Our Mission is to preserve, interpret, and present Central Alabama’s architecture, history, and culture.

December 2019

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LANDMARKS FOUNDATION OF MONTGOMERY AND OLD ALABAMA TOWN

OLD ALABAMA TOWN JOINS

THE BICENTENNIALCELEBRATION

Peggy Burns returns to Old Alabama Town to demonstrate broom making.

Boasting the oldest building in Montgomery County, Old Alabama Town partners with the Alabama 200 Bicentennial in the celebration on Saturday, December 14. Located in downtown Montgomery, Old Alabama Town stretches across six blocks and includes Lucas Tavern, Montgomery’s oldest building, as well as a schoolhouse, grist mill, church, cotton gin and other buildings that showcase life for early Alabamians. Admission is free on December 14 and free parking is available in the lots located on North McDonough and Columbus Streets. “Old Alabama Town is a time capsule itself,” commented Collier Neeley, interim executive director of Landmarks Foundation of

Montgomery which oversees Old Alabama Town. “We open it to visitors Monday through Friday and showcase how early Alabamians lived and worked. We’re excited to be a part of the celebration on December 14.” Special programs for December 14 include Brady Jackson, blacksmith, Andrew McCall, vine basket maker, Jim Parker, woodworking, Sherry Burkhalter, quilting, Eric Miller, pottery, Chuck Burns, broom maker, Shanlie Wolter, silhouette artist, Rebecca Antecki, fiber arts, and Lisa Lennox, pottery. The Old Alabama Town Revue follows the Montgomery Dulcimers in the First Presbyterian Colored Church (1885) at 2 p.m. with an Alabama-themed show of original songs and

old favorites. The Montgomery Dulcimers plays a mixture of songs from 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon. Julien Icher of The Lafayette Trail will make a special presentation at 1 p.m. in the Loeb Reception Center as well as greet visitors in Lucas Tavern, a site Marquis de La Fayette spent a night in 1825 while traveling through Alabama. Old Alabama Town costumed interpreters will be part of the day and tours of the Ordeman-Mitchell-Shaw Townhouse complex will be available. Cider and cookies will be served in the kitchens in the back of the complex. The Slave Dwelling has expanded its narrative and includes the names of those

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Greg AllenDavid AllredNeal BrightCharlie ColvinMcDowell CrookElijah GaddisAustin HuffakerJoan LoebEllen MertinsMary Nelms ParsonsJimmy PoolSarah Ann RossBrent SlaySarah SpratlingGeoff StoughLee Anne Wofford

Collier NeeleyInterim Executive Director

MEMBERS HELP MEET MISSION

LANDMARKS FOUNDATIONOLD ALABAMA TOWN STAFF Collier Neeley Interim Executive DirectorAl BoulerWorking Block ManagerLee BufordLiving Block ManagerJean S. BradleyMarketing DirectorJane CokerInterim Curator of EducationSteve CombsMaintenance SupervisorKrys ConnerMuseum Technician/GroundsChristy L. CruseDevelopment OfficerMary Anne DouglassAccountantCarole KingCurator of CollectionsElla MartinTour Guide, Rescued RelicsMaggi OdellFront Desk, Store Manager

301 Columbus StreetMontgomery, AL 36104334.240.4500www.landmarksfoundation.com

LANDMARKS 2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORSScott Killman, PresidentBrandy Price, Vice PresidentElijah Gaddis, Ph.D, SecretaryWes Blake, TreasurerElizabeth Lawlor, Past PresidentSandra Nickel, Development Chair

As 2019 comes to a close, we tend to reflect on not only achievements during the year but goals for the coming year. During my short tenure as interim executive director, I have experienced a hardworking staff with truly a dedication to the mission here at Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery. The programs and services we offer to meet our mission are made possible through primarily our members. As 2020 approaches, we are developing more benefits to Landmarks’ membership and encourage you to ask friends and family to support our mission through a membership of their own. For those hard-to-shop-for friends and family, consider a Landmarks’ membership. It’s the gift that gives all year! As a 501 (c) 3 organization, we are a non-profit and accept gifts and grants to meet our mission, too. We hope you’ll consider a year-end gift in addition to your membership. An envelope is included for your conve-nience or you may simply call our Development Christy Cruse at 240-4828 and donate.

