Mobile Bay Magazine - February 2019

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR MOBILE AND BALDWIN COUNTIES

February 2019

THE NEWCOMER ISSUE

RON BARRETT

Designer

+

PRE-PARADE

PANCAKES

IN OAKLEIGH pg. 28

LOCAL

CHARACTER MARDI GRAS CREATIVES Five Amazing Artists Who Make Mobile’s Carnival

WILL HUGHES Fresh Off The Truck

MOBILE’S OWN LOVE STORIES

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CONTENTS | VOLUME XXXV / ISSUE 2

FEBRUARY 2019

40

The Art of Carnival MARDI GRAS ARTIST RON BARRETT’S STUDIO. PHOTO BY MATTHEW COUGHLIN

Mobile’s Mardi Gras traditions are longstanding, and the makers behind them are just as significant.

52

Newcomer’s Notebook Welcome to Mobile! Check out this comprehensive list of can’t-miss Mobile tidbits for visitors and natives alike.

59

All You Need is Love Love comes in many iterations, and can sometimes be found in the most unlikely of situations. Just ask these six local lovebirds.

 For the 2018 and 2019 Carnival seasons, Mobile Baykeeper implemented a litter-free Mardi Gras campaign to keep throws out of storm drains. Got extra beads on your hands? Donate them to Krispy Kreme, Camp Smile or Augusta Evans!

february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 5

CONTENTS | VOLUME XXXV / ISSUE 2

FEBRUARY 2019 28

18 ON OUR COVER Mardi Gras maestro Ron Barrett sits amid his extensive stash of gilded papier-mâché finery.

PHOTO BY MATTHEW COUGHLIN

TACOS FROM WILL’S FARM FOODS PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

9 EDITOR’S NOTE

A LITTLE REVELER ON FAT TUESDAY PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

10 REACTION

THE HAUNTED BOOKSHOP IS BACK PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

13 ODDS & ENDS

35

14 THE DISH 16 BAY LIFE Meet the Wintzell’s oyster-eating champion.

22 DECOR Bay-area branding in Mobile and Baldwin

35 RECOMMENDATIONS The must-stop shops in downtown Mobile

76 ASK MCGEHEE The Kennedy home’s past and present histories

18 TASTINGS Farm-fresh bites from Will’s Farm Foods

24 AWARENESS Gear up and hit the wheels biking around Mobile.

64 ARCHIVES Erik Overbey’s inspirational immigration story

78 IN LIVING COLOR The Dauphine Theatre’s vibrant marquee

20 ENTERTAINMENT Relax and tune in at The Listening Room.

28 BAY TABLES The Greene family’s Fat Tuesday breakfast

68 FEBRUARY CALENDAR 74 MARDI GRAS CALENDAR

 February is an ideal month for eating oysters. Cooler water temperatures keep food safety issues at bay while enhancing our favorite oyster characteristics — flavor and certain aphrodisiac properties. Meet Ken Orndoff, oyster-eating master, on page 16.

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Mobile Bay VOLUME XXXV

No2

FEB 2019

PUBLISHER T. J. Potts Stephen Potts Judy Culbreth

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Maggie Lacey MANAGING EDITOR/WEB Abby Parrott

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Amanda Hartin

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Hallie King PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Virginia Mathers

ART DIRECTOR Laurie Kilpatrick

EDITORIAL INTERNS Emily Buck Kate Huete

ASSISTANT PUBLISHER

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT

ADVERTISING S R. ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Joseph A. Hyland Anna Pavao ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jennifer Ray

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

ADMINISTRATION CIRCULATION Anita Miller ACCOUNTING Keith Crabtree AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

Mark Singletary

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emmett Burnett, Frye Gaillard, Jill Clair Gentry, Lawren Largue, Tom McGehee, Christy Reid, Hanlon Walsh, Paula Webb CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS

Colleen Comer, Matthew Coughlin, Elizabeth Gelineau, Elise Poché, Chad Riley, Jennie Tewell ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL OFFICES

3729 Cottage Hill Road, Suite H Mobile, AL 36609-6500 251-473-6269 Subscription inquiries and all remittances should be sent to: Mobile Bay P.O. Box 43 Congers, NY 10920-9922 1-833-454-5060 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 © 2019 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

Make yourself at home

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

W

e all know the feeling of being in a new place and having a tinge of panic. I clearly remember lying in my twin bed with a nervous, homesick feeling on the first night at Camp Mac each summer. Despite having my favorite stuffed animal dog with me and a brand-new comforter, it didn’t feel right. No matter how much I loved camp or how many years I went (six!), I always felt unsure and out of place at the beginning.

For many, that feeling reappears when you head off to college and spend your first night in a dorm, move to a new town for your first job, eat takeout on moving boxes in the living room of your new apartment, or take a leap of faith and relocate to a new town in retirement only to find you have lost your support group. But never fear — you just need to get a good night’s sleep and get your legs under you to make that feeling go away. With the sunrise, the excitement returns, and you are ready to tackle the day and make that place your own.

In MB’s first ever Newcomer’s Guide, we want to help take a tiny bit of that pang away by sharing all the tips and tidbits you need to know to instantly feel like a local. Everything from how to pronounce certain words and where to get the quintessential Mobile bites, to what in the world the Dolly Parton Bridge is — it’s all in here. Of course, at this time of year, Mardi Gras is one of the most exciting things about being from Mobile, so we have plenty of revelry in these pages, too.

Even folks who have lived in the Mobile area their entire lives could stand to take a fresh look at everything our area has to offer. Sometimes we “locals” are the worst offenders of assuming we’ve seen and done it all. Adopting the fresh eyes and open mind of a newcomer are just what we need to take full advantage of our fantastic city. It’s time for all of us to get out there, explore the streets and natural wonders around us and live our best lives as Mobilians, whether we’ve been here six days or six decades.

Maggie Lacey EXECUTIVE EDITOR

maggie@pmtpublishing.com

BIRD BRAIN COLORFUL RHINESTONE PARROT EARRINGS WILL STEAL THE SHOW AT ALL YOUR MARDI GRAS BALLS! SWAY, DOWNTOWN FAIRHOPE

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

[LOVE THIS ISSUE]

SIBLING RIVALRIES CHANNEL YOUR INNER CHILD AND REMIND NEW ORLEANS OF THEIR PLACE IN THE MARDI GRAS HIERARCHY WITH THIS MOBTOWN MERCH TEE PROCLAIMING “WE STARTED IT.” MOBTOWNMERCH.COM

MOBILE’S MONOGRAM SOIREE SIGNATURES JUST DESIGNED THIS GORGEOUS CREST CELEBRATING THE RICH HISTORY OF THE CITY OF MOBILE, NOW AVAILABLE ON FLAGS, CUPS AND MORE! SOIREESIGNATURES.COM

SO RAD I’M COVETING THE RADWAGON, AN ELECTRIC ASSIST BIKE WITH TONS OF CARGO SPACE FOR GROCERIES OR EVEN A FEW KIDS! TRAVELS UP TO 45 MILES ON A CHARGE AND TOPS OUT AT 20 MPH! HELMET NOT INCLUDED, BUT THE FUN CERTAINLY IS. RADPOWER BIKES.COM

 Did you know? The Eastern Shore Trail extends 23 miles from the Bayway south to Weeks Bay. Shared by runners, pedestrians and casual cyclists, this trail cruises through beautiful scenery. Get your bike tires pumped up, grab a friend and get out there!

february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 9

EXTRAS | REACTION

Tell us how you really feel ...

A “BLOCH” IN TIME

BACKFLASH ANTIQUES OWNER CHARLANA THOMAS QUIOVERS PHOTO BY CHAD RILEY

On December’s “Joseph Bloch,” showcasing an accomplished local musician German immigrant, family man, American patriot and Confederate soldier … I found Joseph’s story interesting and his decisions very intriguing. I hope you enjoyed Paula Webb’s article as much as I did.

- Rich Gimbert

THERE’S MORE TO THE STORY On December’s “The Resurgence of Automobile Alley,” a sampling of St. Louis Street’s revitalization Don’t forget 556 St. Louis St., Ron Barrett LLC. We have been here for five great years.

- Jim Sapser

TAKE ME BACK

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

On December’s “A Vibrant Vision”

On December’s “Sweet Salutations,” featuring the home of Jim and Debbie Gabel

I thoroughly enjoyed my shopping experience at BackFlash Antiques.

- Sue Nichols Murray This makes me want to go visit her store.

I love how, over the years, the ornaments become a tapestry of your life’s story.

- Patricia Gatlin

- Jacqueline Beach

ACCIDENTAL INVERSION On January’s “40 Under 40” feature We mistakenly wrote “B-62” on a second reference to the B-26 D-Day crash in honoree Benjamin Hoeb’s profile. We apologize for that oversight — visit our website to see the corrected version.

KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON

I’m adding it to my list!

On our January issue

- Alesha Osburn

It’s very uplifting to see young people making Mobile a great city. We also enjoyed the recipes. Keep up the great work.

IT’S A DATE On December’s “A Cookie Cutter Christmas”

- Wayne Gibson Great recipes included!

- Deana Delazio D’Alonzo I’m going to make the date cookies this weekend.

 Want to share your thoughts and

- Mary King P H OTO B Y S U M M E

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N R EN

IS

S AN

LEY

reactions to this issue with us?

Email maggie@pmtpublishing.com.

[MORE ONLINE]

Find additional local stories on mobilebaymag.com.

Here’s what’s new on the website!

Exterior Envy On these cold winter days, it’s nice to daydream about the beauty of Mobile in spring. This compilation of some of our favorite Pinterestworthy local exteriors will hold you over until warmer days arrive!

Love is in the Air

PHOTO BY JENNIE TEWELL

We shared the love stories of three local couples (page 59), and now we want to hear yours! Email your story to abby@pmtpublishing.com for a chance to be featured online!

Mardi Gras Flavor In addition to the scrumptious dishes starting on page 28, we have even more festive recipes online this month to help you celebrate the Carnival season. Yum!

Party Pics Share your event with us! Fill out the Party Pics registration form and submit your photos to be featured in a gallery on the Web.

Join Our Email List Get the latest in fashion, food, art, homes, history and events delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for our email list at mobilebaymag.com.

february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 11

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EXTRAS | ODDS & ENDS

Throw Me Something, MOMs text by HALLIE KING

[ FEBRUARY 26 ]

Carnival Day In these parts, “carnival” can mean countless things. A family-friendly circus event, a Mardi Gras tradition or even a portside vacation cruiser. Whichever carnival iteration you choose to celebrate, both you and Mobile will benefit!

HAPPY

BIRTHDAY

AUNT JEMIMA

Aunt Jemima pancake mix

1974 THE FIRST YEAR MOONPIES WERE THROWN IN A MOBILE MARDI GRAS PARADE

Thanks to the Maids of Mirth, or “MOMS,” who started the trend as an alternative to the 1972 ban on boxes of Cracker Jack, the coal miner’s snack became a Mobile household favorite and the most treasured throw of parade-goers young and old.

hit the shelves in 1889. The mix was created as a way to market excess flour and was the first ready-to-make prepackaged food mix to be commercially sold.

Get tasty Mardi Gras pancake recipes and more starting on page 28.

The number of bicycles in U.S. bike-sharing programs has more than doubled since 2016.

Only 2,000 shared bikes were in circulation in 2010; by 2016, 42,000 were in use, and that number has since doubled to over 100,000.

Data shows that increasing bicycling trips by one to three miles, while subsequently decreasing automobile trips in equal proportions, could eliminate between six and 14 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions and save 700 million to 1.6 billion gallons of fuel annually.

TO C PH O

O

SY U RTE

MA R

KM

AN O RG

3.5

PERCENT population increase in Mobile County since 2000

The number of resident Mobilians rose from 399,843 in 2000 to 413,955 as of 2017, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates from the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce.

Find our must-list for newcomers to our fair city on page 52.

february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 13

FOOD | THE DISH

Bite of the Bay MB’s newest batch of contributing food fanatics share the local dishes that made them hungry for more.

KASEE HEISTERHAGEN, Partner, Burr & Forman LLP

TACO SALAD AT DELISH “Delish Bakery and Eatery features a different set of specials every day and is the easiest dine-in or takeout option for a quick, fresh lunch in midtown Mobile. The seafood gumbo is killer, but the taco salad is a crowd favorite that cannot be missed. Treat yourself to one of the made-from-scratch desserts and take one (or two) home for later. Your family will thank you!”

DELISH BAKERY AND EATERY • 23 UPHAM ST.

JACK MCCOWN, Owner, Atchison Home

VEAL PICCATA AT VIA EMILIA “We recently celebrated New Year’s Eve at Via Emilia with friends. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with an intimate feel. The veal piccata is outstanding and worth coming back for over and over again – butter and capers make everything better! You really can’t go wrong with any of their home-cooked dishes, as I tried a bite (or two) from everyone’s plate. But, save room for dessert – their tiramisu is worth the calories.”

VIA EMILIA • 5901 OLD SHELL ROAD • 342-3677 FACEBOOK.COM/VIA-EMILIA-166309983503048

CARL HARPER, Vice President, Harper Technologies, LLC

STEAK AND PASTA AT GAMBINO’S “Gambino’s Italian Grill is a family-owned staple on the Eastern Shore. They offer a menu full of delicious classic Italian dishes as well as several local favorites, and each entree is served with bottomless salad and melt-in-your-mouth breadsticks. I indulged in the steak and shrimp with a side of angel hair Alfredo, paired with a glass of red wine.

