This history of the neighborhood plays a vital part in the identity of its residents. If you have lived in the neighborhood for many years, the neighborhood history is a heartfelt reminder of days gone by. If you have just come to call the neighborhood home, it is a way to learn more about the new community you have joined. We would love nothing more than to be able to share the history of neighborhood name with all who reside there. If you are interested in writing a brief history of the neighborhood to share with the community, please email article & picture to FlorenceNeighbors Any unauthorized use of feature articles, art, pictures or any material contained herein is in violation of U.S. trademark and copyright laws and is forbidden.In addition, all feature stories, articles and design elements contained herein are covered by U.S. copyright laws and may not be duplicated with out express written permission from FlorenceNeighbors. |
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'W. C. Handy' Florence Native and Father of the BluesBy: JAMES L. RHODES
Feature Writer and Local Historian
When William Christopher Handy was born on November 16, 1873, the little cabin on Handy Hill was filled with tears and screams. Young W.C. was not happy, and came into the world crying.
His father, the Reverend Charles B. Handy, said, 'He's got a mighty fine, strong set of lungs. Why I do believe that one of these days he'll be quite a preacher.'
His father never changed his opinion as young William's mother, Elizabeth Brewer Handy, nursed him through six screaming months of colic.
A young W.C. Handy was born into a world, not only new to him, but fairly new to his parents. It had been very few years since they had been released from slavery and the world was full of possibility. The Reverend Handy was sure that young William would be a preacher just as he, and his father before him. W.C.'s grandfather established the first black church in the city of Florence.
W.C. was born two miles north of the Tennessee River, on the outskirts of newly emerging Florence. His father and grandfather had picked one of the highest hills and hued out a cabin home by hand. The same cabin which now houses the W.C. Handy Museum on Handy Hill.
Handy Hill was a fine place for an adventurous boy to grow-up, and young William found music in all of the sounds that nature and the river offered. But, his father told him firmly, 'that music, if it was not church music, was the devil's work.' So, music was simply not allowed in the Handy house.
Young W.C. continued to enjoy his symphony of nature and developed a special love for his grandmother Thumuthis, who encouraged young William by saying, 'Child, those big ears of yours are just perfect for listening to music....you listen and you'll hear things most of us might just miss out on.'
Legend has it that a young W.C. Handy could identify any and every sound of the river and the woods by the time he was ten-years-old. It was a music of his own that he listened to for hours and hours.
After hearing a trumpet for the very first time, young William started making instruments out of anything he could find. Each, he said, contained a music of it's own.
One day, walking home, William saw a guitar in the window of a Florence department store. Even though he knew how his parents felt about instruments he could not get the guitar out of his mind and began to save every cent he could.
W.C. took jobs plowing, as a water boy, shoveling iron ore, plasterer, painter, shoemaker and printer.
According to Alice Yeagar in 'W.C. Handy: Father of the Blues,' young William told no one about the guitar until he walked proudly into the store and poured precisely enough coins on the counter to purchase the guitar.
But, as proud as he was, his father did not share his joy.
'Whatever possessed you to bring a sinful thing like that into our Christian home?' And, according to Yeager, W.C. was forced to exchange his prized guitar for a new dictionary. Young William was heart-broken until his father consented to enroll him in organ lessons.
Handy left Florence on September 7, 1892, an eighteen-year-old on his way to Birmingham where he joined the Lausetta Quartet. Before long, tired of the local scene, W.C. and the quartet jumped a freight train to Chicago.
In Chicago W.C. bought his first trumpet and joined Mahara's Minstrels. After exhaustive travelling William's young wife, Elizabeth, begged him to give up the road. William and the Minstrels continued the tour until William moved back home to witness the birth of his daughter, Elizabeth Handy, on June 19, 1900. A second daughter Katherine was soon born.
When Handy moved again he joined the Knights of Pythia Band in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where he first came acquainted with the music he called the Blues.
