Issue 39, Winter 1996

General Overview: The image is a cover of a publication named “Alabama Heritage.” It features a painting of a woman against a light purple to khaki background. Specific Elements or Objects: Text at the Top: The text “Alabama HERITAGE” is prominently displayed at the top. Painting: A classic-style painting of an individual is featured. The person in the painting is shown from behind and side, displaying long dark hair and wearing cream-colored clothing. Her head looks over her shoulder, with a pensive gaze. Background: The background is light purple, providing contrast to both the text and the painting.

Issue 39, Winter 1996

On the cover: Choctaw Belle by Philip Romer, 1850, one of many portraits appearing in Made in Alabama: a State Legacy, published by the Birmingham Museum of Art, E. Bryding Adams, chief editor and curator. (Courtesy Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia)

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Features

The photograph is captured in black and white, lending it a timeless quality. It depicts a group of people gathered around a table, engaged in what appears to be a meal or meeting. Here are the specifics: Composition: The scene is framed with a balanced composition. The subjects are positioned around the table, creating a sense of unity. People: There are several individuals present: Seated Group: Most of the people are seated. Their attire suggests formality, possibly indicating an official or professional setting. Standing Observer: In the background, one person stands, observing the seated group. This individual wears lighter clothing, contrasting with the others. Table Setting: On the table, we see plates and possibly eating utensils, reinforcing the notion of a meal or gathering. Indoor Setting: The environment appears to be indoors, although specific details about the interior décor or architecture remain hidden.
On June 20, 1954, Attorney General Silas Garret (seated at head of table) held a press conference in the Russell County Courthouse. Behind him (leaning on the window sill) is Chief Deputy Sheriff Albert Fuller. Both Garrett and Fuller were later indicted for the murder of Albert Patterson. Fuller was found guilty; the case against Garrett was eventually dropped. [Courtesy Birmingham Public Library]

When Good Men Do Nothing: The Murder of Albert Patterson

By Alan Grady

On the night of June 18, 1954, Alabama Senator Albert Patterson left his law office in Phenix City and headed home. Patterson, then the Democratic nominee for state attorney general, never reached his destination. As he approached his car, parked in a downtown alley, he was shot. Stumbling from the alley, Patterson collapsed in front of a dress shop and died. His son, convinced that the murder was due to his father’s involvement in running the gangsters out of Phenix City and Russell County, embarked on a crusade to solve the mystery of his father’s death. The trials that followed did little to convict a killer, although the publicity surrounding the case helped in a general clean-up of Phenix City.

The image showcases a vintage silver pitcher with an elegant design. Here are the key features: The pitcher has a reflective surface, emphasizing the luster of the metal. Its curved handle and graceful spout contribute to its classic aesthetic. The body of the pitcher appears to be slightly tarnished, suggesting age or use over time. On one side of the pitcher’s body, there are engravings or inscriptions, although they are not clearly visible. The pitcher stands on a small ornate base, adding to its vintage appeal.
This coin silver pitcher was stamped by John Campbell, Montgomery. [Photograph courtesy Birmingham Museum of Art]

Silver in Antebellum Alabama

By Edward Pattillo

Though some Alabamians have collected and treasured “Alabama-made” silver, evidence suggests that no silver was made in Alabama during the Antebellum period. Instead, many silver manufacturing firms in the Northeast sent shiploads of silver to retailers in the Deep South. These retailers would then stamp the silver with their own name, causing some modern silver collectors to mistakenly believe the silver was made in Alabama. Edward Pattillo stresses that Antebellum Alabamians knew the silver they bought in the state was brought in from somewhere else. The belief that the silver goods were made in local stores “has been a modern assumption.”

Red Erwin and the Medal of Honor

By Judd A. Katz

On April 12, 1945, Henry “Red” Erwin, a radioman with the U.S. Army Corps, was en route to Koriyama, Japan on a bombing mission when the phosphorous bomb he had dropped through the plane’s open chute turned, lifted, and exploded in his face. Three hundred feet above the Pacific, Erwin was instantly engulfed in flames. In an act of selflessness that would save the plane’s officers and crew and earn him the Medal of Honor, Erwin grabbed the fifteen-hundred degree bomb, carried it through thick smoke to the cockpit, and hurled it from the plane, collapsing soon afterward. Military brass awarded Erwin the Medal of Honor only two days after he saved his crew. No one expected him to survive much longer. They just didn’t know Red Erwin.

The image depicts an individual wearing a military uniform. The person is wearing a cap, and the uniform includes epaulettes on the shoulders. The overall tone of the image is dark, with the focus squarely on the person in military attire. The cap worn by the person appears to be part of a military uniform, and the epaulettes suggest some rank or designation.
Young Red Erwin from Docena, Alabama, could not wait to get into World War II. His eighteenth air mission, however, would be his last. [Courtesy Mr. and Mrs. Henry E. Erwin]
The image portrays an old brick building with a historical charm. Here are the key features: Construction: The building is constructed using red bricks, giving it a timeless appearance. Windows: Multiple horizontal windows adorn the building’s facade, allowing natural light to filter through. Entrance: A white porch with railings and steps serves as the entrance. It invites visitors into the building. Greenery: Bushes and green plants are thoughtfully planted in front of the building, adding a touch of nature. Sky: The sky appears overcast, creating a somewhat gloomy atmosphere. Sign or Plaque: Adjacent to the entrance door on the porch, there’s a sign or plaque. Unfortunately, its content isn’t discernible due to the image resolution.
Northington General Hospital [Courtesy Robin McDonald]

Northington General Hospital, Tuscaloosa

By Joanna Jacobs

During World War Two, Northington General Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was one link in an effective military medical network that stretched around the world. With one thousand beds, Northington’s specialty was plastic surgery. Because of the destructive nature of war wounds, plastic surgery techniques were in great demand. Doctors at Northington were instrumental in developing new skin-graft techniques during the 1940s.

