Issue 61, Summer 2001

The image appears to be a magazine cover or a similar publication. Here are the details: The title “ALABAMA HERITAGE” is prominently displayed at the top in white, bold letters against a dark background. Below the title, there is an image of an ancient-looking pottery piece. The pottery resembles an animal’s head, possibly a bird or reptile, with visible features like eyes and a beak or mouth. The pottery has an aged appearance with earthy tones of brown and red. At the bottom of the cover, there is additional text in smaller font that likely provides information about the publication or a related organization. The main text “ALABAMA HERITAGE” is displayed at the top in bold white letters. A photograph of the ancient pottery piece occupies the central portion of the image. The pottery appears to depict an animal’s head with discernible features and has earthy tones. Smaller text at the bottom likely provides more context about this publication or related entity. The OCR-detected text reads: “ALABAMA HERITAGE PUBLISHED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AND THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM.”

Issue 61, Summer 2001

On the cover:  A frog effigy bottle excavated in 1931, north of Mound R at the Moundville Archaeological site, where W. B. Jones spurred the restoration of a national historic treasure. [Photograph by Robin McDonald]

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Features

The black-and-white photograph captures a man standing outdoors in a wooded area. The individual is middle-age. They wear a light-colored, short-sleeved shirt that appears unbuttoned at the top. Their dark pants are noticeably dirty or stained. The person stands amidst trees, and the ground beneath them is uneven and covered with natural debris.
Walter B. Jones [Alabama Museum of Natural History]

Walter B. Jones and Moundville

By Ellen Garrison

In 1924, when a young geologist named Walter B. Jones surveyed a rural scene south of Tuscaloosa, what he saw astounded him. The area before him would become what we know as Moundville, and Jones would work for much of his life in an effort to salvage and preserve that site. Author Ellen Garrison examines Jones’ achievements, fighting against natural growth, farming, and looting of artifacts, while searching for funding by badgering state senators and even mortgaging his own home. Following these struggles, Garrison shows the success of Jones’ efforts, as construction of the Mound State Monument Museum was completed and became one of the finest geological parks in the country.

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The Fatal Voyage of the Mary Frances

By Frances Tucker

One fateful Sunday afternoon, June 15, 1919, Tuscaloosa businessman Sam Alston invited area children aboard his ship, the Mary Frances, for free rides up the Black Warrior River. However, a day of fun became a nightmare when, a quarter-mile into the trip, the vessel capsized, leading twenty-six children and adults to their death. Using vivid details from newspapers and personal records of the time, author Frances Tucker recounts the frantic moments just after the accident, as passengers struggled for their lives, and tells of the grieving aftermath that faced Tuscaloosa for those who did not survive the fatal voyage.

The sepia-toned photograph captures a group of people on and around a small boat named “MARY FRANCES.” The boat is docked at a wooden pier. The individuals in the photo are dressed in attire that suggests an earlier era, possibly the late 19th or early 20th century. Some are seated inside the boat, while others stand or sit on the pier beside it. One person stands at the far end of the boat, holding what appears to be a pole or staff. The background shows calm water and part of a forested area on the opposite shore.
Sam Alston with guests on the “Mary Frances” [Mary Burges Rudulph Steeves]
This historical black and white photograph captures a group of people standing in front of a store. The store features large glass windows, reflecting the surroundings. A banner hangs across the front, advertising “25% off MEN’S, BOYS & CHILDREN’S SUITS.” Above the banner, another partially visible sign reads “FURNISHERS,” suggesting that this might be a clothing or furniture store. The image evokes a sense of nostalgia, with its monochromatic tones and the fashion of the era. The individuals appear to be dressed formally, consistent with the context of a suit sale. Overall, it portrays a moment frozen in time, capturing both the architecture of the store and the people who once stood there.
Joseph Saks, second from the left, stands with his employees in front of his clothing store, “The Famous.” Saks was so well known in the area that a letter addressed to “Joseph Saks, Alabama” reached him. [Courtesy Andrew Saks]

Lives of Quiet Affirmation: Anniston’s Early Jewish Community

By Sherry Blanton

When the private company town of Anniston, Alabama, opened its doors to the public in 1833, a small but thriving Jewish community settled there, coming together to build Temple Beth El, the oldest temple in Alabama continually used as a Jewish house of worship. This article tells the story of Jewish life in early Anniston, beginning as dry goods and clothing merchants, and becoming a flourishing part of the community. Also detailed is the Ladies Hebrew Benevolent Society, the women’s group responsible for the fundraising which made the construction of Temple Beth El possible. Following the temple’s dedication, author Sherry Blanton notes the history and importance of the 108-year-old Temple Beth El to Anniston’s Jews, as well as Jewish communities all across Alabama and America.

The Great Montgomery Monkey Trial

By John B. Scott, Jr.

In 1950, an attractive young Montgomery housewife was attacked by a well-dressed spider monkey with an affinity for port wine, thus beginning the famous Circuit Court of Montgomery County’s trial of Cheeta the drinking monkey. Cheeta, this pet and “perfect friend” of handyman John Lee Simmons, often dressed in his favorite outfit–a custom-designed policeman’s uniform complete with a toy pistol–and was tried for assaulting Mrs. Barah Blake Jones. Author John B. Scott, Jr., details the proceedings of the light-hearted trial in which prosecutors pushed for Cheeta’s demise as defense attorneys stressed his civilized nature and innocent track record. Alas, the monumental question for jurisprudence to decide: Would the “one free bite rule”–afforded domesticated pets but not “wild” animals–apply to this evolutionary hiccup? Was Cheeta a wild, uncivilized beast or just a good monkey gone wrong?

John Lee Simmons and his ‘perfect friend.’ [Courtesy Montgomery County Courthouse]

Departments

The focal point of this serene scene is a heron—a majestic bird with a slender, elongated neck. Its grey feathers are subtly illuminated by natural light, creating a gentle glow. The heron stands gracefully, its beak long and pointed, perfectly adapted for fishing. The heron is positioned near dark yet calm waters. Specks of light dance on the water’s surface, reflecting the ambient light. Floating leaves add to the tranquil atmosphere. The background remains mysterious—a canvas of darkness that emphasizes the bird’s elegance. The play of light and shadow across its body captures a moment frozen in time.
Great Blue Heron. [L. J. Davenport]

Nature Journal

Great Blues

By L. J. Davenport

Great Blue Herons are the largest, most widespread, and best known wetland birds of North America. L.J. Davenport examines their habits and life cycle.

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