2013-2014 tourism resource guide

RREESSOOUURRCCEE GGUUIIDDEE2013/2014

GREAT FOOD • GREAT PEOPLE • GREAT PLACES TO VISIT

THE SOUTHERN REGION OF ALABAMA

IINN TTHHIISS IISSSSUUEE

Her Blueberry Business Andalusia...Judged Alabama’s Top Small Town

Visit

A Proud Heritage - A Progressive Future

Judged Alabama’s Top Town

Beautiful City

Great Climate

and Unsurpassed

Quality of Life

Springdale

Win $1,000 Montly

Drugstore Mural

Courthouse Mural 3Notch Museum

Robert Horry Park

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Not so long ago, we never would have thought that driving to places that are close to where we live would amountto much of a vacation. We felt that if it wasn’t several states or countries away to the beaches in the Carribean Islands or mountains in Montana or wine country in California, it just wasn’t a real break from the everyday grind.

But now the cost of travel makes us think twice about jumping on an airplane to get to a destination. Airline ticket pricesar sky high and airline companies are charging for everything from baggage to peanuts. Driving is not much betterwith gas prices close to $4.00 per gallon. So, its time to take a different approach.

We don’t have to give up the pleasure of a great vacation. We just have to cut back on the number of miles we travel.Here in the Southern Region of Alabama, we have something for everyone, making this a perfect place for a break-cation right outside your backyard. We have history, culture, beaches, mountains, caves, hiking, hunting, birdwatching, festivals, museums, parks, rivers, lakes, wineries, historic homes, food, shopping, national forests and manyother tourism assets for enjoyment and enlightenment.

A list of the Southern Region’s tourism assets includes:

All of this can be had on ONE TANK OF GAS. Lets break-cation in our own backyard!

• Possum Day (May, Franklin, AL)• Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (Notasulga, AL)• SuCaro Ridge (The Farm at Milstead, Horse Training)• Taska Recreation Area: Tuskegee National Forest• Tsinia Wildlife Viewing Area: Tuskegee National Forest• Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site (Tuskegee)• Tuskegee Human and Civil Rights Multicultural Center• Tuskegee National Forest• Tuskegee University• Octagon House (Clayton, AL)• The Josephine (circa 1880, Union Springs, AL)• The Oaks (Booker T. Washington Family Home) • Whippoorwill Vineyards (Notasulga, AL)• Zora Neale Hurston birthplace (Notasulga, AL)• Tallassee NOW (Tallassee, AL)• 3Notch Museum (Andalusia, AL)

• Bartram Trail: Tuskegee National Forest• BPA Labor Day Fly-In (September- Moton Field)• Burial Site of Booker T. Washington• Burial Site of Dr. George Washington Carver• George Washington Carver Arts & Crafts Festival (May)• George Washington Carver Museum• Harris Barrett School• Robert Horry Park (Andalusia, AL)• Hillbilly Mall (Little Texas)• 150 Historic Homes (Union Springs, AL)• Lionel Richie Birthplace (Grammy Award Winner)• Little Texas Tabernacle and Campground• Moton Field Airport (Home of the Tuskegee Airmen)• Red Door Theatre (Union Springs, AL)• Miracle League Playground (Andalusia, AL)• Octagon House (Clayton, AL)

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A County Rich in History, Heritage and Hospitality101 East Rosa Parks Avenue • Tuskegee, Alabama 36083 • 334-727-5120 • www.maconcounty-al.org

Macon County Agencies Working Hard To Serve All Citizens:

Macon County Sheriff’s Department • East Central Mental Health Services • Macon County Library • Macon County Water Authority • Macon County HealthDepartment • Macon County Elderly Nutrition Program • Macon County Rural Transportation • Emergency Management Agency • Macon County JuvenileServices • Macon County Extension Service • Macon County Community Action • Macon County Emergency Medical Service • Retired Senior VolunteerProgram • Senior Aid Services to the Elderly • County-Wide Water System • County-Wide Solid Waste System • Macon County Council For Retardation and Rehabilitation

