From the editor

The Schools

From the editor’s desk Learning to love Alexander City

From the editor ..... 2 From Youngsville to Alexander City .......4 The Railroad .............5 The Banks .............. 8 The Churches ............ 9 The Schools ............ 10 The 1902 Fire ......... 15

Imoved to Alexander City just eight months ago, in October of 2021. Since coming to the area, I have been fascinated with this city and this city’s people.

Near the beginning of the year, the staff of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. decided that we should celebrate the birth of Alexander City, since it was the city’s 150th anniversary of incorporation.

We set off, coming up with ideas along the way. We wanted to learn about our city and teach our fellow citizens about some of the history around Alexander City’s 150 years in existence. We decided that the best course of action would be videos and a special printed section that would last for years and years and that would remain long after each of us were gone.

The first course of action was figuring out where to start. I walked from our office to the beautiful public library we have in the city and spoke to the librarians on staff. I told them what I was intending to do, and they helped with names and contacts of people who might could help. They also granted me access to the Adelia McConnell Russell Library Alabama History Room and made copies of hundreds of pages of information.

I dived into the history of the city I now call home. I learned about the Young family, the Maxwells, the Coleys, the Herzfelds, the Russells and so many other families. I learned fascinating things about our gold mines, our railroad, our schools and more. I learned that President William Taft is the only United States president to visit the city and I learned the funny stories behind Hank Williams spending a night (or more) in our jail.

I also learned about the spirit of perseverance this city holds. I learned how after the horrific fire of June 13, 1902, the city didn’t quit. Citizens rebuilt their beloved city and made it even better than before. I learned that when Russell Corporation closed, the city fought to try to find jobs for the displaced workers. I learned that during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when most cities were struggling to make ends meet, our citizens supported local businesses more than ever and the city collected more sales tax than they have in a while.

All this to say, I have learned a lot about Alexander City in eight months. The most important thing I have learned is how much I love this city.

Happy 150th birthday, Alexander City. Here’s to 150 more years. Kaitlin Fleming

Kaitlin Fleming, Managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.’s newspapers