The flavor was superb! The 8-ounce sirloin is encrusted with peppercorn seasoning, and the Alfredo pasta is a delicate balance of creamy flavor. ”

TACOS AT DRAGONFLY FOODBAR. PHOTO BY ELISE POCHÉ

473-6115 • DELISHBAKERYANDEATERY.COM

B’BETH WELDON, Artist

NACHOS AND TACOS AT DRAGONFLY “I’m never disappointed by the delicious food that Doug and Brie Kerr craft at Dragonfly Foodbar. Recently, I took international friends to dine there, and they were equally delighted. The Firecracker lobster nachos, with roasted jalapeño and citrus cream, miso garlic aioli and blackeyed pea salsa, were an outstanding appetizer. Next, we enjoyed four flavorful tacos: Firecracker shrimp, five-spice duck, seared tuna and salmon. We didn’t have dessert after that meal, but I know they are yummy!”

GAMBINO’S ITALIAN GRILL • 18 LAUREL AVE.,

DRAGONFLY FOODBAR • 7 S. CHURCH ST.,

FAIRHOPE • 990-0995 • GAMBINOSITALIAN-

FAIRHOPE • 990-5722 • FACEBOOK.COM/

GRILL.COM

DRAGONFLY-FOODBAR-164521700231942

 What dishes made you drool and left you hungry for more? Share them on our Facebook page!

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PEOPLE | BAY LIFE

Aw, Shucks!

Almost a decade later, the humble, reigning oyster-eating champ recalls downing heaps of bivalves at Wintzell’s. text by EMMETT BURNETT • photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU

T

he sign says it all: “Wintzell’s Oyster-eating Champions.” For on this board of honor at Wintzell’s Oyster House’s 605 Dauphin Street flagship eatery are the names of winners. They are the few, the proud, the oyster-eaters.

No one knows when the contest started or how many vied for the title at the storied restaurant, founded in 1938. “It’s not a formal event,” says Wintzell’s communications and HR manager Clay Omainsky. “It is ongoing.

Anyone can walk in, see the record and try to beat it.”

But after gulping 30-plus oysters, most contestants give up and exit the building — sometimes very fast. But not Ken Orndoff.

A Gulf Shores resident, Ken is the current champion. “This place brings back good memories,” the master of mollusks says, standing at the bar while gazing upon the sign that proclaims his record. Ken ate 421 raw oysters within one hour.

About nine years ago, at age 44, Ken lived in Hoover, Alabama. His job required visiting Mobile to meet sales clients for lunch at a favorite restaurant, Wintzell’s Oyster House.

On one visit, he read the Wintzell’s contest sign, the same one hanging over the bar today, and thought, “I can do this.”

Back in Hoover, he discussed the matter with wife Wendy. “I told her my plans to return to Mobile and take the Wintzell’s oyster-eating challenge,” recalls Ken. The previous record was set by “Big Joe” Evans at a mere 403 oysters. Ken said to his spouse, “I can top that.”

Devoted wife Wendy looked at the man she loves and very sweetly replied, “I think

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you’re crazy.” Game on.

After calling ahead, Team Ken entered Wintzell’s on Sept. 11, 2010. “Let’s do it,” he said, as bar attendees shucked several starter trays of naked crustaceans.

The stopwatch clicked and someone shouted — “Go!” “Many contestants try eating the oysters with crackers,” notes Omainsky, “but that’s a mistake. It fills you up too fast.”

Ken knew better.

The bar attendee shucked oyster after oyster to meet Ken’s demand. Friends, Wintzell’s customers and staff gathered around the bar, cheering him to victory — and then it happened.

Ken ate 399 oysters in 6 minutes and, for some unknown reason, got sick. Let us just say that a multitude of previously eaten oysters received a second chance, involuntarily recycled into a nearby clean garbage container.

Not wanting to be disqualified, he pointed at the vessel holding remnants of secondchance shellfish digested no more, and asked judges, “If I can eat that, does it count?” The ruling was, “Yes.” The contents were scooped into a water glass and swallowed yet again.

Ken continued eating until breaking the record, devouring 421 raw oysters in 34 minutes. “It’s all about speed,” he says, offering oyster-eating pearls of wisdom. “Don’t look up, and eat faster than your brain can tell what your stomach is doing.”

Commenting on Ken’s success, Omainsky noted, “I have been with Wintzell’s officially about six years. In that time, only a few have attempted to break Ken’s record.”

None successfully.

“Wintzell says he will not be held responsible for any aftereffect that is: belly ache, hospital fees or any charges, criminal or otherwise, arising from any attempt at the championship.”

– note on rule board

For those who break the record, Wintzell’s pays for oysters consumed and awards a $25 check.

As for Ken? “It was fun, but I doubt I would do it again if my record is broken,” he laughs. Upon winning the title, he celebrated the next day by revisiting Wintzell’s Oyster House and ordering a plate of — you guessed it — raw oysters. MB

Now it’s your turn. Want to try?

Here are the rules: • Oysters must be raw and prepared on-site at Wintzell’s.

• All oysters must be eaten at Wintzell’s bar.

• All oysters must be eaten within 60 minutes.

• The contest recognizes Overall Champion, Men’s Champion and Lady’s Champion (currently Beth Carter Larrimore at 215).

february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 17

FOOD | TASTINGS

Will’s Farm Foods text by JILL CLAIR GENTRY • photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU

U

sually, chefs are anchored to a restaurant, working long, late hours, including holidays and weekends.

Will Hughes is a different kind of chef. The Daphne native has designed his career to accommodate a flexible lifestyle full of travel and adventure, which explains the words painted on the front of his food truck: “Open Some Days. Closed Others.”

Hughes splits his time among the Eastern Shore, the Bahamas, Colorado and North Carolina, cooking everywhere he goes.

In the last decade, food trucks have become insanely popular across the country. Hughes, who started Will’s Farm Foods in 2014, was a pioneer of the food truck scene in south Alabama and helped write Daphne’s food truck ordinance.

“I love running a food truck because it allows us to do whatever we want,” Hughes says. “We keep it stocked with great ingredients so we can create new dishes on the spot. We’ve served five-course dinners out of this thing. It lets us have fun with our food.”

Hughes’ truck doesn’t have set hours or locations, but it does have a consistent team. Along with Hughes, sous chef Brady Reeves and baker Sylvia Vollmer are always on the truck.

“We have a good time together,” Reeves says. “We are best friends — really more like family.”

Vollmer says working on a food truck allows for more freedom, creativity and spontaneity.

“Will is well-suited for that type of cooking,” Vollmer says. “One time, we were making a cheesecake, and it wasn’t looking pretty enough to serve. Without skipping a beat, he said, ‘We’ll serve cheesecake balls.’ Nothing fazes him.”

To find Will’s Farm Foods, follow him on social media for a loose schedule and to see what’s on the lineup. In addition to serving locations around the Eastern Shore, the food truck is available for events, and Hughes offers catering for any type of gathering, from the largest to the most intimate. MB

 Will’s Farm Foods • Open some days, closed others • facebook.com/chefwill76gmail • 454-5245 18 mobilebaymag.com | february 2019

SMOKED DE PUERCO

[ON THE MENU ]

SMOKED DE PUERCO

ROCK MY FACE

.98 SPECIAL

Ham, bacon, pepper jack cheese and a fried egg are crammed into a ciabatta bun with baby greens, a thick slice of tomato, plenty of avocado and a drizzle of chipotle aioli.

Asian sesame slaw, perfectly cooked beef tenderloin and a tarragon curry mustard sauce fill two flour tortillas to create a pair of tangy tacos that totally live up to their name.

Seared tuna (opposite) and a medley of asparagus, mushrooms, red onions, broccoli and cherry tomatoes sit on a bed of quinoa, all topped with chipotle aioli.

february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 19

GUMBO | ENTERTAINMENT

Shhh, This Is a Listening Room An atypical Downtown venue gives artists and audiences an opportunity to connect through music in an attentive way.

PHOTO COURTESY JIM PENNINGTON

text by FRYE GAILLARD

J

im Pennington toyed with the idea of giving up. Crowds were decent every now and then, but many nights they were sparse. Pennington, a truck driver by day, was losing more money than he could afford — which was not a lot in the first place.

He flipped a coin in The Listening Room’s parking lot: heads, stay open a little while longer; tails, close down. It came up heads, and that very night, local blues legend Lisa Mills played to a packed house. Soon, Mobile’s Eric Erdman did the same, and a stream of national Americana artists followed.

It is, as its name implies, a listening room — a place where singer-songwriters from all over America, including some of the best in Mobile, come to ply their trade before audiences who

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understand that they are there to listen. This, they know, or soon learn, is not a bar. Yes, beer and wine are offered, but there is no talking allowed during songs. It’s a formula made famous by the world-renowned Bluebird Cafe in Nashville and its counterparts scattered across the country — Passim in Boston; Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, Georgia; Moonlight on the Mountain in Birmingham.

In 2004, Pennington, an affable lover of music from country to jazz, folk and blues to rock ’n’ roll, found himself in another of these rooms, the Mucky Duck in Houston. The artist that night was Junior Brown, an alt-country legend who once played in the band Asleep at the Wheel.

Pennington couldn’t believe the experience.

“I don’t think I’d ever heard of a listening room,” he said, “but here was a place that featured artists I was following, and people sat there lis-

tening. It was amazing. You could really connect with the artist without the distractions of a bar. I love honky-tonks as much as the next guy, but this was different.”

Later, after also visiting Eddie’s Attic, Pennington was struck by a simple idea.

Maybe this could work in Mobile. The notion marinated for a while, and after one false start in Daphne — a hybrid listening room and bar that did not work out as he had hoped — Pennington found a room at 78 St. Francis St. His new dream venue, The Listening Room, opened its doors in 2015.

The first act was a gifted Gulf Coast artist named Randy Branch, but the crowd was small. That continued to be a problem as Pennington brought in singer-songwriters such as Anne E. DeChant, a country-rocker from Nashville who once shared the stage with Stevie Nicks and had a No. 1 song on the folk music chart. But she still played to a half-empty room.

Country singer Radney Foster, who has had 13 songs on the Billboard charts, has played The Listening Room twice, selling it out both times. Jimbo Mathus, lead singer for the jazz-rock band Squirrel Nut Zippers, has also played to overflow crowds. Country rocker Amy McCarley, who has opened for the likes of Ronnie Milsap, recently played selections from her new album, “MECO.” And DeChant returned to a much bigger audience the second time around.

“Jim Pennington puts the artist first,” says DeChant. “That’s the coolest thing you can ask.”

McCarley adds, “What Jim has built is an inviting, quiet space where artists can present their work to an attentive audience. He makes meaningful connection possible.”

On a couple of occasions, Pennington says, the crowds have tried to get a little rowdy. Whenever it happens, his shushing is diplomatic and firm.

“This is a listening room,” he reminds the attendees.

He knows it may take a little getting used to. But it is, after all, the thing that sets his venue apart. MB

february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 21

GOOD STUFF | DECOR

Show Your Love Bay area landmarks have made their way onto 1 merchandise you can wear and display. Keep for yourself or share the love — all of these locally branded goods make excellent gifts. text by CHRISTY REID • photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU

SNAIL MAIL A crest with fabulous details about Mobile makes a statement on stationery.

SOIREE SIGNATURES. MOBILE CREST ENGRAVED NOTECARDS. $16.50

SOCK STYLE The Bienville fountain is an unexpected and fun surprise on the sides of these blue and green socks.

URBAN EMPORIUM. BIENVILLE FOUNTAIN SOCKS. $10

SWEET HOME ALABAMA Shaped like our cherished state with our beloved city’s name engraved, this ceramic dish can be displayed or hold commodities.

LISA WARREN CERAMICS AT URBAN EMPORIUM. ALABAMA CERAMIC DISH. $15

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MARK THE SPOT Remember the old Mobile site with this mile marker sticker.

MOBILE BAY COMPANY, AVAILABLE AT URBAN EMPORIUM. 27 MILE BLUFF STICKER. $2

PIN IT UP Embellish your gear with local landmark pins.

MOBILE BAY COMPANY, AVAILABLE AT URBAN EMPORIUM. FIVE-PACK OF PINS. $8

SHIP SHAPE You can wear the silhouette of the Downtown skyline or the USS Alabama, proudly displayed against various backgrounds.

MOBTOWN MERCH, AVAILABLE AT URBAN EMPORIUM. MOBTOWN SKYLINE AND DEFEND THE DELTA T-SHIRTS. $24

PICTURE-PERFECT PRINT Pictures of Mobile landmarks create a toile print that brings local beauty and character to home decor.

MADE IN THE SHADE The distinctive font of The Fairhope Store appears on bright shades for spring and summer.

THE FAIRHOPE STORE. VISOR AND HAT. $24

MOBILE TOILE, AVAILABLE AT URBAN EMPORIUM. ORIGINAL PRINT PILLOW. $45

PLAY AT OBA Represent your favorite sandy spot with a statement sticker.