ALABAMA

MilesRobinsonDistrict 1

LouisMaxwell

AndrewThompson, Jr.District 3

Robert “Mike”Berry

District 4

Edward “Coach”HuffmanDistrict 2

Contents

PUBLISHERNoah Anthony Hopkins

EDITORIAL DIRECTORKarin Grant Hopkins

GRAPHIC DESIGN/PHOTOGRAPHYNoah Anthony Hopkins

COMMUNITY TOURISM NETWORK, INC.608 Dibble StreetTuskegee, Alabama 36083334.725.8496tourismresource@gmail.comwww.tourismresource.org

SPECIAL THANKS TO:City of AndalusiaMayor Earl V. JohnsonAndy WigginsAndalusia Chamber of CommerceTallassee CDCDionne Y. InmanAll Advertisers

1 TOURISM ASSETS SOUTHERN REGION

5-6 ANDALUSIA...ALABAMA’S TOP TOWN

7 TALLASSEE CDC

9 KID’S ADVENTURE LABOR DAY FLY-IN

11-12 HER BLUEBERRY BUSINESS

15-16 THE LEGACY PARKS OF ALABAMA

17 HOME OF BOOKER T. WASHINGTON

23 COMMUNITY TOURISM NETWORK

24 MACON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYThis edition of the Tourism Resource Guide

opened my eyes to the history, beauty, charmand hospitality throughout Southern Alabamaand boosted my appreciation for the greattourism assets in this region.

As the publisher and chief photographer forthis magazine, visiting the many destinations featured in these pages was welcome work. Inevery county I met many wonderful people andenjoyed many interesting experiences.

Plus, a road trip is also a perfect excuse to sample the food in these Alabama locales. Ifyou are driving from place to place you must atsome time stop to eat. Hence the concept for thecover design, which represents both travel andfood. Each square shows the various types offood you wi l l f ind in many res taurants throughout Alabama especially the small momand pop establishments where I like to eat. Fromribs, collard greens, pulled pork, fried chickento sweet potato pies, I love it all.

Each place you stop to eat, also has lots ofplaces to visit and enjoy such as, historic homes,museums, culture, beaches, wineries, parks,lakes, rivers, caves, hiking, national forests andmany other tourism attractions. Also, severalsmall towns now have farmer’s markets whereyou buy fresh fruits and vegetables if you arenot a meat and potatoes person.

So throw your bags in the car and use thisissue of Tourism Resource Guide togo and explore Alabama.

Noah Anthony HopkinsPublisher





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If you live in Andalusia, you love your city. And thesame qualities that have locals smitten are also impressive to outsiders. This is why Andalusia

outranked every small town in the State of Alabama ina national survey.“Andalusia is special for several reasons,” says one

of the city’s most vocal cheerleaders. Earl V. Johnson isa native of Andalusia, proud product of the Andalusia public school system and the current Mayor.He says geographical proximity is an advantage. “Andalusia is 90 miles from Montgomery, Dothan andPensacola. It’s also close to Florida beaches.” But officials work hard at making Andalusia the first choicefor local citizens especially for retail shopping.

The city recently introduced a program called“ANDY BUCKS,” to encoura g e p e o p l e t o pa t ronize downtown businesses. Shopping puts customers in line for a possible reward of $1,000 in“ANDY BUCKS.” The make-believe money can beredeemed for merchandise at any participating store.

Pretty and progressive, Anadalusia works hard atpreserving the best of small town living while also welcoming growth.

The beautifully manicured square is pedestrian-friendly. Meandering may trigger an irresistible urge toventure inside the quaint and sometimes quirky

businesses that populate the downtown district. Walker’s, a specialty retail store with furniture and

accessories for the home and office also sells gifts, jewelry, school and work related supplies. It rivals andeven surpasses many big city stores with its down-homecountry warmth and common sense prices. Nearby isBrooks True Value Hardware, which stocks everythingfor do-it-yourself home improvement projects and alsodoubles as a toy emporium and children’s playroom. Itis historically significant as well with five generationsof ownership in the same family. The current proprietor, Emily Brooks Crowson says, “1913 wasthe year my great-great grandfather opened a hardware store in Andalusia.”

