Issue 22, Fall 1991

This appears to be a cover of "Alabama HERITAGE" magazine. The word "Alabama" is in an elegant script writing in bright red. The word "HERITAGE" is below in all black. There is additional text that is unable to be seen. Also on the image is a sketch of a man raising a fist with the words "AVENGE December 7" in a red color. The background is dark and ominous. It looks as if it could be a movie poster. In the bottom right corner is a bright white-yellow spot that looks as if there was an explosion.

Issue 22, Fall 1991

On the cover: Office of War Information poster from World War II. [Courtesy U. S. Government Printing Office. Artist: Bernard Perlin]

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Features

The image appears to be an aerial photograph captured in black and white. It depicts a harbor with several elements: Ships: The harbor is bustling with various ships, including both large vessels and smaller boats. These ships are likely docked or navigating the water. Piers and Docks: Several piers or docks extend into the water, providing berthing space for the ships. Buildings: Clusters of buildings are situated near the waterfront. These structures could be warehouses, offices, or other facilities related to maritime activities. Smoke and Disturbances: Notably, there is smoke rising from multiple points within the scene. This suggests some form of disaster, such as fires or explosions. The cause of the smoke remains unclear. Water Surface: The water exhibits ripples, likely caused by the movement of ships or other disturbance
Aerial view of Pearl Harbor, taken from a Japanese bomber shortly after the first onslaught, shows the position of U.S. ships on Battleship Row. In the background smoke rises from fires at Hickam Field. [Courtesy National Archives]

Alabamians at Pearl Harbor

By Maridith Walker Geuder

December 7, 1991, marked the fiftieth anniversary of the day “that will live in infamy.” Alabamians who survived Pearl Harbor remember the attack and its devastating aftermath. The shocking attack marked the beginning of America’s military participation in World War II. The first wave of Japanese planes arrived while most of the island was still asleep: 189 fighters and bombers swooped in to wreak destruction on the unsuspecting American fleet. It was one of the most humiliating attacks in United States history. This article recounts the attack and includes a number of sidebars featuring these survivors telling their stories in their own words. 

The image is a sepia-toned drawing depicting an ornate horse-drawn carriage. Here are the specific features captured in the sketch: Carriage Design: The carriage has an elegant and curved body with windows and a door. It is designed to be horse-drawn. Wheels: Two large spoked wheels are visible, emphasizing the carriage’s vintage style. Ornate Details: The body of the carriage features elaborate patterns and trims, suggesting that it may have been used for special occasions or by individuals of high social standing. Passenger Comfort: Windows with curtains can be seen on the sides, allowing passengers to look out while maintaining privacy. The roof is curved and covered, providing shelter for those inside. Entrance: A door with a handle indicates where passengers would enter the carriage. Horse-Drawn: Although no horses are depicted in this sketch, the design clearly aligns with traditional horse-drawn carriages.
“American Stage Coach.” Camera lucida sketch by Capt. Basil Hall, R.N.

The Federal Road: Tourists in the Creek Nation

By Jerry Elijah Brown

Excerpts from Travels in North America

By Captain Basil Hall, Royal Navy

This double-article recounts the experiences of travelers in Alabama in the early- to mid-nineteenth century. They came by the dozens–pilgrims, speculators, stage-drivers, slaves, innkeepers and doomed Indians.  They came from England, from Scotland and Ireland and Germany. They came from France.  They came with pen and paper, ready to record their adventures in this opening land. Their travels took them along the Federal Road, a highway now long since faded into obscurity, leaving only the faintest trace of its former existence. 

Travels in North America is the account of one such traveler. In this excerpt, Captain Basil Hall of the Royal Navy recounts his travels among the Creeks.

Julia S. Tutwiler: Years of Innocence

By Paul M. Pruitt, Jr.

Julia Tutwiler, educator and social reformer, wanted to change the world–or, at least, change Alabama. Part one of a two-part series, this article examines her preparation for that formidable challenge. It covers the period from her birth in 1841, through her European travels, to her return in 1878. Julia Tutwiler would prove to be a powerful influence on Alabama. This is her story.

his vintage, sepia-toned photograph features two individuals sitting side by side. Key details: The image is sepia-toned, suggesting it is quite old or has been edited to appear that way. There are two individuals seated next to each other; one appears to be male and the other female based on their attire. The individual on the left is wearing a dark suit with a bow tie and a white shirt. The individual on the right appears to be wearing a checkered dress with a white collar and cuffs. The background of the photo is textured and nondescript, providing no additional context about the location or setting.
Henry Tutwiler married Julia Ashe in 1835. Their daughter Julia Strudwick Tutwiler, one of eleven children, was born in 1841. A teacher in her own right, Julia Ashe gave her children “early reading lessons, by methods advanced for the time.” [Courtesy George Burke Johnson]

Departments

he image shows an old, abandoned two-story house surrounded by bare trees and overgrown vegetation. The house appears to be in a state of disrepair, with visible damage to the structure and no signs of recent habitation. Key details: A black and white photograph depicting an abandoned two-story house. The house has a front porch with columns, which are intact but show signs of weathering. There are multiple windows on both floors; some windows are missing panes or shutters. The roof appears aged and possibly damaged, with shingles that may be missing or deteriorating. Overgrown bushes and tall grasses surround the base of the house. Bare trees and branches encroach upon the house from various angles, indicating neglect or abandonment. No visible sky or other structures suggest a secluded location.
The unknown architect of Elm Bluff had an exceptional command of classic proportion and detail. [Courtesy Alabama Historical Commission]

Southern Architecture and Preservation

Elm Bluff–A New York House in an Alabama Forest

By Robert Gamble

In the 1840s, John Jay Crocheron, a patrician New Yorker-turned-planter, had a unique house built on his property. Though it was located on a plantation, there is a Manhattan air of sophistication about the place, setting it apart from the typical Greek Revival-style plantation houses in this part of the world. The designer of Elm Bluff remains shrouded in mystery, but the house displays the signature of an accomplished architect. Even in its decay, Elm Bluff remains a beautiful, tantalizing mystery.

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