THE ORANGE BEACH STORE • THE ORANGE BEACH STORE STICKER • $3

RESOURCES SOIREE SIGNATURES 24 N. FLORIDA ST. • 209-3265 THE FAIRHOPE STORE 323 DE LA MARE AVE. • 928-0108 THE ORANGE BEACH STORE 25122 PERDIDO BEACH BLVD. / 4651 MAIN STREET G112, ORANGE BEACH • 981-1615 URBAN EMPORIUM 260 DAUPHIN ST. • 441-8044

february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 23

GUMBO | AWARENESS

Pedaling for Progress Community-wide efforts build a long-awaited bicycling buzz throughout Mobile. text by HANLON WALSH • illustrations by COLLEEN COMER

I

t’s an early Sunday morning on Mobile Bay’s Western Shore when my friends and I meet for our regular bike ride. The fog is slowly rolling off the Bay and not a soul is in sight — besides the occasional fisherman waiting patiently on his morning catch or a photographer capturing the tranquility of a Mobile Bay sunrise. Our ride begins at Arlington Park, one of Mobile’s true hidden gems tucked away in the eastern corner of Downtown’s Brookley Field.

We ride around Brookley before eventually making our way to Bayfront Road, a peaceful stretch along the water where it feels like time has almost stopped. Towering oak trees draped in Spanish Moss line the street before leading to unspoiled bayfront views of rustic shore-

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line, while residents leisurely enjoy the morning spectacle from their front porches.

There’s a reason why many of Mobile’s devoted cyclists have frequented this same route for decades. It reminds us of how fortunate we are to call this place our home — and the great potential we have to become a more bicycle-friendly community.

Growing up as the youngest of six children on a quiet street in Midtown, Corinna Luce vividly remembers the joy bicycling offered her as a way to keep up with her older siblings and neighbors. Eventually she felt even more independence when she began riding everywhere — to the drugstore, the ice cream parlor or a friend’s house in

the neighborhood.

“Bicycling was my first foray into freedom as a child,” Luce says. “When you ride a bike, you are truly drawn into your surroundings and can pay attention to the beautiful oak trees, gorgeous flowers and unique architecture that you don’t always experience from the window of a car.”

Years later, she remains heavily involved in cycling. She’s just one of many devoted area cyclists whose decades of efforts have helped promote the sport, educate our citizens and influence regulations to create a stronger bicycling community in Mobile.

Wheels in Motion Though cycling is now on the rise, unfortunately that hasn’t always been the case. In an annual study conducted by the League of American Bicyclists to determine which states are most bicycle-friendly, Alabama has ranked last among all 50 states several times in the past 10 years. In 2017, however, the tides began to turn, as Alabama leaped from No. 50 to No. 39. Local cyclers hope this trend continues.

John Hutchings Blanton, an avid rider, serves on the board of directors for Team Share the Road, a grassroots advocacy group founded in 2011 to promote safe access to streets, roads and highways. “We’ve made significant progress in Mobile over the last few years due to a more organized approach, but we still have a long way to go,” Blanton says.

Team Share the Road was instrumental in working with the Mobile City Council to adopt the 3-feet rule, a law that would also eventually be passed statewide in 2015 requiring motor vehicles to pass cyclists with care by leaving a minimum of 3 feet of space between the car and bicycle.

With an increase in the volume of cyclists on our roads today, recent awareness initiatives have focused on training local officials in the importance of bicycle safety. In October 2018, the Coastal Alabama Livable Communities Coalition organized free training to educate local police officers on how to

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Additional Resources www.bicyclemobile.org Information hub for all things cycling in Mobile, including resources, group rides and bike lane locations “Mobilians on Bikes” (Facebook) Coalition of a wide variety of cyclists

Get Involved effectively enforce bicycle safety regulations.

“Having more informed citizens and law enforcement is an important step to give cyclists extra reassurance when riding through our streets,” Blanton adds.

A Chain Reaction Other efforts have been aimed to improve accessibility. Delta Bike Project, a nonprofit community bike shop, has been instrumental in introducing bicycling to a broader, more diverse community audience.

“We have people from all walks of life come into the shop — from low-income residents who depend on bicycling as their only form of transportation to veteran riders who bring in their bikes for repair,” says Jenn Greene, director of Delta Bike Project.

Beyond our local community, Delta Bike Project has also helped put Mobile on the map as an emerging cycling destination for visitors. The organization’s annual fundraiser, Gears & Beers, has grown exponentially in size since adding a 100-mile route option when it became part of the Alabama Backroads Century Series, a network of 13 different 100-mile cycling events throughout the state, in 2017.

As a result, the event now attracts more than 1,000 participants from around the Southeast and contributes an estimated $1.5 million to our local economy, according to a 2017 economic impact study. “Of all the Century Series events in Alabama, Gears & Beers generated

the highest economic impact,” Greene adds.

“It provides a huge boost to local tourism and shines a positive light on Mobile’s growing presence as a cycling destination.”

Shifting Gears The City of Mobile has also played a major role in creating a more bicycle-friendly community. Once completed, the Three Mile Creek Trail, a 12-mile, multiuse trail system, will extend from the University of South Alabama to Downtown Mobile.

“Imagine being able to ride a bike from South Alabama to Downtown Mobile without ever having to be on a road,” says Blanton. “This will be a huge game changer.”

Providing residents with more places to ride is just one piece of solving Mobile’s bicycle puzzle. The City has also launched LimeBike, an international bike-sharing program that began servicing Mobile last August.

Hundreds of bikes are now available to ride around town at only $1 per 30 minutes.

With long-term plans to incorporate more bike lanes throughout the city, a majority of the Three Mile Creek Trail still to be completed and LimeBike in its first year of operation, Mobile’s bicycling buzz is only getting started — and it’s a sight our local cycling community loves to see.

“Bicycling provides so many benefits for a healthy community,” says Luce. “It’s great to witness the momentum happening in Mobile.” MB

Team Share the Road www.teamsharetheroad.org Livable Communities Coalition www.joinacf.org/lcc

Local Bike Shops Adventure Earth www.adventure-earth.com 478-1000 Cadence 120 www.cadence120.com 344-7435 Delta Bike Project www.deltabikeproject.org Tuesdays 6 - 9 p.m. Sundays 12 – 5 p.m.

Trek Bicycle Store www.trekbikes.com. 607-1156.

Annual Cycling Events Crepe Myrtle Trail Ride April 13 Tour de Bay May 4 Good Life Ride May 11 Gears & Beers November 9

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FOOD | BAY TABLES

Parades and Pancakes Bright and early every Fat Tuesday, the Greene family gathers with their nearest and dearest to share short stacks before hitting the streets for the big day’s festivities. text by LAWREN LARGUE • photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU

E

very bona fide Mobilian knows that Fat Tuesday is a time for last-minute indulgences. Did you know that the day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, has also been a traditional time for downing hotcakes around the world since the Middle Ages? According to legend, pancakes gave devout Christians an excuse to use up all their eggs and fats before abstaining from them for the Lenten season. (Centuries later, the day is also dubbed International Pancake Day.) Twelve years ago, Renea Greene, her husband, Doug, and children Laura-Hampton Sarah and Douglas, embraced both traditions and began a legendary party that their friends and family look forward to year-round. The concept is fairly simple.

Green, gold and purple Carnival decorations set the scene, while the menu consists of several varieties of pancakes, Conecuh sausage, coffee, orange juice and this year’s newest addition, Bon Temps Hot Cider. Guests chow down and mingle on the porches of the Greenes’ historic home before walking down to the parade routes to catch umbrellas full of baubles.

What’s not so simple is the task of flipping 500 hotcakes.

“Yes, 500!” says Renea, laughing. “The first year, I had two griddles and ladled all the batter by hand, but after that, I discovered the pancake batter dispenser and bought two. Life became much easier.”

Renea begins the process on Monday night, skipping the Infant Mystics parade to prepare the feast of flapjacks. “For years, my mother-in-law, Carole MacCory Greene, came over to help me. She gave me her vintage Farberware Electric Griddle that I have used every year and still use today.” Renea says it makes the best hotcakes with a perfect, golden crispiness. Carole passed away in 2012, so “pancake-making day always brings back precious memories.”

On Fat Tuesday morning, as the sun’s first rays glisten against the beads dangling from age-old oaks, Renea loads up her double ovens. She slowly warms up hundreds of make-ahead blueberry, pecan and old-fashioned buttermilk pancakes. And then, there are the kids’ favorites, MoonPie pancakes, which

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ABOVE Renea Greene prepares hundreds of pancakes every year with the help of her handy pancake batter dispenser and her mother-in-law’s trusty griddle.

require plenty of colorful sprinkles.

“Some guests come, eat and hurry on their way to catch the Athenas parade, while others stay around, relaxing and visiting,” says Renea. “The laughter, conversations and excitement over the fun to come remind us why we do this year after year.” Laissez les bons temps rouler! MB

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT The pancake batter dispenser has become Renea’s most loved tool.

Ellie Cate York and Wyatt Hollinghead share in the feast. Renea’s pancake flipping skills are down to a science. Carnival decorations and breakfast toppings fill the family’s table. Bruce Rockstad, Kim Lowe, Ricky Bradford, Rosemary Williams and even dog Russ enjoy the revelry.

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SIMPLY YUMMY BUTTERMILK PANCAKES SERVES 20

4 large eggs 6 cups buttermilk 1 stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled 2 teaspoons Mexican vanilla extract (Melipone is my favorite) 4 cups all-purpose flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 6 tablespoons granulated sugar

1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, butter and vanilla.

2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar, blending well.

3. Add dry ingredients to liquid ingredients, whisking until combined. At this point, add buttermilk or flour as necessary to adjust the thickness of the batter as desired.

4. Preheat a griddle to 375 degrees, or medium heat. Electric griddles provide the advantage of heating quickly, reduce the need for oil and can reach the proper temperature while you are preparing the batter.

When your batter can pour easily, lightly spray the griddle with canola oil for crunchy edges. Use a ladle or pancake batter dispenser (I highly recommend this tool if you are cooking for a large group). You can also use a container with a lip.

5. Ladle or pour the batter onto the griddle. Pour a slightly smaller circle of batter than desired to allow for expansion. Once small bubbles form on the pancakes, they are ready to be flipped. Cook on the second side until pancakes are browned underneath.

TIP: Serve pancakes immediately with butter and your favorite syrup, or store covered in a cool oven and reheat slowly, starting at 200 degrees and gradually increasing to 300 degrees, before serving.

OAKLEIGH-STYLE TOASTED PECAN PANCAKES SERVES 20 Simply Yummy Buttermilk Pancake batter 2 cups chopped pecans, toasted

1. Prepare the pancake batter.

2. Chop pecans into small pieces. Spread onto an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and toast pecans at 375 degrees until they are golden and glistening, about 5 minutes. Watch carefully.

The pecans are usually ready when there is a nice aroma. Remove, let cool a bit and pour pecans into a bowl.

3. When pecans are slightly cooled, dispense pancake batter circles onto the griddle.

Sprinkle the toasted pecans onto each pancake.

Sprinkling pecans works best with the batter dispenser, as the pecans tend to clog the nozzle.

If you are ladling the batter, you can add pecans directly to the batter. When bubbles start to form, flip the pancakes for a couple minutes more until golden brown.

BLUEBERRY FLOAT PANCAKES SERVES 20 Simply Yummy Buttermilk Pancake batter 2 cups medium-sized fresh blueberries

1. Prepare the pancake batter.

2. Wash and dry blueberries, checking for and removing stems.

3. Dispense pancake batter circles onto griddle.

Add blueberries, right on top, to each pancake.

Wait for bubbles to form, flip and cook until golden brown.

MOONPIE DROP PANCAKES SERVES 20 Simply Yummy Buttermilk Pancake batter 1 teaspoon cinnamon 5 chocolate MoonPies, or your favorite MoonPie flavor green and purple edible glitter

1. Prepare pancake batter, adding cinnamon to the dry ingredients.

2. Chop MoonPies into bite-sized chunks.

3. Pour pancake batter circles onto griddle.

Sprinkle several MoonPie chunks onto each pancake. Wait for bubbles to form and flip pancakes.

4. Immediately, sprinkle edible glitter onto each pancake. Cook until golden brown.

TOP TO BOTTOM Guests Sydney Betbeze and Kim Kelly admire the decor around them and the plates in front of them. Wyatt Hollinghead patiently waits for the chance to eat. Blueberries and pecans are meticulously placed on each cooking pancake.

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“Some guests come, eat and hurry on their way to catch the Athenas parade, while others stay around, relaxing and visiting. The laughter, conversations and excitement over the fun to come remind us why we do this year after year.� -Renea Greene 32 mobilebaymag.com | february 2019

STOP THE PARADE CONECUH SAUSAGE SERVES 12 2 pounds Conecuh sausage 1/4 cup olive oil 4 tablespoons butter 6 tablespoons pineapple juice 1/2 cup dry white wine 1 15-ounce can pineapple chunks 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns 2 pinches crushed red pepper 1/2 cup brown sugar

1. Cut Conecuh sausage into bite-sized chunks and brown on medium-high heat in a skillet with olive oil and butter.

2. Add pineapple juice and white wine.

Cook, rolling sausages in skillet, until the liquids thicken and sausages are glazed and browned, about 15 minutes. Transfer sausages to a warm platter.

3. Add pineapple to skillet in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt, peppercorns, crushed red pepper and brown sugar.

Cook 3 - 4 minutes, turning to coat, and brown the pineapple until hot and caramelized. Pour over sausages and serve.