Judged Alabama’s Top Small Town

“Today, the Andalusia City Hallhouses city government and hostsmeetings and special events. Our CityHall serves as a beacon to those interested in doing business in Andalusia. It is the cornerstone of anera of restoration and progress in Andalusia and Covington County.”(www.cityofandalusia.com)

Downtown Andalusia

5

With an abundance of charming ambience, Andalusia alsohas many natural resources, including a spirit of cooperationthat permeates the community. Mayor Johnson credits theTourism and Relocation Committee for enterprising effortsrelated to events and activities. He also praises the RotaryClub for founding and consistently hosting the World Championship Domino Tournament annually since 1976.Plans are in the works to establish a Domino Universityin Andalusia to teach the skills to a new generation.Unemployment is lower than the national average and job

growth is increasing. Andalusia reeled in a whale when ShawIndustries set up a manufacturing plant in this town, employ-ing as many as 1,800 workers at peak times.While growth is a concern so is smart planning and

infrastructure improvements. In 2013, Andalusia received an $8.6 million grant, the

largest in the city’s history. The funds are for work on a heav-ily traveled street where many medical facilities are located.Children and education are also priorities. Hence, classroomsaverage 15.2 students per teacher.

There are excellent parks and recreational programs in-cluding the Dream Park and the Miracle League Playground,both sensitive to physically challenged users and also greatfun for able-bodied children.

Moderately priced housing and a gentle Southern climateare bonuses. The cost of living is more than 15 per cent lowerthan the national average. “Snowbirds looking for a pretty town with mild winters,

nestled in a pleasing, gently rolling countryside, should consider Alabama’s best kept secret… Andalusia,” saidCharles Anderson who spent 50 years traveling, researchingand exploring small towns throughout the country to compilea “best of the best” list.The Church Street Cultural Arts Centre is another asset. A

former school building, it was renovated through a joint part-nership involving the Andalusia Ballet Association and theCity of Andalusia.

Another former school building was also given a new life.Constructed in 1914, it served as a school for 87 years. Afterit closed, the building deteriorated. In 2004 it was reborn asAndalusia City Hall. This commitment to preservation andrestoration is a major source of civic pride.

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley praised Andalusiawhen he visited the city in August 2013 and commended localstakeholders for their business development attitude and efforts. The governor threw out the first pitch at the BabeRuth World Series Tournament, held for the third time in recent years in Andalusia. The city scores high marks with organizers, teams and parents.

No wonder Andalusia evokes love and loyalty from its residents and admiration from observers. It’s ideal for quickturnaround visits if you live within driving distance. It hostswholesome, family-friendly experiences. It has a naturallyscenic topography and well-maintained public facilities, operations and systems.

There are great public schools and access to hospital services at Andalusia Regional Hospital. Andalusia is business friendly and a superior location for companies thatvalue innovative, proactive, can-do energy.Andalusia — come for a day, an event or a lifetime. See

for yourself why Andalusia was judged Alabama’s Top SmallTown.

Dream Park

Cultural Arts Centre

Launched in October 2013,publ ic response can be measured by the tremendousnumber of tickets piled up in astorage bin at City Hall. Drawings are held the firstTuesday of each month duringthe Andalusia City Councilmeeting. The winning ticketnumber is published in thenewspaper and on the city’sWeb site. Locals and touristsare encouraged to support theANDY BUCKS program. Its ta r t s wi th a t r ip to a part icipat ing business in Andalusia.

ANDY BUCKS

A couple weeks after the program'slaunch, Mayor Johnson showed off thegrowing p i le o f t ickets . When customers visit participating stores,they can get half of a ticket. The otherhalf comes to City Hall for monthlydrawings.

Miracle LeaguePlayground

6

The Tallassee Community Development Corporation is an Alabama non-profit corporation. It has received approval fromthe IRS as a public charity. Its goals generally are to build the community and to improve the quality of life for Tallassee.Its interests extend beyond the City limits to the entire 12,000-member community. It works with other public-interest entities throughout the community in projects for community development. It works closely with the Chamber of Commerce,the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority, and the City's Planning Commission in planning and promoting the community. Ithas been assigned the task of working with the Riverwalk Extension project and the revitalization plans for the business districts. An innovative project sponsored by the Community Development Corporation is the Tailgate Partnering Projectin which it works with other non-profit organizations and entities as fund-raisers, especially during the fall football season,selling Boston butts, brisket, ribs, camp stew, and sandwiches in the downtown business district on Saturdays. For more information, contact us at 334-252-0036.

