No’Ala Shoals, May/June 2015

may/june | noalastudios.com |

BLUEWATER CREEK FARM | IFDC: SAVING LIVES | OFFICE PETS | SHEFFIELD’S VILLAGE

noalastudios.com

MAY/JUNE $4.95

THEURBANOASIS

Member FDIC | 877-865-5050 | bibank.com

A sweet mortgage for your Alabama home.

We Offer:

30-Year Fixed-Rate

Mortgages

Very Competitve Rates

VA Loans

In-House Underwriting

for Faster Approval

HEATHER GARGISMortgage Loan Originator Phone: 256-386-5044 Cell: 256-762-5001 [email protected]

NMLS#419624

ROXANNE BENEFIELD Mortgage Loan OriginatorPhone: 256-765-3616 Cell: 256-349-0334

rbenefi [email protected]#419623


| noalastudios.com | may/june



8 » May/June

features 20Homes for the Ages

Th ree very diff erent home styles spanning two centuries infl uence the way we live today.

by roy hallphotos by danny mitchell

32

64Another Day at the Offi ce

It’s business as usual for these canine-to-fi vers and their feline friends.

by roy hall photos by danny mitchell

90Wide Open Spaces

A Florence ranch is revived in glorious fashion.

by allen tomlinsonphotos by patrick hood

98Southern Gothic

Collins and Liz Davis are getting their hands dirty and ushering in a green movement.

by michelle rupe eubanksphotos by danny mitchell

108With Flying Colors

A Florence family puts their heart and soul into a historic home.

by lu ellen reddingphotos by patrick hood

Urban Oasis

For these Shoals residents, the idea of living downtown is on the upswing.

by david simsphotos by patrick hood

no’ala advisory board

Jeremy Britten

Anne Bernauer

Vicki Goldston

Leslie Keys

Tera Wages

Ashley Winkle

9 » editor’s letter « Allen Tomlinson

“Home,”said one Pinterest post that caught my eye, “is where you

treat friends like family and family like friends.” One of the reasons that we love

putting together our annual Home and Garden issue is that a home is the best ex-

pression of a person’s personality you can fi nd. Our homes—our personal spaces,

those places we spend most of our time, the spots we feel most comfortable in the

whole world—represent who we are and who we want to be. When we show you

a person’s home, we’re showing you a glimpse of their personality.

Th is is our seventh annual celebration of homes and the people who live in them,

and we promise you’ll get lots of ideas for your own. Th ere are homes on the top

fl oors of downtown places, and homes that have been reinvented and reimagined.

We’ve even included a story about pre-made homes, some ordered straight out of

the Sears & Roebuck catalog! Th ere are lots of pictures and lots of ideas in these

pages , so take some time to let it all sink in. We hope you enjoy it!

Some shopkeepers take their pets to work, which makes work feel

like home, too. We bring “Matthew Th e Wonder Dog” (pictured

at left) to the No’Ala offi ces, where he protects us from cats, UPS

delivery personnel, and uninterrupted phone conversations. Take

a look at some other shop mascots in this issue, and look for these

furry friends when you’re out shopping!

Please don’t forget, it’s time to receive nominations for next

year’s Renaissance Awards. Do you know someone who has

made a positive contribution to life here who deserves recogni-

tion? Please let us know who they are. Email your suggestions and your reasons for

nominating your person to [email protected]. You have less than a year—so

please don’t put it off !

As you read about these beautiful homes and become inspired to do some spring

cleaning and sprucing up, please remember that just about everything you could

possibly need can be found right here in the Shoals. Shop the Shoals this spring,

and please mention to the shopkeepers that you saw them in No’Ala. Enjoy the

spring—this is the best season of the year in Alabama!ar in Alabama!

114 MAY/JUNE 2015

Volume 8: Issue 3

• • •

Editor-in-Chief C. Allen Tomlinson

Chief Operating Offi cer Matthew Liles

Creative Director David Sims

Advertising Director Heidi King

Features Manager Roy Hall

Graphic Designer Rowan Finnegan

Web Designer Justin Hall

Editorial Assistant LuEllen Redding

Videographer Justin Argo

Proofreader Carole Maynard

Intern Isaac Ray Norris

• • •

Contributing Writers

Amy C. Collins, Sara Wright Covington,

Michelle Rupe Eubanks, Sarah Gaede,

Roy Hall, LuEllen Redding,

David Sims, Allen Tomlinson

• • •

Contributing Photographers

Patrick Hood, Danny Mitchell, Ian Pratt

• • •

No’Ala is published six times annually by No’Ala Studios PO Box 2530, Florence, AL 35630

Phone: (256) 766-4222 | Fax: (256) 766-4106Toll-free: (800) 779-4222 Web: noalastudios.com

Standard postage paid at Florence, AL.A one-year subscription is $19.95 for delivery in the United States.

Signed articles refl ect only the views of the authorsand do not necessarily refl ect the views of the editors.

Advertisers are solely responsible forthe content of their advertisements.

© 2008-2015 No’Ala Studios, All rights reserved.

Send all correspondence toAllen Tomlinson, Editor, at the postal address above,

or by e-mail to [email protected] may be edited for space and style.

To advertise, contact us at(256) 766-4222 or [email protected].

The editor will provide writer’s guidelines upon request.Prospective authors should not submit unsolicited

manuscripts; please query the editor fi rst.

No’Ala is printed with vegetable-based inks.Please recycle.

Connect with us on Facebook: No’Ala MagTwitter: @NoAla_Magazine and Pinterest: NoAlaStudios

everything else

12 Calendar Selected Events for May/June 2015

14 Cryin’ Out Loud “Th e Boar’s Head Over My Bed”

by sara wright covington

122 Bless Th eir Hearts “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”

lu ellen redding

124 Market “Sleep Tight”

photos by patrick hood

132 Kudosby roy hall

134 Th e Vine “Sauvignon and Sancerre” by amy c. collins

136 Food for Th ought “Taming the Evil Squash Monster” by sarah gaede

138 Parting Shot by danny mitchell

10 » contents

© 1937 TVA/Wikimedia Commons

Th e Village PeopleThe rise and rebirth of the city on the bluff

By Sara Wright Covington

80Teaching Th em to Farm

How IFDC is saving the world by connecting fertilizer technology with developing nations.

by amy c. collinsphotos by patrick hood

© P

atrick

Ho

od


LEAVE A MARK THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME

Want to honor your University of NORTH ALABAMA grad?

There’s no better way than Lion Tracks!L i o n Tr a c k s o f f e r s U N A g r a d u a t e s , f a m i l y m e m b e r s a n d l o v e d o n e s a n

o p p o r t u n i t y t o r e m e m b e r t h i s m i l e s t o n e w i t h t h e p u r c h a s e o f a c o m m e m o r a t i v e b r i c k .

E a c h b r i c k w i l l f e a t u r e t h e n a m e o f a U N A g r a d u a t e e t c h e d i n t o t h e s t o n e , w h i c h w i l l t h e n b e a d d e d t o t h e c o u r t y a r d

a t t h e Co m m o n s B u i l d i n g !

CONTACT Haley Brinkat 256-765-5080 or [email protected]

LEAVE YOUR TRACKS ON A LIVING TRADITION!

12 » calendar

Friday, May 1 and Friday, June 5Florence First Fridays

Th e exciting monthly event gathers artists of all kinds—musicians, painters, sculptors, photographers, hand-crafted jewelry creators, and more—for a community-wide celebration. 5:00pm-8:00pm; Free; Downtown Florence; fi rstfridaysfl orence.org

Saturday, May 2UNA Derby Day

Hosted by President and Mrs. Kitts on the lawn of Coby Hall, the third annual Kentucky Derby-themed viewing party and fundraising event benefi ts the UNA Foundation, which provides fi nancial fl exibility to the university and improved educational opportunities for students. 3:00pm-6:00pm; $100; UNA Coby Hall; (256) 765-5188; una.edu/derbyday

Sunday, May 3Shoals Symphony: Season of Rebirth

Th e Shoals Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Daniel Stevens and featuring the winner of the UNA Collegiate Artist Solo Competition, performs Th e Last Spring, Op. 34, No. 2 by Grieg and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4. 2:00pm; Admission charged; Norton Auditorium, UNA; una.edu/shoals-symphony

Friday, May 8 – Saturday, May 16Florence Restaurant Week

Th is week-long initiative by Florence Main Street highlights our excellent, independent eateries as well as local charitable organizations by asking diners at each restaurant to vote for their favorite of fi ve charities, with $5,000 going to the winner. Participating restaurants and other information available at dineoutfl orence.com

Saturday, May 9Riverhill School Home and Garden Expo

Th e second annual home and garden expo benefi tting the Riverhill School showcases local vendors, inspiring ideas for your home, and a special appearance by HGTV designer Genevieve Gorder. 9:00am-3:00pm; Admission charged; 1518 Florence Blvd; riverhillexpo.com

Th ursday, May 14 – Sunday, May 17Shoals Community Th eatre presents Marrying Terry

It’s New Year’s Eve, and a massive snowstorm has paralyzed Chicago. Luckily, thirty-fi ve-year-old librarian Ms. Terry Adams has just reserved the last room at the Drake Hotel. When a medical emergency summons Dr. Terry Adams to the hotel, he has no idea what’s in store for him—or for the beautiful woman who shares the same name. No one is quite who he or she seems to be in this romantic comedy of hate-at-fi rst-sight. Th urs-Sat 7:30pm and Sun 2:00pm; Admission charged; Shoals Th eatre, 123 N Seminary St, (256) 764-1700; facebook.com/ShoalsCommunityTh eatre

Friday, May 15 – Saturday, May 16UNA Front Porch Storytelling Festival

Th e UNA Front Porch Storytelling Festival is back with a fi fth installment of laughter and memories from a variety of professional storytellers and musicians, including Walt Aldridge, Donald Davis, Delores Hydock, Reverend Robert B. Jones,

Genevieve Gorder


Kevin Kling, and Bill Lepp. Single day ticket $10, Two-day package $15, Students Free; UNA; Various times and campus locations; (256) 765-4297; una.edu/storytelling

Saturday, May 16 – Sunday May 17Arts Alive Festival

Th e festival showcases local, regional, and national artists specializing in painting, stained glass, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, fi ber art, woodwork, photography, and much more. Admission is free, so bring the family and stroll through the park as you meet artists, fi nd one-of-a-kind treasures to add to your collection, and enjoy good food. 9:00am-5:00pm; Free; Kennedy-Douglas Center for the Arts and Wilson Park, 217 E Tuscaloosa St; alabamaartsalive.com

Monday, June 8 – Friday, June 12 (First Session) and Monday, June 15 – Friday, June 19 (Second Session)Young Masters Art School 2015

Kennedy-Douglas Center for the Arts invites parents to register their kids for this fun, innovative tour through the visual and textual arts. Basic art will be taught via watercolor, clay, weaving, paper mache, charcoal, plaster, and sand. 9:00am-11:00am (for students entering fi rst-third grades in fall 2015), Noon-2:00pm (students in grades fourth-sixth); $50 fi rst child in family, $45 for second; Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, 217 East Tuscaloosa St; (256) 760-6379

Helen Keller FestivalTh ursday, June 25 – Sunday, June 28

Th e 37th annual Helen Keller Festival kicks off with a parade down Main Street and more than 100 events, including headliner musical artists, arts and crafts, athletic events, and a car and truck show. Other events include Keller Kids educational activities, historic tours, and trolley rides. Various times; Admission charged for some events; Spring Park, Downtown Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0783; helenkellerfestival.com

© C

ou

rtne

y L

eS

ue

ur

14 » cryin’ out loud » Sara Wright Covington

THE BOAR’S HEAD OVER MY BABY BED

I know that no amount of parental protection can ever fully defend against all of the scraped knees, broken hearts, unexpected outcomes, and just general bad days that will build the beautifully fl awed armor [my kids] need to fend for themselves.

For several months in the winter of , a taxidermic boar’s head held residence on the wall

above my baby crib. Stuff ed animals are certainly expected inside a crib, but stuff ed, formerly live ones

mounted above it are somewhat less common. To this day, there is much debate in my family over the

details of exactly how and when the dead boar came to be over my crib. One theory held that the boar’s

head hung in what was the family offi ce before my birth, and was simply never moved when the room

was converted to a nursery. Th e other—entirely false, but more interesting theory—suggests that the

boar’s head didn’t show up until after the room became a nursery, and it was hung, deliberately, by my

father. Because my dad has always been a loyal, card-carrying member of the NRA and an avid sup-

porter of home security of any sort, my family adopted their own embellished reasoning to go with a

version of the latter, more ridiculous theory: the boar’s head was hung as a simple defense mechanism

to startle, and thus thwart, would-be intruders. (In all fairness, it should be noted that my father ve-

hemently denies that the creature ever hung in our house at all, and maintains that it actually hung in

his offi ce at work. Alas, no pictures seem to exist to prove otherwise.) Whatever the reason for the

creature over my crib, the repetitive recounting of this familial yarn made enough of an im-

pression on me that the boar’s head became a metaphor in my mind for safety—a sort of

dead-animal-tangible, that might ward off danger from the world.

I’ve thought about that ridiculous boar’s head many nights when tucking my children

into their beds, and I often fi nd myself looking for my own fi gurative boar-headed

blockades to protect them. When they are young, it’s really all about their physical well-

being. We want to keep them safe and sound, healthy and thriving. As they get older

and move beyond the confi nes of their cribs, we worry about the safety of their hearts,

feelings, and beliefs, and realize that it was much easier to keep them “safe” before they

became able to do all of that moving, talking, thinking, and interacting. Cell phones and

social media off er threats that weren’t even thought of during my childhood, and I can’t

help but feel my parents had things a little simpler when keeping my sister and me safe.

When we were bored, we read books, talked on the phone, played outside, and watched

Growing Pains on TV. Now we have to worry about an entire world of outside interac-

tions that no stuff ed animal, real or fake, can hold at bay. As I talk with my friends who

have older children, I am realizing that experiencing the second-hand growing pains of our

children may be even tougher than the fi rst go-round. So I do the best I can to brace myself

for those growing pains, realizing that they will likely be much more intense than the 1980s

sitcom. My friend Keri who has children older than mine recently used the analogy to her

children that middle school is like boot camp. High school will still be a war, but they will

be tougher and more prepared when it arrives. “And let’s face it,” she says. “Middle school

just builds character.”


I remember thinking my parents were unreasonably over-

protective in my youth. I was barely allowed to cross the

street until I was 13, and once, my dad built me a treehouse

where he actually made a rope harness for me to wear in case

I fell out of it. It is no fun playing up in a pine tree when you

are harnessed to it—not to mention the sap. I rolled my eyes

in distain when I got my driver’s license at 16 and they told

me to avoid Woodward Avenue at all costs, and I stomped

my feet in frustration when they wouldn’t allow me to leave

the country to go to Mexico with 25 other 18-year-olds for

my senior trip. I realize now what I could not see at the time:

my parents actually trusted me very much; it was other peo-

ple and dangers of the world that made them worry.

