2024 April 19, Visitor Center, Kennedy Douglas Art Museum, Coffee Cemetery with AVA

 Today, we rode into town to pick up Hubby's medicine at Walgreens. 

We rode to the Blue Door Thrift Store/SCOPE 310 and bought AVA a game. 

Ate lunch at Culverts. 

Hubby and I split a plate of shrimp, fries, cole Slaw, and Chocolate moose yogurt.  

We bought an AVA hamburger, fries, and chocolate yogurt.

We stopped at the nearby Walmart to pick up a few items. Then, Ava and I walked across the street to the Coffee and Slave Cemeteries. 

A  large old tree at Coffee Cemetery

Ava wanted to visit a museum, so we rode to the Kennedy-Douglass Art Center. There, we saw AROY Artistic Rendering of Youth, featuring artwork created by students from 7th through 12th grade at 15 schools. Outside, we stopped to take pictures of the statues. 

AVA and the outdoor art

We walked across the street to Wilson Park, and the mist from the fountain seemed to reach the clouds.

Overflowing Fountain at Wilson Park 

Color is the music of light. 
Frank Lloyd Wright 
(This marker is on the sidewalk at Wilson Park.)

We watched a barge go up the Tennessee River 
men fishing 

Ava enjoyed the playground area at McFarland Park. Our last stop was the Visitor Center, where they saw several displays. 

Large and small-mouth bass
Bass fishing & tournaments are significant on the Tennessee River in Florence.
Ava enjoyed the one with the big and small-mouth fish. 

WC Handy Statue in Wilson Park 
WC Handy 
Father of the Blues 
1873- 1958 
Born in Florence, Alabama 

Display of WC Handy's music at Florence-Lauderdale Visitor Center.
Handy played the Cornet (pictured here) 
Handy's first hit was "The Memphis Blues".

The W. C. Handy Music Festival is held annually in Florence, Alabama, sponsored by the Music Preservation Society, Inc., in honor of Florence native W. C. Handy, the "Father of the Blues." The non-profit Music Preservation Society was formed in 1982 with the mission to preserve, present, and promote the musical heritage of Northwest Alabama.

The 2024 Handy Festival will take place from Wednesday to Saturday, June 12-15, in Florence, Alabama. 

2022 April 16, Walking tour Decatur Cemetery Decatur, AL with Phil Wirey

Today, I attended the walking tour of Decatur Cemetery, organized by Decatur Morgan County Tourism and Morgan County Historical Society.

Our guide talks about James & Ellen Hildreth.

The cemetery is located on Highway 20, west of Decatur. Coordinates: 34.61690, -87.00110

The first burial was recorded in 1855. The cemetery is divided into 7 sections: the Original, Brown Circle, Cantwell, Cowan, Decatur Land Company, Humes, and Sterrs. 

Two famous people are buried here. 

Christopher Columbus Harris, a US Congressman, was also a Lieutenant in the Civil War. He is buried in the Cantwell Section of the cemetery.

Seybourn Harris Lynne Jurist, a civil Rights Figure who served as a US Federal District Judge from 1946 to 1973.

Marker and Civil War Graves 

Known buried within this cemetery
Isaac L. Beard 6th Ark Co B Dod April 1, 1862
John R. Hopkins Sgf. 12th LA. Inf. Co. A. KIA Oct. 28, 1864
Jacob Hubbard, PVT 12th LA. INF. CO. H. KIA Oct. 28, 1864
John R. Palmer DOD Feb. 16, 1862
James E. Patric,k CPL 12 LA. INF. CO. G. KIA Oct. 28, 1864

Beneath this hallowed ground lie the remains of fifty-five Confederate soldiers. They gave their lives to establish southern independence, protect their homes, and preserve state rights. These original headstones were placed in May 1903 by the Joe Wheeler Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy. On June 3, 1903, a dedication service was held by the Daughters of the Confederacy and veterans of the Horace King Camp, United Confederate Veterans. This site was rededicated on April 26, 2005, by the Joe Wheeler Chapter No. 291, United Daughters of the Confederacy, and Sons of Liberty Camp 580, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Decatur, Alabama.

Confederate States of America
1861-1865

2022 April 9, Walking Tour Moulton, AL

Moulton's Head Start, former Rosenwald School

 Everyone meets with speaker Nita Marlborough at Moulton's Head Start, the former Rosenwald School. 

After the speech, we all walked through the building.

History of Moulton (not quite finished), painted by Monica Hooper 

I parked near the Mural of Moulton and walked to the School. 