TALLASSEE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

“Community Working Together”P.O. Box 780791 • Tallassee, AL 36078 • 334-252-0036

Tallassee CDC’s Signature Events

Tecumseh at Tuckabatchee Vintage Guitars Boston Butts for Tailgate Project

Tallassee NOW Music

Tallassee NOW BBQ Cookoff

5K Color Run

7

Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center at Tuskegee University nestled amidst a national historic site. With centuries of distinct heritage, 17,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, a lavishly decorated grand ballroom, 287 seat amphitheater and 102 finely appointed guest rooms and suites, the stage is set for anunforgettable event.

Ask about our special BRIDAL PACKAGE with complementary bridal suite when youbook your rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception with us.

So whether it’s a convention, business meeting, family reunion or a weekend getawayour accommodations are perfect.

Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center at Tuskegee University

For Reservations and Information Call 1-800-949-6161

1 Booker T. Washington Blvd.

Tuskegee, AL 36088

800.949.6161

334.727.3000 ph

334.727.5119 fax

www.tuskegeekelloggcenter.com

Support and Help

Preserve the Legacy

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TUSKEGEE AIRMEN

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A Tuskegee Airmen Front Tag Available Online For Non-residents of Alabama From the Website Store

See details at: www.friendsoftuskegeeairmennhs.comor Call: 251.494.8382 (Alabama residents only)

8

BPA LABOR DAY FLY-IN

As the parachutists land with the giant American Flagswaving in the wind and the National Anthem is being

sung, children of all ages are mesmerized and know it’sthe kickoff of the Annual Kids Adventure Labor Day Fly-inhosted each year by Black Pilotsof America (BPA).

This event, which is free andopen to the public, is sponsored bythe Golden Hawks of Tuskegee, a chapterof the Black Pilots of America (BPA)which is comprised of pilots or airplaneowners who know firsthand the joys of flying. BPA members also feel an obligation to the pioneers who made theirpassion possible — the Tuskegee Airmen.

The primary mission of BPA and the GoldenHawks is to introduce children and adults to thewonders of aviation. “Our goal is to get kids at ayoung age interested in not just flying or being a pilot butconsidering aviation as a whole as a future career choice”said John Hicks, Jr., President of the National Black Pilots of American and also President of the organization’slocal chapter Golden Hawks of Tuskegee.

Each year pilots fly in from all over the country to participate in a day of safety briefings by FAA, maintenance inspections and most of all flying children.There are many types of aircraft on static display at historic Moton Field including vintage and experimentalplanes.

This year there wereseven airplanes thatpractically stayedairborne flying chil-dren. At the end ofthe day, 173 childrenhad taken what mayhave been their firstplane ride and an additional numberof adults also tookflight. The childrenreceived a certificatemaking them anhonorary member ofthe Golden Hawksof Tuskegee.

The GoldenHawks organizationsends a special thanks to the National Park Service and the many men and women who gave time and energy to make this year’s fly-in an unforgettable experience. Formore information call 334.727.6485 or [email protected].

Supporting sponsors: The City of Tuskegee and Golden Eagle Aviation at Moton Field.

9

113 East Rosa Parks Avenue Tuskegee, Alabama 36083334.727.0092 ofc 334.727.7117 fax [email protected]

*My Practice:

• Civil Law• Criminal Law• Administrative Law• Domestic relations• Wills• Serious Bodily Injuries• Real Estate• Education Law

* No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

Deborah Biggers is the legal counsel for theMacon County Alabama Board of Educationand the Macon County Racing Commission ofMacon County Alabama

Deborah Hill BiggersDeborah Hill BiggersAttorney at Law

To promote and impact sustainable and healthy communities' through development andimplementation of wellness, and educational initiatives.

