macon county tourism resource guide

RREESSOOUURRCCEE GGUUIIDDEE

aannddUUnniinnccoorrppoorraatteedd aarreeaass

Macon County, Alabama History Heritage Hospitality

August 2010

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.

The production and publication of this Macon County Tourism ResourceGuide was made possible through the a USDA Cooperative agreement

with Tuskegee University Rural Business and its Economic Development Program. Tourism can bring prosperity and change to long-isolated communities.

It is impossible in this first of-a-kind guide, focusing on Macon County’s richpast and evolving present to survey the topic comprehensively, or even to include all significant historical sites. This work is necessarily selective ratherthan all encompassing. By using photographs to highlight a few examples,this resource guide attempts to call attention to the composition of our rural

landscapes and tourism assets. By tracing the stories of a few local, state, and national patterns of development and by looking closely at a few communities, congregations, families, and individuals aswell as their hopes, purposes, and endeavors, it hints at the complexity of the stories that permeate MaconCounty and its affiliated towns and cities.

This resource guide will be used as a tool for economic development in Macon County and others like itwill be replicated for other Black Belt communities. It is a tool to be used along with other strategies to growtourism business. As the volume of tourists increases, so will the need for restaurants, souvenir and novelty stores, other retail establishments, tour guide services, still and video photography and other businesses throughout the county all of which can derive income from visitors. This may spawn additional tourism infrastructure including new hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfast operations. The resource guide will increase awareness, trigger interests and boost tourism, thereby creating business opportunities, jobs and new income. Tuskegee University’s Rural Business and Economic DevelopmentProgram is grateful for the steady encouragement and expert assistance from economic and businessdevelopers from USDA Rural Development’s state office, especially Mary Ann Clayton; and Quinton Harris, who often remind us of what rural development is all about.

The mission of USDA Rural Development and Tuskegee University Rural Business and Economic Development Program is to: enhance the quality of life for all rural Americans by providing leadership inbuilding competitive businesses and cooperatives that can prosper in the global marketplace. Rural Development accomplishes this mission by investing its financial resources and/or technical assistance inbusinesses, cooperatives, and communities, and by building partnerships that leverage public, private,and cooperative resources to stimulate rural economics.

Finally, I want to thank Mr. Edgar L. Lewis, Program Manager, USDA Rural Development, CooperativePrograms, USDA’s Alabama state office and it’s Director, Mr. Ronald W. Davis and Acting Administrator ofTuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program, Dr. Ntam Baharanyi for encouraging and supporting this project. We hope that this publication will help to convey the message and mission of USDAand the university to a wider audience, and thereby promote and expand the appreciation and preservation of Macon County’s historical legacy.

Respectfully,

Youssouf Diabate, Ph.DDirectorRural Business and Economic Development ProgramTuskegee UniversityTuskegee, Alabama

Dr. Youssouf Diabate

The mission of the Alabama Rural Action Commission (ARAC) is to measurably improve thequality of life in Alabama's rural areas by working with citizens of Alabama and external partieswho offer support.

I am honored to co-chair the ARAC South Central Alabama Action Commission Tourism Committee, which consists of 11 counties; Autauga, Bullock, Butler, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Montgomery, Pike and Russell. The hard working, dedicated committee members visited every single county in our jurisdiction over the last year.

The committee discussed the many ways to build on the tourism assets that we have in this diverseregion. We shared ideas, from a mobile unit for customer service training to helping the incentivebill for the film industry get passed to vacationing in our own backyards. I am happy to say thatthe Region 5 meetings over the last year have energized leaders throughout the region about thevery real prospects of growing tourism from where it is now to a much bigger and stronger industry.

I look forward to another year of working with all 11 counties, engaging in the productive dialog thattakes place, marveling at the creative sparks that get ignited and articulating a healthy respect forthe leadership of the governments and institutions in Region 5 counties, cities and towns. Our workis an on-going process intended to maximize tourism in each of the communities within our targetarea.

For this reason, I applaud the Macon County Tourism Resource Guide for being a tangible example of the commitment to tourism growth. This publication showcases highly visible treasuresand also brings attention to hidden tourism gems.

It provides yet another tool for enhancing the tourist experience when people visit Macon Countyand may even entice local citizens to become tourists right here at home for a day or a weekend.

The goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and businesses and the MaconCounty Tourism Resource Guide is a step in the right direction.

Respectfully,

Pebblin W. WarrenAlabama State Representative & Co-Chair, ARAC Region 5 Tourism Committee

TUSKEGEE

NOTASULGA

FRANKLIN

SHORTER

Victoryland CasinoLittle Texas Tabernacle

Lifting the Veil of Ignorance

Harris Barrett School

All Macon County Day Parade

Historic HomesHunting and Fishing

Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

George Washington CarverMuseum

Tuskegee AirmenMuseum

Macon County was created by the Alabama Legislature on December 18,1832 from territory acquiredfrom the last cession of the Creek Indians, March 24,1832. It was named for Nathaniel Macon, a distinguished soldier and statesman from North Carolina. Macon County received its present dimensionsin 1866.

It encompasses 614 square miles. The county seat is located at Tuskegee, which means "warrior" inthe Muskhogean dialect of the Creek Indian language. Tuskegee is also the site of Tuskegee University.Other towns and communities include Shorter, Franklin, and Notasulga. The Tuskegee National Forestis located in Macon County.

��(-#+��0/ %%

�"�#*&�'

��(-',1��#�"�#'��#+,(*1�� *#,�! ��'��(+)#,�%#,1

��+,��(+��*$+��. '- ��3��-+$ ! ��%��&��3��3��///�&��('�(-',1��%�(*!

��('��(-',1��! '�# +��(*$#'!��*��(�� *. ��%%��#,#2 '+ ��#�"&�� (!�� "��"�'��!"��" ��"��"�� $��!�'��#�"&�� &�'��#�"&��"� ��#"�� "&�'��#�"&��"�� "��"�'��#�"&�� &��#" �"�� '��#�"&� # �� !�� "�"��'�� &��"��&�'��#�"&��#$�� $��!�'��#�"&��%"��!�� $��'��#�"&��#��"&��"��'��#�"&�� &�� $��'� �"� �� #�"�� '�� $��!�"��"�� &�'��#�"&��"� ��&!"��'��#�"&��!"��&!"��'��#�"&��#�� "� ��"�� "�"��

�#+,(*#��('��(-',1��(-*,"(-+

�#% +��(�#'+('�#+,*#�,��

�'�* /��"(&)+('��*��#+,*#�,��

�%� *,��'# %+�#+,*#�,��

�(� *,�4�#$ 5�� **1�#+,*#�,��

Come Grow With Us

2010 Macon County Alabama Tourism Resource Guide

Contents1. Tuskegee University’s band is the oldest

HBCU marching band.

2. Tuskegee University was the first HBCUto have a football stadium.

3. Osceola, the legendary Seminole Chief,was born in Macon County.

4. Macon County originally included neighbor- ing cities, Union Springs and Auburn.

5. Tuskegee National Forest is the smallest national forest in America.

6. Macon County was once covered by a prehistoric ocean.

7. The Rosenwald School program wasoriginally started by Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University).

8. The Town of Shorter was named after Governor John Gill Shorter.

9. In 1842, Amos Moore purchased 160 acresof land and the area became known as Moore’s Cross Roads. In 1849, the namewas changed to Notasulga.