Jill Knight Garrett in 'A History Of Lauderdale County,' tells the story of Handy and his band playing a society function when someone yells 'play the music of your people' and when Handy finished playing, a little three piece ensemble introduced him to his first taste of music from the Mississippi Delta, where Handy said, 'until his death, the Blues were truly born.'
After this, W.C Handy's life took a drastic turn as his music, his mood and his infuences kept taking him back to Memphis and the Mississippi Delta.
He began writing new songs by the fall of 1909 when he and his band arrived in New Orleans. There he completed and published 'Memphis Blues,' and had one hundred records pressed of the tune.
W.C. Handy wrote his most well-known work, 'St. Louis Blues' in 1914 and in 1917 he completed 'Beale Street Blues.' A long list of others followed and Handy established his own publishing company in New York in 1931.
In his later years, even with his eyesight failing, W.C. Handy continued to write music until his death on March 28, 1958. Sadly, he died only four months after his 84th birthday.
W.C. Handy is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York.
From a small log cabin on a hill in Florence, Alabama to completely new worlds in music, W.C. Handy was a pioneer and a trailblazer.
Alice Yeager, in 'W.C. Handy: Father of the Blues,' may have said it best. ''W.C. Handy's music was a symphony for everyday folks. It was music that captured their hopes and dreams and frustrations and failures. And through the sweet and soulful sounds that W.C. Handy captured, his music made their lives a little bit better.'
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'Walkin' With Outlaws'Walkin' With Outlaws
The Florence-Lauderdale Public Library is sponsoring 'Walkin' With Outlaws,' a walking tour through downtown Florence featuring the places and people from the life of 'Mountain' Tom Clark. The tours will take place on Monday, September 7, and Tuesday, September 8, at 6:30 pm and will begin outside the library.
The story of 'Mountain' Tom Clark is one of the most colorful in Lauderdale County history. Co-leader of a gang of notorious outlaws, Clark rose to infamy as the murderer of at least 16 men and possibly one child. His legend states that he was buried underneath East Tennessee Street because of his supposed boast that 'Nobody ever runs over Tom Clark.'
A guide will lead you through downtown Florence, stopping at historic sites significant to Tom Clark and his gang of outlaws, the Clifton Shebang. Along the tour, you will meet various people (played by local actors) from Tom Clark’s life.
Tickets are $10 and are available at the Circulation Desk at the library. For more information, call 764-6564, ext. 30 or 28.
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2nd. Lt. Elias Thrasher2nd Lt. Elias Thrasher (1823-1900) of Co. B, 2nd TN Mtd. Inf, USA. Lauderdale County native Elias Thrasher was one of ten children of William B. L. Thrasher and Rachel Hoalthousen. Reported by some Florence residents to have been committing 'depredations' with his men in and around Florence, AL, others residents believed him an honorable man whose men were bad. Though Thrasher's name is intextricably linked with the Clifton Shebang as one of its leaders (he was supposedly one of the leaders and participated in the Wilson murders), he was never officially accused of any of crimes. He died peacefully at the home of his sister, Hettie Marks, in December of 1900.
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Amrose Marion & John W. ClarkAmrose Marion (1858-1930) and John W. (1865-1940) Clark, sons of Thomas Marion Clark and Sarah Bradford. Tom and Sarah had six children-three sons and three daughters. They have many descendents living in NW AL, Florida, and other places.
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Captain Risden DeFordCaptain Risden DeFord, of the 6th TN Cav, USA. Capt. DeFord apprehended John Campbell and Charles Oliver, two Shebang members from the 2nd TN Mtd Inf, USA, who participated in the Wilson murders the night of April 30, 1865. The men were escorted back to Florence, tried by Judge Vincent M. Benham, and found guilty of murder, rape, theft and other heinous charges. They were then executed by Federal firing squad a few miles outside Florence on what later became Royal Avenue and buried under an old Sweetgum tree.