For more Information Please Contact Us

608 Dibble Street • Tuskegee, Alabama 36083334.725.8496 ext. 312 • 334.727.9995 fax

[email protected]

The International Southern Christian Leadership Foundation, Inc. (SCL Foundation, Inc.) was founded in 1966. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501c3 tax-exempt or-ganization. We have been providing services to the community for over 45 years. We remain committed to building a diverse society where the differences of individuals are respected and embraced rather than merely tolerated.

Board of Directors and President

Southern Christian Leadership Foundation, Inc.

SCL Foundation philosophy is to value our families and teach them the tenants ofQUANTUM RESPONSIBILITY.

“Silence Is Sinful HIV/AIDS Initiative” is the current signature health program of theFoundation. We are currently in a partnership with the Center for Disease Controland Prevention (CDC) and the Act Against AIDS leadership Initiative (AAALI) since2009. This partnership enables us to extend our reach directly into the communitieswe serve daily with important and relevant life-saving information. We are also seeking to refocus national attention on the HIV crisis in the U.S. and remind ourcommunities that HIV is still deadly, difficult and costly.

"Improving Today for a Better Tomorrow - Promise - Purpose - Progress!"

10

Almost everybody in Tuskegee calls her the “BlueberryLady” and for good reason. Josie Gbadamosi growschemical free blueberries on two and a half acres of

her 46-acre farm. While it is primarily a U-pick operation, shealso sells pre-picked berries on site, to farmers markets and tolocal grocery stores. A few years ago Josie herself was picking blueberries as a

visitor to this farm. She noticed it needed a little TLC andsought the owner to offer her help in cleaning it up. When shediscovered the farm was for sale — she bought it. A Califor-nia native and retired white-collar professional, Josie is nowa manual laborer who loves the land, lifestyle and legacy sheis preserving.The farm was developed in the 1980’s as a demonstration

site under the direction of Dr. Booker Whatley, Horticultureprofessor at Tuskegee University and champion of the smallfarmer. He planned to demonstrate that 25 acres of land withcrop diversity, good planning, good management and directsale to customer could yield $100,000 in annual income. Josiehonors the original vision and thinks of her efforts as arestorative project.True to Dr. Whatley’s marketing model, selling directly to

the customer through–U-pick is my primary marketing strategy. “ To ensure the customer has an enjoyable safe experience, emphasis is put on safety and safe handling practices. Rows and bushes are kept cleaned, I supply customers with plastic bag lined picking buckets, make surethey use hand sanitizers before going into the field, have onclosed-in shoes, and have on insect repellant. I also encourageuse of sun-screen and remind customers not to eat or placeberries in their buckets from the ground.”

Josie says, “I use the old fashioned bartering concept tohelp whip the blueberry patch into shape and to maintain it. Iam so grateful to family, friends, Tuskegee University staffand students and other volunteers for the help they provide.Without them I would not have been able to make suchprogress. And of course, for the fruits of their labor they all received lots of blueberries as well as blueberry plants.”Josie is an agrarian entrepreneur. Her goal is to grow her

farm into a profitable business and she is steadily moving inthat direction. She is also an educator and advocate forhealthy eating. She wants to accelerate the organic food movement by persuading people to incorporate more freshfruits and vegetables into their food regimen.

BBLLUUEEBBEERRRRYYJoise Gbadamosi’s Blueberry Patch also produced the muscadines grapes sheis holding in her hands.

Above left: A customer picking blueberries — Above right: Asample of the beautiful blueberries harvested at Josie’s farmBottom: A family shows their blueberry bounty

(Continued on next page)11

Union Springs, Alabama

Showcase of

Southern History Architecture

and Charm

www.unionspringsalabama.com

334-738-TOUR

What's Behind the Red Door?

A TASTE OF THE SOUTH

2014 ScheduleMama Won't Fly - Feb. 20 -23

Cotton Patch Gospel - April 24-27

Rubycat Lawson's RoadhouseLounge - June 6 & 7

Promises - July 31-Aug. 3

Always..Patsy Cline - Dec. 4-7,12,13

Seated dinners and B&B accommodations are available.