10. Railroad service first came to MaconCounty in 1840 when the Montgomery Railroad reached Franklin.

11. Tuskegee suffered a fire in 1858, which destroyed most of the downtown area.

12.Tuskegee was named after a nearby Creek Indian village.

Macon CountyLittle Known Facts

Information Courtesy of: Tuskegee Human & Civil Rights Multicultural Center

PUBLISHERNoah Anthony Hopkins

EDITORIAL DIRECTORKarin Grant Hopkins

EDITORDionne Y. Inman

ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNNoah Anthony Hopkins

PHOTOGRAPHYNoah Anthony Hopkins

COMMUNITY TOURISM NETWORK, INC.608 Dibble StreetTuskegee, Alabama [email protected]

A SPECIAL THANKSUSDA Rural Development, Cooperative ProgramsAlabama State Representative, Pebblin W. WarrenRural Business and Economic Development Program Tuskegee UniversityTuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program

*Historic photos courtesy of Tuskegee University Archivesc 2010 Community Tourism Network, Inc.

7 REDISCOVER TUSKEGEE8 ON THE SQUARE9 TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY10 TUSKEGEE AIRMEN MUSEUM11 THE OAKS12 GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER MUSEUM13 TUSKEGEE MULTICULTURAL CENTER16-17 WHERE TO WORSHIP IN MACON COUNTY19-20 HORSING AROUND IN MACON COUNTY21 THE TOWN OF NOTASULGA, ALABAMA22 SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH23-24 THE CHEEK COLLECTION25-26 WHIPPOORWILL VINEYARDS27 THE TOWN OF SHORTER, ALABAMA28 THE TOWN OF FRANKLIN, ALABAMA29 LITTLE TEXAS TABERNACLE29 HARRIS BARRETT SCHOOL

UUBBTT is a financially sound, professionalorganization providing benchmark qualityelectric, water and wastewater services toresidential, commercial and industrialcustomers within the Macon County servicearea. UUBBTT seeks to be a proactive leader in

delivering utility services throughout MaconCounty Alabama.

101 Fonville StreetTuskegee, AL 36083Phone: 334.720.0700

www.yourubt.com

The rediscovery process is fascinating. The journey engages you in Tuskegee's glorious history, welcomes

you to Tuskegee's present-day rebirth and tempts you toexplore Tuskegee's promising future. It is believed thatthe City was named after an Indian tribe called theTaskigis and that the land was also home to other Indiansincluding the Channuanugee, Chehaws and Tallasseetribes.

Tuskegee began its transition to a developed city in1833 when it was founded and laid out by GeneralThomas Simpson Woodward who fought in the IndianWars under Andrew Jackson.

Tuskegee was incorporated in 1843. The momentumthat occurred during the rest of the 1800's established theCity's reputation as an educational powerhouse.

The Baptist College for Women 1848Tuskegee Female College 1856(Later moved to Montgomery as Huntingdon College)Tuskegee University 1881Dr. George Washington CarverJoins Tuskegee University Faculty 1896

Tuskegee has wisely preserved its history while simultaneously preparing for the years ahead. Today itstill has old world charm, with a city center dominated bythe town square. There you will find a serene park, quaintstorefronts and genuine southern hospitality. The futurewill usher in a new era of progress and prosperity that willinclude healthy nurturing of tourism by business and government leaders and friendly overtures to tourists. Wehope you take us seriously when we say it's time to REDISCOVER TUSKEGEE. Cruising the pages of thistourism guide is a step in the right direction.

TUSKEGEE, the home of Tuskegee University, is located 40 miles east of Montgomery. The population is approximately 12,500, including approximately 3,600 students at Tuskegee University. Tuskegee is “the cradleof Black aviation” in America and home of the famousTuskegee Airmen. Visitors will find Tuskegee a beautifulcity with a topography of rolling hills, spruce pines, lakes,streams and meadows.

City Hall and Municipal Complex

Beautiful Lake Tuskegee

Home on Lake Tuskegee

Municipal Government

Mayor Omar NealCouncil-at-Large Mae Doris WilliamsCouncil District 1 Lutalo K. AryeeCouncil District 2 Willie Louise FieldsCouncil District 3 Georgette White-Moon

Senior Management Team

City Manager Alfred J. Davis, Sr. 334-720-0515Deputy City Clerk Gwendolyn Hughley 334-720-0537Economic & CommunityDevelopment Diane White 334-720-0555Director Finance Dept. Harvey Smith 334-720-0542Acting Fire Chief Fred Iverson 334-720-6107Chief, Public Safety Lester Patrick 334-720-0200Director, Senior Citizens Jeanette Alexander 334-724-2137

101 Fonville StreetTuskegee, Alabama 36083Phone: (334) 720-0500

www.tuskegeealabama.org

7

c 2010 Community Tourism Network, Inc.

In Tuskegee

Charlie and Lyn Thompsondid something many

couples do each night, fall asleepwith the television set on.Around 3 a.m., the set’s flick-

ering light woke Lyn, and as hereyes slowly began to focus onthe screen, she could see something that had her aboutready to jump through the roof.

It was comedian Bill Cosbyand he was wearing a TuskegeeUniversity T-shirt that the couple’s company had designed.

“Wake up, Charlie, wake upand look at the TV,” she told herhusband. “Bill Cosby is wearingyour T-shirt.”

One look at the screenthrough blurry eyes producedthe same reaction from the professor-coach-businessman.“My mouth dropped open and

I couldn’t believe it,” recalledThompson, 64. “We sold thou-sands of the shirts in the weeksafter the episode ran.”

What they saw early thatmorning was a brief preview ofCosby’s final program and Lyn

just happened to wake up atthat moment early in themorning.For a man who spent much

of his academic career as acoach and teacher, Thompsoncouldn’t have had a biggerthrill. It was as though hehad just made a last secondfull-court desperation shotthat zipped through the net atthe buzzer.Most of Thompson’s adult

life has been spent in collegeclassrooms working toward adoctorate in physical educa-tion. His foray into the business world was some-thing he hadn’t expected twodecades ago.He eventually retired from

teaching and coaching atTuskegee University and concentrated full-time on his T-shirt business.

The orders kept coming, andthe couple found themselvesworking overtime to keep upwith everything at “Charlie T’s,”which is named for the ownerand his product.

Lyn handles orders over thephone and takes care of other details at the business, which islocated at the courthouse squarein downtown Tuskegee.They also sell other Tuskegee

University paraphernalia, ranging from bomber jackets tobaseball caps. Tuskegee Airmenitems are popular sellers too.

With his success in coachingand business, don’t be surprisedif Charlie Thompson can helpbring prosperity to the wholetown.

If it happens, it should suiteverybody to a “T.”*Courtesy of the Montgomery Advertiser Written by: Al Benn

Allen aka “Bobo” andBeverly O’Rourke

were enjoying the sweetserenity of retirementwhen they switched gearsand opened a businessselling sweets. The coupleowns Tiger Pause, a popu-lar coffee shop located onthe Square in downtownTuskegee, which offers100% fruit smoothies,sandwiches, salads, chips,fresh baked cookies andpies.This a second career for

both Allen and Beverly. In2001, he retired after 30 years as an executive administrator for Los Angeles Housing Authority.Long before, she had retiredfrom her job at the Los AngelesCounty Department of MentalHealth. Leisure activities likemovies, finding new places foreating out and traveling becametheir full time hobbies. But allfour of their granddaughters de-cided to attend Tuskegee Uni-versity.