Departments

Art in the South

Made in Alabama: A State Legacy

By E. Bryding Adams

Choctaw Bell, by S. Phillip Romer, may have been commissioned, but it is possible that Romer painted the handsome young woman because she appealed to him as a romantic, exotic subject. Choctaw Belle by Phillip Romer is one of many portraits appearing in Made in Alabama: A State Legacy, published by the Birmingham Museum of Art, 1995, E. Bryding Adams, chief editor and curator. The book was published in conjunction with the landmark exhibition of the same name, which was organized by the Birmingham Museum of Art, opened there October 14, 1994, and is now on tour throughout the state. 

a painting of a woman against a light purple to khaki background.
Choctaw Bell. [Birmingham Museum of Art]

Article Update

What Really Happened to the CSS Hunley? Success and Tragedy in Maffitt’s Channel

By Mark N. Newell

Alabama Heritage, number 18, contained an article on the development and exploits of one of the Civil War’s most intriguing seafaring vessels. The article, “The Confederate Submarine H. L. Hunley,” by James E. Kloeppel, concluded with the observation that the Hunley, which disappeared in Charleston Harbor in 1864, had never been found. In May 1995 the wreck of the Hunley was discovered. Alabama Heritage asked Mark Newell, who led the project that resulted in the discovery, to comment on the find.

The central focus of the image is a tank, meticulously rendered with detailed linework and shading. The tank is positioned on an elevated ground or platform, which appears to be made of earth or concrete. Visible tank tracks lead up to where the tank is stationed. The background presents an abstract representation of a barren landscape under a cloudy sky. The color palette predominantly consists of earthy tones such as browns and grays, evoking a somber mood. There’s no clear indication of human presence or activity around the tank. Abstract Landscape: The background lacks specific details but conveys a sense of desolation. Clouds are depicted in broad strokes, suggesting a cloudy sky. The overall scene feels isolated and perhaps even ominous.
The experimental submarine H. L. Hunley, built in Mobile from a twenty-five-foot boiler, became the first submarine to sink an enemy ship. [Alabama Department of Archives and History]
The image showcases a striking passion flower in its full glory. Nestled amidst a backdrop of dark green leaves, this flower is a true marvel of nature. The intricate details of the passion flower come to life: Petals: Although not clearly visible in the image, the petals likely contribute to the overall beauty of the flower. Filaments: These are the standout feature of the passion flower. They exhibit a mesmerizing pattern, with colors ranging from purple to white. These filaments radiate outward from the center of the flower. Center: The core of the flower is a vibrant shade of green, adorned with subtle hints of red. Its structure appears complex and intriguing. The dark green leaves surrounding the flower provide a contrasting background, allowing the colors of the flower to stand out prominently.
Maypops enjoy a broad distribution in the southern and central United States. [Courtesy L.J. Davenport]

The Nature Journal

Maypops

By L. J. Davenport

Few Alabama plants can match the maypop, either in features or folklore. With its pronounced tropical affinities, close ties to human habitation, bizarre flower construction, and unique Christian symbolism, the species stands alone. L.J. Davenport investigates this fascinating plant.

Southern Architecture and Preservation

This black and white stereograph depicts a scene outdoors, possibly in a garden or park. The people in the image are dressed in attire that suggests it belongs to an earlier time period, perhaps the 19th or early 20th century. The composition consists of two nearly identical pictures side by side. We see a group of individuals gathered together, surrounded by trees and foliage. Some are seated, while others stand. In the background, there’s an architectural structure, which could be part of a large building or pavilion.
Franklin Street Sabbath School Picnic:, Mobile, 1856 [Courtesy University of South Alabama Archives]

A Rare Glimpse of Antebellum Mobile

By John Sledge

John Sledge discusses two images, taken from a stereoscopic card, which provide a rare glimpse of antebellum architecture and society in Alabama.  This card is one of few non-studio pictures predating the Civil War in Alabama and represents a welcome relief from the myth-making that surrounds the Old South.

Notes and Queries

Rosenwald Schools: Have You Seen One in Your Area?

By Jeff Mansell

Rosenwald schools, built between 1912 and 1932 for African Americans were once a common sight on the rural Alabama landscape. Over the years, they have disappeared from the rural landscape. Jeff Mansell recounts the attempts to document the remaining schools on behalf of the National Register of Historic Places.

The image portrays an old, abandoned house that stands amidst a backdrop of overgrown vegetation. Let’s break down the elements: House: The house is painted in white, but its exterior shows signs of wear and neglect. The roof is slanted, suggesting age and weathering. There are three windows visible on the side facing us, but they appear dark and opaque, preventing us from seeing inside. Vegetation: The house is partially covered by green vegetation, which has grown over the walls. The surrounding area is also covered in grass and other greenery. Tree: Adjacent to the house stands a tall tree with lush foliage. Its branches extend toward the sky, providing a stark contrast to the abandoned structure. Sky: The sky above is clear and bright, devoid of clouds.
Rosenwald schools, built between 1912 and 1932 for African Americans, were once a common sight on the rural Alabama landscape. [Photograph by Jeff Mansell]
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