I’m accepting that parenting is a constant catch 22. It can be

exhausting to bathe, feed, dress, and just generally nurture

these small people who cannot take care of themselves and

need you constantly. And so we whine about our exhaustion,

only to be reminded by someone older and wiser to “enjoy

these days of knowing where they are all the time,” and “enjoy

them while they still look to you and know you will protect

them.” My friend Keri summed up parenting perfectly when

she suggested that sometimes the best thing a parent can do

is back away and allow children to learn to problem-solve on

their own. So as I attempt to savor the sweet innocent baby

years, I can only hope that I am giving them the tools they

will need to fi ght their own battles. I hope they will never be

afraid to march to their own drum, read books not on the

required reading list, be kind when it’s inconvenient, and do

the right thing when no one is watching. Mostly, as cliché

as it is, I just want them to be happy. Truly happy. Pursuing

whatever it is in life that gives them purpose, and passion,

and peace within their little souls.

I know that no amount of parental protection can ever fully

defend against all of the scraped knees, broken hearts, un-

expected outcomes, and just general bad days that will build

the beautifully fl awed armor they need to fend for themselves

and—as painful as it might be for me to watch—I wouldn’t

want it to. I just hope my own armor is up for the task as well.

As for that emblematic boar’s head, it was long ago tossed

out. Once again, the details are fuzzy on exactly how and

when it happened. But to this day, I have never been able to

look at any dead, mounted creature without wondering if it,

too, once hung in a nursery.







text by roy hall » florence photos by danny mitchelllustron photos courtesy of the ohio historical society

Th ey occupy a place of singular importance in the American

Dream and the largest single purchase most of us will ever

make. We fi ll them with our hopes and dreams. We trust

them to take care of our families and possessions. We associ-

ate them with the most important events in our lives.

Th ey are status symbols, trophy cases, safety deposit boxes,

and memory repositories.

Th ey are our homes. And over the course of the last cen-

tury, these buildings we think of as family have undergone

tremendous change. As Americans migrated from cities

to suburbs, as our defi nitions of family evolved, and as our

expectations for comfort, security, and luxury experienced

cycles of expansion and contraction, the American home has

evolved with us to accommodate the lives within.

Th e three kinds of homes below represent among the most

infl uential—and sometimes notorious—examples of home

design innovations over the course of the last century. Re-

gardless of whether or not you live in one, odds are, some

aspect of your house has been infl uenced by at least one of

these homes.


Placing an Order for Home Delivery

Th e grandfather of American mass market retail, Sears Roe-

buck and Co., didn’t set out to be in the home-building busi-

ness. But the fi rst decade of the 20th Century found the cata-

log company’s building materials division in a bit of a slump.

Th e surplus inventory that resulted from the sales decline sat

unsold in Sears’ warehouses until 1906, when Sears manager

Frank Kushel devised an ingenious method for unloading the

backstock. In an idea born out of desperation, Kushel pro-

posed that rather than selling building supplies piecemeal as

Sears had been doing since its founding, the retail behemoth

should bundle supplies in kits and sell entire houses.

Richard Sears agreed and Sears mail-order home business

was born with the publication, in 1908, of the Book of Modern

Homes and Building Plans, a catalog of 44 residential home

plan styles ranging from the mid-$300 to almost $3,000.

Over the course of the next 32 years, Sears sold between

70,000 and 75,000 homes, the parts for which were manufac-

tured in Sears-owned plants in New Jersey and Ohio, then

shipped by rail to destinations throughout the United States

and Canada. Once offl oaded from boxcars, trucks would de-

liver precut and fi tted materials, with an average per-home

© S

ea

rs, Ro

eb

uck

an

d C

om

pa

ny

/Wik

ime

dia

Co

mm

on

s

© S

ea

rs, Ro

eb

uck

an

d C

om

pa

ny

/Wik

ime

dia

Co

mm

on

s


weight of 25 tons, to the new homeowners, who, in the early

days, often built their Sears homes in barn-raising style, with

the help of friends and neighbors.

And the more friends and neighbors the merrier, as Sears

Modern Home kits included an average 300,000 individu-

al pieces. Ponder that terrifying statistic the next time you

stare in hopeless bemusement at two inscrutable pages of

Ikea instructions and a sealed plastic bag containing one tiny

wrench and three screws.

Sears Modern Homes grew exponentially in its fi rst decade,

shipping over 300 homes each month by the mid-1920s. In

response, the retailer initiated a fi nance program, in 1912,

making home ownership possible for an entire generation of

working class Americans for the fi rst time. Sears fi nancing

and the explosive growth it facilitated lasted until the Great

Depression. Th e economic fallout of the ‘30s—and the liq-

uidation of $11 million in defaulted debt—necessitated the

end of Sears’ fi nancing, a hit from which the Modern Homes

division never fully recovered.

Sears sold its last home in 1940, but the evidence of the re-

tailer’s Modern Homes success remains today in the tens

of thousands of still-standing cottages, ranches, and two-

stories with a tell-tale Sears look. Although the exact num-

ber of Sears homes is unknown—the company destroyed

all records from the Sears Modern Home division as part

of an internal clean-out in the early ‘40s—their infl uence is

undeniable. Th e Modern Homes division and the liberal loan

policy that led to its eventual undoing helped cement the no-

tion that homeownership was attainable for the burgeoning

American middle class. Additionally, many of the modern

conveniences taken for granted for decades were popular-

ized by Sears, including central heat, indoor plumbing, and

electrical wiring.

With a combined total of 447 styles of homes, the Sears

catalog home program was undeniably prolifi c, if not neces-

sarily innovative. But innovation was never the point. Sears

set out to mass produce a vital component of the Ameri-

can dream, to make possible to the masses what would have

been unattainable to the vast majority of previous genera-

tions: home ownership.

Florence Lumber Company, the local affi liate for Sears Modern Homes, assembled these Sears houses on Seminary Street, in Florence. Left, and facing page: Early 20th century advertisements for Sears Homes.

© S

ea

rs, Ro

eb

uck

an

d C

om

pa

ny

/Wik

ime

dia

Co

mm

on

s

| noalastudios.com | may/june | noalastudios.com | may/june

Steel Yourself: Life in a Lustron

Like Sears manager Frank Kushel before him, Chicago-based

industrialist and inventor Carl Strandlund created his Lus-

tron home in response to a specifi c need. Unlike Kushel,

who devised the Sears home in response to an over-supply

of building materials, Strandlund’s pre-fabricated, all-metal

Lustron homes were a direct response to surplus of would-

be homeowners.

Begun in 1948 with three Truman-approved Reconstruction

Finance Corporation loans totaling over $40 million, the

Lustron Corporation aimed to build houses for the 12 mil-

lion-plus veterans returning from World War II. Th e upstart

home builder also set for itself the lofty goal of producing

100 new homes every day in its nine-mile-long Ohio plant,

which, when operating at full capacity, consumed more en-

ergy than every other residence, business, and factory in Co-

lumbus combined.

Made of prefabricated enamel-coated steel panels, Lustron

homes aimed to not only relieve homeowners of the bur-

den and expense of home maintenance, but to remake the

American landscape with homes that would “defy weather,

wear, and time.”

With price tags ranging just under $10,000 (approximately

25 percent less than a comparably sized conventional home),

the Lustron Corporation off ered potential homeowners a

total of three varieties of steel abode, in two and three bed-

room models, with a maximum 1,140 square feet.

Made entirely of steel and available in four colors—surf blue,

dove gray, maize yellow, and desert tan—Lustron homes were

instantly recognizable on any suburban block. Th e interiors

were no less distinct, and for the same reason: metal kitchen

Co

urte

sy o

f the

Oh

io H

istorica

l So

ciety


cabinets, metal ceiling tiles, metal interior pocket doors, and

metal built-ins.

For those of us not raised on battleships, that’s rather a lot

of metal. But what the Lustron home may have lacked in

warmth, it more than compensated for in speed of delivery

and construction. Lustron homes were delivered, in pieces,

by truck from a local dealership, and assembled by employees

of local Lustron dealers, typically in as few as 360 man-hours.

And true to their low maintenance mission, that was the last

of the work involved.

A grand total of 2,498 Lustron homes were manufactured,

delivered, and constructed between 1948 and 1950, when

the Lustron Corporation declared bankruptcy. Th e causes

for Lustron’s demise remain a source of controversy among

historians of modern architecture. Some say the company

fell victim to mismanagement; others blame a poor distribu-

tion strategy and ever-increasing costs for supplies. Another

hurdle, echoed below in the tiny house movement, involved

municipal zoning laws, many of which forbade certain essen-

tial Lustron design details—like steel chimneys.

But other, more nefarious conspiracies have gained traction

over the years as possible explanations for why such a well-

funded company folded in such a short time. Most notably

among them is the theory that established housing companies

sensed a potential threat from the upstart Lustron and exer-

cised their clout to ensure the ruin of the “house of the future.”

Co

urte

sy o

f the

Oh

io H

istorica

l So

ciety

Facing page, top: Pieces of the American Dream: An unassembled Lustron home en route to its new owners. Facing page, bottom, left: Every Lustron model came equipped with bedroom and living room built-in metal wall units. (Pajamas, scalloped arm chair, and happy couple, not included.) Right: Everything necessary to build a Lustron, all on one truck! Below: A happy Lustron family contemplates a main-tenance-free future from the comfort of their all-metal living room.


may/june | noalastudios.com | may/june | noalastudios.com |

Regardless of the factors that led to its premature demise,

the ultimate promise of the Lustron home has proven true:

longevity. Most of the nearly 2,500 Lustrons built during the

company’s two short years of existence remain, remarkably

free of the wear and tear that affl ict homes half their age. Th e

Shoals area alone boasts fi ve extant Lustrons, each sold by

the area’s very own Lustron dealership, Southern Sash.

While the Lustron Corporation ultimately failed in its goal to

reinvent the housing wheel, it did foresee by a half-century

the trend toward smaller, more effi cient, less maintenance-

intensive homes brought to fruition in the 21st century’s

small house movement—as well as anticipate the zoning

hurdles encountered by the movement.

Go Big or Go Home

It’s one or the other with the small house movement—or tiny

house movement, as it’s often more accurately known. Th e

trend toward space-conscious living traces its origins to the

1997 publication of Th e Not So Big House by Sarah Susanka,

who advocated simpler living in smaller spaces. Awareness

of tiny houses reached its widest audience in the early 2000s,

with the widely publicized Tumbleweed Tiny House, a claus-

trophobia-inducing 96 square foot residence designed and

occupied by Tumbleweed Tiny House company founder and

micro-living pioneer, Jay Shafer.

But the trend toward smaller living spaces isn’t encapsulated

by a single manufacturer, or even an established size or style

of home. Rather, the broad and subjective goals of downsiz-

ing represented by the small house movement include homes

as large as 1,500 square feet all the way down to 100 square

foot micro houses, according to the Small House Society.

Equally varied are small house owners’ motivations for reduc-

ing their living spaces. For many, the attraction of living in

smaller houses represents the simple desire to live unencum-

bered by the fi nancial demands of larger mortgages, not to

mention the temptation to fi ll those homes with expensive

stuff . Empty nesters and retirees who spend much of their year

travelling enjoy a less expensive home base, while still other,

ecologically-minded homeowners fi nd the vastly reduced

carbon footprints of tiny houses attractive. As a result, the

tiny house movement has gained the most traction in parts

of the country with the highest conventional home prices,

as well as populations who are, generally speaking, more in-

clined toward eco-awareness, notably the Pacifi c Northwest.

Inroads into much of the rest of the country have proven

more problematic for the tiny house movement, including

in Alabama, where none currently exist. But that statistic in

no way indicates a lack of interest, according to Huntsville

architect and tiny house fan Brian Woodroof.

You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby House!

Oregon City, Oregon-based Tiny

Heirloom combines the fi scal and

environmental effi ciency of tiny house

living with the refi ned luxury and

high-end design usually associated

with homes twenty times their

size. Th ese movable, custom-built

micro-homes are available in multiple

confi gurations, with a base package

that includes amenities like granite

counters and wood or bamboo fl oors.

If the distance between their home and

yours seems daunting, take heart: Tiny

Heirloom home prices include a one-

time plane ticket, so you can visit your

new dwelling while it’s being built!

Interested readers can visit Tiny

Heirloom online at tinyheirloom.com.

© Photos by Ian Pratt for Tiny Heirloom

Custom-crafted lighting and hardware by Rejuvenation

Woodroof discovered his penchant

for small, unconventional living spaces

as an architecture student at Auburn,

where he lived in a converted school

bus. Woodroof ’s architecture career

has taken a more traditional path away

from buses and micro homes, but he’s

had an eye on the tiny house movement

since the early 2000s, and Jay Schafer’s

Tumbleweed experiment.

Th e appeal of tiny houses from an ar-

chitect’s perspective, Woodroof says,

is the challenge of the design: fi tting all

the necessary parts into precious little

space. Th ere are other, non-design re-

lated challenges, too, that contribute

to the dearth of tiny houses in Ala-

bama and elsewhere around the coun-

try. According to Woodroof, who has

researched the subject exhaustively,

the primary culprit for the lack of tiny

house construction in Alabama and other states isn’t lack of

interest, but rather zoning restrictions. Most communities

require minimum square footage, a prerequisite that dis-

qualifi es tiny houses right out of the gate. Beyond that, a tiny

house is a tricky entity to nail down: is it a primary residence

or a guest house?

Or is it a house at all? Th e most recent models from the

popular Tumbleweed company include wheels, a successful

attempt to gain certifi cation from the Recreational Vehicle

Association of America. Th at certifi cation comes in handy

at R.V. and mobile home parks, but rules out most residen-

tial neighborhoods.

Th ose hurdles aside, the movement toward sustainability

and effi ciency is here to stay, as environmental and fi scal

realities continue to play ever increasing roles in our home

choices. Whether the extreme example of the tiny house be-

comes commonplace, or they go the way of the Sears Mod-

ern Home or the Lustron, only time will tell.

Regardless of the changes that characterize the house of the

future, or the appearance and composition of the families

who reside in them, our homes will continue to infl uence us

for generations.


© P

ho

tos b

y Ia

n P

ratt fo

r Tin

y H

eirlo

om

Character building: Tiny Heirloom’s base custom models include stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and painted or stained cabinets, neatly integrating necessity and authenticity.