While visiting the city, theO’Rourkes noticed the citylacked a standard college townamenity—a coffee shop withtechnology bells and whistles.This void became their businessopportunity. They opened TigerPause offering free wi-fi andtasty coffee shop delectables.

The shop recently added abackroom lounge serving beer,wine and cocktails.

Today, Tiger Pause is embraced by local citizens andalso patronized by universitystudents. The O’Rourkes havebecome permanent residents ofTuskegee and are active in thecommunity.

Though the grandchildrenmotivated them initially to opena business here Bobo actuallyhas old ties to this place. Hismother was born and raised inTuskegee though she movedaway and never brought her sonto her hometown and his fatherattended Tuskegee University.So, coming here reconnectedthe family with their roots.

Charlie and Lyn Thompson Beverly and Allen O’Rourke

CoffeeSmoothiesSandwichesCookiesPies

Free Wi-Fi

Tiger Pause hours are 7am to8pm Monday through Fridayand 10am to 2pm on Saturday.

8


TUSKEGEE, Ala. – Tuskegee University is continuing a legacy of academic excellence and innovation. The living history of great early contributors, such as Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, Robert Taylor and the Tuskegee Airmen are etched in American history. The contemporary and global reputation of the university attracts thousands of students to the internationally recognized institution each year. Its nationally ranked accredited programs make the University a vibrant and relevant higher education option.

Tuskegee has never been more evident,” said Dr. Benjamin F. Payton, Tuskegee University President. Tuskegee is an independent and state-related institution of higher education. Its programs serve a student body of over 3,000 that is coeducational as well as racially, ethnically and religiously diverse. With a strong orientation toward disciplines which highlight the relationship between education, research and work force preparation in the sciences, professions and technical areas, Tuskegee also emphasizes the importance of the liberal arts as a foundation for successful careers in all areas. The academic programs are organized into

of Engineering, Architecture and Physical Sciences;

Science and Engineering, and one in Integrative

and Doctor of Philosophy degree is offered in three

The University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges

Sciences, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Social

this institution are stronger as a result of these accreditations,” Payton said. “They exemplify rigor, innovation and success in academic and professional work environments and underscore the contemporary global reputation of the university.”

Excellence noticedOften recognized by U.S. News and World Report and other national publications, Tuskegee is recognized for its small class sizes, and dedicated faculty and staff. The institution was most recently

6 HBCU in the nation. Philip Uri Treisman, regarded as one of the leading experts on the development of programs aimed at increasing minority participation in mathematics at all levels, recently served as consultant for a two-day faculty development workshop at Tuskegee University. He said he was impressed with the eagerness of the Tuskegee University faculty to learn from him and others, as well as the innovative programs the institution offers to impact student success.

“What I saw was an incredible openness and interest in ideas to allow faculty to better serve their

mission,” he said. “There are too few major institutions that are doing what Tuskegee does.”

The world and beyond

where it is located, but the world and beyond. Each program exposes students to innovative research and valuable projects that reach beyond the classroom.

For example, through a partnership with NASA, students were able to help the agency discover ways to grow food in space and more. In recent years, the focus has been on previous research conducted on sweet potatoes and peanuts, hydroponic production of salad crops, waste recycling on mission, and pursuing commercialization on earth of products already developed for space. Architecture students have been able to compete in solar house competitions, as well as build a fully functioning “green” house and participate

professions students are engaged in rigorous preparation to impact both human and animal health. Business students participate in annual competitions that not only hone their sales and marketing, and analytical skills, but expose corporate leaders and recruiters to a new generation of potential talent. And, many of engineering students are participating in robotics, materials design and

The possibilities are endless. The ultimate goal of such research and programs echoes what Tuskegee is all about, Payton said.

people, not education for its own sake … stressing the need to educate the whole person – the hand and the heart as well as the mind.” For more information about Tuskegee University, visit www.tuskegee.edu.

Tuskegee University Continues to Make Mark of Excellence in Global Society

“�e spirit of excellence that personi�es Tuskegee has never been more evident.”

— Dr. Benjamin F. Payton

9

National Historic Site

Top inset: Moton Field Airport Sign, Top full: Hanger#1 houses the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic SiteMuseum, Second from Top: Parachute FoldingTable, Third from Top: PT17 Steerman used fortraining airmen Bottom: Engine and photo of me-chanic installing an engine.

Nested right off of Interstate 85, exit 38 (Tuskegee/Notasulga), inTuskegee, AL, is one of the most captivating and riveting historical

attractions recently established by legislation, Public Law 105-355, and identified as a unit under the National Park Service – The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. This legislation established the park in orderto commemorate and interpret, in association with Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.,and Tuskegee University, the heroic actions of the Tuskegee Airmen duringWorld War II. Congress authorized up to $29.1 million to develop visitor facilities and restore Moton Field, home of primary training for the TuskegeeAirmen, in accordance with the 1998 Moton Field/Tuskegee Airmen SpecialResource Study.

As you make your way off the interstate to Moton Field, where it all beganfor the Tuskegee Airmen, you will find a temporary Visitor Center, erected andopen to the public in 2002, complete with exhibits, a video presentation, andinformational maps and guides that will lead you to the historic core of MotonField to begin your tour. Hangar 1, the first structure built at Moton Field in1941, has been totally restored and would provide you with a “stepping backin time” experience you will always treasure! The museum is housed with avariety of interpretive materials ranging from unique exhibits to oral historystations to trainer planes to museum objects – the list goes on! A NationalPark Service Park Guide or Park Ranger will provide you with a guided tour,ranging anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour (depending on the number of visitors in your party), or feel free to roam the museum at your leisure withyour map.

In addition to Hangar 1, there will be three other museums onsite that youwill be able to visit once they are fully complete. They include: Hangar 2, theControl Tower, and the Skyway Club (or the All Ranks Club). Two of the threestructures have been restored with Hangar 2 being a reconstruction item.Planning for the interpretive media for these museums is currently underway.The National Park Service in conjunction with their legislative partners andother stakeholders are working diligently as they step into this all importantphase.

Historic preservation within the National Park Service does not only applyto structures, but also to the surrounding land areas of those historic structures. Therefore, a very robust historical landscaping plan has beenadopted and will be carried out in the final construction phase to begin Fall of2010. Within the 44 acres of the entire historic site, plantings, ground cover,and the like, that are indigenous to this particular area of Alabama, will adornthe land area. All in all, the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site will benearing completion within the next couple of years.

As you can see, the National Park Service is truly dedicated to this project and its mandate to protect and preserve the legacy of the famedTuskegee Airmen and Moton Field. The educational impact the site has hadon children and adults of all ages is evident on a daily basis as people fromall of the nation and the world leave the site with deep appreciation of theseWWII heroes.

We are located at: Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site1616 Chappie James AvenueTuskegee, AL 36083

Main Telephone: (334) 724-0922Reservations: (334) 724-0906 (Recommended for groups of

10 or more)Fax: (334) 724-0952Website: www.nps.gov/tuaiHours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST, 7 days a week(Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day).