BON TEMPS HOT CIDER SERVES 10 - 15 1 quart apple cider 2 cups cranberry juice (not cocktail) 1 cup Ruby Red grapefruit juice 1 tablespoon whole cloves 4 - 5 star anise pods muslin bag 1 cup fresh cranberries

1. Pour apple cider, cranberry juice and grapefruit juice into a pot.

2. Add cloves and star anise to a muslin bag (or cheesecloth) and place in the pot.

3. Add cranberries. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Remove spices.

Pour into mugs, dividing the cranberries evenly. Serve hot.

OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Kim Lowe dons beads in anticipation for the day to come.

Fan-favorite Stop the Parade Conecuh sausage makes its way to the table. Ellie Cate York sneaks a treat when no one is looking. Bon Temps Hot Cider and a towering stack of MoonPie pancakes are hot and ready.

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GUMBO | RECOMMENDATIONS

Retail Revitalization Historic downtown Mobile has long been a dining destination, but along its grid of one-way streets, the retail scene is equally enticing. text by HALLIE KING • photos by ELISE POCHÉ

CHARLIE BREWER, CO-OWNER OF URBAN STILES

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he revitalization of downtown Mobile and all its parts began with Main Street Mobile, an organization that has served as the “keeper of the vision” for the area since the early 1990s. Along with efforts from the Downtown Mobile Alliance, and the implementation of street lights, sidewalks, beautification projects and art installations, Lower Dauphin and its surrounding parts have served as the hub for residents and visitors alike to gather and celebrate the historic heritage of the city.

To the amateur eye, it appears that restaurants are the key benefactors for the area’s success. “Most Downtown organizations consider restaurants the main part of the retail mix,” says Carol Hunter, communications director at Downtown Mobile Alliance, “and in that respect, we have experienced great success.”

But developing a traditional retail market has proved more of a challenge.

“The redevelopment of a lively scene of local shops has been more challenging for a number of reasons,” says Hunter, “including the growth of national chains and big box stores to the east and west of Downtown, the growing (but still relatively small) online shopping option and the difficulty for a small merchant to find affordable space Downtown.”

These preconceived roadblocks are becoming less daunting, though, as the growth of the area continues to develop. “A few things are working in our favor,” says Hunter. “The growing number of residents Downtown; the effort by city leaders and Visit Mobile to increase the number of tourists, who love to shop; and february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 35

the increasing awareness of the benefits of shopping local.”

Small victories like these create success stories for countless venues on Dauphin Street. Some, like Naman’s, A&M Peanut Shop, Three Georges and Olensky Brothers, just to name a few, have prospered for decades. Others, though, more recently opened their doors to the new age of downtown Mobile, thriving in the community with boundless energy and high hopes for future prosperity.

FINDING FOOTING The Downtown Mobile Alliance brought their retail initiative, Urban Emporium, to fruition seven years ago as an incubator for aspiring entrepreneurs. Urban Emporium trains vendors and retailers selling boutique clothing, jewelry, pet products, food, toiletries, toys and other niched brands on how to manage a retail space and navigate the transition to their own Downtown presence. Local entrepreneurs flock to Urban Emporium to test the waters of a business venture with minimal investments and support the broader goal of creating a culture of entrepreneurship in Mobile.

URBAN EMPORIUM 260 DAUPHIN ST.

COVERED WITH STYLE An outgrowth of Urban Emporium, Covered Boutique serves women of all ages that frequent Lower Dauphin. Their styles accommodate shoppers for every season, combining trends with classics on the spectrum from classy to casual.

The atmosphere is vibrant and luminous from the moment you pass through the window display onto the cheery, clothinglined showroom floor. Once you find a fit for yourself, peruse the section of playful gifts, from water bottles and clutches to trinkets and sparkling jewelry. Leaving is much more satisfying with not just a bag in hand for yourself but a little something for someone else, too!

COVERED BOUTIQUE 222 DAUPHIN ST. 36 mobilebaymag.com | february 2019

K ATI LOVVORN, STORE DIRECTOR AT URBAN EMPORIUM

MINIMALIST MODERN FOR MEN If jerseys and pop-culture aren’t your gent’s look, try Urban Stiles for something more sophisticated. Cousins Rodney Whitney and Charlie Brewer found such success in the original location, which opened in 2015 in a lot two doors down, that they recently reopened on a Dauphin Street corner lot tucked away from the hustle and bustle of outdoor squares, restaurants and entertainment venues. The starkly minimalist storefront draws customers to contemporary jeans, sophisticated T-shirts and inner-city accessories for men and boys of all ages. Even surrounded by upscale-casual clothing, the atmosphere at Urban Stiles feels like it was pulled from a posh locale on any big city strip, ready to send shoppers out in “stile.”

URBAN STILES 451 DAUPHIN ST.

MOBILE’S FAVORITE SNACK

MoonPie-loving Mobilians, rejoice! The MoonPie General Store on Royal serves breakfast, lunch and MoonPie-laden desserts for anyone feeling nostalgic for a diner bite.

But don’t stop at the kitchen. The shelves around the store are lined with MoonPie memorabilia and plenty of vintage-inspired finds, from gift boxes to novelty apparel, and Mardi Gras goodies galore. MoonPies

are great at Carnival time, but just as tasty all year round!

MOONPIE GENERAL STORE 107 ST. FRANCIS ST. #115

PICK YOUR PRINT

The Mardi Gras shopping doesn’t have to end on Royal Street. The flag-lined walkway in front of Mardi Gras & More is hard to miss — and the merchandise selection within shouldn’t be. Owner Jeff Jordan started selling trinkets out of a booth in the ’90s, and in 2004 he opened shop in a building his family has owned since the ’60s. The store’s biggest asset is the printer that inks every T-shirt and canvas on display in the store. If you’re lucky, you can catch the original 2019 Mardi Gras print, but be quick — he only prints 200!

MARDI GRAS & MORE 457 DAUPHIN ST.

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT The Naman family has a Downtown retail legacy spanning more than 80 years.

Passed from original owners Emile and Virginia Naman to their children, the premier men’s clothing storefront, Naman’s, occupies two lots near Bienville Square.

The Namans’ daughter, Monica Naman

Setterstrom, however, sought a younger clientele on the same block — for the past 25 years, she has marketed kids’ clothing at Attractions Children’s Apparel. Tucked on the racks amongst over-the-top pageant gowns and children’s formalwear hide charming Southern pieces for every style, from smocked dresses to seersucker. Sweet holiday attire and crisp white John-Johns entice visitors from all walks of life and make Attractions a must-stop shop.

ATTRACTIONS CHILDREN’S APPAREL 207 DAUPHIN ST.

THE “IT” LIST

Patrick Setterstrom followed in the family footsteps as well when he expanded the brand once more, opening The Vault in 2014. Pop culture paraphernalia from athletic jerseys to entertainment industry gear line every inch of the store, both inside and out. Graphic tees stand right in line with gag socks and trendy accessories. Even local Mobile-centric merch has a spot on his racks. It’s the perfect spot for the hard-toshop-for young man in your life, but everyone in the family, from the football fan to the music lover and others in between, can find the perfect piece at The Vault.

THE VAULT 205 DAUPHIN ST.

PATRICK SETTERSTROM, THE NAMANS’ GRANDSON AND OWNER AND OPERATOR OF THE VAULT.

february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 37

A NOSTALGIC NAMESAKE

The ghost of a piece of beloved Downtown history is the newest iteration of The Haunted Book Shop, a family heirloom nearly 80 years in the making. Angela Trigg, granddaughter of original Haunted Book Shop owner Adelaide Marston Trigg, worked at Bienville Books from 2011 until its recent closing. When the opportunity arose, she seized it to reopen her family’s store in the late bookstore’s shell. Find local literature recommendations in the window displays and on the shelves, and keep this local spot on your list.

THE HAUNTED BOOKSHOP 109 DAUPHIN ST.

ON THE BRIDE’S SIDE The extra-special ladies in your life — those so special you stand beside them at the altar — will swoon over the exclusive selection at Bella Bridesmaids. The appointment-only bridesmaid dress boutique offers countless designer pieces in every style, fabric and color. Owner Mary Kendall Butler can also outfit you for formals, Mardi Gras balls and other splendid special occasions.

BELLA BRIDESMAIDS 7 N CONCEPTION ST.

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ANGELA TRIGG, OWNER OF THE RE-ESTABLISHED DOWNTOWN JEWEL, THE HAUNTED BOOKSHOP.

THE PERFECT GIFT

Aside from clothing and novelties, Downtown has plenty to offer by way of gifts and gets. Antique treasures abound at fan-favorite stores like BackFlash Antiques and Olde Mobile Antiques, waiting to decorate you and your space with relics of old. Upscale works of art and treasured collections are on display to outfit your home at Sophiella Gallery and Gallery 450.

And Bienville Souvenir and Royal Street Pharmacy are both speckled with boutique products, artisan gifts and seasonal knickknacks, perfect for Mardi Gras or a stop in at any other time of the year. MB BACKFLASH ANTIQUES 9 S JOACHIM ST. OLDE MOBILE ANTIQUES GALLERY 653 ST. LOUIS ST. SOPHIELLA GALLERY 111 DAUPHIN ST. GALLERY 450 300 ST. MICHAEL ST. BIENVILLE SOUVENIR AND GIFTS 6 S CONCEPTION ST. ROYAL PHARMACY 1 S ROYAL ST.

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ART OF CARNIVAL

MB peeks behind the creative curtain of Mardi Gras.

text by AMANDA HARTIN

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arricades sway, reining in awestruck gazers, young and old, as larger-than-life papier-mâché creations twist and wind their way through the Port City. Waves and shouts of “Throw me something, mister,” confirm that the good times have indeed started rolling. Speckled amongst casually dressed revelers are those whose beaded gowns and white tails signal post-parade destinations — Mardi Gras balls, where lavish decorations and dramatic scenery rival any Broadway stage.

But in the shadows of the fanfare are those you’ve most likely never met. Those whose callused fingers and paint-stained clothes belie their ornate handiwork; those who become so immersed in their work that night often gives way to daybreak. They are the set decorators, float builders, milliners, muralists and dress makers, all of whom work separately, yet seamlessly, to ensure Mobile’s Carnival season sparkles with just the right amount of adornment. MB is pleased to introduce five such artists. february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 41

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THIS AND PREVIOUS PAGE PHOTOS BY MATTHEW COUGHLIN

Magical.

Gifted.

Wonderfully enigmatic.

One could spend all Carnival season trying to define the man whose name has become synonymous with all things Mobile Mardi Gras.

“How would I describe myself?” Ron Barrett, owner of Ron Barrett, LLC, asks, pausing to ponder.

“I would say I am extremely dependable, a born leader and responsible.”

The nearly half-century he’s spent building stages and cultivating his client list certainly speaks to the veracity of his self-reported qualities.

Barrett knows there’s something special about what he does. “It’s incredible that with my two hands, and my brain, I can produce this industry,” he says. What he and his growing team of artists and craftsmen create are ornate stages for Mardi Gras balls, something Barrett has done for the past 46 years.

His calling found him early. As a child, Barrett spent hours poring over tableaus pictured in newspapers.

He was so enthralled by the pageantry that by second or third grade, he was cutting out cardboard shapes, emulating the images he had seen.

Nowadays, Barrett’s tools and supplies are a bit more sophisticated. The cutouts he and his team construct are tucked into every nook and cranny of his Downtown warehouse. Added to the collection this year will be 37 Mardi Gras balls’ worth of decorations.

With his portfolio already boasting hundreds of designs, Barrett says he is in no danger of becoming stagnant. “The creative images never stop coming,” he admits, gratefully.

“I HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE MOST WONDERFUL, LIFE-ACHEIVING ACCOMPLISHMENT IMAGINABLE.” – Ron Barrett

And from all outward appearances, Barrett himself seems to never stop.

But don’t call him a workaholic. The mild- mannered artist says he could sit and stare out a window for hours, just enjoying the scenery.

“One of my favorite things to do is to take a pot of coffee outside and sit until lunchtime,” he says, an audible note of relaxation teeming from his voice.

But it’s not long before Barrett scurries off to check on the next project in progress. Whatever he is up to, there will be no problem describing the finished product. It is sure to be as fabulous as he. february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 43

PHOTO BY ELISE POCHÉ

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“WHEN A KING OR QUEEN FIRST

Perfectly poised amid a sumptuous sea of fabrics sits Patricia HalsellRichardson. Sprinkled before her are copious amounts of sparkling embellishments, all of which will soon become part of her next masterpiece.

Halsell-Richardson spends countless hours closely perfecting clients’ visions for their Mardi Gras dresses, trains and robes. The creative process begins long before needle hits thread. She starts by sketching, then researching era-specific designs, followed by more sketching. Even after 30 years of costume designing, the resulting fruits of her labor are still exciting.

“It’s simply exhilarating,” she says, “I am just as excited as the client about the finished product. I love all of my work. My aim is to always make a showstopper.”

And she’s pretty good at stopping shows, so to speak, having already had her trains and costumes on display in the Mobile Mardi Gras Museum as well as having won numerous national designer awards.

The owner of Patricia Ann’s Regal Regalia says her mother was the first person who influenced her to sew, but her raw talent was discovered during high school home economics. After graduation, she furthered her education, studying the history and construction of fabrics at Bauder Fashion College in Miami. Amid a life filled with rhinestones and bobbins, Halsell-Richardson went on to earn a nursing degree, during which time she says she learned the correlation between human physiology and the movement of clothing.