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Frontier Day CelebrationJune 6 – 7, 2009 – Frontier Day Celebration Step back in time and see basket weaving, woodcarving, wool spinning, broom making, dulcimer players and much more. Free Sat. 10 am – 4 pm, Sun. 1 – 4 pm Pope’s Tavern Museum, Florence For more information: (256) 760-6439 www.florenceal.orgWebsite:www.florenceal.org -
Pope's Tavern HistoryBy JAMES L. RHODES
Feature Writer and Historian
As soon as I walked through the door, I was a little over-whelmed.
'Think about it,' I told myself. 'You could be standing in the same place Andrew Jackson stood when he stopped here on his way to the Battle of New Orleans.'
I had arrived at Pope's Tavern Museum, one of the oldest structure's in historic downtown Florence, Alabama. The tavern had served as a stagecoach stop and a hospital for both confederate and union troops during the war between the states.
As I continued my tour, I was again over-whelmed by the rich history preserved at the museum. The displays included a vertically-strung piano (one of four produced), a very rare Kennedy long rifle and a vast collection of civil war and local history.
Pope's Tavern Museum is located at 203 Hermitage Drive in Florence, Alabama, and hosts a founders day celebration the first full weekend in June. Call 256-760-6439 for information.
.All printed materials used are copyright and used by the permission of the writers and photographers -
Renaissance FaireIn October of 1987, the first Renaissance Month was observed in Florence, Alabama. Every fourth weekend in October a Renaissance Faire takes place as a two-day event. Florence is named for Florence, Italy, the founding city of the Renaissance movement in Europe during the 14th century.
The Renaissance Faire covers the period of time from the 12th through the 16th centuries. Authentic costumes, arts and crafts, and food are all a part of the Faire. Visitors can take part in medieval games and hear musicians playing authentic instruments. Artisans and merchants offer coins of the realm, hand-thrown pottery, jewelry, dried flower wreaths, and many other delights. Magicians, mirthmakers and minstrels wander about in period attire.
The Alabama Renaissance Faire is held in downtown Florence at Wilson Park - on the corner of Tuscaloosa Street and Wood Avenue. Florence, Alabama.
Website:www.alarenfair.org -
Robert Miller Patton1865-1867
Robert Miller Patton, the twentieth governor of Alabama, was born July 10, 1809, in Russell County, Virginia. His family moved to Huntsville, Alabama, in 1818 where Patton attended Green Academy. Patton apprenticed in the family cotton mill founded by his father William. In 1829 he moved to Florence, Alabama, and began a mercantile business that his sons took over in the late 1850s. He married Jane Locke Braham of Huntsville on January 31, 1832. They had nine children. Seven of his children lived to adulthood but he lost two sons, both Confederate soldiers, during the Civil War.
Patton's political career began in 1832 when he was elected to the state legislature. He was elected to the special legislature that convened in 1837 in response to the financial panic and depression of that year. Although he was a Whig, Patton continued to serve in one branch or the other of the state legislature until the outbreak of war. He represented the state at the national convention in Charleston, SC, in 1860 and was present at the secession convention in Montgomery. Patton opposed secession but supported the state's efforts through time and money and as a commissioner for the Confederacy. By the war's end, he suffered not only the loss of his sons but the destruction of his estate in Lauderdale County.
Patton represented his county at the constitutional convention in September 1865. He was elected governor in November and inaugurated on December 13. Patton worked closely with the assistant commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau, General Wager Swayne. He helped Swayne procure rations for the thousands of indigent families in the state. His greatest contribution was his success in reducing the state debt. He issued 'Patton certificates' in 1867 to offset state expenses in anticipation of the collection in taxes.
Despite Patton's efforts, he was largely stripped of his authority in March 1867 when presidential reconstruction ended with the passage of the Reconstruction Acts by Congress. Major General John Pope was placed in charge of the Third Military District which included Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Swayne continued as the commanding officer of Alabama. Patton was allowed to remain in office and draw his salary but he was mainly a figurehead who could do no more than make recommendations to Swayne. Patton was officially the head of the state until William H. Smith became governor in July, 1868.