10


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 youngfaculty members inthe parlor."Tuskegee's 25th anniversary in 1906brought prominent people to the home,including Secretaryof War WilliamHoward 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 withorganizing the Institute’s architecture department. Con-struction of the home began in 1899 with the family movinginto the house in 1900. The Queen Anne-style home was thefirst home in Macon County to have indoor plumbing andelectricity. 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

11


"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with theyoung, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving,and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in lifeyou will have been all of these." George Washington Carver

While living on a farm in Missouri, George WashingtonCarver dreamed of getting an education. At that time, hecouldn’t have known how he himself would positively im-pact the educational dreams of so many people. Carver hadseveral strikes against him as a child. He was born a slaveand contracted whooping cough early which made him phys-ically weak. His father was killed in a logging accident be-fore he was born and Carver and his mother were bothkidnapped by slave raiders when he was a baby. Carver waslocated and returned to Missouri, but his mother was neverfound. All of these obstacles didn’t deter him. Carver wasan inquisitive child and wanted to learn everything he couldabout the plants, rocks, and animals that he discovered in thewoods, prairies and creeks in his rural Missouri home.Carver became very skilled at reviving sick plants that henurtured and his reputation became so well known that hewas nicknamed the “Plant Doctor”.Carver left his birthplace at the age of twelve in search of

an education that led him from Missouri to Kansas to Iowa.It was in Iowa that he said that he was treated like a humanbeing for the first time. He was the first African Americanto attend and graduate from Iowa State and then became afaculty member of his alma mater. It was while he was inIowa that he received a letter from an educator in Alabamanamed Booker T. Washington. He invited him to join him atTuskegee Institute to establish the school’s agricultural de-partment. While he loved Iowa, he felt a calling to go toTuskegee. Thus began the next stage of his life that would

begin and end in Tuskegee Institute. While in Tuskegee hetaught and conducted research – two of his favorite things. Itwas here that he became famous for his research withpeanuts and sweet potatoes.

While visiting the George Washington Carver Museumyou will learn not only about the life and research of Carverbut you will also see items from his laboratory, paint samplesthat he created from Alabama clay and several of his paint-ings. The story of Tuskegee Institute is also told through displays, exhibits and artifacts. The Booker T. WashingtonMoveable School on Wheels can be seen as well as P.H.Polk’s camera.

The historic site is the only national park on an active college campus with Tuskegee University being the only college campus designated a National Historic District. TheCarver Museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Thereis no charge for visiting the museum or the home. For moreinformation, call 334-727-3200 or access www.nps.gov/tuin.

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

The George Washington Carver Museum12


Local tourism treasure... The Tuskegee Human and Civil Rights Multicultural Center

If you’re a history buff seeking a good find, or are traveling along I-85 approaching Tuskegee looking fora stopping point, look no further.

Your air-conditioned, restroom equipped, destination spot in Macon County is only afew miles away. From Exit 38 or Exit 32,travel to downtown and stop at 104 SouthElm Street.

The Tuskegee Human and CivilRights Multicultural Center’s mission isto recognize and preserve the legacies ofNative Americans, African Americansand European Americans, that were influential in establishing Macon County.In fact, the center’s logo depicts the facesof the county’s three founding ethnicities. The museum, designated the official visitor’s centerfor Macon County and the City of Tuskegee andlocated in downtown Tuskegee, also assists in guidingtourists to other points of interest in the county.

Founded in 1997, it unlocks the well-kept secret ofMacon County’s rich history. Although well known tonatives who take pride in being from a historically important community, by and large, Thomas Coley, Executive Director of the Center, said others are generally unaware of its history. The Center represents,by gallery, the presentation of the small county’s big history.“This is a place for learning, educating and

broadening the minds of people that would otherwisenever be exposed to it,” said Coley.The Center’s exhibits are divided into three galleries.

The first gallery covers local history. It begins 65 million years ago, specifying the first plant and animal lifein the area. It then progresses to detailing the arrival of Native Americans, Europeans and Africans and how theyinteracted with one another to form modern day MaconCounty. The middle gallery details the history of thesyphilis study. It also acts as a memorial to the research subjects of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. The thirdgallery outlines Macon County’s role in the civil rightsmovement. It is divided into three sections including thevital role law played in civil rights and Tuskegee’s involvement in voting rights. The last section features theTuskegee Land Utilization Project, which redistributed landto poor black farmers in the 1930s. It also focuses ontourism and recreational activities in and around the county.

The Center also spotlights modern culture. An opengallery, on the second floor, at times exhibits art, hosts

conferences and lectures and other events.A new exhibit is currently being planned onMacon County’s musical legacy, includingTuskegee and Tuskegee Institute. This exhibit is being created as part of the Alabama Tourism Department’s 2011Year of Music activities and events.

For more information, contact theTuskegee Human and Civil Rights Center at (334) 724-0800 for a schedule

of hours to tour the museum, or get a sneakpeek online at www.tuskegeecenter.org.

Used and excerpted with permission from the Utilities Board of Tuskegee.

13


125 National Forest Road 949Tuskegee, AL334-727-2652

Tuskegee Heritage Museum

Charles C. Kirk, the founder of theTuskegee Heritage Museum startedcollecting artifacts in 1950 to preservethe history of Tuskegee and MaconCounty. Many of the items displayedare more than 100 years old. The artifacts range from artwork carved instone by Macon County indian tribes,farm tools used at the turn-of-the century, coin collection with Dr.George Washington Carver likeness,Tuskegee Airmen memorabilia andthousands of other interesting items.The building housing the museum isitself historical and was constructedover 150 years ago. (located at 109Westside St., Tuskegee, AL.)

Type of farm tools usedby Dr.Carver

Program for 1939 visitby Pres. Roosevelt

Turn-of-the century telephone

Charles Kirk with early 1900s wood stove


It is known that a congregation worshipping as the Bethel Mis-sionary Baptist Church was organized no later than the year1882. Historical records state that a Rev. Anderson, who wasknown as a revivalist, served as pastor of the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church and also served the congregation atBethel. The congregation held services on Alexander Street,which was then known as Bethel Hill. Rev. Anderson's tenurewas evidently short, for this is the only known reference of him.

The first pastor that Bethel would call was Rev. D. T. Gulley, a product of Selma University. He worked faithfully untilhis death. The church then secured the leadership of Rev.Hawthorne of Union Springs, Alabama. It was under his leadership that the congregation moved to Brooks Circle. Rev.Hawthorne served until his death. Rev. Archie of Tuskegee accepted the pastorate and held the Church together during somedifficult times. In the midst of his labors, God called him to rest.

This rapid turnover in the pastorate came to a halt in 1917when Rev. B. J. Smith was called as Pastor. During his tenureas Pastor, the structure in which the congregation had been worshipping, was destroyed by a windstorm. The congregation purchased the present site and built another edifice,which was soon destroyed by fire. Undaunted, the membership,under Rev. Smith's leadership, built a second structure. Rev.Smith served until his death in 1933.

Again, Bethel was without a pastor, and Rev. H. H. Harris accepted the pastorate. It was under his leadership that

the present building was erected. The churchflourished under his administration until hisdeath in June 1961.

From 1961-1973, the following menserved as Pastors: Rev. V. C. Provit, Rev. C. C. Garrett, Rev. W.F. Goynes (under whom the church building was remodeled) andRev. J. Wilkerson. In 1973, Rev. Leonza Harris accepted the pastorate and served

17 years. It was during Rev. Harris’ leadership that the churchbegan its radio ministry and operated a day care center.

