Homegrown History: Recent Episodes
Athens-Limestone County Public Library
Discover Athens, Alabama and Limestone County from one who has studied it and one who has lived it. Rebekah Davis, Limestone County archivist, and Limestone County native, Richard Martin, recount stories and bring in special guests to talk about the rich history of Limestone County, Alabama.
For more than a hundred years (1865 - 1970) Trinity School served Limestone County's African American students in a time when their educational opportunities were less than ideal. How Trinity graduates from small-town Athens, Alabama went on to make major contributions in the world of arts and sciences, education, government, and medicine as well as civil and human rights is the topic of this episode. Richard and Rebekah are joined by special guests Charlotte Fulton, author of Holding the Fort: A History of Trinity School, and David Malone, 1966 Trinity High School graduate. They also discuss the preservation of the school's buildings and ongoing plans for an onsite museum and archive.
https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/
https://www.alcpl.org/
Holding the Fort: A History of Trinity School in Athens, Alabama 1865-1870 by Charlotte Fulton
This book is available for reference at the Limestone Archives and the Athens-Limestone Public Library
For information, questions, or suggestions email rebekah.davis@limestonecounty-al.gov.
Music from Pixabay
For more than a hundred years (1865 - 1970) Trinity School served Limestone County's African American students, and its history reflects a microcosm of the African American experience. Founded by Mary Fletcher Wells to educate newly freed slaves and their children, the first classes were held only weeks after the South surrendered. The story of Trinity and the determination to keep it open through fires, hardship, and community discord is the story of dedicated educators who taught much more than academics to generations of families in Limestone County. In this episode, Rebekah and Richard talk with David Malone, 1966 Trinity High School graduate, and Charlotte Fulton, author of Holding the Fort: A History of Trinity School.
https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/
https://www.alcpl.org/
Holding the Fort: A History of Trinity School in Athens, Alabama 1865-1870 by Charlotte Fulton
This book is available for reference at the Limestone Archives and the Athens-Limestone Public Library
For information, questions, or suggestions email rebekah.davis@limestonecounty-al.gov.
Music from Pixabay
Rebekah and Richard host local historian of African American history, Peggy Towns, and Limestone County educator, Chris Paysinger, for Part 2 of the Civil War and its impact on Athens and Limestone County. Taking notes from personal diaries, genealogy research, and other historical records, they localize the history of the Civil War by sharing individual stories of people (including their own ancestors) withstanding the Union occupation of Athens. One former Limestone County resident of note has ties that link to a modern day princess!
Links
https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/
https://www.alcpl.org/
https://archives.alabama.gov Alabama Department of Archives and History
https://www.visitathensal.com/richard-martin-trail.html Richard Martin Trail
Books referenced in the episode are available at Athens-Limestone County Public Library and the Limestone County Archives:
"Duty Driven: the plight of North Alabama's African Americans during the Civil War" / Peggy Allen Towns
"Let the family circle be unbroken": the transformation of republican patriarchy, Athens, Alabama, 1818-1870 a thesis / by Christopher Browning Paysinger
"Revolutionaries and Rebels" / by Jerry Barksdale
For information, questions, or suggestions email rebekah.davis@limestonecounty-al.gov.
Music from Pixabay
Rebekah and Richard host local historian of African American history, Peggy Towns, and Limestone County educator, Chris Paysinger, for a look into Athens and Limestone County during the early days of the Civil War. Originally sympathetic with the Union, find out what triggered the turning point for the city of Athens. Also learn about the United States Colored Infantry stationed at Fort Henderson as well as speculation that the famous short story, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," may have been inspired from the Battle of Sulphur Creek Trestle right here in Limestone County.
Links
https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/
https://www.alcpl.org/
https://archives.alabama.gov Alabama Department of Archives and History
https://www.visitathensal.com/richard-martin-trail.html Richard Martin Trail
Books referenced in the episode are available at Athens-Limestone County Public Library:
"Duty Driven: the plight of North Alabama's African Americans during the Civil War" / Peggy Allen Towns
"Let the family circle be unbroken": the transformation of republican patriarchy, Athens, Alabama, 1818-1870 a thesis / by Christopher Browning Paysinger
"The Complete Short Stories of Ambrose Bierce" (includes "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge")
For information, questions, or suggestions email rebekah.davis@limestonecounty-al.gov.