Only one thing in her shop rivals the jaw-dropping

WALKS OUT IN THEIR ROYAL REGALIA, I TAKE A DEEP BREATH, AND IN SMALL FANCIFUL WAY, I WALK WITH THEM.” – Patricia Halsell-Richardson

assortment of garments — her personality. One could argue that it’s the sparkle found in HalsellRichardson’s aura that gives the rhinestones their twinkling gleam.

She exuberates joy and describes herself as loyal, self-motivated and a competitive go-getter.

World traveler can be added to the list, too. She travels throughout the year, in and out of the country, sourcing supplies and garnering inspiration. This level of client commitment is one reason she is booked up to two years in advance — she ensures the best product.

And she’s certainly worth the wait. february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 45

“MOBILE HAS A CERTAIN STYLE TO ITS FLOATS. IT’S OUR IDENTITY, AND IT SHOULD Craig Stephens glances across the chilly barn, and while he would never, ever name his favorite float — or even his favorite 20 — this year’s Floral Parade certainly includes some of his most adored children’s book characters.

The whimsy befits Carnival Artists’ owner Stephens, a humorous man with a quick smile and an easy laugh.

He says he is stressed due to never-ending deadline pressures, but you would never know it. He walks with an easygoing stride and casual pride as he points out more floats in an adjacent barn.

Stephens, who has called Mobile home since 1985, earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of South Alabama, with the expectation of becoming a printmaker. But as so often happens with the best-laid plans, things changed.

“One day I walked into a float barn,” he explains, “and that’s all it took for me to know I wanted to do printmaking on a huge scale.” And he’s been working on an enormous scale ever since, having spent the last 30 years building floats for mystic societies.

To quantify the hours Stephens and his team spend building an estimated 70 floats a year would be impossible. “It’s art — I truly have no idea,” he confides.

“There are usually four or five teams that come through and work a little at a time.”

If it’s a brand new float, the work can be as involved 46 mobilebaymag.com | february 2019

BE KEPT ALIVE, ESPECIALLY SINCE WE ARE THE ORIGINAL MARDI GRAS LOCATION.” – Craig Stephens

as literally building from the ground up, from the chassis to the lumber structure to the papier-mâché.

Theme floats, however, are a little less intensive, as many decorations are reused from year to year. “We don’t tear theme floats all the way down,” Stephens explains. “We save as much as we can.”

A recycled decoration or two might be spotted at the parade, but there is a near-guarantee Stephens won’t be.

Not in the flesh, at least. His craftsmanship, however, will certainly be on full display.

PHOTO BY ELISE POCHÉ

february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 47

PHOTO BY ELISE POCHÉ

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Tucked away in her oak-shaded sanctuary sits Valerie Vernon Case, a modern-day milliner, whose style and grace mirror the elegance of her home-turnedworkshop. (In case you are wondering, a milliner makes women’s hats; a haberdasher deals in menswear.) Her business name is as nature-inspired as her office space — Rua Flores, a Portuguese phrase meaning “street of flowers.”

Case’s hats are tangible proof of her grit and passion.

Although she’s sewn since age 12, she has been a professional milliner for less than a year. The inspiration behind starting her business is two-fold. First, for years while working retail, women would enter in search of hats, especially hats to wear during Mardi Gras season.

“Ladies were looking for hats for all sorts of festivities, such as the Queen’s luncheon.” But it wasn’t until a trip to Porto, Portugal, this past summer that the answer to the prolonged question came to her. The colors of the town and the literal flower-lined streets planted a figurative seed in the entrepreneur’s mind, giving bloom to Rua Flora.

International touches continue with the sourcing of her supplies: the wooden hat blocks, veiling, silk flowers and feathers all come from England and Australia, and the sinamay straw bases are woven in the Philippines. From start to finish, Case says it could take up to 10 hours to finish a creation. “It’s hard to answer that question, though,” she continues. “The hats kind of speak to me.”

Case also has her eye on something else across the pond. “I particularly love to see what the young British Royals wear to events like weddings and races,” she says, motioning to her hat display on which her favorite red hat

“SINCE KATE MIDDLETON CAME ONTO THE SCENE, HATS HAVE JUST EXPLODED. YOUNG WOMEN HAVE SEEN THAT HATS CAN BE ELEGANT AND ENHANCING.” – Valerie Vernon Case

is perched. She will no doubt have the regal youth in mind as she moves from Mardi Gras season toward preparation for New Orleans’ Spring Fiesta and the Kentucky Derby.

In the meantime, Case is eager to showcase her immediately available Collection hats, as well as offering Bespoke hats, which are custom creations based on clients’ desired colors and styles. february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 49

S

Standing atop an oversized stool, Bradford Fuller, arm outstretched, paints swaths of royal blue. Classic rock wafts through the enormous warehouse, making Fuller’s job seem less daytime and more nightlife. “It’s a blast,” Fuller says of his 20 years as an artist, muralist and self-proclaimed “fun maker.”

And indeed, it is fun. One hip-shaking jive down any aisle provides childlike amazement, with every square inch of storage space bursting forth with exaggeratedly large caricatures and party decor. It’s hard not to smile.

Dressed in paint-stained clothes, Fuller is right at home amongst the plywood, paint cans, grease rags and years’ worth of chronicled artwork. Hanging above the wall of his workbench are three of his favorite pieces.

“I’m particularly proud of my work [that was used] at the Greater Gulf State Fair,” he says, pointing to Wonder Woman, Cat Woman and Flash, all of whom are fiercely watchful and expertly painted.

Fuller trained at the Art Institute of Dallas, but he is also quick to credit his palette of knowledge to watching his artistic buddies. “I’ve been blessed with wonderful friends,” he says, grinning.

His smile comes as naturally as his humor. Mobilians may remember one of Fuller’s first murals, a naked woman fly fishing, that appeared at McCoy Outdoor. (Don’t break your neck trying to see it — it’s no longer there.)

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“IT’S HARD WORK A LOT OF THE TIME, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, THIS IS JUST PLAY. I’M LIVING THE DREAM RIGHT NOW.” – Bradford Fuller

While much of his work can be seen during Mardi Gras season, especially at society balls, Fuller stays busy year-round. What exactly keeps him busy varies from season to season. “Our season starts with the fair and ends on Fat Tuesday,” he explains.

But the last bite of MoonPie doesn’t signal the end of his job. “I do commissions and murals,” he says.

“We also do a lot of big weddings.”

Whether at the Fair Grounds, on stage or in a ballroom, Fuller’s work is sure to be a dazzling representation of his wit, talent and passion. MB

PHOTO BY ELISE POCHÉ

february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 51

' NEWCOMERS

The first thing to do upon arriving in a new place is to get your bearings.

Which way is north? Will the I-165 connector take me to Downtown Mobile or leave me wallowing in the swamps of the Causeway? What are the differences between across the Bay, down the Bay and over the Bay? These are important things to know! text by MAGGIE LACEY

LOCALS SAY

BAYWAY VS. CAUSEWAY The Jubilee Parkway, known as the Bayway to local folks, is a four-lane bridge that essentially connects Mobile and Baldwin counties. Completed in 1978, the interstate bridge is the thoroughfare for many local residents’ daily commutes and is often the subject of whines, complaints and sighs due to rush hour and summertime traffic. Early morning fog has been know to cause dangerous conditions, and a small fender bender can back up traffic for hours.

The Causeway, officially The Battleship Parkway, was built from earth and few small bridges in 1926, connecting our two fair counties in a new way for the first time since the invention of the Bay Boats.

It is prone to flooding, and also to heavy traffic around Felix’s at lunchtime, but it otherwise proves to be a good alternative route. It’s also a nice spot for fishing from the trunk of your car.

JOACHIM: JO-ACK-IM MOBILE: moh-BEEL

PRALINE: PRAH-LEEN PECANS: PEH-CAHNS

HISTORIC DISTRICTS / ACRONYMS: LoDa – Lower Dauphin Street

Restaurants, bars and art galleries line this central vein of Downtown’s retail and nightlife.

OGD – Oakleigh Garden District

Historic homes and sagging live oaks center around the Oakleigh Mansion and Washington Square Park.

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Old Dauphin Way

Mobile’s largest historic district, this neighborhood sits west of Broad Street and showcases myriad architectural styles, from Victorian to Creole cottage.

Leinkauf

Moving farther west is another historic neighborhood from the 19th century. Leinkauf Elementary School was established in 1903 and is the oldest continually operating elementary school in Alabama.

De Tonti

A small historic district to the north of Downtown, DeTonti features gorgeous brick townhomes from the mid-1800s that today are mostly small professional offices.

PHOTO BY KATHY HICKS

NOTEBOOK

BANKHEAD VS. WALLACE TUNNELS The Bankhead Tunnel connects Government Street in downtown Mobile to the Causeway by traveling under the Mobile River and depositing you on Blakeley Island. Old Mobilians love to remind us that it once cost a toll to enter. Toll no more, it is a bumpy and well-loved symbol of Mobile.

The Wallace Tunnel, on the other hand, is an interstate tunnel that carries I-10 under the same stretch of river and turns into the Bayway. Long begrudged for its steep descent and hair-raising curve as you enter and exit from the western side, it was once a shining star of construction but now is mostly known for congestion.

215ft

CITY GREEN SPACE:

There’s nothing like a little fresh air and foliage to brighten your day and clear your mind. Throw in concerts, farmers markets and civic events, and these green spaces become the hub of life in Mobile. Here are a few to remember:

CATHEDRAL SQUARE Sits in front of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and holds weekly Saturday farmers markets throughout the year BIENVILLE SQUARE Famous for its cast-iron fountain, beautiful live oak trees planted in the 1860s and notoriously fearless squirrels WASHINGTON SQUARE In the heart of the Oakleigh Garden District MARDI GRAS PARK A new park by the Bankhead Tunnel with open green space and statues of Mardi Gras greats

The height of the proposed new I-10 bridge t, making it the second tallest bridge in the U.S. Proponents of the bridge plan argue that on holiday weekends the Wallace Tunnel carries almost three times its intended traffic.

LOCALS SAY The General W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge on I-65 north of Mobile is known by EVERYBODY as the Dolly Parton Bridge... for obvious reasons.

GOOD TO KNOW

BEST VIEW OF MOBILE’S PORT?

UNQUESTIONABLY DAUPHIN’S RESTAURANT DOWNTOWN

BEST SUNSET?

SITTING IN A CHAIR ON DAUPHIN ISLAND’S SANDY BEACHES

BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE?

SAENGER BALCONY: ORNATE, GILDED TRIM, HEAVY VELVET CURTAINS AND TOP-NOTCH ACTS

Ashland Place

This neighborhood was named for Ashland, the home of writer Augusta Evans Wilson. Squeezed between Old Shell Road and Springhill Avenue, the tree-lined streets showcase a range of beautiful early 20th-century homes, most especially in the craftsman style.

MiMo – Midtown Mobile

Although “midtown” is a term that is thrown around to mean a broader area than it probably covers, it is a neighborhood that often appeals to younger couples looking for their first home.

Plenty of historic houses line the streets, as well as homes built much more recently. Midtown is also the home of several new retail and restaurant developments and benefits from the citizen-run nonprofit Midtown Mobile Movement.

WeMo – West Mobile

The mid-20th century saw dramatic expansion to the city’s western reaches, and the development hasn’t slowed down. Neighborhoods, shopping centers and conveniences of all kinds abound, along with Mobile’s airport. february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 53

GOOD TO KNOW

HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR FIRST VISIT TO POINT CLEAR:

LATITUDE: 30-11’16’’ N LONGITUDE: 088-03’02’’ W

LATITUDE: 30.0,26.20 N LONGITUDE: 88.0070 W

MIDDLE BAY VS. SAND ISLAND LIGHTHOUSES You need a boat to see either of them, so for now, let’s just get the facts straight:

SAND ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE

1873

CURRENT STRUCTURE BUILT

The first iteration of this historic structure was built in 1837 on a considerable patch of dry ground. A later version was blown to bits by the U.S. Army during the Civil War. The current structure was built in 1873, and it has been watching the land around it disappear ever since. It now rests surrounded by granite and riprap to protect it from the currents that stream through the mouth of Mobile Bay. Efforts are under way to raise sufficient funds to preserve it.

MIDDLE BAY LIGHTHOUSE

1883

CURRENT STRUCTURE BUILT

Known as a screw-pile light, this hexagonal structure was built in 1883 to mark the ship channel in the middle of Mobile Bay. Bar pilots drive ships arriving daily from international waters right past this historic landmark, while fishermen anchor under its shadow looking for redfish, black drum and more.

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- IT’S CALLED A WHARF, NOT A PIER OR DOCK, REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE MIGHT CALL THEIRS - THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE ALWAYS FACES THE WATER AND THE BACK FACES THE STREET. JUST GO WITH IT. - CALL IT THE HOTEL, NEVER THE GRAND. MARRIOTT CORPORATE COINED THE GRAND, BUT TRADITION DOESN’T LEAN THAT WAY, ONLY NEWCOMERS DO.

BEACHES &

WATER Dauphin Island - A narrow strip of shifting sand to the southwest of Mobile Bay. Laid back and lovely, this barrier island has houses, a few restaurants and brown water. But you’ll love it.

Gulf Shores - A spring breaker’s

paradise,

the

white sandy beaches and attractions galore beckon families from across the Southeast to this strip of houses and hotels on the eastern

side

of

Mobile

Bay. It leads into what is called Fort Morgan, a quiet dead-end road with houses and public beach accesses highlighted by the Beach Club and the actual Fort Morgan.