From March 1990 to April 1993, Rev. Ervin D. Ward servedas pastor. Bethel’s present pastor, Rev. Kenneth G. Jones servedthe church as Pulpit Conductor in May 1993. Later as the churchsearched for a pastor, Rev. Jones served as Interim Pastor. He accepted the Pastorate in December 1993.

Web address: www.betheltuskegee.org, Live radiobroadcast on WBIL radio 11:30-12:45 every Sunday except 5thSundays.

Rev. K.G. Jones

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church802 Bethel Street • Tuskegee, Alabama 36083

334-727-7961 • 334-727-9946Sunday Morning Service: 10:45 a.m.

Bible Study Wednesday 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.Sunday School every Sunday at 9:15 a.m.

Bethel MissionaryBaptist Church

"We are a Spirit Filled,Community and FamilyOriented Church on themove for God. "

15


Antioch Baptist Church 1220 County Rd 5...........334-727-5824

Apostolic Faith Mission Inc3820 Washington Av........334-727-2631

Bethel Baptist Church802 Bethel St Tskgee.......334-727-7961

Bradford’s Chapel UMC2091 County Rd 29.........334-727-6333

Butler Chapel AME Zion Church1002 N Church St Tskgee334-727-3550

Chehaw AME Zion ChurchHighway 199....................334-727-9159

Church Of Christ1702 S. Main St...............334-727-7200

Daniel Baptist Church1201 Gautier St..............334-727-1900

Divine Bethel Missionary Baptist ChurchCentral Milstead Rd Shrtr.334-727-1317

Divine Inspirational Gospel Church4771 Hwy 199 Tskgee......334-727-9846

Eternal Life Temple of God89 West Ave Tuskegee....334-725-1555

Faith Ministries PAW2501 Holy Ghost Circle...334-727-1491

Fort Hull Community Church4774 County Rd 45.........334-727-1287

Franklin Church2700 Cnty Rd 27 Tskgee..334-727-4411

Friendship Baptist ChurchBrown St...........................334-727-3455

God House Of Prayer408 S Elm St...................334-724-9961

Greater St. Mark Missionary Bpt Church3403 W MLK. Hwy...........334-727-1780

Greater White Church35779 Cnty Rd 2 Shorter..334-725-0091

Greenwood Missionary Baptist Church1510 Washington Av........334-727-0871

Jehovah’s Witnesses Tuskegee AL1410 Notasulga Hwy........334-727-3152

Jubilee Christian Fellowship IntlMidway............................334-727-5833

Macedonia Baptist Church1260 County Rd 10 Tskg..334-727-6468

Mary Magdalene Baptist Church4294 Cross Keys Rd Shrt.334-727-2923

Masjid Ash-Shura 906 Franklin Rd, Tuskegee, AL 36088

Mt Calvary Missionary Christian Church1504 Bruce St..................334-727-1006

Mt Nebo Baptist Church7677 US Hwy 29S Tskge..334-727-5113

Mt Olive Missionary Christian Church410 Cedar St Tskgee........334-727-3080

Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church33800 County Rd 2 Shrtr..334-727-2439

Mt Pleasant Baptist ChurchHighway 26......................334-727-5383

Nebraska Missionary ChurchHardaway........................334-727-4603

New Elam Missionary Baptist Church1707 County Rd 48.........334-724-9907

New Hope Baptist Church1903 Chappie James Dr...334-727-0613

New Hope Baptist Church 11585 Banks McDade Rd..334-727-5004

New Mount Pleasant Baptist Church426 County Rd13 Shrtr.....334-727-9026

New Life Church of God In Christ1205 E MLK Hwy Tskgee.334-727-5011

Pine Grove Baptist Church7936 County Rd 40.........334-724-0020

Pit Stop People in Transition302 S. Elm St Tuskegee...334-727-6940

Pleasant Springs Baptist ChurchPleasant Springs Dr.........334-727-1166

Providence Missionary Baptist ChurchSociety Hill Rd.................334-727-2063

Rising Star Baptist Church2603 County Rd 53..........334-724-6600

Rock Of Ages Baptist Church3004 County Rd 27.........334-727-4179

Saint James AME Church609 White St.....................334-725-1486

Saint John AME Zion Church1406 Clark Av Tuskegee..334-727-0970

Shady Grove Missionary Baptist ChurchShady Grove Rd..............334-727-4477

Solomon Chapel AME Zion Church4214 MLK Jr Hwy Tskgee334-727-2308

Springhill Baptist ChurchMorgan Russell Rd......334-727-1725

Where to Worship in Macon County


16

St Andrews Episcopal Church701 W Montgomery Rd.......334-727-3210

St Paul’s AME Zion Church 18716 US Hy 80 W Shrtr....334-727-2967

St Paul Baptist ChurchSociety Hill Rd....................334-724-9467

Sweet Canaan6067 US Hwy 80W Tskge...334-727-5795

Sweet Gum AME Zion Church560 Old Montg Hwy Shrtr....334-727-0680

Sweet Pilgrim Baptist ChurchCrossroads.........................334-727-7634

Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church1325 County Rd 14............334-724-9396

Tuskegee AOH Church of God1701 Tolbert Cir Tskgee......334-727-9069

Tuskegee Christian Center711 W MLK Hwy.................334-725-1700

Tuskegee Islamic Community1103 South Main St., Tuskegee, AL 36088

Tuskegee Seventh Day Adventist Church377 Lennard Av...................334-727-7198

Washington Chapel AME Church2508 Old Montgomery Rd...334-727-4821

Westminster Presbyterian Church1806 Franklin Rd Tskgee....334-727-4994

Where to Worship in Macon County17


© RBC Bank (USA) 2009. Member FDIC. ® Registered trademark of Royal Bank of Canada. ™ Trademark of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license. RBC Bank is a trade name used by RBC Bank (USA) and its branch offices operate under this trade name.

We’re in your neighborhood!At RBC BankTM, we have a longstanding commitment to listen to our customers and understand their needs. Based on that commitment, we’ve developed products and services that provide more variety, more options, and real financial solutions.

Inside our banking center, you’ll discover a complete array of answers to your financial needs - from checking to savings to mortgage lending and investment options - as well as a broad spectrum of business solutions. You’ll find technology that makes your personal and business banking easier and more secure.

And you’ll meet our friendly staff, who are genuinely interested in your goals and determined to help you reach them. Please consider this our personal invitation to visit us soon. We look forward to telling you more about RBC Bank and what we can do for you.

Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m 2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

102 W. Rosa Parks AvenueTuskegee, AL 36083 ** 334-727-1730

We Are Not Just Horsing AroundIn Macon County

A love for horses and a pas-sion for horse training brought Stephenand Kristen Freeman to Macon County.The Freemans are the owners and oper-ators of Old South Equine, a horse train-ing facility located off Highway 80West on County Road 26.

The young couple is determined tosucceed using traditional horse trainingtechniques and modern marketingstrategies including a Web site andFacebook page. On Facebook they describe their facility this way. “Westart colts, work with problem horses,and show in Working Cow Horse, Reining, Ranch Pleasure and Trailevents.”

Stephen was born in Lee County andhis family still lives there. The couplewas attracted to Macon County becausethis area is economically low-cost, geographically lush, and aestheticallybeautiful.

After they made the move to MaconCounty 4 years ago, they were evenmore pleased with the decision. “Welike the area…couldn’t ask for a bettercommunity and the neighbors aregreat.”