Next, I walked to the nearby Freeman Tabernacle, where we listened to Leela Reeves talk about the church. (We all went inside)

Freeman Tabernacle Church (located on Byler Road and Rosenwald Street 

On January 3, 1874, former slaves and Deacons King Crayton, George Pruitt, Tandy Crayton, and Ben Warren paid $50 for land to construct the Colored Baptist Church, one of the earliest in the Muscle Shoals Colored Baptist Association. This organization helped black communities build churches and schools. After he died in 1933, the congregation renamed the church in honor of its longtime pastor, John Harrison Freeman.

Our next stop was Bayler Road Church of Christ to listen to Lewis Jackson.

Smith Chapel C.M.E Church 
In 1871, former slaves constructed one of the first churches and schools for African Americans in Moulton on this site. The Colored Methodist purchased most of the materials used for the building. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Nabors Owen gave land for the Colored Baptist and Colored Methodist Church and School in Moulton. The congregations worshipped together until 1874. The church is named after Rev. Andrew Smith, a former pastor.

Our next stop was a guided tour of Smith Chapel led by Caroline Fletcher.

At the Moulton Cemetery,  Cindy Praetor, Alicia Carpenter, and Beth Garner (who were dressed in the period) gave a talk about the tombstone they were standing next to.

Mollie, James & Lucy Downing

Elaine Jackson led us on a tour of the Hot Spot. 

The Hot Spot 
c.1945
Alabama Register of 
Landmarks and Heritage
by Alabama 
Historical Commission 
June 27, 2019 

Guides

(Marvin Jackson,  Nita Marlboro led the discussion at Rosenwald School, Lela Reeves at Freeman Tabernacle, Louise Jackson at Byler Road Church of Christ, and Carolyn Fletcher guided the tour to Smith Chapel)

 

  

2021 April 3, Florence Cemetery Walking Tour, UNA, McFarland Park, Wilson Dam, & Ava Florence, Alabama

Harry Wallace will lead the tour at 705 East College Street. The tour of the Florence Cemetery, established in 18181, features many unique headstones and famous gravesites among the rolling hills and towering trees. 

The cemetery contains the graves of many early settlers, two governors, prominent leaders and their families, and numerous unknown Confederate soldiers.

Harry Wallace, our guide

Blooming Cherry Trees 

McFarland Par 

After the walking tour, I stopped at Wilson Park to see the blooming cherry trees. 

Next, I went to UNA to see the newly remodeled fountain. People were taking pictures for Graduation. Leo the lion was basking in the sun and roared several times. Usually, he just lies quietly, but today, he must have been hungry.

LEO the Lion at UNA

Fountain at UNA 

Ava riding her car 

I rode to McFarland Park and stopped for a few pictures. The River was down compared to what it had been, but it still peaked at the banks. One side of the park was closed because of flooding. There were a lot of people at the park; people were parked everywhere, even on the banks of the road. 

I stopped at River Heritage Park and walked to see the floodgates at Wilson Dam. The Tennessee River was raging through. 

On my way home, I stopped to check on my son Mike. He had surgery on his back. He was outside with his brother Andy. Ava came outside and was riding her car. I saw a Yellow Monarch Butterfly landing on the yellow dandelions. 

I had an exciting day.

Visiting Cemeteries

Antioch Cemetery Killen(Dec 9, 2003) June 9, 1997 

Anderson Cemetery Anderson (June 30, 2015) 

Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA (Nov 8, 2002) 

Ashberry Shiloh Cemetery, Pigeon Forge, TN (Nov 17, 2009

Atlas Cemetery Killen(Aug 27, 2003)

Athens Old town Cemetery Athens(April 17, 2016)

Athens Cemetery Athens(April 17, 2016)

Barbe Cemetery, Lula, MS (Jan 17, 201) 

Barton Cemetery Barton, AL(July 30, 2009) 

Barnett Cemetery Lexington, AL(Mar 13, 2009)

Canerday Cemetery, Florence, AL (Jan 23, 2003)

Cedar Grove (Nov 29, 2016) AUG 8, 1998

Center Hill Cemetery (Feb 12, 2009)

Chattanooga National Cemetery (Mar 22,2015)

Clemmons Cemetery (Aug 28, 2003)

Coffee Cemetery Florence(Sept 8, 2010) (April 10,2015)

Colbert Memorial Cemetery Tuscumbia(Oct 18,1997)

Coon Dog Cemetery Cherokee(July 30, 2009)

Corinth National Cemetery Corinth, MS(Sept 1, 2016) 

Cox Tidwell Killen(Feb 25, 2004 89photo)