RREEDD DDOOOORR TTHHEEAATTRREE

Union Springs, Alabama334-738-8687

www.reddoortheatre.org

In the 1900’s a famous Tuskegee agrono-mist revolutionized the agriculture industrywith his brilliant approach to crop rotationand land use. That man — the grandfather ofthe Green Movement and the patron saint ofsustainability is Dr. George WashingtonCarver who continues to inspire peoplearound the world and throughout the UnitedStates. It’s nice to see evidence of his principles on the small farm in Tuskegeewhere Josie Gbadamosi produces her nutritious and tasty blueberries.

The blueberry farm is open from June through July,Tuesday-Saturday and is located at County Road 81(Shady Grove Road) in Tuskegee, Alabama. Formore information), call 334-727-1991 or 334-703-2603 or E-mail Josie at: [email protected] also connect on facebookat:https://www.face-book.com/josie.gbadamosi.

Bottom right photo: Blueberries ready for picking

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334.220.5180 cell334.725.1324 office113 N. Rosa Parks AvenueTuskegee, Alabama 36083

Before #2

Before Bath #1

After #2

After Bath #1

(Her Blueberry Business Continued)

12

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102 W. Rosa Parks AvenueTuskegee, AL 36083334-727-1730

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Local Art Gallery, Museum & Vintage Ice Cream Parlor/Sandwich Shoppelocated in the 1880's Historic

Josephine Hotel; all within sight of the Bird Dog Field Trial Statue of theWorld , Our Renovated Carnegie

Library (1 of 2 left in use as Library),Red Door Theatre and the only Empire II Courthouse in Alabama.

For More Information & DirctionsContact Us At:

126 Prairie St. NorthUnion Springs, Alabama 36089

334.703.0098www.artatjosephine.co

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Benjamin Newhouse, PH.D, CPAManaging Director

608 Dibble StreetTuskegee, Alabama 36083

[email protected]

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There is no mistaking the majestic hues of blue skies upon arrival to the great state of Alabama. Thewinding roads and picturesque pastures make the journey part of the adventure. Beneath the sky

and just beyond the main roads, the National Park Service legacy parks and trails of Alabama remind usthat there is tangible evidence that small steps cultivate big change. Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site,Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site and the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail are connected through intrinsic events that remain relevant today.

Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site was established by the Secretary of the Interior on November 13, 1977. TuskegeeInstitute invites visitors to observe innovation and sustainability though the remarkable contributions of Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver. These pioneers did not believe in “cannot be done”. Tuskegee is rooted in the soilof Alabama’s history and culture. “The Oaks”, home of Booker T. Washington was designed by Robert R. Taylor and built withthe bricks made in Tuskegee by its students. This private residence was the first in Macon County to have electricity and interior bathrooms. The George Washington Carver museum represents the scientist’s research in and promotion of alternative crops to cotton. Peanuts, soybeans and sweet potatoes proved a great source of nutritional value to farm familiesas well as products to improve their quality of life. Carver developed over 300 useful products from peanuts, including cosmetics, dyes, paints and plastics.

Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site emphasizes the power ofvisioning. In May 1940, the first class of students completedTuskegee Institute’s Civilian Pilot Training Program and receivedpilot’s licenses. On July 19, 1941, thirteen pilot candidates reportedto Tuskegee Institute to begin their training regimen at Moton AirField. Only five would successfully complete the training and ultimately be commissioned as the first Negro pilots in the ArmyCorps. More pilots were trained and eventually combined to form the332nd Fighter Group. In addition, both men and women were trainedas ground crew and staff to support the operation. This historical sitewas established on November 6, 1998 to inspire present and futuregenerations to strive for excellence by understanding and appreciating the heroic legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, through interpretation, and the preservation of cultural resources.

Prepare to Be Inspired – The Legacy Parks of Alabama

The Oaks

By: Patricia A. Butts, NPS Public Information Officer

15

The historical core consists of framed replicasof the Cadet House, an Army supply building,and the physical plant/engineer's office. Otherstanding structures include two airplanehangars, the Skyway Club, an auxiliary storage shed, the bath and locker house, and awarehouse/vehicle storage building. HangarNo.1, completed in 1941, was the center ofoperations. Hangar No. 2, completed in 1944in response to expanding operations, was designed to include the control tower andparachute drying area. This space will offercontemporary exhibits that focus on thebroader story of the Tuskegee Airmen.