Horse training involves having ateam of professionals including vets anda good farrier (Horse shoer). “Beingclose to two great vet schools and having several mobile large animal vetsthat service this area is another plus,”Stephen said. His farrier is Philip Boxwho owns Box Forge. He does an ex-cellent job in keeping the horses at Old

South Equine sound for everyday ridingand showing. He makes a lot of his ownshoes in his forge.

Stephen and Kristen met while shewas attending Auburn University, whichwas the beginning of their personal andprofessional partnership. Kristen says,“My job mostly consists of making surewe have feed and hay in the barn and

taking care of the paperwork. I ride andshow some of our horses, but I usuallyleave the training up to Stephen.”Kristen’s expertise is in aviation. As aflight instructor, she trains aspiring pi-lots seeking their private pilot’s certifi-cates.For many years, Stephen worked in theconstruction business and also trainedhorses for other people. But then some-thing clicked and he found his purposein life. “When I got my first horse…Irealized that this is what I wanted to dofull time; I just really enjoy riding.”

ByNoahHopkins

Stephen and Kristen Freeman

Stephen is working “Mecom Doc Blue”in the corral at Old South Equine

Logo & 2 photos below by Jerri Caldwell

19


With Kristen’s nudging, he gavehorse training 100% of his attention.“My wife kind of pushed me over theedge to go full time. When I was inthe construction business, I was justtrying to train part-time when I gothome but I had too many horses to doboth, so we discussed it and she encouraged me to do what I loveddoing. I was a little bit skeptical atfirst, because of the financial risk.”

Now, he is working for himself atthe Old South Equine facility, on the37 acres of land he and his wife Kristen bought in Macon County.

While interviewing the Freemansfor this article in the Macon CountyTourism Resource Guide, thoughts ofthe 1998 hit movie entitled “TheHorse Whisperer” emerged, elicitinga question about communicating withhorses.

Stephen said, “The basis of all myhorse training is release of pressure. Iapply pressure of some type on ahorse and when he does the rightthing, I release the pressure. That letshim know that he did the right thing.All horses learn from release of pres-sure. You should be able to apply pres-sure on any part of a horse’s body andhave him move accordingly.”

Old South Equine also offers horsemanship clinics and riding lessons. They also participate in organized trail rides in the local area.Last year they and some neighbors

organized a benefit trail ride to helpraise money for a little girl whoneeded a kidney transplant. Emily Hughes, a student at Auburn

University, boards her horse at OldSouth Equine and also helps out withroutine chores at the facility.

To contact Stephen or Kristencall 334-740-9527

Visit Old South Equine websiteat:www.oldsouthequine.com

or post a message on facebook

Horsing AroundIn Macon County

Top: Stephen is working“Impressive Edana” with agreat shot of the training facilityin the background. Left: TheMare “Impressive Edana.”Below: Emily Hughes ridingEnglish style on her horse“Walter”

If you are interested in being in the next Macon County Tourism Resource Guide or having your business showcased before thousands of

potential customers, contact:

Community Tourism Network, Inc334-725-8496

email: [email protected]

20


Notasulga was incorporated in 1893 andis in Lee and Macon Counties in theSta te of Alabama. As of the 2000 census, the population of the town is 916.The portion in Lee County is part of theAuburn Metropolitan Area. Author Zora Neale Hurston, born in

Notasulga (January 7, 1891 – January 28,1960) was an American folklorist and author during the time of theHarlem Renaissance. Of Hurston's four novels and more than 50 published short stories, plays, and essays, she is best known for her 1937novel Their Eyes Were Watching God. In 2002, scholar Molefi Kete Asante listed Zora Neale Hurston on his list of 100 Greatest AfricanAmericans.

Hurston was the fifth of eight children of John Hurston and Lucy AnnHurston (née Potts). Her father was a Baptist preacher, tenant farmer,and carpenter, and her mother was a schoolteacher. Though Hurstonclaimed as an adult that she was born in Eatonville, Florida in 1901, shewas actually born in Notasulga, Alabama, where her father grew up; her family moved to Eatonville, the first all-Black town to be incorporated in the United States, when she was three. Her father later became mayor of the town,which Hurston would glorify in her stories as a place black Americans could live as they desired, independent ofwhite society. Hurston spent the remainder of her childhood in Eatonville, and describes the experience of growing up in Eatonville in her 1928 essay "How It Feels to Be Colored Me." In 2009, a historical marker waserected in Notasulga at the Macedonia Baptist Church honoring Zora Neale Hurston and her accomplishments.

NotasulgaAlabama


Mayor Frank TewCouncil District 1 David WaldropCouncil District 2 Terry BroachCouncil District 3 Coy BassCouncil District 4 Baxter GarnerCouncil District 5 Robin CollinsPolice Chief J.W. TapleyFire Chief Michael WhitmanCity Clerk Wanda IngramWater Department Superintendent Tony McCarty

76 West Main StreetP.O. Box 207

Notasulga, AL 36866Phone: (334) 257-1454

21


ShilohMissionary Baptist Church

In 1869, and just out of slavery, blacks wanted a building of their own in which to worship. A division between the white andblack membership occurred in 1869. This division led to the establishment of the Second Baptist Church of Notasulga. Thename was later changed to the Beulah Baptist Church. As Beulah grew, some of the members decided to leave Beulah andrelocate to another place. In a bush arbor, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (SMBC) was organized in 1870. Since its organization, there have been 20 pastors. The current pastor, Reverend Christopher Dunlap, became SMBC’s 21st pastor inJune 2006.

In 1932, following worship services, Ms. Eunice Rivers, a Public Health Services nurse, came to Shiloh Missionary BaptistChurch and recruited men for a health-related research project. In exchange for their participation, they received free medicalcare. None were told they would be used as human subjects. They were told they were being treated for “bad blood.” Today,this research project is known as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. Many of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study participants were members of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. The Church was also used as a site to recruit other men in the area.

After the Civil War, African Americans established not only their own communities and churches but also their own burialplaces. The earliest marked grave located in the Shiloh Cemetery is dated 1902. It is believed that some unmarked graves maydate back to 1875. Burials continue to be held in the cemetery.

The Shiloh Rosenwald School grew out of a partnership between African American educator Booker T. Washington andJulius Rosenwald, President of Sears and Roebuck. Washington and Rosenwald were concerned about the state of education for Blacks in the South. In 1917, Rosenwald established the Julius Rosenwald Foundation for the “well being ofmankind.” He donated millions of dollars to public schools, colleges and universities. Among those colleges was Tuskegee Institute, of which he became a Trustee. Amazingly, 5,300 rural schools and teachers’ homes were cooperatively built with assistance from the local African American communities. Donations of land and labor by the local community were matchedby financial contributions from the Foundation. The Shiloh School was one of the first six schools built by the Rosenwald Foundation.

Notasulga, AL

THE CHEEKCOLLECTION

SAM CHEEK

Sam Cheek with two of his favoritepieces; a wall hanging made of

metal and a large vase made from Alabama clay. He started creating artmade from discarded materials 14 yearsago after retiring from an evironmentalengineering firm in Canada. Whenasked if his job with an environmentallysensitive company influenced his creation of recyclable art, he replied,“that’s a good question, I had never putthe two together before, but maybe so.”Sam says, he has been making thingsfrom stuff every since he was a child. (continued on next page)

Each Year Every Mother’s Day Weekend

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER

Tuskegee, Alabama • On The Square Downtown

AArrttss && CCrraaffttss FFeessttiivvaall

Save the Date334-727-6619

Sam Cheek has traveled all overthe world and landed in Notasulga,AL eight years ago where he nowcalls home. He just happened to findthe perfect location with galleryspace, work space and a wonderfulliving space. The Cheek Collectionis one of those great finds in a small town where you can discoversomething for everyone.

