

Admission: $13 for adults, $7.50 for children ages 5 - 12; free to members and to ages 4 and younger.

BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME BELLINGRATH.ORG

january 3 - february 21 Winter Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. On Thursdays, brush up on horticultural tips during the winter months. Admission: $13 for adults, $7.50 for children 5 - 12; free to members and to ages 4 and younger.

BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME BELLINGRATH.ORG

january 5 The Black Jacket Symphony: Led Zeppelin “IV” 7 p.m. Doors open. 8 p.m. Show starts.

The Black Jacket Symphony presents their unique spin on Led Zeppelin’s “IV.” Tickets: $22, $33.

THE MOBILE SAENGER • MOBILESAENGER.COM

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THE REESE’S SENIOR BOWL

january 7 Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit 7 p.m. Doors open. 8 p.m. Show starts.

Originally scheduled to perform in September, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit will finally take the stage.

THE MOBILE SAENGER • MOBILESAENGER.COM

january 7 Clay Walker 6 p.m. Doors open. 7 p.m. Show starts. The country crooner serenades locals at one of downtown’s hottest music venues. Tickets: $35 - $50.

THE STEEPLE • THESTEEPLEMOBILE.COM

january 14 SevisFirst Bank First Light Marathon 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Jog through the Port City’s historic downtown neighborhoods at this event that benefits L’Arche Mobile Foundation.

DOWNTOWN • FIRSTLIGHTMARATHON.COM

january 20 - 21 Mobile Symphony Orchestra: Four Seasons 7:30 p.m. Sa. 2:30 p.m. Su. The beauty of Vivaldi is on full display at the Mobile Symphony’s concert. Tickets: $15 - $75.

MOBILE SYMPHONY • MOBILESYMPHONY.ORG

january 26 - february 13 Mardi Gras Let the good times roll. The spirit of Carnival takes over The Port City.

DOWNTOWN MOBILE • MOBILE.ORG

january 27 The Reese’s Senior Bowl 1:30 p.m. See some of the nation’s top college football players take to the gridiron in The Reese’s Senior Bowl as they work to impress NFL scouts looking for the next big pick.

LADD-PEEBLES STADIUM SENIORBOWL.COM

december 2017 | mobilebaymag.com 89

ARCHIVES | MOBILE BAY

Looking Back at December 1989

T

PHOTO BY DAVE HAMBRY

he year 1989 was a banner one for big hair, glitz and glam. While it may be fun to giggle at the way things were, it is also amazing to see what has remained constant here on the Gulf Coast. In order to refresh those fading memories, or perhaps enlighten readers who were wearing diapers at the time, here is what MB readers were talking about in 1989: a gallon of gas cost 97 cents, the Berlin Wall fell, George H. W. Bush was President and the Exxon Valdez spilled 11 million gallons of oil in Alaska. Locally, Mobilians voted Mike Dow into the mayor's office for the City of Mobile, defeating incumbent Arthur Outlaw.

The focus of the 1989 Holiday issue was gifting in various forms. MB had pages of gingerbread recipes and projects to make with the kids. Edward Caddell, Mimi Brown, John Paul Caddell and Kate Molloy (pictured opposite) tackle the old-fashioned gingerbread house. And the ads from local retailers were classic 80's cool.

 For more than 45 years, Mobile Bay Magazine has been the premier lifestyle publication for Mobile and Baldwin Counties.

Don't miss a single issue! Become a subscriber online or by calling 855-357-3137.

90 mobilebaymag.com | december 2017

[ARCHIVES]

Top stories from Mobile Bay Monthly December 1989 O'Tannenbaum Fairhope writer Sonny Brewer recounts his adventures picking a Christmas tree in the wild.

Bay Tables Foncie Bullard describes Nancy Walker's Christmas entertaining — "two to three parties a week throughout the holidays" — and shares Walker's Custard Cake recipe.

(See her daughter Holly's home on page 54 of this issue.)