Four daily flights from Muscle Shoals to Nashville,

starting at $39*

FREE parking in Muscle Shoals

* Each way, for a limited time. Offer good through December 31, 2015. Includes taxes and fees.

www.flytheshoals.com www.seaportair.com

888-573-2767

30 » scene

Above: George Lindsey UNA Film Festival

Kick-Off Partymarch , · mobile, florence

Below: UNA Peru Study Abroad

Fundraising Dinnerfebruary , · odette, florence

Ethan Marten, Cynthia Burkhead, and Jane Rosemont

Carlos Alonso Ojea, Brenna Wardell, Kelly Latchaw, and David Umback

Chris Maynard, Jeff Bibbee, and Andy Thigpen

Ashley Gabaldon and Stephanie Smith

Grace Simpson, John Simpson, and Bonnie Coats

Hunter Powers Middleton and Andrew Reed

* Names for photos are provided by the organization or business featured.

Devin Brewer

Colton McCormick

Chef Ramon Jacobsen, Greg Thompson, and Chuck Chiriaco

Joey James and Nicole HugaboomAmy Collins

David Mack Brewerand Juliana Burton Ann Marks, Sara Voorhies, Jan Schofi eld,

and Nancy Sanford

Photos by Michael Pretes

Scott Infanger, Chef Ramon Jacobsen, and Michael Pretes

© Photos by Shannon Wells


Dr. Ajit Naidu and the staff at Cardiovascular Institute of the Shoals welcome

Dr. Cole is an interventional cardiologist and was the Chief of Staff at ECM Hospital in 2013-2014. He has practiced in the Shoals area since 2006, and has performed more than 20,000 cardiac catherization proce-dures. He is with us now, so please join us in welcoming him!

2415 Helton Drive, Florence AL 35630www.cardioshoals.com

Call (256) 766-2310 for an appointment.

Dr. Brian Cole, FACC, FSCAI


They live above beauty salons and clothing boutiques,

jewelry stores and law offi ces; they’ve traded gardens and

lawns for restaurants and bars. Th e convenience of having

everything at their fi ngertips is luring former suburbanites

downtown as more and more upstairs spaces are converted

to living areas. Just in the past year, downtown traffi c in Flor-

ence has increased dramatically, and a once-sleepy Sheffi eld

is poised to add more urban living space to complement its

commercial renaissance.

In the next several pages, we take a look at fi ve urban living

areas in the Shoals—from tiny one-bedroom apartments to

sprawling lofts. Inside these spaces, you’d swear you were in

a much larger city. Step outside them, and you’d never know

they were there.

text by david sims » photos by patrick hood



Audwin and Sandi McGee’s Tuscumbia loft will never be fi nished, but therein lies its charm. It’s a living, breathing work of art, and its owners—like the fi ne artists they are—take a step back every now and then, waiting for just the right time to make a change. Th e enterprising couple has an internal wish list a mile long, and listening to them go through it is both exhausting and inspiring.

Audwin McGee bought the building in 1999, around the time he was help-ing Harvey Robbins renovate a variety of downtown Tuscumbia properties. Th e cavernous structure had origi-nally been used as a bookstore, then a hardware store, and fi nally a dry goods store before it became what it is today: an amazing receptacle for art, personal mementoes, and a variety of repur-posed and found objects. Th e McGees and their red pit bull, Spanky, have carved out a cozy home for themselves in their West 6th Street location, all of which they occupy—including the en-tire top fl oor—with the exception of Mimi’s gift shop on the street level.

Th e great room occupies the entire 6th street side and includes a space for Audwin to paint and eventually an of-

ORGANIZED CHAOS

THE URBAN OASIS


Facing page: The large building also houses Mimi’s gift shop. Above:

Spanky welcomes visitors to play a tune on the grand piano. A painting

by Audwin hangs in the background, and a boom mic stand puts a crystal

chandelier right where it’s needed.


THE URBAN OASIS

Facing page: A view of the fl oor-to-ceiling bookcases adjacent to

Audwin’s studio space. Just beyond you can see a glimpse of the second

bedroom with its Moroccan-inspired doorway. Above: Audwin’s studio

space provides a focal point for the main living area, and the windows

provide plenty of light.


fi ce area for Sandi, who owns and op-erates Geronimo Gymnastics. Th ere’s plenty of space for a grand piano, free-standing fi replace, and a handcrafted dining table that seats a dozen. Th ere are plans to design and build a chande-lier, and install an antiqued, mirrored wall behind a bar, which, as you might have guessed, they intend to design and build themselves.

Adjacent to the dining area is a small sitting area where the couple says they spend much of their time when they’re home, which they admit is rare. Just to the south of the sitting area is a galley kitchen that would make most chefs weep with envy, complete with a copper-clad bar and island, soon to be reinvented in marble—but not un-til the prefect slab is found. Finally, in the rear (or maybe it’s the entrance?) is what Audwin and Sandi call their “porch.” Th ey admit it’s the most un-fi nished part of their home, but a Hol-lywood set designer could not have


THE URBAN OASIS

Facing page, top: The kitchen with its massive commercial range. The

photo is of Sandi’s uncle, a professional magician who worked in Las Ve-

gas. Right: The large scale painting is by Audwin. This page: A view of the

living area and its fl oor-to-ceiling windows, which were added to bring in

more light.


styled it any better. Decorated with second-hand furniture and unique ob-jects, its southern wall is a large, glass retractable garage-style door that con-verts the room (and the apartment) into what can only be described as an urban treehouse. Audwin says one of his favorite things is opening the door in the back and all of the windows in front and painting until dusk. “I love to look out and see the birds gathering on the buildings across the street,” he says. Sandi adds, “Sometimes we have birds just fl y through the loft, which Spanky does not enjoy as much as we do.”

Eventually, the couple plans to create a new surround for the fi replace, add more living space on the half-fl oor be-low them, and build decks off the porch and on the roof. “When you’re on the roof, looking north, all you see are the tops of trees and church steeples,” Audwin says. “It doesn’t even look like Tuscumbia. It’s like you’re in a diff erent world.” Come to think of it, that’s the perfect description for this place the McGees call home.



• • • PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCALLY OWNED INDEPENDENT RETAILERS, SERVICE PROVIDERS, AND NONPROFITS! • • •


THE URBAN OASIS


ORDER ONCOURT

You can’t tell by looking at the outside,

but the law offi ce of civil rights attorney

Hank Sherrod on South Court Street

contains more than just the typical wall

full of mahogany clad bookshelves. In-

side, there’s over 4,000 square feet of

living and offi ce space, cleverly blended

by Sherrod and girlfriend Robyn Aus-

born, who is also his legal assistant. Th e

couple began converting offi ce space

into living space in the sprawling build-

ing in 2014 and have just put the fi n-

ishing touches on a new kitchen/great

room space, the fi rst of several more

planned renovations which will include

two new bedrooms a nd, if Robyn has

her way, a roof-top green space com-

plete with a grill and dining areas.

Th e new family living space comprises

the heart of the building and has al-

ready become a favorite hangout for

the active couple and their three chil-

dren. Th e room refl ects the tastes of

both Sherrod and Ausborn and fea-

tures a variety of local artists, including

a beautiful console/bar by woodworker

Robin Wade and a couple of mixed me-

dia pieces by Sherrod’s mother, Alice.

Above: Hank Sherrod and Robyn Ausborn relax in their kitchen with their

dog Atticus. Right: The South Court Street entrance.


Construction: Eddie Vaden and David

Folkerts; Cabinetry: Signature Cabinets;

Countertops: Frye and Associates; Light

Fixtures: Progressive Lighting; Door

Hardware: Brass Hardware & Accessories;

Art: (facing page) Alice Sherrod; Bar/

Console: (above, right) Robin Wade

Furniture; Pillows: The French Basket

Facing page: Robin Wade designed

the rustic walnut console table, which

provides space for breakfast and coff ee.

Above, and left: The main living areas

off er a colorful place to spend a Saturday

watching the game or an evening playing

video games.

THE URBAN OASIS


Th e couple’s love of contrasting contemporary fi nishes with

warm, rustic details is evident in every nook and cranny of

the family space. In the kitchen area, clean, white cabinetry

outfi tted with sleek hardware contrasts with a beautifully

veined black soapstone. In the living space, bold and mod-

ern upholstered pieces balance the handcrafted console and

dining table. Th e fl oors, which appear to be hardwood, are

actually ceramic tile that stands up to the couple’s kids and a

menagerie of animals, including their dog Atticus.

Th e downtown location perfectly suits the couple’s active

lifestyle, including Sherrod and Ausborn’s love of running. “I

just love being downtown. Everything is so convenient,” says

Ausborn. “It’s the perfect spot.”


JEWEL BOX

THE URBAN OASIS

When Olin Meff ord retired and closed

Meff ord Jewelers, the future of one of

downtown Florence’s most iconic cor-

ners was uncertain. But not after Allen

and Cecily Wall and Bill and Suzanne

Musgrove stepped in. Th e two couples

reimagined the building as a mixture of

retail and residential, helping Russell

Meff ord reopen his own jewelry store,

creating offi ce space on the ground

fl oor and two luxury apartments on

the top fl oor.

“We were living in a house three times

the size of this apartment, but there

were rooms upstairs we never went to,”

says David Sims. “We’ve always wanted

to try downtown living, and this was

the perfect opportunity to give it a try.”

Helping the owners with design deci-

sions, the current residents (with the

help of designer Susan Trousdale) were

able to choose their colors, fi xtures,

and fi nishes, and the result is a cozy

space fi lled with art and light—right in

the middle of everything.

At less than 900 square feet, life in the

“Jewel Box” is effi cient—by design. Th e


Facing page: The entrance off East Tennessee Street. Above: The main

living space includes a variety of Mid-Century Modern originals and

reproductions and a massive antique rug. Art by local and regional

artists—like the bust by painter Michael Banks—cover the walls.


sofa folds out into a queen-size bed, for occasional visits from

one of the children, and a wall of wardrobes in the bedroom

adds storage space and light, with their mirrored doors. “We

have everything we need and everything we love,” says Sims,

“and everything else, for now, is in storage.”

Even the large kitchen area, with its recycled marble coun-

tertops from Alabama A&M University, contains hidden

storage, “although this close to all of our wonderful down-

town restaurants, we’re not cooking at home very much,”

says Sims. “We think all of downtown Florence is an exten-

sion of our living room, and this is the best spot for us to be

right now.”

THE URBAN OASIS


Facing page, bottom left: The entrance to

Apartment A is at the end of a long hallway,

which, thanks to the landlords, houses an

overfl ow of the owners’ art. A fl oating metal

shelf functions as an entry table but without

the footprint. Right: The bathroom is clean

and bright with high-end fi nishes and storage

everywhere. Below: The master bedroom

includes a handmade gray-stained cherry bed,

a Robin Wade bench, and an original painting

by Florence painter Nancy O’Neal.


THE URBAN OASIS


DRESSEDUP

Leslie Keys jokes that she has the short-

est commute of anyone she knows,

and she’s still sometimes late. Even so,

the owner of Tuscumbia’s Audie Mes-

cal and Leo Martin (named after her

grandparents) is always spot-on when

it comes to matters of style and taste.

And her apartment above her stores is

no exception.

Keys has leased the building for over 12

years for her businesses, but has been

living in its apartment for only four.

Before Robbins Property Development

bought and restored the property in

2002, it was owned by a member of the

Trowbridge family, who operated an

ice cream and sandwich shop there for

a time.

Like most downtown dwellings in the

Shoals, the space is fi lled with large

windows, which fi ll the space with

light. Keys has only recently painted

the entire space a warm, deep gray,

which absorbs the light, creating a neu-

tral backdrop for her expansive collec-

tion of family photos and outsider and

local art, including paintings by her

friends Audwin and Sandi McGee, and

Tara Bullington. Audwin also created

the custom metal bed, which features

Facing page: the entrance is fi lled with treasured family photos and art by

favorite friends, including an old Helen Keller Festival poster, illustrated

by Sandi McGee. The hallway is lined with an expansive wall of cabinetry

which is both a dramatic design feature and a useful addition to this

compact space. Above: Keys relaxes with Bolt, her apricot standard

poodle. Right: a view of her woman’s store, Audie Mescal—the apartment

windows are seen above.

ALL DRESSED UP


Facing page: the compact kitchen is warm

and functional and includes plenty of

room for entertaining family and friends.

The apartment includes lots of special

pieces of outsider and primitive art and

family treasures, including the rotary dial

phone from Key’s grandmother. Above:

the master bed, created by Audwin

McGee, commands your attention in the

master bedroom. Left: the unpainted

brick fi replace adds more warmth to the

living area. The painting above the hearth

is by Tara Bullington.

THE URBAN OASIS


whimsical touches like an imbedded antique makeup com-

pact that creates a secret hiding place.

Th e apartment is perfect for Leslie and her animals, includ-

ing her standard poodle Bolt, who also acts as Keys’ offi cial

store greeter. Keys loves the fact that she can step out onto

the street and take one of her long runs, or walk next door

for a milkshake at the Palace Ice Cream, a coff ee at ColdWa-

ter Books, or a dinner with friends at PoBoys Cajun Grill.

She even has the perfect spot to watch the Wild West Stam-

pede Parade in May.

Keys is still thinking about small changes to make on the

apartment, but since her profession keeps her always re-

merchandising and rearranging her shops below, perhaps

she’ll keep her apartment as the calm refuge it’s always been.





Your BizHub Watchdog

(256) 464-0010

If you’re interested in controlling costs withoffice equipment solutions for almost anybusiness challenge, call me. We’re the specialists, because we’re the watchdogs.—J.T. Ray

450 Production Avenue, Madison, AL 35758

88.7 FM Muscle Shoals • 100.7 FM Huntsvillewww.apr.org

News, classicalmusic and more


WHITE HOT

Dwight Cox has a fl air for the dramatic.

It’s what keeps him in demand as one

of the Shoals’ most popular hairstylists,

and it’s what inspires the design deci-

sions for his new downtown Florence

building. Purchased in 2013, the North

Court Street location has had many

lives, including as an antique shop and

as the Brass Lantern Lounge. “Ironical-

ly, Alcoholics Anonymous met upstairs

during the time it was a bar,” Cox says.

Cox’s salon occupies the ground level

of the space, so for him, it’s a quick walk

up the stairs to escape the stress of a

long day on his feet. And what an es-

cape it is. Th e space is not only breath-

taking for its sheer size (4,000 square

feet), but because it is almost solely

blanketed in shades of white, with the

occasional pops of red and black.

“My favorite part of living here is walk-

ing through the loft at night, when all

the lights are out,” says Cox. “It’s like

living in a cloud.”

Cox created rooms when needed, but

the majority of the space is one large

THE URBAN OASIS


Facing page: Cox’s shop sits below his new loft. Above: The west end

of the living area with its white baby grand piano. The sunny master

bedroom sits just beyond the rustic sliding door.


Facing page: The formal dining area is anchored by a contemporary glass

table and white leather chairs. A Mid-Century Modern chandelier makes

the space pop. Above: The main living area is designed for conversation

and movie watching.

THE URBAN OASIS


area anchored with white painted

concrete fl oors and punctuated with

islands of white carpets and color-

ful cowhides. Even Cox’s bedroom

can open up to the larger living space,

thanks to a rolling door made of re-

claimed wood gathered from a old barn

in Greenhill. Th e door may be the only

rustic element in the very contempo-

rary space.