Orange Beach - A boater’s heaven, Orange Beach is home to marinas galore thanks to the natural split from the Gulf of Mexico through

Perdido

Pass.

Top-notch restaurants are popping up as well.

Ono Island - This tiny private

island

hides

snugly behind Orange Beach, separated by a stretch of water known as Old River. Modest beach

houses

are

steadily being replaced by mega-vacation compounds for the area’s elite.

AZALEA TRAIL MAIDS Fifty accomplished high school students have been dressing up in antebellum-inspired pastel confections since the creation of the first Court in

1949

Meet the Mayor

SANDY STIMPSON

These goodwill ambassadors represent the City of Mobile at countless civic functions and even national events throughout the year. Representing the best in Southern hospitality and charm, only academically accomplished, civic-minded young ladies are chosen to participate.

This first-time politician just entered his second term in office to generally positive reviews.

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH GELINEAU

CAMPAIGN SLOGAN:

TOP 10 BEST BITES

“One Mobile” Where everyone has

Mobilians’ obsession with good food is as old as the live oaks lining Government Street. Whether it’s fresh caught, or fresh from the drive through, here are a few bites you HAVE to try.

a seat at the table

BIG PLANS: Wants to make Mobile

OLD DUTCH ICE CREAM Cammie produces the only batch-made ice cream in town.

Churning since 1998.

CHRISSY AT RUTH’S CHRIS Milkshake meets cocktail, this divine dessert comes from one of Mobile’s favorite white tablecloth dining establishments.

FRIED SEAFOOD ON THE CAUSEWAY Our favorite way to serve up local seafood is deep fried with a waterfront view.

DEW DROP HOTDOG Bright red weenies and vintage decor make this a local favorite.

FOOSACKLY’S CHICKEN This franchise began in Mobile and still operates its first location on University.

ROUSES’ KING CAKE Rouses might be new in town, but locals say their king cake is the best.

OYSTERS AT WINTZELL’S Gulf of Mexico bivalves and plenty of jokes

the safest, most businessfriendly city in America by 2020

MOONPIE The Chattanooga treat that we’ve adopted as our own never disappoints!

CURRENT NEWS: The Mayor is currently embroiled in a fight with the City Council over PR expenditures.

30 ELEVATORS 35 STORIES HOMEMADE GUMBO Everyone has their favorite, but we all agree that homemade is best!

BURGER AT CALLAGHAN’S This might just be Mobile’s best bar, and best burger, too.

LOCALS SAY

COST $220 MILLION TO BUILD

Make sure to look up in the night sky to see the array of colors the RSA Tower uses to LIGHT UP THE SKYLINE to celebrate holidays and seasons.

745 FEET TO THE TOP OF THE SPIRE, WHICH WAS DELIVERED AND INSTALLED VIA HELICOPTER

RSA TOWER

RSA stands for Retirement Systems of Alabama. Construction began in 2003 on this larger-than-life office building that dominates the Mobile skyline.

february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 55

It’s not a theme park, it’s our history in banners.

SIX FLAGS OF MOBILE

GOOD TO KNOW

France - 1699

Spain - 1539

United States of America 1819

NOT ALL MOON PIES ARE CREATED EQUAL

Great Britain - 1762

Confederate States of America - 1861

Republic of Alabama 1895

TOP LOCAL BREWS

The craft beer movement has taken the nation by storm, and our area (though slow to the party) is no exception.

Here are four local beers to try.

FAIRHOPE BREWING CO. First (recent) brewery on the block, Take the Causeway IPA is the go-to.

SERDA BREWING

Coffee magnate turned brewmaster, Serda makes an awesome espresso porter

THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE WAXY, FOILED-PACKAGED SWEETS THROWN AT SO MANY PARADES THESE DAYS AND THE ORIGINAL. MADE IN CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE, MOONPIES (WITH CAPITAL LETTERS) ARE SOUGHT-AFTER PILLOWS OF GRAHAM, MARSHMALLOW AND CHOCOLATE GOODNESS. FIVE SECONDS IN THE MICROWAVE DOESN’T HURT THEM, EITHER.

LOCALS SAY

HAINT BLUE

Brewing beer with a mission to save the world

OLD MAJESTIC

Brews available for tasting starting March 2019

What locals call the Loop, Dauphin Island Parkway and Government St., is the location of the trolly turnaround from the early 20th century.

WHO’S WHO OF MARDI GRAS Joe Cain - Sometimes known as Slacabamarinico, or Chief Slac, this Mobilian paraded through the streets of Mobile in 1868 with a few friends, who dubbed themselves the Lost Cause Minstrels, effectively creating the modern Mardi Gras parade. He is buried at Church Street Graveyard in downtown Mobile and idolized by many as a local hero of frivolity and celebration.

King Felix III - King Felix

reigns as the chosen monarch for the Mobile Carnival Association’s Mardi Gras Court.

Each year, a young man of a certain birth is asked to reign over the celebratory feasts, but always under the name of King Felix. His Queens, however, are know by their given names. He is attended by Knights in tights, Ladies in gowns and trains and loyal subjects too numerous to count. It is truly a spectacle if there ever was one.

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King Elexis I -

King Elexis reigns as the chosen monarch for the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association, more commonly called MAMGA. Formerly known as the Colored Carnival Association, this historic group has named a prestigious King and Queen each year since 1940 to reign over the celebrations and parade through the streets.

Death and Folly - A jester

chasing a skeleton around a broken column is a symbol of celebration and frivolity, and the Order of Myths, Mobile’s oldest mystic society, claims this symbol as their own. Death is always defeated and folly wins out — at least on Fat Tuesday.

Vernadean, Verna and Dean - These

three fire-breathing dragon floats of the Mystics of Time, known as the MOTs, will snake through the streets of Downtown Mobile, and usually break down.

But never fear! No one is flummoxed or stressed.

This is Mardi Gras, after all.

Father Time might be their mascot of sorts, but paradegoers remember the dragons best of all!

UNIVERSITIES Mobile is home to three well-respected colleges and universities. Get to know the campuses our local coeds call home.

UNIVERSITIES Mobile is home to three four-year colleges.

Get to know the schools our local coeds are proud to call home.

UNIVERSITY OF MOBILE

Formerly known as: Mobile College Campus: Prichard, a small municipality north of Mobile Mascot: Ram Colors: Garnet, Black and Gray Student body: 1,500+ Things to know: A Christian-based university run by the Alabama Baptist Convention

No.

SPRING HILL COLLEGE

Known as: Spring Hill Campus: the heart of The Village of Spring Hill Mascot: Badger Colors: Purple and White Student body: 1,200+ Things to know: Private liberal arts school established in 1830 by Jesuit priests

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

Known as: South Campus: University Blvd. and Old Shell Road, just west of Spring Hill Mascot: Jaguar Colors: Red, White and Blue Student body: 16,000+ Things to know: The school is building its own football stadium on campus for their budding football program, leaving the city-run LaddPeebles Stadium behind.

2009 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA ESTABLISHES ITS FIRST FOOTBALL TEAM

GO JAGS! february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 57

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Three local couples share stories of their never-ending love and prove that what is meant to be, will always be.

text by AMANDA HARTIN photos by ELIZABETH GELINEAU

RENEE AND GREG MCGLASKER MARRIED NEARLY 4 YEARS

H

e admits he sometimes got bored during his math class at West Point. He would find himself staring out the window, gazing toward a town just on the other side of the Hudson River, where, unbeknownst to him, his future wife lived. And little did he know, she would one day save his life.

There is a certain “je ne sais quoi” that surrounds Renee and Greg McGlasker, their warmth and genuine joy nearly indescribable. When they look at each other, it is evident they are still giddy with love — something Renee says she felt since the beginning.

“It doesn’t take very long to fall in love with me,” Greg laughs. “We had only been talking for two days when she first said she loved me.” He likes to DESPITE BEING tease Renee, but she said it felt natural to IN OTHER proclaim her feelings so early on.

She’s good at listening to her inRELATIONSHIPS, stincts, a trait that would resurface in an RENEE WOULD extraordinary way decades later.

But seven years into their relationship, COME TO MIND things weren’t going as well as Renee, a EVERY DAY. “I STILL Greenwich, Connecticut, native, had LOVED HER,” GREG hoped — she was ready for marriage and SAYS. AND SHE a move south; he wasn’t. So she called LOVED HIM, TOO. the relationship off, saying maybe down the road they could try again.

Greg, not wanting to live in limbo, said, “No, if we’re breaking up, this is it. And the last thing Renee said to me was, ‘You never know what the Lord is going to do.’ And I actually said, ‘Well, he ain’t going to bring us back together.’ I was a little belligerent.”

Renee smiles and nods as Greg recounts the words he would live to eat. True to their word, the couple parted ways: Greg moved back home to Mobile; Renee stayed in New York. There was no communication with each other for three years.

During their time apart, Greg was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and told he was in end-stage kidney failure. Doctors said he would be on dialysis within six months. But the lifelong athlete was able to stave off dialysis for another two years.

All the while, and despite being in other relationships, Greg said Renee would come to mind every day. “I still loved her,” he says.

And she loved him, too.

But it wasn’t him she was looking to call in 2011; it was one of Greg’s sisters-in-law she wanted to reach. When a call to information proved fruitless, Renee dialed up Greg’s mother, hoping she could provide her long-ago friend’s number.

His sister answered the phone instead and offered the phone to Greg. With just a few words, the miles between and the years apart melted away. “We talked like no time had passed,” she says. “It was like we had never even parted.”

Unlike their amorous hearts, Greg’s kidneys could not be fooled;

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they were deteriorating rapidly.

Despite Renee’s multiple offers to be tested as a donor, Greg refused, explaining he didn’t think she would be a match. But she listened to her instincts.

“It was put on my heart to do it,” she says, grabbing Greg’s hand. “I did what God told me to do.” And without anyone’s knowledge, Renee proceeded with the donor matching process, which included copious lab, radiology and psychological screenings.

On a chilly November morning, three days after the final interview, she received a call.

“The nurse said, ‘I don’t know why or how, but you are a complete match, a one-in-a-million,’” Renee says, explaining that it is highly improbable for nonrelatives to match so thoroughly.

And with whom did Renee share the news first?

Greg’s mom. “Then I called him at work,” she laughs.

On the morning of Jan. 21, 2015, Renee and Greg were wheeled into operating rooms, one prepared to give, one set to receive.

“Her kidney is running the show now,” he says jokingly. His face turning serious, Greg adds, “She actually saved my life.”

The couple married May 9, 2015, something they never imagined all those years ago. “I just keep thinking, ‘How can this be?’” Greg wonders aloud.

“It’s only for God. The Lord has certainly blessed me with her.”

A

lthough they are newlyweds, married only since Dec. 1, 2018, Mark Rosser and Sandra Sammartino’s story goes back to 1991. Much like the McGlaskers, their relational paths cross, diverge and then rejoin — with a little help from Sandra’s mother.

It all started one sunny day while Mark was tinkering around his sailboat. While at the dock, he met a German man who, after having struck up a casual conversation, mentioned to Mark that he knew of a nice, pretty woman that he thought would be quite suitable for him. Never having married and ready to give love a chance, Mark conceded.

The woman turned out to be Sandra, whose mother was a German immigrant and friend of the man at the dock.

The fortuitous encounter resulted in a three-year relationship. During this time, Sandra’s mom doted on Mark, a French teacher, and often called him

MARK ROSSER AND SANDRA SAMMARTINO MARRIED 2 MONTHS

her French knight. With her mom’s stamp of approval and with their connection naturally progressing, engagement seemed like the next step.

“Mark wanted to get married,” Sandra says of that point in time. But she wasn’t ready, having been not too far removed from a tough divorce. Not able to come to a resolution, they called it quits.

During the interim, Sandra’s mom often hinted that she believed her daughter should reignite the flame with Mark. Sadly, she would never witness this.

On Valentine’s Day 2018, 24 years after the couple said their goodbyes, Sandra’s mom passed away. Understandably, Sandra’s grief was overwhelming, as was dealing with the memorial arrangements. But she was soon to stumble upon a

“IF YOU FEEL IN YOUR HEART THERE IS SOMEONE OUT THERE, KEEP BELIEVING IT,” SANDRA SAYS. “BE PATIENT.”

february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 61

familiar comfort.

“I picked up the phone to call and order flowers,” she explains.

But Mark answered the phone instead. “My first thought was, ‘Did Mark get a job at Southern Veranda?’ What happened was that I misdialed — ­ the florist’s and Mark’s phone numbers are only one digit different.”

“When she called and asked if I was the florist, I said, ‘No, but I know this is Sandra!’” Mark recalls, smiling.

After sharing the news of her loss with Mark, Sandra invited him to the memorial service. He showed up and he stuck around. He even wound up inviting her to accompany him to the symphony. A few months after reuniting, Mark asked her to marry him.

This time she was ready.

“People have commented on how my personality has changed since getting married,” Sandra shares. “I feel content now. I really do believe this is where I’m supposed to be.”

And it is hard not to believe one of their biggest cheerleaders didn’t have something to do with it. “This is like a parting gift from my mom,” Sandra says, tearfully. “This has to be my mother’s doing.”

T

wo things in the world have remained unchanged over the last 56 years: his unapologetic pursuit of her and her undeniable admiration of him.