The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail completes the trilogy of transformational history. On August 6, 1965,President Lyndon Johnson signed, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which extended equal voting rights for African-Americans.The Trail was established by Congress in 1996, to commemorate the events, people, and route of the 1965 Voting RightsMarch in Alabama. The shortest National Historic Trail in the National Trails System, the 54-miles follows the historic voting rights march route by beginning at Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church in Selma, and crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

On March 7, 1965, as non-violent marchers crossedthe bridge, they were tear- gassed, beaten, and theirprocessional stopped by law enforcement officers.This display of violence, heaped upon non-violent protesters was captured by the news media and broadcasted worldwide. This event came to be knownas "Bloody Sunday”. Outraged protesters from acrossthe country joined the marchers for a subsequent five-day march that began in Selma on March 21,1965, this time with state and federal law enforcementprotection. Come trace the march toward freedom and connectwith their stories at the Lowndes and Selma Interpretive Centers. The civil rights movement andthe concept of nonviolent protest have changed thefabric of this nation. The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail is preparing for its 50th Anniversary in 2015.

History provides tools to aid us in writing our own story. Every individual has the ability to aspire to great works through service. Youth and volunteer programs are available at each site. Get involved, visit the National Park Service legacy parksof Alabama, Tuskegee Institute NHS, Tuskegee Airmen NHS and Selma to Montgomery NHT to learn more. Be the Change!

For information about interpretive events, youth or volunteer programs:

Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site1212 West Montgomery Road, Tuskegee Institute, AL 36088 1616 Chappie James Avenue, Tuskegee, AL 36083334-727-3200 www.nps.gov/tuin 334-724-0922 www.nps.gov/tuai

Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail

Lowndes Interpretive Center Selma Interpretive Center7002 US Highway 80, P.O. Box 595, Hayneville, AL 36040 2 Broad Street, Selma, AL 36701334-877-1984 www.nps.gov/semo 334-872-0509 www.nps.gov/semo

Lowndes Interpretive Centers

Prepare to Be Inspired

16

The Oaks was Washington's command center andTuskegee Institute's social center. It was a place of employment and an on-the-job training site for students.African-American educators, businessmen, and farmers wereentertained there. Faculty members often called on Sundayafternoons but Washington often "cloistered himself in hisoffice on Sunday afternoons, while his wife Margaret was

entertaining youngfacul ty members i n t h e p a r l o r. "Tuskegee's 25th anniversary in 1906brought prominent people to the home,including Secretaryo f Wa r Wi l l i amHoward Taft, Harvardpresident Charles W.Eliot, and philanthro-pist Andre Carnegie.The Oaks housed a reception for PresidentTheodore Rooseveltand another for thewedding of Washing-ton's daughter, Portia.

The Oaks was designed by Robert Taylor who was the first African American to graduate from MIT and is credited with organ-izing the Institute’s architecture department. Constructionof the home began in 1899 with the family moving into thehouse in 1900. The Queen Anne-style home was the firsthome in Macon County to have indoor plumbing and electricity. Booker T. Washington was on vacation in Europethe year construction began. The frieze murals in the parlor,library and dining room depict highlights of this trip.

Bricklaying, a practical, productive skill, was taught at theschool. The bricks at the home were made by students whowere also responsible for the construction of the building,with the assistance of faculty members. The Tuskegee brickyard produced enough bricks to sell the surplus to thecommunity and provide the school with an income. Brickmaking began in 1883, but was not an instant success. Onlyafter ruining many bricks did the novice brick makers finally master the craft. Tuskegee students used brick fired from claydug on the Tuskegee farm to erect many of the school's buildings. The wood used for the construction, as well as themany Oak trees planted near the home, was the inspirationfor its name. The Oaks sat on three acres of gardens, orchards, and pastures and provided tangible evidence ofWashington’s success.After a grueling speaking tour, Washington was

hospitalized in New York City. Desperately ill with whatsome now believe to be kidney failure and with a short timeto live, he said, "I was born in the South, I have lived and labored in the South, and I expect to be buried in the South."He insisted on going home. On November 14, 1915, BookerT. Washington died at his home in beloved Tuskegee.