Crowell Family Cemetery, Fort Mitchell, AL (July 12, 2011)  

Demorest Cemetery Michigan(Aug 7,1998)

East Dayton Cemetery Dayton, MI(Aug 8, 1998)

Florence Cemetery (May 16, 2013)(May 14,2013)(May 3,2010)(2009 June 19) (Mar 11, 2009)(Oct 20, 2009) (June 19, 2009) (July 18, 2009) (May 3, 2014)

Fort Mitchel, AL (July 12, 2011

Forks Cypress Jackson Cemetery Florence, AL(June 7, 2009)

Glencoe Cemetery, Tuscumbia, AL (June 24, 2016)

Glendale Cemetery, Leighton, April 3, 2008, Oct 18, 1997

Greenhill Cemetery Greenhill, A. L., Oct 4, 2003)

Greenview Florence, AL 

Grounds Cemetery at Hermitage, TN (Sep 25, 2010)

Hale Cemetery Killen, AL (Dec 12, 2003)

Harden Cemetery, Killen, AL (Dec 6, 2006)

Harrison Cemetery, Killen, AL (July 31, 2010)

Harrison Little Berry Cemetery, Killen, AL 

Henry Stutts Cemetery Killen(Feb 20, 2009)

Hickory Flats Cemetery Lexington(Feb 2, 2004)

Hill Cemetery Killen(Jan 25, 2004)

Hugh McVay Moore Cemetery Florence(Sept 8, 2010)

Hunts Hill Cemetery, MS 17, 2012 

Jackson Tennessee Cemetery Wayne Co TN(Mar 12, 2003)

Jacksonburg Cemetery Florence(Oct 5, 2005)

JOE Wheeler Cemetery Pond Springs, AL(April 17, 2013)

Killen Baptist Church Cemetery, Killen, April 11, 1999 

Killen Cemetery Killen(Jan 30, 2009)

LaGrange Cemetery LaGrange, AL (Nov 21, 2009)

Lone Cedar Cemetery Florence(Jan 12, 2009)

Loretta Cemetery Loretta, TN(Aug 21, 2003 7photo)

Maple Hill Cemetery Huntsville, AL (Oct 17, 2010) (May 4, 2010)(Oct 18, 2009) (2009 Aug 25) (Oct 13, 2013)

Maple Hill Cemetery, Helena, AR (Jan 17,2012) 

Mimosa Cemetery, Lawrenceburg, TN (Oct 22,2016)

Mt Hermo,n Savannah, TN (June 22, 1997)

Mt Pleasant Tn 

Mt Zion Cemetery Florence, AL(Aug 13, 2003,) (Sept 6, 1997)

North Carolina Cemetery Killen Sept 21, 2003, May 31, 1997, July 11, 1998

Oak Grove Paducah, KY (Sept 14, 2011)

Oakwood Cemetery, Montgomery, AL (Oct 11, 2013) 

Oakwood Annex Montgomery, AL (Oct 11, 2013)

Oakwood Sheffield Cemetery, AL (Sept 6, 2010)(July 27, 2009)(Mar 12,2003)

Oakwood Tuscumbia Cemetery(May 14, 2013)(Oct 21, 2009)(July 27, 2009),(April 25, 2015)(Oct 18, 1997)

Peck Cemetery Killen(Dec 12, 2003)

Pettus Cemetery, Lexington, AL 

Piney Grove Cemetery, Hardin County, TN, June 22, 1997

Rogers Chapel Zip City, AL 

Rogers Williams Cemetery, Providence, RI (July 20, 2014) 

Sadler Cemetery, Russellville, AL (Oct 1, 2013)

Saint Margaret's Cemetery, Montgomery, AL (Oct 11, 2013)

Shaw Cemetery Leighton, AL(Oct 18, 1997)

Shiloh National Cemetery, Shiloh, TN (Sept 1, 2009)

Tabernacle Cemetery Greenhill, Al(Aug 24, 2003) (Aug 2003)

Union Springs, Ga Cemetery (April 22, 2007)

Wade Cemetery (Mar 21, 2003) (Sept 24, 2009), (June 22, 1997)

Wesley Cemetery Central, Al(Feb 26, 2004) (June 9, 1997)

Winston Cemetery Tuscumbia, AL(July 27, 2009) 

Wilson Cemetery, St Florian, AL (Oct 21, 2009)

🚙2017 June 13, Tuesday, Day Trip to Bowling Green, Kentucky

We left home around seven; it was a great day for traveling.
Hubby and I traveled north on Highway 43 to Murphy's in Lawrenceburg, TN, where we filled up with gas.