Anne and Champ Meyercord met as undergraduates at Birmingham-Southern College. After she first caught his eye — and after waiting an “appropriate” amount of time — he, going off a tip from a mutual friend, found Anne in the collegiate library. “I knew she spent a lot of time there,” he laughs.

It was an immediate mutual attraction. “He was fun, smart and polite. I liked his manners; I still do,” Anne says. And even better, her family liked him, too. Champ recalls a certain conversation with her father in which he was told not to “blow this deal.”

Their union would turn out to be the deal of a lifetime. The couple married July 28, 1962. “When you’re lucky enough to find someone who really suits you, that’s key,” Champ explains, adding that his career in international trade kept him traveling upward of two weeks at a time. “Anne really made the marriage work.”

After a half-century’s worth of companionship and raising three children, to say the Meyercords have learned what makes relationships work would be a gross understatement.

This wisdom garnered along the way has become an invaluable gift they eagerly pass on. Anne even compiled a spiral-bound book, appropriately titled “Golden Reflections for Newlyweds,” which she gives to each grandchild as they get engaged. Her hope for each new marriage is that they reach their fullest, most joyful potential.

Although their Point Clear nest is empty, the couple still actively participates on the board of several local nonprofits — and they still make time to create new memories and traditions, such as regular date nights, dancing in the kitchen and traveling to their favorite city, Paris.

“Our life has been great,” Anne reflects. “I wouldn’t change a thing.” MB

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“IF YOU’RE LUCKY TO FIND SOMEONE WHO REALLY SUITS YOU,” CHAMP SAYS, “THAT’S KEY.”

ANNE AND CHAMP MEYERCORD’S GOLDEN REFLECTIONS FOR NEWLYWEDS Allocate time: Alone time is important, but so is quality time spent together. It is important to make togetherness relaxing, fun and stimulating.

Plan together: Life will just happen without thoughts and directions. Time moves too quickly to just let it fly away. Purposely work together toward unified decisions.

Budget for savings: Stay on top of your finances and put something back regularly.

And save toward quality purchases rather than making quick, short-term buys.

Find humor: Life gets serious. Enjoy each other’s laughter. It will lighten your lives, homes and attitudes.

Communicate openly: Dealing with information for clarification shouldn’t be delayed. There’s nothing you can’t share, except harsh words.

Celebrate your lives: Make a toast to every day. Celebration enlivens life, it confirms your value. And take photos of your celebrations — they become a part of your life’s movie reel.

Hold on to manners: Saying “please” and “thank you” should be standard words in your home. Manners convey respect, and respect matters whether in social, religious or everyday activities.

Hold your tongue: Keep private conversations private and resist temptations to complain. You’ll forget it; others won’t.

Show abundant gratitude: Look around and appreciate your family and friends.

They embody unconditional love and joy.

ANNE AND CHAMP MEYERCORD MARRIED 56 YEARS

february 2019 | mobilebaymag.com 63

HISTORY | ARCHIVES

Erik Overbey, Mobile’s Chronicler Meet one of the city’s most prolific photographers of all time — a man who contributed a multitude of everyday lifestyle images to our local archives. text by PAULA WEBB • photo courtesy of DOY LEALE MCCALL R ARE BOOK AND MANUSCRIPT LIBR ARY

A

t the turn of the 20th century, more than three million immigrants from countries all over the world gained American citizenship. Ready for a new start, they embraced the opportunity to become anything they wanted to be. Erik Pederson Overboe, who later changed his name to Erik Overbey, came to Mobile in 1901. Overbey’s work utilized the utilitarian and artistic aspect of photography, making the commonplace seem extraordinary.

Mobile reflected nationwide changes and advancements. The establishment of the Union Depot, the Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Company, as well as services for the community, such as the Mobile Public Library and the Saenger Theatre, aided the Port City in meeting the needs of its growing population. Overbey saw these changes and decided to document them.

In 1906, Overbey took a leap of faith, invested in an 8-by-10 camera and used his talents to document 20th-century Mobile.

He captured images of Dauphin, Royal and Conti streets with people going about their daily lives. He photographed dock workers hauling in fish to sell at the markets. He captured the Mardi Gras kings and queens in their finest garb and ladies donning their traditional bathing suits at the beach. Overbey photographed everything that happened in the city, such as the laying of the cornerstone of the Scottish Rite Temple, and became the chronicler of Mobile from 1906 to 1957.

He did not originally plan to be a photographer when he came to America from Hafslo, Sogn, Norway in 1901. He brought with him his skills as a tailor, not a photographer. Once settled down in Mobile, Overbey worked for John J. Tvedt, a tailor who was the owner of Metropolitan Dye Works.

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Why he decided to make a drastic career change is unclear, but with little experience and a desire to learn, he left the only profession he knew and became a professional photographer. According to the Encyclopedia of Alabama, “He joined his fellow Norwegian, P.E. Johnson, who had some photography experience, in opening Johnson and Overbey Photographers. The young immigrant found his partner knew little about photography, however, so he had to teach himself, even as

he learned the language and customs of his new home.”

Overbey’s decision to become a photographer was not without merit. There was an increasing number of photographers taking pictures outside the controlled environment of a studio. The ability to take equipment to various locations opened the door to commercial photography. The formats used included single images, stereographs, lantern slides and, in a very popular format,

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picture postcards.

While Overbey and his partner competed with 50 other studios in Mobile, his talent was obvious, and they quickly dominated the market. According to the book “Shot in Alabama” by Frances Robb, “His most impressive works are large panorama — some are five feet across — that epitomize the increasing importance of outdoor views and the availability of special equipment …

Overbey depicted Mobile’s workplaces as symbols of progress, and he developed a telling eye for the viewpoints and details that would fulfill his clients’ needs.”

Overbey’s business quickly grew as he acquired a large collection of plate negatives belonging to W.A. Reed, and he began dedicating long days and nights to the profession that he so loved. As his business matured, he also hired Ernest Horton as his assistant. Horton would work for Overbey from 1918 to 1940.

Overbey was not picky in regards to what needed to be photographed, using his artistic style in all subjects, whether it was portraitures, ships in Mobile Bay or the city’s growing industrial establishments. He also shot for the Mobile Register. Within 10 years, Overbey became the premier local photographer.

He married Ida Cornelia Schiemann, a Mobile native, and they had three children.

She passed away in 1944, 33 years before his own death.

Overbey continued working until a health condition prevented it. “He developed cataracts and had difficulty using his old-fashioned view cameras after eye surgery,” wrote Michael Thomason for the Encyclopedia of Alabama.

“He retired in 1957 and sold his business to Frances White, who had worked for him for many years.” She sold the negatives to the Mobile Public Library in 1965, and in 1978, the Mobile Public Library transferred the collection to the University of South Alabama.

Overbey died in 1977, at age 96. MB The Erik Overbey Collection now resides in the Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library. The archives also includes the Horton Collection, which documents his African-American family and neighborhood. Call 341-3900 and schedule an appointment to view the images, or go online to https://www.southalabama.edu/ libraries/mccallarchives/overbey.html.

ABOVE These two photos are among the most popular Erik Overbey images MB has run.

TOP An unidentified baby snacks on a slice of bread from the Malbis Bakery, circa 1925.

BOTTOM A gang of Mobile boys takes a break from a game of football, date unspecified.

Photos courtesy of the Erik Overbey Collection, The Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of South Alabama.

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EXTRAS | CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Let the good times roll!

THROUGH FEBRUARY 28 WINTER CAMELLIA AND COLD HARDY DISPLAYS 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Take in breathtaking displays of winter florals.

Admission: $13 for adults; $7.50 for ages 5 - 12; free for ages 4 and under.

BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME BELLINGRATH.ORG

THROUGH MARCH 28 MONICA J. BEASLEY: FEMINISM AND MAGICAL THINKING Explore feminism, femininity, home, marriage, family, race and Southern culture in local Monica J. Beasley’s work.

MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART MOBILEMUSEUMOFART.COM

THROUGH APRIL 7

ONGOING

THROUGH FEBRUARY 10

BIKE NIGHT

STEPHEN ALTHOUSE: METANOIA 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. View the sculptures and photography of Stephen Althouse.

4 p.m. - 8 p.m. First Wednesday of every month. Bike around Downtown and enjoy beer, food, live music and a good time. Free.

BOB’S DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT CORNEROFFATANDHAPPY.COM

ONGOING BRUNCH AT SOUTHERN NATIONAL 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sip on mimosas while feasting on decadent brunch items with Southern twists.

SOUTHERN NATIONAL SOUTHERNATIONAL.COM

JANE CASSIDY: THE UNDERSEA WELL Become immersed in Cassidy’s contemplative installation, melding sound and illumination, projected light and music that resonates in the body and mind.

MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART • MOBILEMUSEUMOFART.COM

MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART MOBILEMUSEUMOFART.COM

THROUGH FEBRUARY 23

THROUGH APRIL 30

EXHIBIT: BICENTENNIAL MURALS 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. View murals that Fairhope native Dean Mosher created for the state’s bicentennial.

EASTERN SHORE ART CENTER • ESARTCENTER.ORG

THROUGH FEBRUARY 28 SEGWAY ECOTOUR 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Explore the trails within Gulf State Park from a unique perspective. Cost: $83 per person. Ages 12 and up.

COASTAL SEGWAY ADVENTURES • COASTALSEGWAYADVENTURES.COM

GENGHIS KHAN: THE GREAT CIVILIZER, AT THE GULF COAST EXPLOREUM CENTER Similar to the scale of the Exploreum’s China and Pompeii exhibits, this explores the life of one of the world’s most prolific and controversial leaders, Genghis Khan.

GULF COAST EXPLOREUM EXPLOREUM.COM

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

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FEBRUARY 1 - 3

FEBRUARY 16

VINTAGE MARKET DAYS OF MOBILE 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. F / Sa. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Su. Friday is the early buying event. Shop the upscale vintage-inspired market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, décor and more. Tickets: General Admission, $5; Early Buying Event, $10, BOGO, $10.

KING CAKE-OFF 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Sample king cakes, specialty cocktails and foods. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Fuse Project.

THE GROUNDS VINTAGEMARKETDAYS.COM

FEBRUARY 6 WINTER GARDEN WALK Stroll through the newly sprouted winter blooms in the gardens at Bellingrath BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME BELLINGRATH.ORG

FEBRUARY 15 MARCH 5 MARDI GRAS The oldest and family-friendliest version of Mardi Gras.

DOWNTOWN MOBILE MOBILE.ORG

AN EVENING WITH ALASDAIR FRASER AND NATALIE HAAS

USA BALDWIN COUNTY PERFORMANCE CENTER, FAIRHOPE BROWNPAPERTICKETS. COM/EVENT/3385550

FEBRUARY 21 BCHM GOLF SCRAMBLE 9 a.m. Hit the links in support of the Baldwin County Heritage Museum.

BALDWIN COUNTY HERITAGE MUSEUM FACEBOOK.COM/BCHERITAGEM

FEBRUARY 23 27TH ANNUAL ORANGE BEACH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL & CAR SHOW 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. This familyfriendly event raises money for the Orange Beach Sports Association.

THE WHARF ORANGEBEACHAL.GOV

THROUGH MARCH 9

JOHN AUGUSTUS WALKER: ARTIST-DESIGNER OF MOBILE AND CARNIVAL One of the most admired Alabama artists of the early 20th century, Walker designed everything from WPA murals to the Infant Mystics parade.

MOBILE CARNIVAL MUSEUM MOBILECARNIVALMUSEUM.COM

THROUGH MARCH 11

IN RECOLLECTION OF REVELRY AND GRANDEUR PAST: CARNIVAL COURTS OF 1969 AND 1994 Celebrate the 50th and 25th anniversaries of the respective courts at this majestic exhibit.

MOBILE CARNIVAL MUSEUM MOBILECARNIVALMUSEUM.COM

MARCH 17 - APRIL 27 THE KNIGHTS OF REVELRY (KORS): HISTORY, HUMOR AND ART BEHIND MOBILE’S THIRD OLDEST CARNIVAL PARADING SOCIETY Explore the history of the Mardi Gras society, including its infamous emblem device: a jester waving painted cow bladders.

MOBILE CARNIVAL MUSEUM MOBILECARNIVALMUSEUM.COM

FEBRUARY 14 AN EVENING WITH ALASDAIR FRASER AND NATALIE HAAS 7:30 p.m. The dazzling Scottish and Celtic duo wow audiences with their violin and cello.

Tickets: $22 and up.

AZALEA MANOR KINGCAKEOFF.COM

ADDITIONAL MARDI GRAS EVENTS

MARCH 21 JUNE 8 THE TOUT ENSEMBLE: EDMOND DECELLE AND THE STUDIO DECELLE From the 1920s to the 1960s, Edmond DeCelle was a prominent artist and designer of Mardi Gras.

MOBILE CARNIVAL MUSEUM MOBILECARNIVALMUSEUM.COM

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SETTING THE STAGE See below for the best shows the Port City has to offer.

THROUGH FEBRUARY 3 “YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN” 7:30 p.m. F / Sa. 2 p.m. Su. The Joe Jefferson Players perform Mel Brooks’ comedic tale. Tickets: $10 - $20.

JOE JEFFERSON PLAYHOUSE JOEJEFFERSONPLAYERS.COM

FEBRUARY 3 “SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN” 2 p.m. Set in the 1930s, this musical tale introduces the singing Sanders family, who perform their traditional and bluegrass gospel songs.