An avid and discerning shopper, Cox

was ingenious in his ability to furnish

the space on a budget, often purchas-

ing new and used pieces online. “Every-

thing came from Ebay,” he jokes. Th e

loft’s shelving was designed by Cox and

built by Kevin Wilson. Amish crafts-

men in Etheridge, Tennessee, built the

kitchen cabinets, which were fi nished

with hardware from—you guessed it—

Ebay.


If the kitchen is usually the heart of a

home, Cox’s kitchen is the center of

attention. Galley in design, it spans al-

most the entire south end of the loft,

and its white quartz waterfall-style

countertop provides the perfect spot

for morning coff ee or an evening of

preparing the perfect meal. Flanking

the kitchen are two dining spaces, one

for casual entertaining and one for din-

ners with special friends. Th e living

area includes a pristine white sectional

and black leather lounge chair, and the

back screened porch provides a more

casual, but ample, space for overfl ow.

Facing page: Dwight Cox with his children,

daughter Fletcher and son Foster. Right: The

master bedroom. Below: The casual dining

room off the kitchen, with a glimpse of the

porch just beyond.

THE URBAN OASIS



62 » scene

Jack Johnson and Shawna Moore

Brittney Walker, Jenny Mitchell, and Julie Hamm

Jack Johnson, Frank Niedergeses, and Doris Faires

Frank Niedergeses

Ribbon Cutting

St. Florian Branch

St. Florian Mayor Donald Strait

Jim Bishop and Jack Johnson

Frank Niedergeses, Jack Johnson, and Mike Doyle

Lee Medley and Jean McIntyre

Mayor Donald Straitand John Kalama

Steve WigginsMary Marshall VanSantand Mike Doyle

Bank Interior

© Photos by Danny Mitchell

First Southern Bank Ribbon Cutting, St. Florian Branchapril , · st. florian



BoOApparently Boo had been on his own for quite some time before my daughter Barksdale noticed the “wild dog” living in our woods. The poor little guy was nothing but skin and bones. We tried coaxing him out with food, but at the fi rst sight of us, he would run for cover. But we were patient and eventually succeeded in luring Boo into our home—and our hearts!

Patty KlosParker Bingham


photos by danny mitchell » text by roy hall


BoLtBolt, my two-year-old labradoodle, loves people, especially kids. And everybody in Tuscumbia knows and loves Bolt, too—including my employees. They share their lunch with him, and on occasion—if he’s been a good boy—Kitty brings him a hotdog from The Palace. There have even been times when a customer will drop in and say, “I can’t shop today, but I wanted to bring Bolt a treat!”

Leslie KeysAudie Mescal & Leo Martin


VErAWe rescued Vera, a calico, from the Florence Animal Shelter about a year and a half ago, when Vera was only one. Since then, Vera has been a full-time greeter at The French Basket, where she loves everyone—but favors the little ones with sticky fi ngers. Vera is truly the diva at The French Basket. She provides us with a sense of home and a little bit of sassiness.

Paige ThorntonThe French Basket


KARmAKarma is a six-year-old sable German Shepherd. I have been working with rescues for 15-plus years, and I adopted Karma from a shelter in Georgia when she was fi ve months old. Karma takes her job as Wine Seller greeter very seriously—she knows she’s working—and is amazingly well-behaved when she’s here. Having her around contributes to our cozy and friendly atmosphere, and it lets people know we’re a dog-friendly environment.

Jennifer Highfi eld The Wine Seller



RADArWe met Radar, a nine-year-old French bulldog, when he belonged to a friend and client. When our friend’s business schedule changed and Radar needed a new home, we were thrilled to adopt him. Radar has been a member of the family for about six weeks now. So far, Radar has only barked at one person: the UPS guy. But now they’re fast friends. Having Radar around has changed the atmosphere of our offi ce. Once our clients see his sweet little smushed-up face, they’re all smiles.

Marty and Lucretia HintonState Farm Insurance



COCOSince opening in 2011, we’ve always had a “shop dog.” Miss Red, a toy poodle, served in that position until 2013, along with Rudy, a Bernese mountain dog. The newest member of the Unraveled family is Coco, an 11-month-old toy poodle. Coco joined the staff after this past Christmas, so she’s just now developing a following. Everyone keeps telling her she has some “big paws” to fi ll.

Anna CarbineUnraveled



LolAMike Campbell’s eight-year-old Pomeranian Pekingese, Lola, is a rescue; she’s been coming to work with Mike since ICS Roofi ng opened in 2010. Lola has her own sofa, and Mike is off ended if you refer her to her as a “dog.” Hint: if you want to stay on Lola’s good side, never wear a ball cap.

Mike CampbellICS Roofi ng



NIKoEight-year-old Belgian Malinois, Niko, belongs to Tommy Campbell. Tommy inherited Niko from his son Grant. Niko defi nitely has his favorites and less-favorites among our work team, but we won’t reveal any names.

Tommy CampbellICS Roofi ng


OlIVEr Sherry Campbell’s Oliver is an eight-year-old wire haired dachshund rescue. Oliver has been coming to work with Sherry since 2012.

Sherry CampbellICS Roofi ng




T E AC H I N G T H E M TO FA R MH OW I F D C I S SAV I N G T H E WO R L D

text by amy c. collins » photos by patrick hoodadditional photos courtesy of ifdc


It’s no longer the case as to whether or not fertilizers are relevant. They are relevant. Now the issue is not only to produce more food, but to produce nutritious food. Dr. Amit H. Roy



Facing page: IFDC pilot plant begins operations in 1978. Clockwise from top left: A tomato fi eld in Bangladesh; a local market in Albania; sunfl owers in Tanzania; visiting a modern greenhouse in Albania; a local Mali marketplace

Photos courtesy of IFDC


Peace Prize, Kissinger addressed the United Nations with a

call to all nations to “embark on a new scientifi c revolution

to increase agricultural productivity in all lands. No fi eld

of human endeavor is so dependent upon an open world

for its advancement; no fi eld is so in need of international

cooperation.” Th e following year IFDC was incorporated as a

nonprofi t organization completely independent of TVA and

the U.S. government.

Th e work of teaching the world to farm had begun.

FORTY YEARS OF PROGRESS

Dr. Amit H. Roy, president and CEO of IFDC, joined the

organization in 1978 as a chemical engineer and special

projects engineer. Last year, IFDC celebrated 40 years in

business, and Dr. Roy has been there for nearly all of it.

“When IFDC was established,” he said, “it was established

for the very specifi c purpose of developing fertilizers for

tropical and subtropical countries. Th at’s where the demand

for fertilizer and food was increasing at a very rapid pace

because of the population increase.”

From the start, IFDC scientists and

engineers had to focus on creating

fertilizers that would fi t the varying

needs of hungry nations. What worked

in temperate North Alabama was not

going to work for the rice fi elds in Asia.

But it wasn’t long before development

and delivery were only elements of

solving the problem and not the whole

focus.

“It’s no longer the case as to whether

or not fertilizers are relevant,” Dr. Roy

said. “Th ey are relevant. Now the issue

is not only to produce more food, but

to produce nutritious food. Nutrition has become very

important now in the global context. So as far as IFDC is

concerned, the evolution has been from focus on fertilizer

alone to looking at the whole agriculture sector. Fertilizer

is a key component because that’s our strength, so we’re

looking at how to deliver at the cheapest cost to the farmers

in the countries, how to help them manage better so they

can produce more from the same amount, and then try to

On the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) property in

Muscle Shoals, there’s an unaffi liated entity headquartered

in an unassuming building that is deceptively large and

maze-like once you’re inside. We pass this building on the

way to the hiking trails and the Wilson Dam overlooks. It’s

the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC),

a nonprofi t organization that has been quietly feeding the

world for the past 40 years. It is perhaps one of Th e Shoals’

best kept secrets, though it deserves to be high on the list of

landmarks on which we hang our pride.

A BRIEF HISTORY

Like all great stories, the history of IFDC has many acts and

characters. Th e completion of the Wilson Dam in 1924 and

establishment of TVA in 1933 brought signifi cant prosperity

to the Shoals, literally lifting the area out of poverty through

jobs and mass electrifi cation. IFDC was a later outgrowth of

TVA, originally called the National Fertilizer Development

Center (NFDC); it was a U.S. government-run research

facility focused on improving crop yields while addressing

soil depletion and other related issues here at home. Th e

NFDC played an integral part in educating farmers on how

to prevent soil erosion and, of course,

introduced them to cheap fertilizers

that changed everyone’s game. Shoals

farmers were particularly aff ected

as their output was double what the

average American farm produced at

that time. By the mid-1960s the United

States was producing more food than

we needed, thanks to new agricultural

technologies and cheap, plentiful

fertilizer, all developed in Muscle Shoals.

We’d helped feed post-war Europe in

the previous decades and the need was

shifting toward developing nations in

Asia and Africa. Th e U.S. Agency for

International Development was looking for better ways to

feed these nations than simply shipping America’s excess

grain to them.

In the early and mid 1970s, the world suff ered multiple

simultaneous crises: rising food costs and energy prices,

widespread infl ation, rumors of war in the Middle East,

and threats from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting

Countries to cut off our oil supply. It looked bad for us; it

was worse for those whose food supply suddenly began to

disappear. Th en U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger

stepped in. In 1973, the same year that he received the Nobel

© Courtesy of IFDC


to poor farmers who could not produce

enough food to feed their country.

“On the fi rst go round I remember that

we announced that we were going to

have the auctioning of fertilizers and

there were 50 people who showed up

on a Sunday afternoon, and when they

heard that they would have to pay

money to buy at the auction, half of

them disappeared. And then we had

to teach them how to bid at auction.

We had to teach the banks how to

loan money because that was a foreign

concept,” Dr. Roy recounted.

“It was a very important transition for

IFDC,” he said, “from fertilizer research

to developing of the markets. Th e

whole economy then was built on that

example. Today, Albania is now vying

to get into the European Union and

the economy has fl ourished. Many of

the people who worked and trained

in our project now have become

entrepreneurs, and quite successful

entrepreneurs in Albania. So that itself,

you can see how agriculture triggered

the development of the economy.”

Another signifi cant project Dr. Roy

mentioned was the groundwork IFDC

has done in Africa, specifi cally the

establishment of the African Fertilizer

Summit in 2006, the fi rst ever of

its kind. Fifty-four countries were

represented by roughly 1,000 attendees,

all in agreement that fertilizer was a

key strategic commodity. Before that

time, Africa was not a focus because

they were not trading partners. “But

we stuck to it,” Dr. Roy said. “We said, agriculture has to be

the foundation of the development of Africa, and we did the

initial work on improving the soils, improving the fertilizer

market, and thereafter and today, Africa is the last frontier.

Th e population in Africa is going to double; it’s going to reach

two billion by 2050. Th e largest increase of food will be in

Africa, 170 to 180 percent increase over the next 30 years.”

At the same time, awareness of the potential negatives of

chemical fertilizer began to arise. Fertilizer was seen on the

get them to connect to the market to sell their surplus to

improve their livelihood.”

Spending just a short time with Dr. Roy suggests he could

fi ll an entire book with personal accounts of the many

successful IFDC projects he’s seen. He recounted a few of

the most prominent. In the early 1990s Albania opened its

borders after 40 years of a closed communist regime and

IFDC was among the fi rst on the scene, introducing fertilizer


Facing page: Dr. Amit H. Roy, IFDC president and CEO.Right: Present day operations at IFDC in Muscle Shoals.

Photos by Patrick Hood


world stage as a substantial contributor to rising pollution.

But as the world population continued to grow, so did the

need for food. “Without fertilizer,” Dr. Roy said, “no matter

what you do, things are not going to happen because the

plants need food to grow. You can do all the research to

come up with new varieties of seed, but it’s not going to work

without something to feed it.” IFDC engineers began working

on new technologies that would focus on more effi cient

fertilizer use, decreasing pollution risk, and ultimately saving

farmers money. One of the developments that came out of

that focus is the Urea Deep Placement (UDP) program.

Th e UDP practice eff ectively targets the plant where it most

needs nutrients—at the roots. Run-off is limited and yields

are boosted. In Bangladesh, rice farmers are now using 35

percent less urea and harvesting a 20 percent yield increase

with the new technology.

Bangladesh has also seen improved economics and nutrition

through IFDC’s eff orts, largely by shifting focus toward

women. Studies prove that when women have control of

household fi nances, the children are better fed and clothed,

and their eduction becomes a priority. In Africa, where

70 percent of the farmers are women, IFDC has begun

providing them with the skills and raw materials they need.

Because these countries, and many of the countries IFDC

works in, are deeply male-dominated societies, their projects

are eff ecting cultural changes that empower women and

ultimately raise living standards.

TELLING THE STORIES

Part of IFDC’s challenge today, and perhaps one of the

reasons the organization seems to escape notice in our

own community, is to communicate that what’s going on

in Bangladesh is relevant to our prosperous lives in the U.S.

Th e world population has nearly doubled since IFDC was

established in 1974 and projections suggest an increase

from 7.2 billion to 9.6 billion by 2050. We’re talking less

land for agriculture as urbanization spreads, less water,

fewer resources. While Americans spend typically less than

10 percent of their income on food, citizens of developing

nations spend close to 50. IFDC’s communications team is

doing their part one story at a time.

Chief Communications Offi cer Sharon Singh emphasized

the presence and relevance of sharing stories from the

ground and telling the whole story. “Th e work that IFDC

does,” she said, “impacts a variety of industries and a variety

of lives. People think it’s insular when it’s not. Fertilizer use

and agriculture is a big part of climate change, a big part of

economy and foreign aff airs.

“Th e reality is, if we don’t have fertilizer, we’re not going

to feed the world. We know that there are issues, but we

are developing technologies that will help mitigate climate

change, environmental issues, run-off . We want to be part

of the mainstream conversation and this is the reason why.”

Th e IFDC website (www.ifdc.org) contains a wealth of

information on a broad range of related issues. Over the

last year, they’ve seen their social media presence grow,

particularly through Twitter and Instagram, but also through

a blog where many of these ground stories are told. Recent

blog posts highlight three women in Bangladesh, Ghana,

and Mali and tell the stories of how their lives have changed,

their children’s lives have changed, and their villages have

changed because of their involvement in IFDC projects.

Singh pointed out that these changes directly eff ect the next

generation—the world over. “We need global development,”

she said. “We need to understand that if we’re going to have

9.6 billion people, these changes that you’re continuing to

see, that’s going to have a greater impact on your life as you

grow older.”

Podcasts are on the horizon as well, and all are encouraged

to join the conversation. “It’s a dialogue, it’s a discussion,”

Singh said. Th e IFDC audience is broad and continues to

expand as more people of all ages recognize the importance

of feeding the world.