After his political career ended, Patton became involved in several commercial ventures to establish and build railroads in the state. He also served as a trustee of several schools and colleges, including the University of Alabama. He was instrumental in rebuilding the university after it was burned by Federal troops during the war. Patton died on February 28, 1885, at Sweet Water near Florence. He was buried in Huntsville.
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Authorities:
Bethel, Elizabeth. 'The Freedmen's Bureau of Alabama.' Journal of Southern History XIV, February 1948.
Cash, William M. Alabama Republicans During Reconstruction: Personal Characteristics, Motivations, and Political Activity of Party Activists, 1867-80. (Ph.D. dissertation) 1973.
DuBose, John W. Alabama's Tragic Decade: Ten Years of Alabama, 1865-1874, 1940.
Owen, Thomas M. History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography, 1921.
Stewart, John Craig. The Governors of Alabama, 1975.
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Trail of TearsThe 'Trail of Tears' was a forced removal of at least twenty thousand Cherokee Indians. The exact number of Cherokees is not known. In 1838, the US government moved them from their homelands in the mountain valleys of Appalachian Georgia and the Carolinas to western Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. Cherokee call this trail Nunna-da-ul-tsun-yi, meaning 'The Place Where They Cried.' Traveling through bad weather and without proper clothing, at least 4,000 Cherokee died on the trail.
At the beginning of the Nineteenth century, the Cherokee Nation occupied and held land titles in the Appalachian valleys of Georgia and the Carolinas. At the same time, white immigrant communities were encroaching and voicing increasing resentment of the Cherokee property holds. Pressure increased when a gold strike occurred in northern Georgia. Many whites decided that it was time for the Indians to leave their farms, homes, and lands. In 1817, a Cherokee group called 'Old Settlers' moved to western lands given them in Arkansas. There they reestablished their native government and a peaceful way of life. However, this Old Settler group was later moved on to Indian Territory (Oklahoma).
In 1802, Thomas Jefferson indicated his support for removal of Indians to western territories. Following President James Monroe's recommendation in his final address to Congress, President Andrew Jackson signed the 1830 Indian Removal Act. Opposition protests came from Senators Daniel Webster and Henry Clay and others. Reverend Samuel Worcester, a missionary to the Cherokees, challenged in court Georgia's attempt to abolish Indian claims to land titles. The Worcester vs. Georgia (1832) case went to the Supreme Court and argued the constitutionality of the Removal Act. Worcester won this court battle and Cherokee's rights of land ownership were upheld; however, Jackson and the US Government continued efforts for their removal.
In 1835 the Treaty of New Echota was signed by a 'Treaty Party' of about 100 Cherokees. In this agreement, Cherokees gave up all claim to lands east of the Mississippi River in exchange for land in the Indian Territory and the future promise of money, livestock, tools, and other provisional support. This treaty signing and the subsequent removal led to bitter factionalism within the Cherokee Nation and the eventual deaths of many of the Treaty Party leaders. Regardless of the opposition and disagreements of the Cherokee, Georgia and the US Government's viewpoint prevailed and the New Echota treaty was used to justify their removal. In the summer of 1838, the US Army began enforcement of the Removal Act. Cherokees were rounded up and temporarily held in stockades. 3,000 Cherokees were loaded onto boats to travel the Tennessee, Ohio, Mississippi Rivers, and on to the Arkansas into Indian Territory. Over 14,000 other Cherokee remained in the prison camps until the winter of 1838-39. Then they were marched 1,200 miles through Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas to their new home. The Cherokee endured torrential rains and other inclement weather conditions, inadequate food and water, and lacked proper clothing. It is estimated that at least 4,000 died of starvation, exposure, and disease.
Website:www.al-tn-trailoftears.net/ -
Veteran's Day - November 11thVeterans Day - November 11thVeterans Day originally was held every November 11th, and though it typically falls on this day, officially the holiday is now observed on the weekday that falls closest to November 11th every year. It was first incorporated as by President Wilson as Armistice Day in 1919. Other countries today also still recognize November 11th as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in honor of the Armistice treaty which ended WWI.