The Cheek Collection24

Homegrown harvest

Muscadines on the vines will be harvested and used later this year to make the wine produced by Whippoorwill Vineyards in Notasulga

Local vineyard operation is a family affair

Just as a fine wine getsbetter with age, Whip-poorwill Vineyards,though still in its in-fancy, has all the ingre-

dients to age just as gracefullyas the wine it makes.

Whippoorwill Vineyards,located just outside of Tallassee in Notasulga on Alabama Highway 14, is thebrainchild of Tim Watkins andChad Ledbetter.

Amy Ledbetter, wife to

Chad and sister to Tim, saidher family grew up makingwine at home as a hobby.

“Tim always wanted hisown business,” Amy said.“He pitched his idea to starthis own winery to my husband,and Chad agreed. Now we arethe only farm winery in central Alabama.” Tim’s wife, Vickie Watkins,

agreed and added that it’s notabout the quanity of wine theyproduce, but rather the quality-- so much so that they supplytheir fruit to other wineries

in north Alabama.“You can get just as fine a

wine here as you can get outin California,” Vickie said.

But there are some signifi-cant differences between WestCoast wine and what’s beingmade in central Alabama.

For starters, the grapes aredifferent.

Whippoorwill Vineyardsuses muscadines, which arenative to the Southeast becausethey can handle the humid climate. Muscadines are richin polyphenols, making it

healthy and sweeter. And ithas been proven that winesmade with muscadines containmore than five times morereservatrol, a polyphenol, thanordinary red wines.

Everything at WhippoorwillVineyards is done by hand. Asits owners say on their website, www.whippoorwillvine-yards.com, all operations---from harvesting and bottlingto corking and sealing aredone by the family.

And that’s exactly the waythey want it.

ByLaurenSmith

25


“We wanted something thewhole family could do,” Amysaid.

It’s been a family event,doing the research and gettingthe harvest perfect. TimWatkins and Amy Ledbetter’sfather, Bobby, had a big role inthe planning process. Heowns the land the vineyard ison, but he also put the “Whip-poorwill” in WhippoorwillVineyards after hearing thebird’s sound around the vineyards after dark.

The word is getting outabout this winery and it is nowa part of the North AlabamaWine Trail in association withthe Alabama Wineries Associ-ation.

So far, the response fromthe community has been over-whelmingly positive and theLedbetters and Watkins saythey are grateful to the community for its support.

Whippoorwill Vineyardswelcomes guests for wine tasting and tours of the property. It is open Fridaysfrom 1 to 6 p.m., Saturdaysfrom 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. andSundays from 1 to 5 p.m.

Homegrown harvest Whippoorwill Vineyards4282 County Road 31Notasulga, AL 36866Phone: 334-257-2711

www.whippoorwillvineyards.com

The only winery in Southeastern Alabama

Located in Macon County, AL

Used and excerpted with permission from the Elmore County Living Magazine Published by Price Publications, Inc.

Left photo: One of the owners, Tim Watkins is standing next to the fermentation vats at Whippoorwill Vineyards.Right photo: Bottle left is the Lenoir (Bunch Grape), bottle right is the Confederate Rose (Blend of Muscadines). Withthe Vineyard opened only a little more than five months, both wines placed in the top 3 in the 2010 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

26

BBQBBQ

BIGGESTPARADEEVER

BIGGESTPARADEEVER

GRILL-OFFTo Crown the 2010Macon CountyMASTER GRILLERFor Information Call:

PPAARRAADDEE •• FFOOOODD •• MMUUSSIICC •• GGAAMMEESS •• HHEEAALLTTHH SSCCRREEEENNIINNGG PPAARRAADDEE •• FFOOOODD •• MMUUSSIICC •• GGAAMMEESS •• HHEEAALLTTHH SSCCRREEEENNIINNGG

MACON COUNTYDAY

CELEBRATIONAugust 27 - 28, 2010

ALL

On the Square in Tuskegee

334-724-2563

GRILL-OFFTo Crown the 2010Macon CountyMASTER GRILLERFor Information Call:334-724-2563


The Town of Shorter is located in Macon County, andalthough the community has existed for over a

century, the Town was not officially incorporated untilFebruary 29, 1984. The Alabama Legislature createdMacon County on December 18, 1832 from territory acquired from the last cession of the Creek Indians on 24March of the same year. The county was named forNathaniel Macon, a distinguished soldier and statesmanfrom North Carolina.

Municipal government in the Town of Shorter is amayor-council form. The Shorter Town Council has fiveelected members serving four-year terms. Appointed committees include the Shorter Planning Commission andBoard of Adjustments and appointed positions are thetown clerk, the building official, police chief, fire chief,municipal judge, court clerk, municipal prosecutor, andthe town attorney.Shorter, Alabama, located at exit 22 off of Interstate 85,

is conveniently positioned between major cites such asAtlanta to the North East and Montgomery to the SouthWest.Shorter sits close to everywhere, yet is far enough from

everything to ensure peace and tranquility from the hustle and bustle of more commercialized environments.We are proud to boast about our excellent transportation

access (interstate, highways, rail, water) and abundanceof affordable undisturbed land.

We are currently moving to develop a downtown inShorter and invite you to claim your part of it. Shorter isa new Small Town with great potential for growth and development. Each day, new jobs and homes are developed here. The only thing missing is you. Stop byand find out why Shorter, Alabama is “A Town on theMove!”


Mayor Willie Mae PowellCouncilman Desiev HowardCouncilman Edward PollardCouncilwoman Betty JeterCouncilwoman Rhonda McCloudCouncilman Derrick McCloudPolice Chief Sandor MaloyFire Chief Jimmy EllisTown Clerk Harold D. Powell

2521 Old Federal RoadShorter, AL 36075

Phone: (334) 727-9190 Fax: (334) 727-9298

27


As of the censusof 2000, therewere 149 people,59 households,and 44 families residing in the

town of Franklin, Alabama. The population density was43 people per square mile. The racial makeup of thetown was 56% African American and 44% White.

The median income for a household in the town was$45,923, and the median income for a family was$53,111. The per capita income for the town was$45,495.

Most, if not all, residents in Franklin are served byUBT for electricity. Water providers are Town of Franklin,Macon County Water Authority and Star-Mindingall.At this time all residences must install their own septictank for sewer. There is no natural gas service to this area at this time.

There are several providers for propane in the area,these include Cooperative Propane and Superior Gas.Cable television services are only available along Hwy

49, the provider is Charter Communications. Satelliteservices are numerous and can be found in the yellowpages of the phone book. Local land-line telephone service and internet service is provided by AT&T.

Local law enforcement is provided by Macon CountySheriff's Department.


