March 1st 2009 Snow

Downtown in the Blizzard of 09

Here's a drive-by of University Blvd during the snowstorm. Okay, it wasn't really a snowstorm. But for us, any snow is a big event. It was beautiful. Sadly, it had all completely melted before the p.m. But it was fun while it lasted!

It's SNOWING!...in Tuscaloosa, Alabama!

Yes, we interrupt our spring wishes, for SNOW - in March, in Tuscaloosa.

It's beautiful! BIG flakes, and lots of 'em. (sounds like some families I know! ha ha) Those of you who shovel hip deep snow all winter, I ask you to sweetly smile and pat our virtual heads in condescension while we squeal like little kids over a dusting of snow. Hey, did you know if you have the flash on your camera you can actually see the flakes falling? Cool!

Tuscaloosa CVB

This is the side view of the Jemison-Van De Graaff Mansion, featured here before. The Tuscaloosa Convention and Visitors Bureau is downstairs under that awning.

Old Tuscaloosa

Since I didn't get in trouble with the CDP police last week, and since I'm still experiencing a dry spell in the 'photos for blog' department, I thought I'd share another postcard from my collection. (Again, if this is against the rules or if you own the copyright, please advise.)

This is the same view as last week, but in a later year. Anyone want to guess on the year model of those automobiles to help me date this one? We're looking north, it's still pre-bank building, some trees are missing, but there's an addition - the trolley tracks in the middle of ths street! You might notice that the fourth bldg on the left looks different too. That's the McLester Hotel in one of its later remodels.

Oak Trees in "Druid City"

During the Civil War, Tuscaloosa came to be known as "The Druid City." The streets downtown were lined with oak trees. Druids were ancient Celtic people who worshipped trees, particularly oaks. Many places and groups in Tuscaloosa use "Druid City" or "Oak" in their names. (just google "the Druid City" and you'll see what I mean!)
This little lonely lane just outside of town is lined with water oaks. I think they're beautiful casting long afternoon shadows.

New Post, Old Postcard

The photo well is running dry around here. Top of my things to do list...take pictures!
So instead, I thought I'd share an image from my old Tuscaloosa postcard collection. Not sure if that's okay with CDP or anyone else, but this one is so old, surely no copyright still applies. If I'm in error, please advise and I'll remove it immediately. This is downtown, Market Street (which is now Greensboro Ave) looking north toward the river. I know it's pre 1925 because the bank building is missing. This one is worth a click to enlarge.

All American City

Tuscaloosa was awarded the National Civic League's "All American City" designation in 2002. The award is given to ten cities annually. This sign is painted on the sidewalks in downtown. I'm assuming it's part of a walking tour.

Here's a link to the Wikipedia article that lists all the city winners by year.

Tuscaloosa Christmas Tree

Merry Christmas from Tuscaloosa! This is the tree outside the courthouse. The lighting ceremony kicks off the Christmas parade and the season.

The Jemison Van De Graff Mansion

Please click to enlarge so you can really see this beautiful old home. It's the Jemison-Van de Graff Mansion and it's a Tuscaloosa landmark. When I was little, it was the public library. Now, the Tuscaloosa Visitors Bureau houses the basement, the main floor is rented out for functions, and the top floor is rented by a couple of businesses.

New Fire Station

This is the new fire station being built near downtown Tuscaloosa on Greensboro Ave. It's really big because will be replacing two fire stations, numbers 1 and 5. It has a pretty copper colored roof that really shines in the sun.

Riverwalk

Tuscaloosa's Riverwalk is a 3-4 mile walking/biking trail along the Black Warrior River. It includes a couple of nice parks and the boat launch of the Bama Belle.

The Tuscaloosa News

This new modern building is the home of the Tuscaloosa News. They moved in a few years ago from an old building where they'd been since 1959. This building faces the river and will soon overlook an amphitheatre. The Tuscaloosa News is now owned by The New York Times. Oh, the irony.

Not What It Seems

-A beautiful long drive lined with water oaks

-A stately white columned building with a domed cupola

Not exactly what it seems...not an antebellum plantation.

Just looking at these pictures, you might never guess that this is Bryce Hospital.

Founded in 1861, Bryce Hospital is an inpatient psychiatric care facility with adolescent, adult, and geriatric units. The property borders the University of Alabama, which is in negotiations with the state to buy it.

Bryce has a very interesting history and is listed on the national historic registry. Wyatt vs. Stickney was a class action lawsuit filed in 1970 on behalf of an adolescent patient at Bryce. That case "formed the basis for formed the basis for federal minimum standards for the care of people with mental illness or mental retardation who reside in institutional settings." -badly needed standards that were long overdue.

Horne's Bar B Q

If you've ever been to Tuscaloosa, this great neon sign on 15th should be familiar. Horne's Bar-B-Q on 15th street beside Forest Lake was around way before fast food. That's their chimney in the background. The restaurant is still in business but under a new name, Mike and Ed's. Click to enlarge so you can read the sign - Beef Pork Chicken, then the round part says Hickory Smoked and has a picture of a pig dancing over a fire! Hilarious.

Tuscaloosa Public Library

This is the fountain sculpture outside the Tuscaloosa Public Library.
It's another drive by photo, so the quality is lacking, sorry.
There's an open book at the top with a bookmark that says "Knowledge."
I love the library. When I was a little girl it was housed in the old Jemison Van De Graff Mansion and was called the Friedman Library, after the family who donated the house. The floors were loud and everything creaked. When we couldn't go to town, the Bookmobile came to our community. Either way, we had many books in our house at all times.

Closed Gate, No Fence

This is one set of gates on University Blvd. entering the Partlow Developmental Center.

Opened in 1922, it was the state's first institution serving persons with mental retardation.

When I was a child, there was an imposing fence that lined the perimeter, keeping the residents inside. The fence came down after Wyatt vs. Stickney reformed the mental health systems in the state and nation. Now, many adults with developmental disabilities who would have formerly been institionalized, live in group homes and work in the community.

Gilgal Church

Gilgal Baptist Church is over 175 years old. The building they meet in now was built in the sixties, but I'm glad they preserved the original.

The Fair is in Town

The fair is in town this week at the Jaycees Park. It's been a source of controversy and isn't at all as big an attraction as it used to be. There are no exhibits or contests, just rides and junk food.

Forgotten Path

For years this path through the woods was covered and forgotten.
It is part of the old Queen City Park downtown.