IFDC is always interested in talking to interested parties

and invites the community to get involved. Internships are

available and project support welcome, especially public-

private partnerships. Tours of the labs and greenhouses on

the Muscle Shoals campus can be arranged.

Dr. Roy added, “Th e hallmark of IFDC, although fertilizer

is the focus, is that we look at problems and we try to fi nd

a solution to the problems that are facing agriculture, and

in that context, we recognize that we might not have all the

answers, so we have to work with other partners to be able to

come to an understanding and get an answer.

“We are very proud to be an institution here in the Shoals

area. We have people who come and work here, the banking

center is all here, all our funding comes through the local

banks. We are very proud to be here.”


Clockwise from top: Crop cut on a Urea Deep Placement (UDP) plot in Bangladesh; another UDP trial plot in Rwanda; harvesting a rice crop in Bangladesh; hulling rice in Rwanda; sorting seeds in Mozambique

Photos courtesy of IFDC


88 » scene

Earline McClanahan and Terry Hart

Porter and Tara Payton with William David Rinks

Jack and Kathy Staples, and Kelley Spencer (with her three daughters, Evelyn, Margaret, and Mary Davis)

J.C. (Mac) McClanahan

Kellie Bowling, Ronnie Bowling, Ronald Gene Bowl-ing, Earline McClanahan, and Linda Smithson

Kathy Staples, Earline McClanahan, and Debbie Rinks

Bill Alfonzo and Shirley Rinks

Treena SidebottomsJohn Waters and Shannon Wells

Andrea Holt, Katrina Hudson,and Melissa Bains

Porter Payton and Susanna Payton

Stanley and Karen GoldsteinMaxine Foster and Pat BurneyFran McGee Ken Etienne, Sandy Dickinson,

and Helen Etienne

© Photos by Shannon Wells

Julie Ridel, Tracie Richter, JoHelene Patrick, Crystal McGruder, and Shannon Hurd

Above: Earline McClanahan’s

90th Birthday Party Celebrationfebruary , · turtle point yacht and country club

Below: CASA Wine Tasting Fundraiserfebruary , · sweet basil café, florence


ProtectWhat Matters Most

with Digital Video Security

TEC Home SurveillanceIt’s the security you want at the price you need

Access your live video or recordingsfrom your smartphone

Regular monthly service rates required for 36-month Support Agreement. When applying Smartphone apps, carrier data rates may apply and you should contact your carrier for information about your cellular data plan rates. Prices are subject to

change. Regulatory fees, taxes, and surcharges apply. TEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

19” Flat Panel Monitor 4 Outdoor Bullet Cameras(Standard Resolution Day/Night)

Wiring, InstallationDVR with 500GB of Storage

800.832.2515 MS License# 15012173MS License# 15019373

AL License# 15-1260AL License# 15-1261


A FLORENCE RANCH’SWIDE OPEN SPACES

text by allen tomlinson » photos by patrick hood

Above, left: Th e main living space, with

the small sitting area visible in the dis-

tance. Nita transformed the entire feel of

the house with one simple, yet daunting

task—painting both the walls and ceil-

ings a creamy shade. Th e result is a “lift”

in attitude for the 60’s ranch, and the

benefi t is a renewed urge to entertain.

Th e house is very capable of accommo-

dating a large crowd of friends and fam-

ily. Right: A view of the double doors,

which open onto a generous, covered

porch—a favorite spot for the Th ornells’

two beloved spaniels, Leo and Luke.

John Th ornell, UNA’s provost (and most recently its interim president), came

to town before his wife Nita, and shopped for houses by taking pictures and

sending them to his wife. When he saw the house on Palisade Drive, it was

like walking into the 1960s, but Nita saw tremendous potential. What fol-

lowed was a two-year (or more) project that resulted in a house that’s perfect for

entertaining—and for living.

Built by a quiet and reclusive couple, the Eisenbergs, the original house was a long

shotgun-style ranch. When the original Mrs. Eisenberg passed away, Mr. Eisen-

berg asked his secretary to marry him. According to legend, she replied, “you can’t

aff ord me.” His response—“try me”—resulted in her request for a bigger house.

Th e couple added an almost identical footprint to the back of the existing house,

doubling the size, but creating an unusual fl oorplan. Th e original owners were

fairly reclusive, had no children, and pampered their dog (who reportedly wore a


Left: Th e sitting area adjacent to the

home’s entrance is a favorite spot for

a morning coff ee and Th e New York

Times, which Nita reads religiously

every morning. Above: A view of the

main living space with a view of the

large, copper hooded fi replace, which in

winter months commands the center of

attention.



diamond collar and had her own checkbook). Th at was the fi rst life for this house;

its second life, after the Th ornells acquired it, is the total opposite. Today, this

house is designed for entertaining, whether that’s for university functions or just

dinners with close friends.

Th e layout challenges made this project even more fun for the Th ornells. Nita and

John tore out the sliding glass doors that separated the front of the house from the

rear, creating a huge space for entertaining. Anchored by a large fi replace at one

end and French doors to a patio at the other, the area contains two large dining

areas and an open kitchen, with a bar and a huge storage room/pantry to the side.

Th e house has large bedrooms and remodeled, spacious bathrooms—just right

when the grandchildren are home—and the color scheme throughout is perfect

for displaying the Th ornells’ large and varied collection of art. It doesn’t matter

where you cast your eye, there is something beautiful to look at from every angle.


Above: Nita has a great knack for

combining textures, colors and diff er-

ent styles of art in the sprawling home.

She is adamant that one should buy art

because you love it. Some of the art is

by art professors and students, collected

throughout their academic tours of duty.

Above, right: Leo and Luke relax on the

back patio. Right: Th e master bedroom

is calm and serene, fi lled with soft, but

powerful, modern art and accessories.

Nita repurposed and reused much of what she found in the original house. Th e

kitchen cabinets are metal, original to the house, but now repainted. Th e ceiling in

the entry is also original, and wood paneled walls have also been painted to update

them. Furnishings and lighting are carefully selected to create a mood that invites

the visitor to come in, linger, and relax.

From the outside, the house has been repainted, but the casual observer has no

idea of the changes that have taken place inside. Th is mid-century ranch house has

been transformed into a free-fl owing, welcoming place, just right for entertaining

a large crowd or for days when the couple pour a cup of coff ee and read the Th e

New York Times.



Call For EntriesNo’Ala Renaissance

Awards

Now accepting nominations for Shoals area individualswho have made remarkable contributions in the following areas:

Arts & CultureBusiness & Leadership

EducationService & Spirituality

Science

Submit your detailed nomination via email by December 1, 2015to: [email protected]

Award winners will be featured in the March/April, 2016, issue of No’Ala.

Who Inspires You?

The Renaissance Award was created by No’Ala Studios and is presented to five Shoals area individuals, couples, or groups every two years.



“

It’s our home, yes, but it’s also a working farm.

We see the possibilities of what the farm is and what it can be,

and we want to share it with others.

”LIZ DAVIS


text by michelle rupe eubanks » photos by danny mitchell



On Farm Days, there’s a constant stream of activity at Bluewater Creek Farms.

Carloads of families kick up a steady trail of dust on the red dirt road off Coun-

ty Road 69 in Lauderdale leading to the barn. Vegetables are heaped in colorful

piles on tables; fresh farm eggs and, if you’re lucky, a selection of organic, grass-

fed meats are available as well. Proprietors Liz and Collins Davis will invite you

to stick around and take a tour so that you can learn about the food you’ll take

home—maybe even snag a recipe or two for the dozen eggs that taste like a dream.

Liz says they make the best frittatas and omelets, and she’s right. Somehow, they

just taste eggier.

Be sure to peek in on the piglets, too. Several of the heirloom breeds are hairy and

docile, and it’s a delight to watch them feast on a slop of cucumbers, tomatoes, and

peppers glazed in a sauce of fresh mud.

“We love those weekends,” Liz said. “We love sharing the farm with others and

helping visitors understand the process of bringing their food to the plate. It’s as

much a reward to us as it is to those who stop by for the event.”

Fast-forward a few months, when summer has all but turned into autumn, and life

at Bluewater Creek Farms will shift, almost seamlessly, before your eyes.

Fields that had been lush and green will be harvested for hay. Livestock will be

winnowed, thanks to a seasonal second slaughter, in order to make way for the

next generation of turkeys, pigs, chicks, and cattle. Vegetation will also take an

autumnal turn.

Th e beds of cucumber that had, just a few weeks ago, fi lled half a dozen of the

raised beds inside the converted horse training ring have all but dried up, while the

bean and pepper plants are bursting to harvest, ripe for the pickings and, perhaps,

the pickling. It’s time for the second planting, this time of winter vegetables—the

beets, turnip greens, radishes, and onion.

One vegetable in particular, the Stan’s Walking Onion variety, has evolved a bit

of self-preservation into its genetic code. It is, as its name implies, something of a

walkabout with a bud that forms to allow a tiny onion to grow just large enough

to tip over and replant itself. Th is one little plant is sustainability in action, and

it captures the essence of Liz and Collins Davis’ mission with the farm they call

home, with their daughter, Abby, along with Aida and Jimmy, the farm’s working

dog and cat, respectively.

“It’s our home, yes, but it’s also a working farm,” said Liz. “We see the possibilities

of what the farm is and what it can be, and we want to share it with others.”

Th e Davises are part of a green movement, a rebirth among Millennials who want

to move back to rural America, set up shop, and sell organic vegetables from a

farm stand. Unlike many of their counterparts, however, the couple brings knowl-

edge and expertise to bear when it comes to their roles at Bluewater Creek, where

each day can bring a new challenge.

Southern Gothic

Previous page: Family portrait—Liz, Abby, and Collins Davis call Bluewater Creek Farmshome. Facing page: The Davises have cre-ated a unique farm environment at Bluewa-ter Creek.


“

Farming really is everything. Throughout the course of a day,

I get to be a veterinarian, plumber, engineer, electrician,

and laborer. In a way, we are going back to doing things

the way they were done in years past, but we use

what we’ve learned in order to run the operation.

”Collins DAVIS

Southern Gothic

Facing page: Dr. Douglas Woodford and his wife, Donna, help run the farm. Liz, a certifi ed nutritional therapy practitioner, works with her father at the Full Life Women’s Wellness Center and Women’s Care in Florence.

Bee hives live in harmony alongside their heirloom chickens, and composting means harvesting the freshest organic vegetables. Take Liz’s advice on your visit to Bluewater Creek and grab a dozen eggs; they bring a new level of delicious to frittatas and omelets.

“Farming really is everything,” said Collins Davis, an Auburn

University graduate, who spent time in urban and rural farm

settings in Georgia and California. “Th roughout the course

of a day, I get to be a veterinarian, plumber, engineer, electri-

cian, and laborer. In a way, we are going back to doing things

the way they were done in years past, but we use what we’ve

learned in order to run the operation.”

Th e part of history that’s often forgotten is that the South,

especially this area of Alabama, has deep agrarian roots. Un-

til the 1980 census, Colbert and Lauderdale counties, along

with the Shoals, which is comprised of Florence, Muscle

Shoals, Sheffi eld, and Tuscumbia, were considered rural,

with the majority of their populations living or working on

farms. As a result, Shoals residents knew and understood the

genesis of the food on their plates at any given meal.

Th e eggs at breakfast had been plucked from the henhouse

just that morning, for instance, while the cornmeal for the

corn bread was ground from the farm two roads over.

As residents moved into more urban areas and as modern

times called for a more modern way of life, the Southerners’

relationship to his food has changed dramatically.

And that’s not always been for the best, especially when fresh

is compromised to make way for convenience.

Collins and Liz hope to point the way back to that agrarian

history through farming, while also recalling just how en-

trenched the Shoals’ history is with this green revolution.

“Folks may not remember that the green revolution started

here,” said Collins, co-founder of Bluewater Creek Farm with

wife, Liz, of the sustainability

movement. “And by ‘here,’ I

mean in the Shoals with the

Tennessee Valley Authority

with ammonia nitrate min-

ing and production. When

it was decommissioned af-

ter World War II, the ques-

tion became, ‘What do we do

with the plant?’ So, with all

of the nitrogen, potassium,

and phosphorous, the muni-

tions plant became a fertil-

izer plant.”

Modern farming methods

off er some distinct luxu-

ries—electricity, clean run-

ning water, machinery to do

the heavy lifting. But noth-

ing can stop the young calf

from coming on a bitterly

cold night during a late-winter ice storm; no piece of equip-

ment is going to move the cows from one area of pasture to

another; nothing other than human eyes can see when the

piglets aren’t thriving, or the turkeys are preening, or watch

the chicks in order to ward off the four-legged marauders.

“You know, there are days when things aren’t so good,” Col-

lins said. “We have lost calves, and we lost several bales of

hay in a huge fi re. I feel like we fought fi re for weeks that fall

because you had to be always vigilant.”

Th e tightly bound bales are perfect for hiding the smolder

of a fl ame, allowing it to fester before fully igniting and con-

suming the dry grass in a blaze.

And each season brings its highs and lows, so the Davises

have learned to adapt the old with the new in order to fi nd

the fi t that suits them best.

“We’re part of the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working

Group, which is a sort of networking opportunity for us, but

it’s a hallmark of modern farming as it replaces that relation-

ship farmers of generations past might have had with their

neighbors, but it also helps you feel less along,” Collins said.

Liz and Collins work with Liz’s parents, Dr. Doug Woodford

and Donna, on many of the big farm projects, which is a

boon to all four. When the need for an occasional off day or

long weekend arises, the Woodfords will step in to allow for

the time away from the farm.

“Because farms are a 24/7 operation,” said Collins, “our ani-

mals need tending each day; they need food and water and



care. Th e plants and even the compost can require lots of care that requires over-

sight and vigilance.”

While Collin’s agricultural education is pivotal in maintaining the livestock and

gardens, Liz uses her training as an RN and a Nutritional Th erapy Practitioner to

develop programs that take place there. When not on the farm, she works with her

father at the Full Life Wellness Center and Women’s Care in Florence.

“So much of what we’re doing is to educate others about the benefi ts of eating

organic food,” Liz said. “We’re now in the SNAP program, so we can take those

vouchers so that families of all income levels can have access to good food that’s

good for them.”

Th e SNAP program, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is today’s

equivalent of the Food Stamp program, which allows families that meet certain

economic criteria to be eligible to receive food at discounted prices. Th e program

has long been criticized for its lack of vouchers for fresh, sustainable foods.

Becoming part of the SNAP program was a goal for the Davises as it would help

them continue their educational mission.

“Knowing this is available to everyone was important to us,” Liz said. “And, when

children come to visit the farm with their school groups, parents who come back

or are with them won’t be discouraged about trying new things. Children are curi-

ous about their food, and that’s the time to encourage those tastes.”

Th e couple’s daughter, Abby, agrees. Often, Liz said, she’ll pick her way through

the ripe vegetables, pluck off an item, and dig in.

