Issue 8, Spring 1988

The image features an illustration that dominates the cover. It depicts a serene outdoor scene with a sense of nostalgia and historical significance. Let’s break down the elements: Title and Typography: At the top of the cover, the title “Alabama HERITAGE” is prominently displayed in elegant fonts. The word “HERITAGE” is underlined, emphasizing its importance. The title is written in blue text against a white background. Illustration: The central focus is an illustrated scene set in a field. The field is filled with tall grasses, suggesting an open landscape. Two figures are depicted: Standing Figure: Positioned on the left side of the illustration, this figure stands upright. They wear a wide-brimmed hat and face away from the viewer, revealing their back profile. Their posture suggests contemplation or observation. Kneeling Figure: On the right side, a second figure kneels. However, this figure is less distinct, perhaps intentionally obscured. Their purpose or identity remains mysterious. The background of the illustration shows an expansive sky with a pinkish hue, evoking a sense of dawn or dusk. Additional Text: In the lower right corner, there’s a small block of text in blue: “Spring 1988 Number 8” “.00” The overall composition exudes a sense of heritage, history, and connection to the land. It invites readers to explore the stories and culture of Alabama.

Issue 8, Spring 1988

On the cover:  Tea-servers kept Chinese laborers in Reconstruction Alabama supplied with their favorite beverage. [Courtesy The Historical New Orleans Collection, Museum/Research Center, Acc. No. 1953.80. Tinting by Jan Pruitt]

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Features

This black and white sketch portrays an enigmatic male figure. The person is of Asian descent. The person stands in traditional attire. Clad in loose-fitting clothing, including a robe-like garment and sandals, he's holding a large bundle wrapped in cloth. The textured ground beneath him adds to the mystery. The sketch invites viewers into a narrative suspended in ambiguity, leaving questions about the individual’s identity and the contents of the bundle unanswered.
A sketch of an immigrant laborer in Reconstruction Alabama.

Chinese Laborers in Reconstruction Alabama

By Daniel Liestman

In the years following the Civil War, Alabama embarked on what some called “the Chinese experiment.” For the experiment’s most optimistic proponents, the idea was simple and sure: Import inexpensive Chinese workers to redress the dire labor shortages the state was suffering after the Civil War and use Chinese immigrants to rebuild plantations and to construct railroads, thereby resuscitating the state’s lifeless post-war economy at the least possible cost. For the most part, the plan did not work. In this article, Daniel Liestman examines the plan, the thinking behind it, and the reasons for its failure.

Gunboat Quilts

By Bryding Adams Henley

In mid-February 1862, the Mobile Register and Advertiser published a letter from “A Southern Woman” who wished to appeal to the patriotism of Southern women in general and Alabama women in particular, all of whom, she said, should begin raising money for the cause of the Confederacy. This particular Southern woman had as her goal the creation of a gunboat to defend the City of Mobile. To this end, the woman was willing to contribute “her mite of less than five dollars” which she had “earned by her needle.”  Thus began the inspiration for a statewide campaign in Alabama to raise money for what came to be known as the Women’s Gunboat Fund.

A textured quilt adorned with a vibrant cluster of yellow flowers surrounded by alternating burnt orange and deep blue diamond patterns; emphasize the intricate stitching and crinkled fabric surface to highlight its handmade charm.
A detail of quilt made prior to 1862 by Martha Jane Hatter of Greensboro, Alabama. [Photo courtesy Chip Cooper]
The image is a grayscale photograph showcasing an old urban area, characterized by vintage architecture and vehicles. Specific Elements or Objects: Buildings: There are multiple buildings with a vintage architectural design, featuring chimneys and flat roofs. The buildings appear to be made of brick, with visible wear and aging signs. Vehicles: Two old-fashioned cars are parked on the street adjacent to the buildings, indicating the photo’s historical context. Street: The street is empty except for the parked cars and is lined with utility poles carrying power lines or telecommunication cables. Utility Poles: Tall utility poles are aligned along the street, connected by wires that crisscross above. This captivating image captures a glimpse into a bygone era, evoking a sense of nostalgia. The vintage architecture, aged buildings, and classic cars transport us to a different time.
The Jefferson County Jail, known as “The Rock,” housed many of the most dangerous prisoners from Bibb and surrounding counties until it was razed in 1927. [Courtesy Birmingham Public Library]

Outlaws, Cat’s-Paws, and Spotters

By Rhoda Coleman Ellison

A century ago, crime flourished in the central Alabama backwoods. Thieves made their raids from the rough hill country, afterwards retiring safely among protective family and friends. Their primary object was to seize livestock and cotton, but theft sometimes led to violence. The press followed the exploits of these desperadoes avidly and heaped condemnation on those counties that failed to control them. By the early 1890s, Bibb County bore the heaviest burden of shame. It was known as “Bloody Bibb.” And yet, from time to time throughout the last quarter of the nineteenth century, Bibb’s neighboring counties were bloody, too. Besides producing criminals of their own, they were havens for others who operated without any respect for county lines. This article recounts the exploits of some of these criminals.

Stop Thief! Nineteenth-Century Wanted Posters

This photographic section features posters selected from the collections of the William Stanley Hoole Special Collections Library. Written in the days before photography was common, these posters were created by people who had to rely primarily on their descriptive capabilities in order to distinguish the person or animal or object they sought from others of its kind. Apparently they took to their task with relish, describing teeth, scars, skin color, physical deformities, and personality traits with remarkable candor if not total objectivity. 

General Overview: The image exudes an air of antiquity, its sepia tones lending it a historical charm. A reward notice is prominently displayed, seeking the capture of an individual named James E. Rice. The poster bears essential information about the reward, the wanted person, and the circumstances. Specific Elements or Objects: Text: At the top, handwritten text is partially legible, but its exact content remains elusive. The central headline boldly declares: “0 REWARD” for capturing James E. Rice. A detailed description follows: James E. Rice escaped from Pratt Mines on June 12th, 1887. Age is 27 years; height 5 feet and 1/2 inches, shoes on; weight 160 pounds or more; complexion fair; hair dark; eyes hazel; teeth bad; occupation before conviction, farmer. Was convicted in Walker County, for robbery, Spring, '84, and given fifteen years to the Penitentiary. Has wife and one child living in Walker County, Alabama. His father, brothers and sisters live in Texas, and other relations living in Hill, Ellis, Navarro, and Johnson Counties. Has small scar over left eye 1 1/2 inches long, running towards nose or eyebrow. When he made his escape he wore side beard and mustache, chin clean shaven, beard rather dark. In walking he is little stoop shouldered. He is very fond of telling dirty tales." The bottom text credits the TENN. COAL, IRON & R.R.CO. at Pratt Mines, Ala. as the entity offering the reward. Image of James E. Rice: A portrait of James E. Rice accompanies the text, in a black and white sketch. He appears to have a dark formal suit. Background: The background appears plain, with subtle texture—perhaps a testament to the quality of aged paper. This wanted poster serves as a historical artifact, documenting law enforcement practices of the time. The 0 reward offered by TENN. COAL, IRON & R.R.CO. adds intrigue to James E. Rice’s story.
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