Mayor Rufus C CarsonCouncilmember Alvin G. SearsCouncilmember Jay RaneyCouncilmember Memphis BostonCouncilmember Robert Segrest Sr

Utilities

Macon County Water Authority 334-727-2381Star-Mindingall 334-727-5000Cooperative Propane 334-283-4042Superior Gas 334-257-3367Charter Communications 877-728-3121AT&T 1-888-757-6500

1660 Alabama Hwy 49 • Tuskegee, AL 36083 • 334-727-2111

28



HHAARRRRIISS BBAARRRREETTTT SSCCHHOOOOLLBuilt in 1903 by students of the Tuskegee Normal School, laternamed Tuskegee Institute and now Tuskegee University. TheStudents made the bricks by hand and built the two roomschool under the directions of Dr. Booker T. Washington. It wasconstructed for the descendants of slaves. Located on threeacres of land and restored to its originality, today it is a developing historic museum that tells the story of early schoollife and living in rural Alabama. The school houses the exposition of local African Americans education and achievements from the slave ships to the space ships, highlighting those of Tuskegee University who help developthe NASA project of growing food in space. Tours daily by request, 8-5.

“Linking organizations and governments together to develop the Tuskegee-Macon County area”

Tuskegee-Macon County Community Development CorporationSmall Business Incubator & Tech Center • Home Ownership & Housing Rehabilitation

334-725-8496

TEXASLLiittttlleeTABERNACLE

The Little Texas Campgrounds and Tabernacle is one of the only remaining tabernacles of its type inAlabama, built in 1848, it is virtually unchanged with its original construction of logs, wooden pegsand wooden pews. Built by slaves, this remarkable opensided wooden structure has no nails, and isfastened together with large wooden pegs. Cut, hewn with axes, exposed beams of logs support theroof and are mounted in the shape of a “V”. With seating for 800, people from surrounding areaswould gather here at least once a year for a week of worship and social activities.

ollow the visitor center signs to downtown Tuskegee and find the “official visitor center” for the city of Tuskegee,

and for Macon County. From historic buildings and notable people to recreational activities and the great outdoors, you’ll find it all showcased at the visitor center. While you’re there, be sure to check out the gift shop for a great sampling of a variety of items, art, books, souvenirs, and locally-made products.

Before Booker T. Washington lifted the veil of ignorance, Tuskegee and Macon County

were an important part of many historic moments that have made America the country

that it is today – Creek Indian War…American Slavery…the Civil War…Reconstruction…

Jim Crow Era…World Wars…and Civil Rights.

Learn the true origins of Tuskegee University.

Pause and reflect upon our solemn memorial and exhibit on the Tuskegee Syphilis Study.

Discover the Tuskegee that is one of America’s best kept civil rights secrets.

Stay a while and let us share our stories that shaped America.

104 South Elm St., Tuskegee, AL | PH: 334.724.0800 www.tuskegeecenter.org


University Cleaners

203-A West Montgomery Road • Tuskegee, Alabama 36083

334-727-1670

eett uuss iimmpprreessss yyoouu!!

Margaret FraserBroker

608 Dibble StreetTuskegee, AL 36083cloudrealtors.com

[email protected]

334.725.8496 ofc334.444.1528 cell334.727.9995 fax

RealtyProperty Management

33

LLocated on the historic campus of Tuskegee University, the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center is a full-servicehotel facility. The southern grandeur of the past and the stately Georgian architecture of the Kellogg Hotel &Conference Center are blended together to offer state-of -the-art services and first-class accommodations,ranging from double sleeping rooms to elegant suites. Additional amenities include an indoor heated swim-ming pool, a fitness center, a full service restaurant, an on-site gift shop, and 17,000 square feet of meetingspace, which includes a 300-seat auditorium.

Tuskegee University Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center

Make Reservations TodayUse code: mcrg744 for a 10% discount on room rate - Offer expires December 31, 2011

1 Booker T. Washington Blvd.

Tuskegee, AL 36088

800.949.6161

334.727.3000 ph

334.727.5119 fax

www.tuskegeekelloggcenter.com

TTOOUURRIISSMM DDEEVVEELLOOPPMMEENNTTIISS WWHHAATT WWEE DD00

WWee HHeellpp SSmmaallll TToowwnnss aanndd CCiittiieess

IIddeennttiiffyy aanndd PPrrooffiitt

ffrroomm tthheeiirr TToouurriissmm AAsssseettss

CCAALLLL

334.725.8496 or 205.567.6397Community Tourism Network, Inc. Community Tourism Network, Inc.

608 Dibble St. • Tuskegee, Alabama 36083 • 334-725-8496 ofc • [email protected]

34


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 IN A CONTEMPORARY SETTING, TUSKEGEE CONTINUES TO SOAR TO GREATER HEIGHTS, MAKING ITS MARK ON A GLOBAL COMMUNITY.

Soar to greater heights

O

I

. TCA

O

ECANAHTEROMRO

DNIYRRYEVEYLLYRAENN

SIVS’NOTGNIHSAWWA

ECNELLECXECIMEDAC

RETAATERGOTRAOSO

UEEGEKSUT, YRRYUTNE

TLAICIFENEBYRRYTSUD

OTOT 1881 NINOIS

ARRAOPMETNOCANIE

TIGNIKAM, STHGIEH

PMISAHYTISREVINUMOR. FDNIKNAMOT

LAERTNEDIVES’YAAYDO

GEKSUT, GNITTESYRRYA

BOLGANOKRAMST

YTEICOSDETCA

REKOOBM

FONOITAATZIL

SEUNITNOCEEG

.YTINUMMOCLA

M

uskegee TTuskegee and accr

W

Commission the by edited accris University uskegee Commission the Contact ees. degrs bachelor’and

uskegee Universityuskegee University.editation of Teditation of Tuskegee Universityaccr

WWWTISIV, NOITAATMMA

U

Association n Southerthe of Colleges on Commission DecaturLane, n Souther1866 at Colleges on Commission

DE.EEGEKSUT.WWWW

(800) 622-6531awarto Schools and Colleges of Association

404-679-4500 call or 30033-4097 gia Geor, Decatur

LLACROU

(800) 622-6531s master’ofessional, prdoctoral, d awar

the about questions for 404-679-4500

Central Alabama Comprehensive Health, Inc.

203 West Lee St. • Tuskegee, AL 36083 • 334-727-6880

CARE Ambulance ServicesAvailable

NOW OFFERING THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:• 340B Pharmacy On-site • Nutri'on Counseling• CARE Ambulance Services • Cervical Cancer Screenings• Preventa've Screenings • Dental Services• Family Planning • Case Management• Diabetes Collabora've • Specialty Care Referrals• Weight Loss Program • Acne Program• Gynecology • Chronic Illness Treatment• Immuniza'ons • Health Outreach• X-rays

Tuskegee Health Center203 West Lee Street

Tuskegee, Alabama 36083334-727-6880

Hours of Opera'onsM-F: 8:00am to 7:00pmSat: 9:00am to 3:00pm

Dental Clinic203 West Lee Street


Hours of Opera'onsT-F: 8:00am to 5:00pm

Central Care Pharmacy203 West Lee Street


Hours of Opera'onsM-F: 8:00am to 6:00pm

Hurtsboro Medical Center242 Long Street

Hurtsboro, Alabama 36860334-667-7734

Hours of Opera'onsM &W: 8:00am to 5:00pm

Lafaye(e Health Center404-B Ninth Avenue SWLafaye�e, Alabama 36862

334-864-0084Hours of Opera'ons

Friday: 8:00am to 5:00pm

Central Care PharmacyNNOOWW OOPPEENN

macon county tourism resource guide

Documents

economic development

rural americans

accreditation of tuskegee

resource guide

economic developmentprogram

business opportunities

growtourism business

boost tourism