Tickets: $15.75 - $18.75.

CHICKASAW CIVIC THEATER CCTSHOWS.COM

FEBRUARY 1 - 3, 8 - 10, AND 15 - 17 “A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE” 7:30 p.m. F / Sa. 2:30 p.m. Su. Visit Fairhope for Theatre 98’s version of the Tennessee Williams hit play.

Tickets: $12 - $18.

THEATRE 98 • THEATRE98.ORG

FEBRUARY 16 “THE SECRET OF SUSANNA” 8 p.m. Enjoy Wolf-Ferrari’s opera about an innocent secret that becomes blown out of proportion by suspicion and jealousy. Tickets: $35 - $40.

MURPHY HIGH SCHOOL’S AUDITORIUM MOBILEOPERA.ORG

THROUGH MARCH “A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM” Times vary. Two sets of star crossed lovers, a group of would-be actors, and a mischievous pair of feuding fairies come to life in this creative adaptation that all ages will enjoy! Tickets: $12 - $16.

PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK PLAYHOUSEINTHEPARK.ORG

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UPCOMING SAENGER THEATRE EVENTS MOBILESAENGER.COM

FEBRUARY 1 BROTHERS OSBORNE 8 p.m. The Grammy-nominated country and rock band comes to the Port City.

Tickets: $31, $41, $44, $51.

FEBRUARY 4 DISNEY’S DCAPELLA 6:30 p.m. Doors open. 7:30 p.m. Show starts. Sing along to classic Disney hits like “Step in Time” and “Friend Like Me.” Tickets: $41, $51, $81.

FEBRUARY 9 - 10 MOBILE SYMPHONY PRESENTS STRAIGHT FROM THE SOUNDTRACK 6:30 p.m. Doors open. 7:30 p.m. Show starts. Sa. 1:30 p.m. Doors open. 2:30 p.m. Show starts. Su. Mobile Symphony Orchestra presents music from beloved movie scores. Tickets: $20 - $80.

MARCH 8 THE BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY PRESENTS QUEEN’S “A NIGHT AT THE OPERA” 7 p.m. Doors open. 8 p.m. Show starts.

The Black Jacket Symphony, featuring Marc Martel, presents their take on Queen’s classic album. Tickets: $25 - $35.

MARCH 12 THE AVETT BROTHERS 7 p.m. Doors open. 8 p.m. Show starts.

Known for their soulful and honest lyrics and chords, the band is sure to put on a show you’ll never forget.

MARCH 30 - 31 MOBILE SYMPHONY PRESENTS “CARMINA BURANA” 6:30 p.m. Doors open. 7:30 p.m. Show starts. Sa. 1:30 p.m. Doors open. 2:30 p.m. Show starts. Su. Carl Orff’s classic.

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SPRING BIRD MIGRATION

[MARCH HIGHLIGHTS]

THROUGH APRIL 9 SPRING BIRD MIGRATION See more than 300 species of birds as they make their flight back north.

DAUPHIN ISLAND DAUPHINISLAND.ORG

MARCH 1 AZALEAS BLOOM OUT Watch more than 250,000 azaleas bloom over 65 acres of Bellingrath Gardens.

Admission: $13 for adults; $7.50 for ages 5 12; free for ages 4 and under.

BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME BELLINGRATH.ORG

MARCH 2 ST. JUDE BIKE-A-THON 8 - 10 a.m. Bike around the island while raising money for St. Jude Hospital.

DAUPHIN ISLAND DAUPHINISLANDCHAMBER.COM

MARCH 15 - 17 FAIRHOPE ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Get ready to shop for arts and crafts from more than 230 exhibitors.

DOWNTOWN FAIRHOPE FAIRHOPEARTSANDCRAFTSFESTIVAL.COM

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FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS

MARCH 21 - 24 FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. This year’s Dutch theme will feature a canal, a water wheel and tulips.

Admission: $12 in advance; $14 at the gate.

PROVIDENCE HOSPITAL FESTIVALOFFLOWERS.COM

MARCH 21 - 24 HISTORIC HOMES TOUR View some of the best architecture and homes the city has to offer.

DOWNTOWN MOBILE HISTORICMOBILETOUR.COM/TICKETS

MARCH 22 MOBILE OPERA PRESENTS PUCCINI’S “IL TABARRO” 8 p.m. Mobile Opera presents one of Puccini’s classics. Tickets: $10 - $80.

THE TEMPLE DOWNTOWN MOBILEOPERA.ORG

MARCH 30 ELBERTA GERMAN SAUSAGE FESTIVAL Nosh on some of the best German fare while supporting the town’s fire department.

ELBERTA TOWN PARK ELBERTAFIRE.COM

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MARDI GRAS 2019 PARADE SCHEDULE artwork courtesy EUGENIA FOSTER • prints available for purchase at Ashland Gallery

FEBRUARY 24 NEPTUNE’S DAUGHTERS

6:30 p.m. Route A OOI

7 p.m. Route A

FEBRUARY 25 ORDER OF VENUS

6:30 p.m. Route A ORDER OF MANY FACES

7 p.m. Route A

FEBRUARY 26 ORDER OF LASHE’S

6:30 p.m. Route A

FEBRUARY 28 MYSTIC STRIPERS SOCIETY

6:30 p.m. Route A

MARCH 1 MYSTICAL ORDER OF MIRAMS

6 p.m. Orange Beach CREWE OF COLUMBUS

6:30 p.m. Route A MAIDS OF JUBILEE

6:45 p.m. Fairhope

MARCH 2 FEBRUARY 2

FEBRUARY 16

FEBRUARY 21

KREWE DE LA DAUPHINE

ORDER OF THE ROLLING RIVER

ORDER OF POLKA DOTS

2 p.m. Dauphin Island Parkway

6:30 p.m. Route A

1 p.m. Dauphin Island

FEBRUARY 9

BAYPORT PARADING SOCIETY

FEBRUARY 22

2 p.m. Route A

ORDER OF INCA

DAUPHIN ISLAND PEOPLE’S PARADE

MYSTIC D.J. RIDERS

6:30 p.m. Route A

1 p.m. Dauphin Island

PHARAOHS MYSTIC SOCIETY

FEBRUARY 15

ORDER OF HEBE

CONDE CAVALIERS

6:30 p.m. Route A

2:30 p.m. Route A

6:30 p.m. Route A 6:45 p.m. Route A

CONDE EXPLORERS

7 p.m. Route A

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APOLLO’S MYSTIC LADIES

6:45 p.m. Daphne

MOBILE MYSTICAL REVELERS

2:30 p.m. Route A MOBILE MYSTICAL FRIENDS

3 p.m. Route A MAIDS OF MIRTH

6:30 p.m. Route G KNIGHTS OF ECOR ROUGE

6:30 p.m. Fairhope ORDER OF BUTTERFLY MAIDENS

PRICHARD MARDI GRAS ASSOCIATION PARADE

10 a.m. Prichard FOLEY PARADE

11 a.m. Foley

KREWE OF SPARTA

12 p.m. Saraland FLORAL PARADE

12 p.m. Route A KNIGHTS OF MOBILE

12:30 p.m. Route A JOY OF LIFE

12:45 p.m. Route A

7 p.m. Route A

MOBILE MYSTICAL LADIES

KREWE OF MARRY MATES

1 p.m. Route A

MOBILE MYSTICS

ORDER OF ANGELS

2 p.m. Route A

7:30 p.m. Route A

1:30 p.m. Route A

FEBRUARY 23

FLORAL PARADE

12 p.m. Route A KNIGHTS OF MOBILE

12:30 p.m. Route A JOY OF LIFE

MARCH 4 ARRIVAL OF KING FELIX III

11 a.m. Cooper Riverside Park

12:45 p.m. Route A

FLORAL PARADE

MOBILE MYSTICAL LADIES

KING FELIX III PARADE

12 p.m. Route A

1 p.m. Route A

12 p.m. Route A

ORDER OF ANGELS

MLK BUSINESS AND CIVIC ORGANIZATION PARADE

1:30 p.m. Route A KREWE OF MULLET MATES

2 p.m. Mullet Point MYSTICS OF PLEASURE

6 p.m. Orange Beach MYSTICS OF TIME

6 p.m. Route A CORONATION OF QUEEN ELLEN BOYD DOUGLAS AND KING FELIX III

3 p.m. Route D MONDAY MYSTICS

3:30 p.m. Route D NORTHSIDE MERCHANTS

4 p.m. Route D ORDER OF MYSTIC MAGNOLIAS

6:45 p.m. Fairhope INFANT MYSTICS

6:30 p.m. Mobile Convention Center

7 p.m. Route F

SHADOW BARONS

7:30 p.m. Route F

ORDER OF DOVES

6:45 p.m. Daphne

MARCH 3

MARCH 5 (FAT TUESDAY)

ARRIVAL OF KING ELEXIS I

GULF SHORES MARDI GRAS ASSOCIATION

2 p.m. Route E LOYAL ORDER OF THE FIRETRUCK

2:29 p.m. Daphne JOE CAIN PARADE

2:30 p.m. Route A KREWE DE CIRQUE

4 p.m. OWA, Foley LE KREWE DE BIENVILLE

5 p.m. Route A KREWE DE SECONDLINE

5:30 p.m. Route A CORONATION OF MAMGA QUEEN AND KING ELEXIS

7 p.m. Mobile Convention Center

10 a.m. Gulf Shores ORDER OF ATHENA

10:30 a.m. Route A KNIGHTS OF REVELRY

12:30 p.m. Route A KING FELIX III PARADE

1 p.m. Route A COMIC COWBOYS

1:30 p.m. Route A MOBILE AREA MARDI GRAS ASSOCIATION PARADE

2 p.m. Route B ORANGE BEACH PARADE

2 p.m. Orange Beach ORDER OF MYTHS

6 p.m. Route C

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HISTORY | ASK MCGEHEE

What is the history of the former American Legion currently being remodeled on Government Street? text by TOM MCGEHEE photo courtesy LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, PRINTS & PHOTOGRAPHS DIVISION, HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY, AL-800.

in Massachusetts and went into the wholesale grocery business upon his return to Mobile.

At the age of just 27, he began construction on the impressive mansion, which still stands at 607 Government St. Architecturally, the house is unique in its combination of Greek revival and Italianate details. It has large, arched windows, and the porch is fronted with two-story columns rising to a bracketed roofline. The entrance hall features a graceful curving staircase with an arched niche to hold a piece of statuary.

When completed, the house became the center of parties among Mobile’s most prominent citizens. The 1860 census indicates that the home was occupied by 31-year-old Kennedy, his wife, age 27, and their 3-year-old daughter, Isabella. His occupation was listed as “merchant.”

The Parties End The house under renovation on the southeast corner of Government and Dearborn streets was constructed in 1857 by Joshua and Mary Emanuel Kennedy.

The couple had married in the spring of 1853, uniting two of the wealthiest families in the state.

The bride’s father was Jonathan Emanuel, a British-born merchant and insurance executive. Joshua’s father, an 1803 graduate of Yale’s law school, came to Mobile around the time Alabama became a state and prospered in real estate. He was reportedly the richest man in the state at his death in 1838.

Joshua was a graduate of Williams College

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The fun did not last long. The Civil War erupted, and Kennedy left Mobile for the Confederate army, where he soon had the rank of First Lieutenant. On June 1, 1862, Kennedy was shot during a battle near Richmond, Virginia. He was one of nearly 1,000 casualties that day and was only 33 years old.

No doubt because of his status, his body was sent by train to be buried in Mobile. In some sort of terrible mix-up, the casket was not unloaded and continued to the end of the train line in Texas. Joshua Kennedy, once one of Mobile’s wealthiest and brightest young citizens, rests under a simple military marker

in a cemetery located between Austin and San Antonio.

Mary and her daughter continued to live at 607 Government St. as the war dragged on and finally ended. In 1872, Isabella, then 21, attended a house party in Citronelle and fatally ingested a poison she mistook for a cure for a sore throat. It was an agonizing death and may well have led to her mother’s decision to have a change of scene.

In 1872, Mary and her sister, Virginia Mitchell, traded houses. Mary thus returned to her childhood home at 251 Government St., which would survive until its demolition in 1939 to provide a site for the new Admiral Semmes Hotel.

From Bethel to Legionnaires Mitchell’s son sold the house after her death in 1919. It was converted to the Seamen’s Bethel, a local organization dating to 1845, charged with looking after the physical and spiritual welfare of local seamen.

The Bethel had disbanded by World War II, and in 1947, it became a post of the American Legion, an organization bursting with returning servicemen. It was during the ownership of the American Legion that the home’s service wing to the south was replaced by a large meeting hall.

In recent decades the membership dwindled, and the declining structure was on the verge of demolition when a nonprofit organization, set up by members of a local Mardi Gras organization, bought it. The restoration of this once derelict structure is nothing short of a miracle. MB

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END PIECE | IN LIVING COLOR

Dauphine Theater, 1920 Original photo from the Erik Overbey Collection, The Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of South Alabama • Colorization by Dynamichrome Limited

The Dauphine Theater opened in 1918 under its original name, the Majestic. In 1920, the theater was renamed Dauphine, only to receive a new moniker, Bijou Theater, in 1922. In its heyday, the theater projected silent movies for eager filmgoers until closing its doors in 1932.

Do you know where this old theater was located? Let us know!

Email ahartin@pmtpublishing.com.

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