Music from Pixabay
LET JUSTICE BE DONE THOUGH THE HEAVENS MAY FALL - the family motto of Judge James E. Horton was emblazoned at the top of his controversial decision in the 1933 Scottsboro Boys case to throw out the guilty verdict and order a new trial. Rebekah and Richard continue their discussion with local author and African American historian, Peggy Towns, and Steven Brown, author and Professor of Political Science from Auburn University. They recount the aftermath of this case: what happened to the Scottsboro Boys and the local Limestone County judge that courageously spoke out against the machinery of criminal justice.
Links
https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/
https://www.alcpl.org/
http://www.co.morgan.al.us/archivesindex.html Morgan County Archive
https://archives.alabama.gov Alabama Department of Archives and History
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uX8dp5bYfA&t=375s Pen Strokes of Justice Judge Horton and the Scottsboro Boys
For information, questions, or suggestions email rebekah.davis@limestonecounty-al.gov.
Music from Pixabay
In April, 1931, an all-white, all-male jury quickly convicted the Scottsboro Boys and sentenced eight of them to death. But that was just the beginning. With the whole world watching this racially charged case, in 1933, the retrial of Haywood Patterson began in Decatur, Alabama with Judge James E. Horton of Athens, Alabama presiding. In this episode Rebekah and Richard welcome local author and African American historian, Peggy Towns, from Decatur, and Steven Brown, author and Professor of Political Science from Auburn University. They give a riveting account of the people and events that transpired both inside and outside the courtroom during this landmark case.
Links
https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/
https://www.alcpl.org/
http://www.co.morgan.al.us/archivesindex.html Morgan County Archive
https://archives.alabama.gov Alabama Department of Archives and History
For information, questions, or suggestions email rebekah.davis@limestonecounty-al.gov.
Music from Pixabay
Every historic home has a story and a host of families that saw them through the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Great Depression and beyond. In this episode, Rebekah once again welcomes Limestone County native and retired Professor of Art History, Lakin Boyd, for a continued talk about the houses and their residents who were pivotal players in the early days of Athens and Limestone County,
Links
https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/
https://www.alcpl.org/
Limestone County Historical Society https://limestonecountyhistoricalsociety.org/
Antebellum trail https://www.visitathensal.com/antebellum.html
Historic American Buildings Survey https://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/hh/
National Register Forms https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP
For information, questions, or suggestions email rebekah.davis@limestonecounty-al.gov.
Music from Pixabay
Rebekah and Richard welcome Limestone County native and retired Professor of Art History, Lakin Boyd. Lakin shares his extensive research on historic homes of Limestone County. Dating back to the early 1800’s, he talks about the different architectural styles through the years as well as stories of the early residents, some of whom had a front row seat for the Civil War's Battle of Athens.
Links
https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/
https://www.alcpl.org/
Limestone County Historical Society (also the source for Mary Mason's scrapbook) https://limestonecountyhistoricalsociety.org/
Antebellum trail https://www.visitathensal.com/antebellum.html
Historic American Buildings Survey https://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/hh/
National Register Forms https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP
For information, questions, or suggestions email rebekah.davis@limestonecounty-al.gov.
Music from Pixabay
Athens State University is the oldest continuously operated institution of higher education in the Alabama state system and will celebrate its bicentennial in 2022. Surviving epidemics, wars, and economic hardship, the college has overcome adversity and grown thanks to the hard work and generosity of the people of Athens and Limestone County. Dr. Harry Joiner, Professor Emeritus at Athens State University, discusses its history from the early days as a female academy to a modern day highly-respected university .
Links
https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/
https://www.alcpl.org/
For information, questions, or suggestions email rebekah.davis@limestonecounty-al.gov.
Music from Pixabay
Straddling two states and four county lines, Ardmore is a unique town with a storied past. With origins dating back to the Trail of Tears and a boost from the L&N Railroad, Ardmore grew from a trading post into a thriving town. In this episode we hear about 1930s bootlegging traffic and an incident involving the Freedom Riders during the 1960s Civil Rights movement. Also, the murder of an Ardmore man, Kirby Cole - immortalized in song by Athens native, Aaron Sims.
Links
https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/
https://www.alcpl.org/
https://athensdulcimerclub.wordpress.com/dulcimentaries/dulcimentary-articles/kirby-cole-1899-1921/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeJ5qJtTnGs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEjb9wLr8rI
https://athensdulcimerclub.wordpress.com
For information, questions, or suggestions email rebekah.davis@limestonecounty-al.gov.
Music from Pixabay
"The Ballad of Kirby Cole" lyrics and music by Aaron Sims.