“How else will she learn?” Collins said. “Th is is a pepper, and this is how it tastes.

Or, this is a squash, and here’s what it’s like.”

Of course, with the hundreds of acres, livestock and gardens

consume only so much of the land. Th e farm has been the

site of a mid-spring wedding, and a quaint tiny house pro-

vides the perfect quarters for a bridal party. School children

often stop by as part of tours, and there are the farm days and

programs that bring even more folks to Bluewater Creek.

Like sharing the cycle of vegetable and livestock, using the

farm as an event venue is part of the farm’s overall educa-

tional mission and value, Liz and Collins said.

Despite the ups and downs that come with the role of own-

ing a working farm, the thought of tackling another career or

moving away from Bluewater Creek isn’t an option.

“We’ll be here forever, and I hope to pass it on,” Collins said.

“I just can’t imagine doing anything else, and there’s no way I

could sit in an offi ce all day.”

Looking around the farm, he said that were Bluewater Creek

not available to them, he and Liz would fi nd a way to farm.

“It’s our passion,” Collins said. “It’s our 401(k).”

Want to get involved with Bluewater Creek Farms?

Liz and Collins Davis have teamed with Ashley Haselton to start Soul+Food, a series that pairs cooking, nutrition, and traditional food along with yoga classes for individuals seeking a healthier way of life. Here’s the upcoming schedule:

May: Smoothies and Juicing

June: Lacto-Fermentation, including traditional methods of fermentation and the benefi ts of probi-otic bacteria

July: Grilling and grass-fed beef cooking, with spe-cial guest, Zach Chanin

August: Organ meats, including how to cook them and the benefi ts of consumption

Participants will receive recipes from the demon-strations and have the option of touring the farm

Southern Gothic


The couple breed a variety of heirloom livestock, including cows, which are slaughtered twice yearly.

106 » scene

Celebrating 75 Years with Nenonfebruary , · pickett place, florence

Martha Taylor Johnson, Katherine Stone, and Katie Clement Jeanne Reid, Joan Lane, and Janice Pride

Lee Pieroni, Melinda Crawford, Emily Fish, Nicki Conlon, and Ann McClure

Laura Mahan, Lynn Bevis, Brantley Holt, and Susan Riedel

Mary Leigh Gillespie, Kerry Sharp, Susan Koonce, and Cheri Self

Kerry Sharp, Pam Minetree, Ann Martin Vitti, Karen Suzette, and Gail Ozbirn


Brenda Hudson, Cynthia Briand, and Noel Prerritt

Ann Bennett, Dorothy McAff ee Norris,and Joyce Cromwell

Nancy Bennett, Linda Van Sant, Ann Martin Vitti, Jeanette Smith, Mary Sue Landers, and Jane Pride

Edith Miller, Jodi McDaniel, Kathryn Keith, Lynne Methvin, Susan Riedel, Carolyn Tate, and Jane Crommelin

Front: Miriam Hall, Carolyn Kelley, and Dot Brewer; Back: Betty Champion, Anne Huff man, and Mary Sue Landers

Pat Willingham, Rachel Pitts, and Susan Mullins


text by lu ellen redding » photos by patrick hood

WITH FLYING COLORS


Th ere are people, perfectly nice, re-

spectable people, who purchase a

house and reside in it. And then there

are people who create a home. Robin

and Russ Coussons are fi rmly planted

in the latter group. Now living in their

third total house rehab, they are truly

people who have vision, see potential,

and step out to take the risk. Th eir

Dutch Colonial with the red-tiled roof,

on the corner of Prospect and Haw-

thorne in Florence, has been trans-

formed over the last 18 months and

is now a showpiece for the Coussons’

imagination and design.

Everyone knows someone who fl ips

houses for a living; buying low, reno-

vating to appeal to the masses, and

then selling high. Robin and Russ are

certainly capable of taking on that kind

of project and making a living doing it.

However, their days are fi lled with run-

ning a local restaurant, a thriving real

estate business, several convenience

Above: A major clean-ing restored the home’s original limestone fi replace to its original glory. Transom win-dows were added to in-terior doorways to help the fl ow of light and to create a greater sense of height and space.

Left: Th e powder room highlights what Robin refers to as “the biggest splurge of the house.” Th e fi rst time she saw this wallpaper, she says she knew she had to use it somewhere.

Facing page: Th e origi-nal plat of the house, built in 1925 by the Shank family, shows the house facing Katie Bell Street, the street now called Hawthorne. Legend has it that a local builder of the day had three daughters, Katie Bell, Lelia, and Mattielou. Florence residents will recog-nize the names of the nearby streets, Lelia and Mattielou, but one can only speculate as to why Katie Bell’s street was renamed.


stores, and a hardware store, and man-

aging the lives of their four busy chil-

dren. Th e homes they have renovated

are not business propositions, but

works of art they have created because

they love the process. Working along-

side their hired construction help, and

serving as their own architects, inte-

rior designers, and even landscapers,

Russ and Robin have been intimately

involved in every aspect of this reno-

vation.

According to this shrewd couple, in

comparison to other houses they’ve

done, the Hawthorne home has been

the simplest project they’ve ever taken

on. Th ere were no additions outside

the original footprint. In fact, the only

exterior changes were the shorter,

wider kitchen window to fi t above a re-

located sink, a fresh coat of paint, and

roof repairs to the signature red con-

crete tile. Even inside, Robin says this

was the easiest renovation they have

Above: Th e apples were painted by local artist Carolyn Clem-mons. Robin says she fell in love with the painting the fi rst time she saw it. She kept visiting it and trying to determine a place for it. Once the brick chimney was exposed during construction, she knew that was the perfect spot. Custom cabinetry was built by Signature Cabinets of Florence, and the granite surfaces are by Th e Granite Gallery.

Left: Th e walls of the upstairs den are fi lled with invita-tions Robin created for various birthday parties, Christmas parties, and other family events. Again, the theme of using everyday objects as art creates the unique feel of the home.


ever tackled. As she begins the list of

what they’ve done to make this a mod-

ern home, one immediately realizes

that her defi nition of “simple” is not

the normal one. Th ousands of pounds

of coal from the basement, in addition

to 120,000 pounds of plaster and de-

bris were hauled away. A portion of the

second-story fl oor had to be jacked up

nearly six inches and braced with steel

framing. Th e plaster was replaced with

drywall, the kitchen has been com-

pletely revamped, the bathrooms and

plumbing are new, heat and air systems

were entirely updated, and all this was

before they could even begin to think

about refi nishing 5,700 square feet of

fl ooring and then painting every nook

and cranny. Sounds “simple,” doesn’t it?

Robin speaks of always noticing the

Hawthorne house, even as far back as

the early 1990s when she was a col-

lege student. A friend lived in a nearby

apartment, and Robin reminisces, “I

always remember looking and wonder-

ing about this house and its closed cur-

Left: Th e master bed-room, like every other room in the house, has a smooth, painted blue ceiling. Robin has always used blue in the ceilings of the other houses she’s lived in. However, up until this house, the blue has been faint and un-derstated. Robin said, “Th is time, I wanted the blue to be noticed. I wanted to be bold.”

Below: Th e third fl oor Dad’s Den is Russ’ favorite room of the house. When they bought the house, the three huge rooms of the third fl oor were covered in original 1920s cloth-type wall-paper. It hung in tatters at that point, nearly 90 years after its instal-lation. Th e Coussons removed it and painted the wooden walls underneath a warm brown in this room. Russ says this is the perfect early morning or game time retreat.


tains and wondering what was behind

them. Th e fi rst time we came to look

at this house, we stayed for four hours.

Once I got the key, I never gave it back.”

So, is this the forever house for the

Coussons family? Th at question re-

ceived an unequivocal, unison, “Nah.

Probably not.” Both Robin and Russ ad-

mit that there is nothing that they don’t

love about the Hawthorne house, but

their desire to fi nd a challenge and cre-

ate a masterpiece is not yet squelched.

Th e Hawthorne house has been com-

plete for just over a year, and already

they speak of other houses in town that

they have their eye on. Russ alludes to

a recent interview he read where the

subject advised that if a person is en-

vious of someone else, the diff erence

between the two people is that one

has settled and the other has not. Th e

Coussons aren’t the settling type, in any

sense of the word.

Above: Th e down-stairs walls are mostly variations of green with some pink ex-ceptions. “I love color. I love bright and cheery. In my other houses, every room was a diff erent bright color. Here, I felt like I wanted the palate to be more soothing, less busy. Th e green seemed to fi t per-fectly,” Robin says.

Another of Robin’s unique collections adorns a wall of the kitchen. Old family recipe cards framed and hung with the family’s silver spoons give a nod to the rich history of food and hospitality that surrounds the fam-ily and makes them the people we know today.

Right: Th is view from the foyer, straight up the three fl oors, causes Robin to quip, “You get your exercise in this house!”



Th e Rise and Rebirth of the City on the Bluff

text by sara wright covington » photos by patrick hoodadditional photos courtesy of the sheffield public library


If you are headed to Sheffi eld by Montgomery Boulevard, past what is now

Helen Keller Hospital, and just over the railroad tracks, you may have noticed a

few changes to downtown Sheffi eld in recent months. Th ere are regal new lamp-

posts lining the streets. New stores, restaurants, and apartments seem to be pop-

ping up everywhere, and it’s likely you will see people walking around and waving

to one another as they take in these new sites and sounds of Sheffi eld. If you are

new to the Shoals area, this likely won’t seem like anything out of the ordinary.

But for natives, especially anyone who has been around since the 60s, this

new blooming and bustle in downtown Sheffi eld is very much a site for sore

eyes. Once considered the heart of the Shoals, Sheffi eld is a city that didn’t

just occur by accident or the gradual development of land. It was a place

that arose for a specifi c duty and was proudly built by men and women who

came and settled the area for the purpose of prosperity and patriotic duty.

Th rough the decades and as the world changed and North Alabama grew,

the city has certainly fallen from its former glory of the town where it was

once impossible to fi nd a parking space on a Saturday. But the spirit and

heart of the city is still very much alive, and for those men and women who

grew up here, it is a breath of fresh air to see their city awakening after being

asleep for a very long time.

RICH HISTORY

Th e city of Sheffi eld, named for Sheffi eld, England, was from its very incep-

tion a boom town with big plans. North Alabama has always been known

for its rich coal and iron ore deposits, and when General Andrew Jackson

and his troops came to the area in 1817 and camped on the river bluff , it was

determined that there was no better place to establish a town than this fruit-

ful spot right on the water. First established as York Bluff , Jackson himself

bought much of the land, which he attempted to farm for a few years before

eventually selling the property. In 1883, Captain Alfred H. Moses, a banker

from a fi rm in Montgomery, became interested in the land investment op-

portunities this part of Alabama off ered because of a proposed new railroad

that would run from Kentucky to the southeast by way of Florence. By the

end of 1883, Moses and his fi rm, as well as fellow investors and brothers Co-

lonial Walter S. Gordon and C.E. Gordon, had agreed to joint ownership of

the land that would be the projected new city. Th is sector of land included

the town of York Bluff . A three-day auction was held in May of 1884 where

500 lots were sold for $350,000, and in February of 1885, the city of Sheffi eld

was offi cially incorporated.

Sheffi eld’s earliest settlers were mostly educated men who came from success-

ful backgrounds and were knowledgeable about how to succeed in business and

© L

ibra

ry o

f Co

ng

ress/W

ikim

ed

ia C

om

mo

ns

© L

ibra

ry o

f Co

ng

ress/W

ikim

ed

ia C

om

mo

ns

Facing page: One of Sheffi eld’s fi ve original blast fur-naces that worked in conjunction with the iron and steel industries of Birmingham.

Photo courtesy of

Sheffi eld Public Library


industry. Th ey also put thoughtful consideration into the

town’s development and worked to build churches, schools,

and social activities. Th roughout the late 1800s and early

1900s, much industry was established, including fi ve blast

furnaces that worked in conjunction with the steel and iron

industries of Birmingham. Although depression would cause

many of these industries to disappear, WWI would once

again stimulate the economy, and in 1917 President Wood-

row Wilson chose Sheffi eld as the location site for a nitrate

plant. Government representatives were sent to oversee the

operations of Nitrate Plant 1, and the infl ux of jobs meant

much housing was needed. Necessary land was acquired in

the form of 750 lots, which would contain temporary and

permanent housing. A section of 85 permanent homes for

government offi cers was laid out in the shape of the Liberty

Bell, and would become known as Village 1. Nitrate Plant

number 1 was considered an experimental plant, and was

eventually put on stand-by when the war ended. But a sec-

ond plant, Nitrate Plant number 2, had begun operation in

1917 and was now successfully producing nitrate to meet

the immediate need of the government. By 1918, employ-

ment of Nitrate Plant number 2 had reached over 19,000.

But after WWI ended, Plant 2 was eventually put on hold

as well. Th e construction of Wilson Dam had begun in 1918

to supply electricity to the two nitrate plants but was also

halted in 1921 when Congress failed to appropriate funds for

its completion. Th is resulted in vast job loss until Congress

appropriated the necessary funds to begin its completion in

1922. Richard Sheridan, Sheffi eld historian who has lived in

this area since 1960, recalls what the war’s end meant for

An aerial view of the Village’s Liberty Bell layout Photo courtesy of Sheffi eld Public Library


this area. “Th ey went ahead and fi nished Wilson Dam, but

there was a big controversy about what to do with these two

nitrate plants,” he says. “Congress debated on it for years.

Henry Ford came here twice and off ered to buy the dam and

the plants, but his off er was never accepted by Congress.”

War and Peace

By 1932, several years of false hopes and waiting for growth

to once again take off in the Shoals had passed. When Frank-

lin Roosevelt was elected as president, he assured the people

of the Shoals that the government would adopt the Shoals

properties and make them prosper once again. “When Roo-

sevelt ran for offi ce in 1932,” says Richard Sheridan, “he came

out in favor of government control. He came here twice be-

fore he was inaugurated. He spoke and said he would put

Muscle Shoals back on the map. He got in a motorcade and

went out to see Plant 2 and went over to Florence and made

a speech on Court Street. He left, and came back a year and

a half later to see what had been done to Plant 2. All this

stimulated national interest in the Muscle Shoals area.” With

the passage of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act in 1932,

plans once again were set into motion to make the Shoals

vibrant again. Over the next couple of years, vast economic

improvement was set in motion with the construction of

Wheeler and Wilson Dams, and also the reintroduced use of

Nitrate Plant 2. TVA also took over all of the housing in the

former nitrate plant villages, where workers from the nitrate

plants had previously lived.