The National Park Service manages Tuskegee InstituteNational Historic Site which includes the George WashingtonCarver Museum and The Oaks, Booker T. Washington’s home.Tours of the Oaks start at the George Washington Carver Museum–check at the front desk for tour times or call 334-727-3200.

TThhee OOaakkssTHE HOME OF BOOKER T. WASHINGTON

The Study

The Parlor

Booker T. Washington in his office at Tuskegee

The Oaks

c 2013 Community Tourism Network, Inc. 17

117 Westside StreetTuskegee, Alabama 36083

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TUSKEGEE-MACON COUNTY

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

608 Dibble StreetTuskegee, Alabama 36083

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We AreBuilding A BetterTomorrow...Today

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Post Office Box 831034 • Tuskegee, Alabama 36083 • 334.727.6619 ofc • 334.725.1801 [email protected] • www.tuskegeeareachamber.org

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Community leaders, business professionals, and citizensof the Tuskegee Macon County Area helped shape the vision of The Tuskegee Area Chamber of Commerce. Thevision statement suggests that by using respect and teamwork, the community members, residents, leaders,business owners and property owners will make Tuskegeea quality place to live, work, shop, and play. In order to direct and prioritize efforts, a mission statement has alsoevolved in the midst of reorganizing and revitalizing the Cityof Tuskegee. The mission is to provide local jobs, goodquality schools and a desirable community to live in.

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RREESSOOUURRCCEE GGUUIIDDEE

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Macon County, Alabama History Heritage Hospitality

August 2010RREESSOOUURRCCEE GGUUIIDDEESummer/Fall 2011

This Issue

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MMaaccoonn CCoouunnttyy,, AAllaabbaammaa HHiissttoorryy HHeerriittaaggee HHoossppiittaalliittyy

Where to Worship In Macon County

Frank l in • Notasu lga • Shor ter

RREESSOOUURRCCEE GGUUIIDDEEWinter 2012

MACON COUNTY & THE BLACK BELT REGION


What is the Black Belt Community Based Tourism Network (BBCBTN)?History of Gees Bend and Its Hidden Assets

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George Washington Carver Museum,Tuskegee, AL

Whippoorwill Vineyard, Notasulga, AL

Shorter Mansion in Eufaula, AL Tuskegee Airmen Museum, Tuskegee, AL

If You Like Hunting Edmund Pettus Bridge, Selma, AL





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Macon County, Alabama is the New Diamond of the Interstate Corridor. Boasting five exits directly on the interstate, Macon County issituated in the hottest industrial belt of the South, halfway between the new automotive plants of Kia and Hyundai. In a mere 15 minutes, travelers can enter Macon County from the Auburn/Opelika area or Montgomery. Air travel is made easy by way of our ownMoton Field or with proximity to the Atlanta and Montgomery Jetports. Universities, national forest, historic sites, industrial land ofMacon County, all located in the center of a 40 mile radius of over 700,000 people!

OTHER ASSETS: Airport Access • Railroad Access • Interstate Access • Tuskegee University • Tuskegee Airmen’s MuseumTuskegee National Forest • George Washington Carver Museum • Historic Landmarks...and much more

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Visit Our Web Site: www.madeinmacon.comor Call Joe Turnham at 334.725.8496 or 334.444.2672

608 Dibble Street • Tuskegee, Alabama 36083

Tuskegee University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award doctoral, professional, master’s and bachelor’s degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Tuskegee University.

FOR INFORMATION VISIT WWW.TUSKEGEE.EDU OR CALL (800) 622-6531

FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY, TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY

HAS IMPACTED SOCIETY IN NEARLY EVERY

INDUSTRY BENEFICIAL TO MANKIND. FROM BOOKER T.

WASHINGTON’S VISION IN 1881 TO TODAY’S EVIDENT

REALIZATION OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, TUSKEGEE

CONTINUES TO SOAR TO GREATER HEIGHTS, MAKING ITS

MARK ON A GLOBAL COMMUNITY.

2013-2014 tourism resource guide

Documents

al tallassee

al sucaro

al bartram trail

al octagon house clayton

al hillbilly mall little

national forests

washington burial site

historic homes union