Holiday Fashions It was all about glitz and glamour for Suzanne Ashurst and friends, below, but children's style in Mobile has remained classic. A young Casey Martin wears an timeless dress.

december 2017 | mobilebaymag.com 91

HISTORY | ASK MCGEHEE

What is the oldest house in Mobile?

text by TOM MCGEHEE

History tells us the mayor invited them in for a drink and toasted America’s first masked parading society.

Both Captain Vincent and his brotherin-law died in 1839. Vincent was a victim of yellow fever and the 32-year-old masker undoubtedly succumbed to the disease as well. Both are buried in Magnolia Cemetery where Krafft’s monument, adorned with the Cowbellion de Rakin symbol, is regularly draped with Mardi Gras beads.

The Vincent descendants ultimately sold the house to John T. McNamara in the 1890s.

Cottage to Multi-Bedroom ABOVE What may be the oldest house in Mobile, at 1664 Spring Hill Avenue, was once the home of Mobile’s initiating masked society member, Michael Krafft. This photograph, from the 1936 Historic American Buildings Survey, dates to the Walsh family ownership. PHOTO COURTESY LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.

Though there are a few contenders, my vote is for the Vincent house, which stands at 1664 Spring Hill Avenue. Much of the home’s original acreage now holds the Geri Moulton Children’s Park, which fronts the USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital.

The age of the house is up for speculation. Many date it to 1827, but others date it around 1830 since its original occupant was definitely living here in 1831.

Captain Benjamin Vincent was a native of Bristol, Pennsylvania, a town north of Philadelphia. He and his wife Ann Krafft Vincent arrived in Mobile in 1827, and the captain made a comfortable fortune operating a steamship between Mobile Bay and New Orleans.

The Vincent home in 1831 would have been far smaller than today’s structure.

It would have been a raised cottage consisting of a large parlor and two bedrooms surrounded on all sides by open porches.

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American homes in that period did not have designated dining rooms, so the parlor and porches would have been multipurpose spaces. A kitchen would have occupied a separate structure on the property. In the early 1830s, the house was occupied by the Vincents, their two small children and Ann’s brother, Michael.

Mobile’s First Masker

Michael Krafft was a young cotton broker.

On New Year’s Eve 1831, Krafft and his cohorts were out doing some serious celebrating. On their way home, they raided the sidewalk display of a hardware store and picked up an assortment of rakes and cowbells, and one of the group decided they should visit the mayor.

Amid the clanging of cowbells, and no doubt a good bit of singing, the group arrived at the mayor’s home where they awoke the good-natured politician who asked what they were doing. Krafft announced that they were members of the Cowbellion de Rakin Society.

McNamara owned Mobile’s Hotel Windsor. According to the 1900 federal census, he and his wife were residing at the home with their eight children, two cousins and Mrs. McNamara’s mother.

When the McNamaras took over the three-room house, it was enlarged with the ground f loor in-filled to provide space for a stair hall, dining room and kitchen. The upstairs porches were enclosed on three sides to provide extra bedrooms and an extra bath.

In the mid-1920s, the home was purchased by Richard Walsh and his wife, Alabama. The couple had previously lived on Church Street where the household consisted of eight Walsh offspring and Mrs. Walsh’s sister and her husband. Further alterations and additions were made to the Spring Hill Avenue property for the Walsh family.

The Vincent house remained residential for well over 150 years and, later on, operated brief ly as a bed and breakfast. Since 1990, it has housed the Medical Museum of Mobile, allowing Mobilians to combine a look at the area’s extensive medical history with a tour of a very historic house. MB

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END PIECE | IN LIVING COLOR

“Mobile” Santa, 1951 Original photo from the History Museum of Mobile Collection, The Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of South Alabama • colorization by Dynamichrome Limited

Apparently, Mobile’s White Swan Laundry & Dry Cleaning delivered more than just starched shirts during the Christmas season. This photograph, dated December 12, 1951, captures an excited group of children jostling for a lollipop from St. Nick himself. According to the Mobile City Directory of that year, the laundry business was located at 907 Spring Hill Avenue. Today, the USPS office on the corner of Spring Hill Avenue and Broad Street occupies that address. Think you recognize someone in this photograph? Let us know! Email bpappas@pmtpublishing.com.

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