As World War II began, Sheffi eld joined the rest of the coun-

try in a season of preparedness for the war eff ort. Sheffi eld’s

economy both during and after the war would prove to be

its most productive time in history. From 1940 to 1960, the

city prospered as industry continued to grow with plants like

Union Aluminum Company and Reynolds Metals opening

to sustain the growing consumer demands of the area and

the post-war baby boom. But for the men and women who

lived and worked in Sheffi eld during this thriving time, the

experience was just as rich as the economy. Betty Dyar, 85,

remembers the wonderment of growing up and going to

school in Sheffi eld’s Villages. “It was just wonderful to grow

up and live in this town because it was so vibrant and alive

and well,” she says. “For my generation, many of us didn’t

even have a phone in the house. We had radio and the mov-

ies, but people watching was entertainment back then. My

family would park in front of the dime store and just people

watch. Th en there was school. And that was my life.” Al-

though Dyar moved away for many years, she returned to

the place she calls home several years ago and she now vol-

© 1

91

8 L

ibra

ry o

f Co

ng

ress/W

ikim

ed

ia C

om

mo

ns

Construction of the Wilson Dam and Hydroelectric Plant, 1918


The view of Sheffi eld’s industrial skyline. Facing page: Sheffi eld na-tive Jess Phillips’s grandfather pictured here on his horse. Phillips’ grandfather was the head of security for Village 1. Photos courtesy of Sheffi eld Public Library

“It was just wonderful to grow up and live in this town because it was so vibrant and alive and well. For my

generation, many of us didn’t even have a phone in the house. We had radio and the movies, but people watching

was entertainment back then. My family would park in front of the dime store and just people watch. Th en there

was school. And that was my life.” —Betty Dyar, Sheffi eld Village Resident


unteers at the Sheffi eld Public Library, where she helps run

the Alfred H. Moses history room. “My mantra has always

been ‘Yes, you can go home. But you have to have the right

mind set.”’ Dyar is still active in the Sheffi eld community and

has maintained many of the friendships from 70 years ago.

“I have lunch every month with a group of women who all

graduated from Sheffi eld in the 1940s. Th ere are 12 of us and

we are all still driving. We talk about the Village and how

wonderful it was and the fact that the decade of the ‘40s still

have reunions.”

Jess Phillips is another Sheffi eld native who now lives in Texas

but stays very close to his Sheffi eld family roots, which trace

back a very long way. “My grandfather had been in the Span-

ish American War and he came to work for Nitrate Plant 1,”

says Phillips. “Up until 1933 it was vacant out there in Village

1. After the war department abandoned Nitrate Plant 1 after

WWI, my grandparents were the only ones living out there.

My grandfather was chief of security and he was in charge

of patrolling the whole place and all the houses.” Phillips re-

members that his grandfather was a very large man and he

rode his horse all over Sheffi eld. “He was a great big guy and

everybody was scared to death of him! Th e horse was also

huge, so they were both pretty imposing.”

What Phillips remembers most fondly, besides the friend-

ships he made, is the quality education that he and his peers

received while attending one of TVA’s experimental schools

in the Village. Th e school was sponsored by Mrs. Roosevelt

and he remembers many of his school activities being fi lmed

to view student progress. “I lived in Village 2, but we were


all bussed to Village 1,” he remembers.

“Th ere was also Village 3 at Wilson

Dam and we all went to the school at

Village 1. It really was an idyllic situa-

tion. Th e school was a Montessori-type

school. We sat on the fl oor mostly, but

we had desks for math and writing.

But we all had projects throughout the

year that we chose.” One of those proj-

ects the students at this experimental

school all worked on was the school

garden, where they learned to grow

their own food to be served at lunch

time. Bettye Stanford Staggers was

a fellow classmate of Phillips and re-

members fondly working on the school

garden, taking daily school naps, learning about classical music, and even learning

to do the waltz. “I started in the fi rst grade at the TVA school and I lived right

across the street from it,” she says. “It was a time that we don’t just have anymore.

My daddy was a policeman. Th ere was a fi re station at the top of the hill and if you

wanted to talk on the phone, you called the fi re station and it rang to the village

where everybody could listen!”

As the baby-boomer generation grew up in the ‘50s and ‘60s, Sheffi eld remained a

tranquil, safe place where residents of those red-roofed stucco houses in the Vil-

lage could grow, learn, and play. David Langford has been in the Shoals area for

© 1

93

7 T

VA

/Wik

ime

dia

Co

mm

on

s

Above, top: The playground and school house of Village 1 TVA school; Village 1 TVA school students working in a garden.

“When we grew up the village, the surrounding woods was our playground. During the summer months we had

the run of the neighborhood and were ok as long as we stayed in the village. Th ere were no concerns about our

safety when we were in the village. Th ere was nothing bad happening.” —David Langford, Sheffi eld Village Resident


over 50 years, where he lived in the Village and then went on

to raise two sons there as well. He remembers the very best

parts of what it was like to grow up in Sheffi eld. “When we

grew up the Village, the surrounding woods was our play-

ground,” he says. “During the summer months we had the

run of the neighborhood and were OK as long as we stayed

in the village. Halloween during those years was a time to re-

member. We left the house at dusk and were usually out trick

or treating until no one’s porch light was still on. Th ere were

no concerns about our safety when we were in the Village.

Th ere was nothing bad happening in the Village.”

As the city of Sheffi eld moved into a new era, the economy

would shift once again. “Th ings changed very rapidly in the

‘60s and ‘70s,” remembers Richard Sheridan. “Town Plaza

shopping center opened and Southgate mall opened right

after that. And the same thing was happening in Florence.

People wanted to shop at the big newer stores. Our theater

closed and the one in Tuscumbia did too as people got televi-

sions and weren’t as interested in going to the movies. An-

other important factor was the changing of the highways.

Highways 72 and 43 originally passed through downtown

Sheffi eld, and they were rerouted through Muscle Shoals.”

After many years of quiet downtown streets and vacant

buildings, recent interest in the downtown area has again

sparked hope and pride into the people of Sheffi eld. Mayor

Ian Sanford is especially proud of his city as he has been in

this area his entire life.

“Th e Village will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2018, and

we are putting a committee together to celebrate that in a

big way,” says Sanford. “Th at’s the most historical part of our

city.” Many of Sheffi eld’s historic buildings are being reno-

vated and there will eventually be 23 to 25 new apartments

downtown. “We appreciate not only our new businesses,

but our existing businesses who stayed and weathered the

storm.” Sanford says getting more people living in the down-

town area will hopefully entice more retail and create even

more opportunities for expansion. Designated bicycle lanes

are now in place and there are plans to pave all of the major

roads. “Th is has all brought about a new sense of pride to

the city. Th e focus has been on downtown because it is the

hub and the heart of the city.” Th at renewed sense of pride

is very evident as warmer weather is drawing people outside

and to the downtown area to enjoy their blossoming city.

And although Sheffi eld’s revitalization is just beginning, for

those who have roots to the city and know its rich history, it

has always been the center of the Shoals—through th e good

times and the bad. “To me, Sheffi eld is the quintessential

small town,” says Sanford. “I wouldn’t trade anything for my

growing up here.”

122 » bless their hearts » LuEllen Redding

WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?

Now in 36 places, there have certainly been some less than stellar neighbors. They can’t all be good. But the bad ones do teach you how to appreciate the good ones.

Do you know your neighbors? Neighbors…you know, the people that live in the houses next to you

or behind you or across the street. I know mine. Some people don’t. I think that is weird. I can remem-

ber the neighbors that lived around me in the house we moved out of the summer I turned nine. I have

always had the need to know about the people who occupy the space near me. Pure nosiness? Well, I’d

much prefer to call it something more elegant like “concern for those around me” or “a need for com-

munity.” Whatever.

Forty years ago, I lived in a little fl at house in a little fl at neighborhood in a little fl at town. Th ere was

a ditch that ran between my house and Stephanie Puckett’s and it held an endless supply of tadpoles

and mud. I bet some days we crossed that ditch 500 times. Her daddy owned the local fi ve and dime.

I thought that was very cool. A couple houses down was the family that owned a local jewelry store.

Th ey had one girl that was younger and played with my little sister and they also had teenagers. Really

awesome teenagers. Teenagers with raspy voices and wild curly hair and motorcycles and places to be

at all times of the day and night. Th e lady on the other side of them used to babysit me from time to

time and she called me “LuEller,” not to be confused with Jimbo Taylor who lived behind us and called

me “NewEller.” I guess “LuEllen” was a serious challenge to his speech impediment. Kathy and her older

sister were in the house on the other side of us. Kathy was two years older than me and provided much

insight on the ways of the world for soon-to-be third graders. Th e high school baseball coach and his

beautiful wife lived a few houses down and had babies, a constant source of entertainment. My best

friend, Mandy, lived around the corner. We spent hours playing Barbies and listening to John Denver. I

hope she does not remember me cutting off her pigtail. It was just the one.

Once, in my 20s, I lived in a neighborhood chock-full of families and children. As I planted fl owers and

raked leaves in the idyllic setting, I was constantly entertained with the whoops of their chasing and the

bouncing of their balls and the hum of their bicycles. Once I even looked out to see one of the littlest

boys, ummm, having a private, excretory moment behind a tree. Not a standing moment, but a squat-

ting moment, if you get my drift. And what he considered to be “behind” his tree was actually in “front”

of my kitchen window. I can’t remember ever laughing so hard. Ten years later, when it was my own boy,

it wasn’t quite so funny.

Fast forward a few years, my husband and I were newly married. Our fi rst home was an adorable little

duplex on a downtown street. A small, thin-walled, duplex. And did I say that we were newly married?

I learned a lot about those neighbors. And they learned a lot about us. Bless them, they are still our

friends. I still cringe when I think about those days.

In the house where we live now, I have an old neighbor. Well, I did. He has recently moved away to live

with his daughter. I guess it is a good transition for me. He is 94 years old. And he needs to be with his

family, as I am sure they need to be with him. It is probably good for all of us. I worried that any other

kind of transition would be too sudden for me. I miss him,

but I think of him happy and with his days fi lled with grand-

children. But I do imagine he misses his leaf blower and his

roses. He is the kind of neighbor that spends six hours blow-

ing the leaves in his yard and then does my driveway “just

because.” His hedges now have those little shoots coming out

the tops like they need to be trimmed. Th at would never hap-

pen if he were home. He knows properly maintained hedges

should be attended to weekly. He has lived in his house for 68

years. Sixty-eight years. Now I am 44 years old and recently

did some calculating to determine that I have lived in 36 dif-

ferent places. Th irty-six, so far. My neighbor and I don’t have

a lot in common. We don’t see eye-to-eye on lots of things.

He is an elder in the nearby staunch Church of Christ. I am

sure my Episcopal stickers give him the heebie-jeebies. He

sweeps his Astroturf-covered front porch every day at 3:45

p.m. My front porch often looks like an episode of Hoarders

is about to be fi lmed. I have never seen him un-ironed or

un-tucked or un-combed. I often have scantily clad children

roaming the front yard. But really, we do have one thing in

common. He and I, we are good neighbors. We have a need to

know about each other, our pasts and our day-to-day. Before

we bought the house, when we were in the looking phase, I

asked questions about him. In a small town, everyone has

mutual acquaintances and I checked him out. I knew all

kinds of things about him, before I even laid eyes on him. But

that fi rst time I did introduce myself, out in the yard, stand-

ing two feet deep in my own leaves, he said, “Oh, I know who

you are. And I’ve asked around. I hear you are good people.”

He was as worried about me as I was about him. I knew that

very moment that we would be friends. And we are.

Now in 36 places, there have certainly been some less than

stellar neighbors. Th ey can’t all be good. But the bad ones do

teach you how to appreciate the good ones. I am sure that

some folks consider neighbors to be the people who just hap-

pen to live in the house next to them. Not me. I think God

put us in each others’ paths for a reason. Now that reason

might be trivial or it might be big. It might be to teach me

tolerance or to guilt me into cleaning up a bit or to force my

kids to pick up our own dog poop. Or it might be so that we

can become lifelong friends. I don’t know.

My neighbor’s house will probably come up for sale soon. Do

you want to be my neighbor?


124 » market » Photos by Patrick Hood

SLEEPTIGHT

Sealy Stowbridge Firm mattress courtesy of Mattress Country (256) 760-9991

Relax Pillow ($68)Harper Clothing Company (256) 760-7115

Melie Bianco Purse ($86)Audie Mescal (256) 314-6684

Darzzi Akar Th row ($98)Necklace ($62) Susan Whitfi eld for Firenze Earrings ($38) Firenze Gifts and Interiors (256) 760-1963

Peepers Specs ($19)Jon Heart Executive Folder ($145) Printers and Stationers, Inc.(256) 764-8061

Juliska Field of Flowers Bowl ($35)Juliska Field of Flowers Plate ($24.50)Th e French Basket (256) 764-1237

Gold and White Th row Pillow ($125) Sweet Pineapple (256) 964-7563

Quilt and Fabric courtesy of Th read (256) 383-2223


P I L L A R A N D P E A C O C K . C O M

126 » market1112222666666 »» mmmaaaarrrkkkkkeeeettttt126 » market » Photos by Patrick Hood

Straw Hat ($29.99) Corkys Summit Wedges ($53) Th e Village Shoppe (256) 383-1133

Level 99 Shorts ($88) Elise Gold Rush Bracelet ($18) Audie Mescal (256) 314-6684

Sunglasses ($169) Alabama Outdoors (256) 885-3561

Simon Sebbag Designs Necklace ($225)Simon Sebbag Designs Bracelet ($125)Side Lines(256) 767-0925

Dylan Pillow ($49.50) Deco Palm Pillow ($39) Blue Th row ($88) Firenze Gifts and Interiors (256) 760-1963

Toss Utility Tote ($168) Eileen Fisher Black Sleeveless Tunic ($290) Elliott Lauren Off -White Pants ($138) Marigail Mathis (256) 764-9444





Handprint Robe ($64) Firenze Gifts and Interiors (256) 760-1963

Sew Serendipity by Kay Whitt ($27.99) Th e Colette Sewing Handbook by Sarai Mitnick ($29.99) Fat Quarters (prices vary) Th read(256) 383-2223

Medium Wooden Tray ($29.99) Surprise Store (256) 766-6810

Home Made by Yvette Van Boven ($40) Orange Greek Key Pillow ($49) Juliska Country Estate Saucer ($25)Juliska Country Estate Cup ($38)Acorn Th ong Spa Slippers ($38) Th e French Basket (256) 764-1237

Small Table/Stool ($32) Th e Greenery (256) 518-9836

Rug (price on request) Willowbrook Shoppe (256) 270-7181

Faux Design Stationery ($15) Papaya Art Golden Bird Notes ($14) Cross Pen ($85) Printers and Stationers, Inc.(256) 764-8061

Quilt courtesy of Th read (256) 383-2223





Florence Pillow ($78)Harper Clothing Company (256) 760-7115

Blue Velvet Pillow ($75)Th e French Basket (256) 764-1237

Alabama Barbecue: Delicious Road Trips by Annette Th ompson ($20) Florence Lauderdale Tourism(256) 740-4141BAM! (256) 768-7953

Southern Tide T-Shirt ($38)Printers and Stationers, Inc.(256) 764-8061

Coastal Cotton Hook Pick Belt ($68) Joe’s Jeans ($174) Leo Martin (256) 381-1006

Cap ($19.95) Th e North Face Backpack ($125) Alabama Outdoors (256) 764-1809

Buff alo Jackson Trading Co. Leather Flip-Flops ($65) Maui Jim Sunglasses ($219)Coats Clothing Company (256) 760-0033

White Quilt ($370) Sweet Pineapple

Studio 773 Brown Th row ($138) Th e French Basket (256) 764-1237

Blue Pants Brewery IPA ($1.50)Th e Wine Seller (256) 766-1568



SPONSOR:

Crowning Glory

Rachel Wammack of Mus-

cle Shoals was crowned

Miss UNA 2015 at the Miss

UNA “Winter Wonder-

land” Scholarship Pageant

January 24. Th e Muscle

Shoals native and English

and professional writing

major will represent UNA

at the Miss Alabama pag-

eant later this year.