We stopped at Cracker Barrel in Spring Hill, where Hubby ordered a big breakfast, and I ordered two slices of sourdough toast, one scrambled egg, and two pieces of bacon with iced tea to drink.

Leaving Spring Hill onto I-65 north, traveling through Nashville to Bowling Green.
You can see the Corvette Museum and Car Plant from the interstate.

We arrived at the Corvette Museum a little before 11 A.M., stopping outside to take pictures of the Michelin Man, Air Tank, and Corvette on display at the entrance.

Designed especially for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, GA

Michelin Man, Coats Air Gage Tank

Hubby parked, and we went inside the museum, stopping to view a few Corvettes on display before going to the ticket counter.
We were given armbands and then told the plant tour was across the highway.
Our scheduled time to tour the plant was 111:30 A.M
Hubby let me out near the entrance and went to park the van.
I walked up the long corridor to the entrance, and once inside, I got in line for tickets.
I already had our tickets, and I asked for a wheelchair.
The tour is about an hour long and involves a lot of walking. They recommended using a wheelchair if you are having problems walking. (So I said yes)
I was wheeled inside, given a yellow time card, and told that my hubby was on his way.

Bowling Green Plant outside (no electronic devices allowed inside)

We watched a video, and the 11:15 tours were called.
When the 11:30 A.M. tour was called, we lined up.
We had two tour guides, one in front and one at the end of the line.
Before we went inside, we were all given safety glasses to wear.
We followed our guides and were told to stay behind the yellow lines.
We stopped along the way for the guides to tell us about the assembly of the Corvettes.
The tour took about one hour.
We then rode back to the Corvette Museum.

Entrance to Corvette Cafe 

Entrance to Corvette Museum 

Inside the Corvette Cafe, we ordered a bowl of Strawberry Ice Cream from Chaney's Farm, which we shared.
We ordered a Peanut Butter cookie full of peanut butter chips and healthy toffee.
We ordered one Oatmeal Cranberry full of plump cranberries, buttery oats, and Heath toffee.
We also ordered a Snickerdoodle Cookie, a butter cookie topped with Saigon cinnamon, from Christie's Bakery.

Eating Strawberry Ice Cream from Chaney's Farm 

Snickerdoodle Cookie & Strawberry Ice Cream

Inside the Corvette Museum building, there was the Corvette Cafe, Corvette Archives, Corvette Store, and the Corvette Museum.

What a perfect ride

Our picture was taken driving or standing next to a Corvette before we went inside the museum.
We took our time to view the Corvettes (many on loan from individuals).

Picture inside the Archive's 

Mini-Corvette inside the Archives

Our next stop was the Woodland Cemetery in Nashville,  where several famous people are buried.
Hubby took a picture of me in front of "The Possum" by George Jones.
He stopped loving her today around 44:00 P.M.

"The Possum" by George Jones
"The king of broken hearts"
He sang of life's hardships and struggles, somehow lightening our own.
His voice was effortless and unforgettable.
He brought unsurpassed emotional eloquence to every song he sang. 
He was and is the soul of country music. No one will ever fill his shoes. 
He is at rest, but his music is alive and ageless. 
He gifted it to all of us, the joyful and broken 
"Walk Through This World with me!"

Driving through Woodland Cemetery, we stumbled upon the Carper Homestead and the Hospital Water Source.

Hospital Water Source 
Because of the Generous, pure water supply available this spring, the area surrounding it was selected as a hospital site for the treatment of soldiers wounded in the Battle of Nashville, which took place during the War Between the States.

Water Source for the Hospital 

Carper Homestead
Known to be one of the oldest houses remaining from the early American era. Originally located on Cane Ridge Road in Antioch, Tennessee. The materials were removed piece by piece and rebuilt exactly as they stood when occupied by the Carper Generations. 
Donated to Woodland Memorial Park for Historic Preservation by the children of William Washington and Susie Black Carper
William Herman Carper
Ruth Carper Chasteen
Estella Carper Quest
Louella Carper James
Thelma Carper Ellicott
Kathleen Carper Huddleston
Irene Carper Chahoc
Mary Carper Pulliam 
Dedicated 1969

Carper Homestead

We stopped at Panda Express in Spring Hill, Tennessee, around 5:00 P.M.
We ordered Cream Cheese Rangoon, Egg Rolls, Broccoli Beef, and Honey Walnut Shrimp.
We stopped in Lawrenceburg at Mapco to fill up with gas.
We were home around 6:30 P.M.

Another great day of adventures.