It was in 1938 that Armistice Day was enacted as an official American holiday. But eventually after WWII, citizens felt that the veterans of all wars should be recognized, not just those of WWI. So in 1954 Congress changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In America, the holiday now celebrates the approximate 2.9 million U.S. veterans with parades and ceremonies among other events.
Website:www.patriotism.org/ - Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Florence-Cypress Plantation & CemeteryThis tour is an annual event.
The Forks of Cypress Plantation was one of the oldest antebellum mansions in Alabama. It was built in 1822 by James Jackson, one of the first settlers in Lauderdale County and a friend of Andrew Jackson. Bring your lawn chairs for the beginning portion of the tour. The second part of the tour will be at the historic Jackson Cemetery.
The tour begins at Forks of Cypress at 10 a.m. Directions to the site are as follows:
take Cox Creek Pkwy. to Jackson
Rd. and turn right (no traffic signal at
intersection) and turn right at the dead end.
Park along the road or enter the gate to park in the field leading to
the columns.
Cost: Free
Tour Guide: Harry Wallace.
Website:www.visitflorenceal.com -
Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Florence-Florence City CemetaryThis event is an annual event.
The tour of the Florence City Cemetery, established in 1818, features many unique headstones and
famous gravesites among the rolling hills and towering trees. Florence City Cemetery contains graves
belonging to early settlers, two former governors in the O’Neal family, along with other prominent community leaders and families.
The tour begins at Florence City Cemetery entrance at 10 a.m. 705 E. College Street or entrances on Tennessee Street.
Tour Guide:
Harry Wallace
Website:www.visitflorenceal.com - Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Florence-North Court & SeminaryThe tour of North Court Street and Seminary Street includes several beautiful homes a Spanish Revival style building and an enchanting stagecoach stop. The tour starts at Courtview (Rogers Hall), a Greek Revival Mansion built in 1855, that is now the property of the University of North Alabama. The historic district features many architecturally unique homes built in the mid 1800’s and even some early 1900’s catalog houses.
Tour begins at Roger Hall at 10 a.m. 1 Harrison Plaza,
Florence and is an annual event.
Tour Guide: Billy Warren.
Website:www.visitflorenceal.com - Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Florence-Walnut StreetThe Walnut Street Historic District boasts tree lined sidewalks, diverse architecture and elegant homes. The tour will begin in the UNA Tennis Courts parking lot on Hermitage Dr. Walk by 29 beautifully restored houses that originally comprised the Walnut Street Historic District and were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The tour is an annual event and begins at Walnut St. & Hermitage Dr. at 10 a.m. Parking available at the UNA Tennis Courts on Heritage Drive. Tour Guide: Billy WarrenWebsite:www.visitflorenceal.com
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Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Florence-Wood Ave.This event is an annual event.
Wood Avenue features exquisite examples of Queen Anne, Georgian Revival, Bungalow Style and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The tour begins at Wood Ave. Church of Christ, This is an annual event, starting at 400 North Wood Ave. Florence
Cost: Free
Tour Guides: Nancy Gonce & Lee Freeman
Website:www.visitflorenceal.com - Walking Tours of Historic SheffieldJune 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2009 - Summer Walking Tours of Historic Montgomery Avenue Tour will include touring a historic church as well as the walk to the river bluff and return led by a historically knowledgeable guide. A vehicle will be available for handicapped. No admission 10:00 am (Saturdays Only) Meet at Sheffield Municipal Building, 600 N. Montgomery Avenue For more information: (256) 383-0250 or Colbert County Tourism (256)383-0783Website:www.colbertcountytourism.orgEmail:cpdriskell@cs.com
- Walking Tours of Historic TuscumbiaJune 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2009 – Historic Tuscumbia Walking Tours Stroll downtown with a knowledgeable guide, learn the town’s early history and listen to interesting stories about the earliest townspeople. Free Saturdays only at 10 am Corner of Sixth Street & Main Street, Tuscumbia For more information: (256) 383-0783 or (800) 344-0783Website:www.colbertcountytourism.org