As you’ll see elsewhere in Momentum, we are encouraging more volun-teer support with The Biscuit Experience. Scott Peacock is a well known and celebrated chef who is opening his home in Marion, Alabama, to one board member, one Landmarks member and two staff members. De-pending on the success of this experience, we hope to develop another program for more members. On May 2, Landmarks will host a road trip to Mobile with Cartledge Blackwell, noted Mobile historian and historic preservationist as well as director of the Mobile Carnival Museum. The day trip will include exclusive visits to some of Mobile’s best kept secrets. The new year will bring exciting things to Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery and Old Alabama Town. We want you to be a part of it!

“Old Alabama Town is a time capsule we open Monday through Friday to share

with visitors .”

Interim Executive Director Collier Neeley, right, attends the Montgomery Area Business Committee for the Arts luncheon with Curator of Collections Carole King, left. Marketing Director Jean Bradley also attended.

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enslaved people who lived and worked there. Woven Into Our History: Baskets in Alabama opens in the Loeb Reception Center. A vast array of white oak baskets with different utilitarian purposes will be on display presented by Auburn University students in Practicum in Museum Studies. Estelle Jackson, Alabama basket weaver, will be on site for the exhibit opening. Funding for the Old Alabama Town event has been provided by the Alabama State Council of the Arts and the Alabama Bicentennial Commission.

BASKETS WEAVE INTO ALABAMA BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION An exhibition mounted by Auburn University students showcasing both old and new baskets opens December 14 as part of Alabama Bicentennial celebration at Old Alabama Town. The students are Caroline Greer, Kaitlen King, and Courtney Spencer who are all part of Dr. Elijah Gaddis’ Practicum in Museum Studies course. The exhibit runs through February 8 in the Loeb

Reception Center of Old Alabama Town “Baskets and weavers have long been a part of the world’s history,” commented Courtney Spencer. “The ones we are including in our exhibition showcase Alabama’s contribution to that history.” A vast array of white oak baskets with different utilitarian purposes will be on display. The exhibit showcases both old and new baskets and is open to the public Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Loeb Reception Center of Old Alabama Town. There is free admission for the exhibit as well as free admission for the December 14 Alabama Bicentennial event and opening. Caroline Greer is a graduate teaching assistant with Auburn University’s History Department as well as Phi Alpha Theta president. She completed her undergraduate degree at Louisiana State University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in History. Kaitlen King is a graduate teaching fellow with Auburn University’s History Department as well as vice president of Phi Alpha Theta. Her undergraduate degree is from Auburn University Montgomery and she is presently pursuing a master’s degree in History focusing on Modern France in the Revolutionary Era. Lastly, Courtney Spencer is in her second year of graduate coursework toward Ph.D candidacy in History Education at Auburn University. Her undergraduate degree is from University of Alabama Birmingham with a master’s degree in Education from University of Florida. She is a World History teacher at Prattville Junior High School.

Enjoy homemade treats as part of our bicentennial celebration.

The “doctor’s wife” Lexie Turnispeedtakes the temperature of the queens of Christmas on the Coosa and Miss Alabama Cotton Queen at the celebration of Montgomery’s Bicentennial on Saturday, November 9.

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NEWS Boy Scout Troop 15 from First United Methodist Church hosted a Flag Retirement Ceremony in Old Alabama Town as part of Veterans Day activities. A flag patch automatically comes embroidered on every Boy Scout uniform which means reverence and respect. They are (left to right): Jim Strong, Garrison Chapman, Thomas Lawlor, Bobby Brad-ford, Michael Young, Cole Young, Ethan Taylor, Claiborne Davis, Trey Slagle, Austin Shen, and George Chapman.