An Offi cer and a Gentleman

Florence resident Ben

Alexander has joined Bank

Independent’s Russellville

main sales offi ce as Sales

Offi cer. Alexander is very

involved in the commu-

nity as a member of the

Leadership Shoals Class

of 2014-2015, a volunteer

Upward Soccer Coach,

co-chairman of the Annual

Jack Karnes Memorial Golf

Tournament, and a member of the United Way Allocations

Committee.

Picture Th is

Courtney LeSueur’s Arts

Alive 2015 poster design

has been selected to rep-

resent the annual festival.

Signed, limited edition

prints of Courtney’s poster

will be available for pur-

chase during Arts Alive at

Wilson Park, May 16 and

17, and thereafter at the

Kennedy-Douglass Center

for the Arts.

kudos132 » If you want to share some good news about a friend, neighbor,

or colleague—or even toot your own horn—send your kudos to

[email protected].

by roy hall

A-Million Congratulations

Th e Horatio Alger Asso-

ciation, one of the nation’s

largest privately funded,

need-based scholarship

programs, will induct

Charles Anderson, chair-

man emeritus of Anderson

Companies, as a lifetime

member during its annual

induction ceremony, April

9-11, 2015.

Named for renowned au-

thor Horatio Alger Jr., who

wrote about the merits of

honesty, courage, and perseverance, Horatio Alger Associa-

tion was established in 1947 to uphold these tenets. Th e

Association has provided more than $100 million in under-

graduate, graduate, and specialized scholarships since 1984.

Oh, the Humanities

Nancy Sanford, execu-

tive director of Florence-

Lauderdale Public Library,

has been elected to chair

the board of the Alabama

Humanities Foundation,

the state affi liate of the

National Endowment for

Humanities. Th e NEH

encourages and promotes

appreciation of literature,

history, law, philosophy,

and the arts.

FLPL’s executive director

since 2004, Sanford has served the community through her

work with a variety of organizations, including Tennessee

Valley Art Association, United Way of the Shoals, Sheffi eld

Education Foundation, UNA Alumni Association, the Inter-

Faith Council of the Shoals, the Colbert County Red Cross,

and the Music Preservation Society.

Rachel Wammack

Charles Anderson

Nancy Sanford

Ben Alexander

Courtney LeSueur

Co

urte

sy o

f the

Ho

ratio

Alg

er A

ssocia

tion


101 E. Hollywood AvenueMuscle [email protected]

Teresa Rogers256-389-8970

1232

60

It starts by getting to know you.Because the more I know about you the better I can help protect what’s important in your world. And be there for you when you have a question or a concern. That’s how I help people live the good life right here in The Shoals.

Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Northbrook Indemnity Co. © 2013 Allstate Insurance Co.

134 » the vine » Amy C. Collins

It’s the season for sauvignon blanc. As soon as the weather started

to warm in mid-March, for that short week of what is arguably our spring,

I noticed an infl ux of sauvignon blancs in sales reps’ bags, on wine store

shelves, and restaurant lists. Th e high acid, typically lean and aromatic

whites are ideal quaff ers in this weather, when the fi rst 70 degree days feel

hot after a long, cold winter.

Sauvignon blanc is grown all over the world—California, New Zealand

where the grape produces racy bold fruit bombs with cutting acidity,

Italy, Israel, Australia, Chile, Spain, Slovenia, and elsewhere in France,

specifi cally Bordeaux where the gravel-grown variety is often blended

with sémillon to soften it. But nowhere is it as elegant and refi ned as

the cool hillsides of Sancerre, where the fl int and chalky soils produce

delicate wines with gorgeous fruit and enticing acidity.

Th e sauvignon blanc grape is, in itself, interesting. It is a parent to the

cabernet sauvignon along with cabernet franc, likely a fi eld crossing

in Bordeaux two centuries ago. Th e grape has inherent herbaceous

qualities sometimes expressed in aromas of gooseberry bushes and

cat pee. I’ve never been around a gooseberry bush, but I also rarely

fi nd the cat urine to be a primary note, thankfully. It is a versatile

grape that depends heavily on how and where it was raised, a

perfect subject for the nature versus nurture argument. Some sav

blancs even spend a little time in new oak barrels, which impart fat,

toast, spice, and vanilla. Others threaten to take the enamel off your

teeth with acidity that cuts like diamonds. What sets Sancerre apart

from other sauvignon producers is, without question, the place.

Th e village of Sancerre is in northern France in the Loire Valley, though

it’s from neighboring villages Chavignol and Bué where most of the best

wines of the region are produced. Th e whites are made from 100 percent

sauvignon blanc and the reds and pinks from pinot noir, though It’s the

white wines for which the region is most noted.

Eric Asmiov wrote, for the New York Times in his April 14, 2009 column, one of

the most lovely descriptions of Sancerre wines I’ve ever read. “Th e soft sibilance,

the internal alliteration, the smooth completion, whether you give it the clipped French

pronunciation or simply ease off the word American-style—it’s a beautiful sound, suggestive

of beautiful wines.”

Indeed, the very best evoke a dream-like state of nirvana. Edmond Vatan, who retired after the 2007

vintage and whose daughter Anne now makes the wines, is one of the most sought after Sancerre

SAUVIGNON AND SANCERRE

Nowhere is [the sauvignon blanc grape] as elegant and refi ned as the cool hillsides of Sancerre, where the fl int and chalky soils produce delicate wines with gorgeous fruit and enticing acidity.


Follow Amy at pigandvine.com for morestories and wine suggestions.

producers and the most diffi cult to fi nd. Current vintages

average $120 a bottle. If you have the opportunity and wallet,

treat yourself to a bottle.

More readily available, though also on the high end, are

those of Pascal Cotat, who inherited his father’s vines and

winemaking skills in the early 1990s. A bottle of Pascal’s Les

Monts Damnés, one of the steepest and highly respected

slopes in Sancerre, with chalky and Kimmeridgian clay

soils—similar and quite close to Chablis on the map—will

run around $60 on the shelf. You might not fi nd one readily

available, but they are in Alabama, so ask your favorite wine

store to oblige you. Same goes for Domaine Vacheron, which

is certifi ed biodynamic with zero synthetics in the vineyard

or the winery. Vacheron retails for just under $40 a bottle.

In February I discovered one of my favorite yet, Alain

Gueneau “Les Griottes,” which I selected for the March

Vine Club, a subscription-based wine club in conjunction

with Carriage on Court in downtown Florence. Planted in

the “griottes,” stony limestone soils, these vines are over 25

years old and produce grapes more expressive of fruit than

vegetable. Th e wine also spends some time on its lees, which

adds body and fl avor.

It’s bright and crisp with citrus and white peach aromas,

followed by lively acidity on the palate, lovely minerality

refl ecting the distinct soil types in the region and a long,

satisfying fi nish. Th is is what sav blanc should be: delicate,

elegant, and delicious. Domaine Gueneau retails for around

$25 a bottle.

Frank Millet, at $23 a bottle, is a solid second to the Gueneau,

with fi erce herbal notes, fl int, mineral, and distinct acidity.

White peach and almost-ripe stone fruits follow on the

palate with a long, lustrous fi nish.

Bailly-Reverdy makes excellent food-friendly Sancerre

of every color. Th e white and rosé retail for about $26 a

bottle and the red for a few dollars more. Th e domaine has

been making Sancerre in Chavignol for generations and

implements organic practices in the vineyards. Th e wines

are consistently of good quality and great examples of the

region’s best eff orts.

Enjoy the wines with food, as aperitifs, by the pool, by the

lake or on the front porch. Th e very best producers will age

for 10 years or so, though they are all ready to impress now.

Cheers to warm weather!

®

www.genesishcc.com

The road to recoverynow has a fast lane.

EQUAL HOUSING O P P O R T U N I T Y

E E O / A A

Cottage of Shoals Tuscumbia, AL | 256-383-4541

Keller Landing Tuscumbia, AL | 256-383-1535

Cypress Cove Center Muscle Shoals, AL | 256-381-4330

Glenwood Center Florence, AL | 256-766-8963

Hilltop at Glenwood I and II Senior Living Facility

Florence, AL | 256-767-2510

We know you’re eager to get back home

to the daily activities and routines you

enjoy. Our ShortStay services focus on your

speedy recovery. They will identify and

meet your unique needs to get you back

home as quickly as possible.

My maternal great-aunt, Hattie Eliza Daly, was a tobacco farmer in Kinston, North Carolina.

She was also an artist who painted china, oils, and watercolors. Aunt Hattie believed she was skilled at

both these pursuits because of the transference of knowledge, a theory she learned in her college stud-

ies. According to this theory, the same skill that inspired her to select the perfect colors for a painting

enabled her to discern the exact color of a perfectly cured tobacco leaf. All the farmers in town begged

her, “Miss Hattie, please teach us how to cure tobacco like you do!” Or so she said.

My mother minored in botany, and loved growing and arranging fl owers. I know the names of fl owers

and trees only because she called them out whenever we were together: Aucuba japonica! Abelia! Sas-

safras! Four-o’clocks! Tulip poplar! Beech! (My husband is not impressed when I do this to him.) My

middle sister was a certifi ed organic farmer before it was even a thing, and still gardens for rich people

in the Shenandoah Valley. None of this horticultural knowledge was transferred to me.

My one and only attempt at real gardening, in the actual ground rather than in pots, was a couple of

summers ago when a bunch of us women friends had the opportunity to do a community garden. We

were all gung-ho in May, under the expert tutelage of Meagan, our very pregnant overseer. It was actu-

ally fun to plant seeds and pull weeds and hang out together. But then it got hot, and Meagan had her

baby, and things fell apart. It was a hotter, dryer summer than usual, and we were supposed to take

turns watering, weeding, and repelling bugs naturally. I tried to do my part. I really did. But I hate to

sweat, I don’t like bugs, and I am a mosquito magnet, so there was a lot of whining involved. Yes, it

was satisfying to eat our own freshly picked lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, and of

course, massive amounts of zucchini and yellow squash. We got a few green beans,

and some tomatoes. Th en the plant-eating bugs proliferated, and we all went back

to the farmers’ market on Chisholm Road, where, in the bug-free cool

of early morning, we could just buy whatever and as much as we

needed, and help the local economy in the process.

I do know this much about gardening: you can never have too many

tomatoes. If you can’t use them all, someone else—me, for example—

will be happy to take them. On the other hand, almost everyone plants

way too much squash. Young squash are tender, tasty, and a manageable size. A

zucchini the size of a torpedo is not. You can nip this problem in the

bud—literally. Th ere are lots of good recipes online for stuff ed squash

blossoms, and every yummy ricotta or goat cheese-fi lled treat is one

less terror-inducing monster squash to be abandoned on your friend’s

porch in the dark of night.

Should you overplant, you can make zucchini bread, muffi ns, and

quiche. You can put grated zucchini in spaghetti sauce. Or you can go

rogue and make a zucchini chocolate cake. I promise this is

one of the yummiest cakes ever, and it’s fool proof as long

as you prepare the Bundt pan adequately. Steve Carpen-

TAMING THE EVIL SQUASH MONSTER

136 » food for thought » Sarah Gaede

There are lots of good recipes online for stuff ed squash blossoms, and every yummy ricotta or goat cheese-fi lled treat is one less terror-inducing monster squash to be abandoned on your friend’s porch in the dark of night.


Chocolate Zucchini Cakewith Shiny Chocolate Glaze

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose fl our, plus more for dusting pan if needed• 1/2 cup cocoa powder (I like Hershey’s Special Dark)• 1 teaspoon baking soda• 1/4 teaspoon salt• 1 teaspoon cinnamon• 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar• 2 large eggs, at room temperature• 1/2 cup canola oil• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract• 1/2 cup brewed, cooled espresso or strong coff ee• 2 cups peeled, grated zucchini (2 medium)• 1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Spray the heck out of a Bundt pan with PAM Happy Baking Spray or Baker’s Joy, or spray with regular PAM and fl our carefully so as not to miss any spots; shake out excess fl our.

Whisk together fl our, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside. Combine the butter and sugar in the bowl of stand mixer. Beat on low to combine, then on medium speed until fl uff y and sugar is well-incorporated. Scrape sides of bowl. Add eggs one at a time, then the oil and vanilla extract; beat on medium speed until well-blended and smooth. With the mixer on low, scraping after each addition, alternate adding the following ingredients: 1 cup fl ourmixture, then 1/4 cup coff ee; 1 cup fl our, 1/4 cup coff ee; then the remaining fl our. Beat on medium until smooth. Add the zucchini and chocolate chips and beat on lowest speed until just incorporated. Scrape batter into pan; smooth surface. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a tester inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out on a cooling rack. Wait until cake is completely cool before glazing. Or you can just dust it with confectioner’s sugar if you are a minimalist.

Chocolate Glaze

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder• 1/4 cup whipping cream• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar, sifted• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Melt the butter in a small heavy saucepan over low heat. Add cocoa powder and cream and stir just until mixture thickens. Do not boil. Remove pan from heat and stir in confectioner’s sugar and vanilla until smooth. Immediately spoon glaze over the cooled cake.

ter of Jack-o-Lantern Farms loves it so much I made him one

for Christmas. Th e Chocolate Glaze is just gilding the lily,

but why not? Th ere may be such a thing as too much zuc-

chini, but there is no such thing as too much chocolate.


138 » parting shot » Danny Mitchell

REMEMBERING THE ST. LOUIS WINTER BLUES


Money for a Home.

Money from a Home.

Five convenient locations to service you. Visit www.fi rstsouthern.com

MEMBER FDIC


Your hometown pharmacy and home health center since 1853.

www.mrdrugs.com Three convenient locations to serve you:

869 Florence Blvd., Florence • 202 W. Avalon Avenue, Muscle Shoals • 2602 Hough Road, Florence

Documents

No’Ala Shoals, May/June 2015