Once again, Rebekah and Richard talk with Limestone County native and storyteller, Doug Wells. City boy (Richard) and farm boy (Doug) compare notes and remember their Athens teenage years. Listen to their stories about football rivalries, courting, and fun at the county fair while coming of age in Limestone County, Alabama in the 1950's.
Links
https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/
https://www.alcpl.org/
For information, questions, or suggestions email rebekah.davis@limestonecounty-al.gov.
Music from Pixabay
Homegrown HAUNTED History – a special Halloween ghostly episode with Rebekah, Richard, and local author Shane Black. Haunted halls, glowing balls, and noises in the night with special appearances by Charles Sarver, George Houston, and Mary....Listen if you dare……
Links
https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/
https://www.alcpl.org/
https://www.visitathensal.com/
For information, questions, or suggestions email rebekah.davis@limestonecounty-al.gov.
Music and Sound Effects from Pixabay
Rebekah and Richard talk with Limestone County native and storyteller, Doug Wells. Laugh out loud as Doug and Richard recount growing up, going to town, and getting in trouble as young boys in 1940's Limestone County. They talk about standing room only Saturday nights on the Athens Square and paint a lively picture of life in a bygone era.
Links
https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/
https://www.alcpl.org/
For information, questions, or suggestions email rebekah.davis@limestonecounty-al.gov.
Music from Pixabay
April 27, 2011. 62 tornadoes struck Alabama, 7 hit Limestone County. Richard and Rebekah talk to Kelly Kazek, a local author who witnessed this tornado and has interviewed survivors of some of Alabama’s most devastating tornadoes. From families and homes upended to survivors left for dead, their stories range from heartbreaking to inspirational.
Notes: Books available at the Limestone County Archive and Athens-Limestone Public library include:
"A history of Alabama's deadliest tornadoes : disaster in Dixie" by Kelly Kazek
"7 on 4/27" by Kelly Kazek
Available at the Limestone County Archive:
" April 3, 1974: A Night to Remember" by Charles Jordan
Severe weather season across the United States is considered to be in the spring, but Alabama also has a secondary severe weather season in the fall. The severity varies from year to year, but the it’s important to remember that tornadoes in Alabama don’t just happen in the spring.
Tornado Safety rules link:
www.weather.gov/bmx/sps_torsafetyrules
Rebekah and Richard recount the lively early days of the Athens Square with bear fights, horse races and a jail housing pet panthers! They discuss the significance of Cottonport as a transportation hub and Wooley Springs as an early recreation and wellness resort. In telling the story of the first railroad in Limestone County, they talk about its founders and importance for early residents.
Links
https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/
https://www.alcpl.org/
Have questions about this episode? Email gotquestions@alcpl.org
Dr. Harry Joiner continues his talk with Richard and Rebekah on the early days of Limestone County, Alabama. Find out how Alabama went from unsettled territory to statehood, where its boundaries were carved, and why it almost became part of Mississippi. Dr. Joiner also talks about the the origin and cost of 192 acres that is now Athens, Alabama.
Links
https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/
https://www.alcpl.org/
More Info
The Foxfire book series on Appalachian history mentioned in this podcast is available at the Athens-Limestone County Public Library.
Have questions about this episode? Email gotquestions@alcpl.org
Rebekah Davis and Richard Martin talk to special guest, Dr. Harry Joiner. A historian and author of early Alabama history, Dr. Joiner tells where dinosaurs roamed in North Alabama, how the valleys were carved from mountains and rivers, and why the mussels of the Muscle Shoals were an important food source for early cave dwellers.. He also talks about early Native Americans and where to see ancient Indian mounds today.
Links:
https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/
https://www.alcpl.org/
Have questions about this episode? Email gotquestions@alcpl.org
Discover the history of the Trail of Tears with Rebekah Davis, Limestone County archivist, and Athens, Alabama native, Richard Martin. Their guests are David Walker and Ronnie Cornelison, local experts who have studied Native Americans and the early roads they walked from Alabama to Oklahoma after the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Find out how these roads were uncovered using map layering technology and where you can go to follow the Trail of Tears.
https://www.okhistory.org/research/dawes
https://www.gaiagps.com/
http://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/
https://www.alcpl.org/
Have questions about this episode? Email gotquestions@alcpl.org
Meet Rebekah Davis, Limestone County Alabama archivist, and long-time Athens, AL native, Richard Martin, as they talk about the unique history of Limestone County, Alabama. Rebekah and Richard talk about their personal connection to Limestone County and touch on topics they will be featuring on future episodes of Homegrown History.
Links:
https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/
https://www.alcpl.org/
Have questions about this episode? Email gotquestions@alcpl.org