Alan Bishop adjusts the wrist corsage for his daughter Kate at the 2018 Diamond Princess Ball. Sarah Spratling, development committee board member, Christy Cruse, Landmarks development officer, and Ella Martin, special events coordinator, are planning the 2020 event for Friday, February 14. Mark your calendar now and makes plans to be a part of this special evening. (Photo by Bryan Carter Photography)

Landmarks’ member Electra Henry, left, and Giovani Canto, right, participate in the Windows Workshop with Hilda Dent and Old House Specialists in October. Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery partnered with the City of Montgomery to host this hands-on workshop.

Walter the Tavern Cat has his own Instagram account! Join Interim Executive Director Collier Neeley and Chelsea Neeley and follow him @walter.taverncat. Alabama Department of Tourism allowed Landmarks to take over its Instagram account on Saturday, November 9 and we shared photos to its 16,000 followers throughout the day.

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: JOHN FENDLEY Long before he became the CPA for the Loeb family, John Fendley had learned the importance of historic preservation. He grew up on a farm surrounded by old buildings. And his history teacher mother impressed upon him the importance of safeguarding all historically significant buildings.Landmarks talked recently with John.Landmarks: How did you and Jackson Thornton come to be a long-standing corporate partner of Landmarks?Fendley: You can’t be closely associated with the Loeb family, both the late Jimmy Loeb and all his family members, without becoming involved with Landmarks Foundation. It is their family passion and has over the years become mine as well.

Landmarks: What to you consider to be Landmarks’ most important work?Fendley: In my opinion, it’s your consistent defense and preservation of Montgomery’s historic resources. Your plan for revitalization of Dexter Avenue and the Lower Commerce area are perfect examples of that work. What began more than 40 years ago continues to be a critical piece in the growth and resurgence of downtown Montgomery. Landmarks: Saving old buildings is indeed a prime focus of Landmarks. And it’s expensive, too! How best can Montgomerians who value historic preservation provide financial support for the effort?Fendley: Probably the most efficient way is through the donation of appreciated stock. Let’s say you paid $2,000 for some stock, and it’s now worth $10,000. You can donate that stock to Landmarks, get a $10,000 deduction, and pay absolutely no tax on the capital gain (the stock’s growth in value).Landmarks: Are there any other tax-advantaged ways to make charitable donations?Fendley: Yes, a taxpayer who is 70 ½ years old must take required minimum distributions from his or her retirement account(s). That taxpayer would simply direct the account custodian to pay the money directly to Landmarks (or any other 501c(3)) rather than sending the money to the taxpayer. Landmarks would get a nice donation, the taxpayer would receive a tax deduction, and the taxpayer would avoid paying taxes on the distributed income. It might even lower the taxpayer’s Federal and state tax liability through a reduction of adjusted gross income.

GET AN ELECTRONIC EDITION OF THIS NEWSLETTER

Would you like to receive our Momentum newsletter electroncially? Just email marketing@oldalabamatown.com. Electronic emails help save postage and printing costs and will feature hyperlinks for event registration, etc. If you’re receiving this electronically, click here.

Year-End Giving Makes the Difference All Year Long We hope you’ll take a moment to remember Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery in your year-end giving. Perhaps you’d like to offer a membership to a colleague or family member – your gift will give all year with free admission to Old Alabama Town as well as special discounts and programs. Or, if you prefer, your monetary gift is fully tax-deductible (as specified by tax law) as no merchandise, or memberships are provided in exchange for your donation. Simply complete the card with the enclosed envelope and return it to Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery. If you are gifting a membership, we’ll acknowledge it to your recipient. Thank you for your support as it allows Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery to be on the forefront of historic preservation in Central Alabama.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT LANDMARKS.COM FOR MORE DETAILS CLOSER TO THE EVENT DATE. “FOLLOW” US ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER, BE OUR “FRIEND”

ON FACEBOOK.

SECOND SATURDAY 14 December 20199 A.M. - 4 P.M. Free AdmissionJoin us for the celebration! See the article on page one for details. Free parking is available on the corner of North McDonough and Columbus Streets.

8 February 2020Alabama Department of Archives & HistoryLandmarks Foundation of Montgomery presents this biannual symposium that will examine the influences that existed on the disappearing frontier as well as how the “outside” world of imports impacted artistic expressions. The enormity of the new state and the diversity of its early settlers allows a large range of topics as some areas of the state remained primitive while others began to develop. The 2020 ADAS will also shine a light on the evolution of craftsmanship along social, political, gendered, geographical and racial lines and will explore the role decorative artifacts played in the lives of Alabamians.For more information, email Curator of Collections Carole King here.

SAVE THE DATE

THE BISCUIT EXPERIENCE28 February 2020Marion, AlabamaSee the related article about how you can be a part of “The Biscuit Experience.”

Scott Peacock, well-known chef, hosts four Landmarks guests at hishome in Marion, Alabama. Click here for information about him.

Old Alabama Town will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and December 30, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

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MOBILE IS DESTINATION FOR DAY TRIP Mobile is the destination for a day-long trip hosted by Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery on Saturday, May 2 for a glimpse of history, architecture and culture. Cartledge Blackwell, noted Mobile historian, preservationist and director of the Mobile Carnival Museum, is host for a day of exclusive visits to some of Mobile’s best kept secrets rarely open to the public.The itinerary includes:201 North Conception Street – St. John-Rutherford House (1857): Italianate Mobile side hall with wing house;

finest private restoration in the state for generation; fine collection of Mobile and Southern antiques.115 South Conception Street – Christ Church Cathedral

(1842): Greek Revival distyle temple form church that has just undergone a comprehensive restoration; phenomenal stained glass in the sanctuary that is part of amazing ecclesiastical complex.407 Church Street – Hamilton-Snider House (1850s): side hall with wing with amazing art collection and best courtyard in town right off mid century Spanish Plaza.1209 Government Street Burgess-Maschmeyer House (1906): amazing Beaux Arts informed French Renaissance dwelling with period rooms designed by George B. Rogers; situated in the most beautiful stretch of Government Street.111 South Royal Street – Mobile History Museum (1857): National Historic Landmarks building housing an interpretive history of Mobile.Mobile Carnival Museum Details are being finalized and pricing will include snacks, lunch, libations as well as the bus. Landmarks members receive a discounted rate. Space will be limited so email Curator of Collections Carole King here to get on the waiting list.

Mobile Carnival Museum (photo courtesy of website - www.mobilecarnivalmuseum.

The Biscuit Experience a New One for Landmarks Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery is expanding its offerings of traditional experiences and to that end is The Biscuit Experience with Scott Peacock on February 28 2020. Two staff members will be joined by one board member and one Landmarks member to participate in this day-long experience at his Marion, Alabama, home. Scott Peacock, long recognized as a culinary treasure of the American South, has been featured in Garden & Gun magazine as well as appeared on Martha Stewart’s television program. Born and raised in rural Alabama, Peacock was chosen in 1987 to be the chef at the Georgia Governor’s mansion. In 2007, the James Beard Foundation named him Best Chef in the Southeast and a semi-finalist for Outstanding Chef in America in 2009. Peacock’s extraordinary longtine friendship with the late Edna Lewis, a renowned African-American chef, has been celebrated throughout the media. Both were featured in the New York Times Sunday Magazine with major articles about their relationship appearing in Gourmet, Time, Newsweek, and other publications. In 2017, Southern Living magazine named him one of their Southerners of the Year and the following year he became president of the non-profit Alabama Black Belt Foundation. Most recently, he oversaw renovation of the kitchens at Reverie, an 1858 Greek Revival mansion in Marion where The Biscuit Experience will occur. To be a part of The Biscuit Experience is easy: simply volunteer for two hours at any Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery event before the end of 2019. A raffle will be held with winners receiving the opportunity to be a part of the day in Marion. Recipients are expected to pay the $300 fee to participate. No time to volunteer? Purchase a raffle ticket for $50 – you may purchase as many as you’d like. To enter, please email Marketing Director Jean Bradley at here.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF YOUR MOMENTUM NEWSLETTER...

*OAT Celebrates Alabama Bicentennial*Year End Giving Makes the Difference*The Biscuit Experience*Member Spotlight - John Fendley*Announcements

Why Momentum?Our newly-designed newsletter is called Momentum and what better word to use as Landmarks

Foundation of Montgomery looks to the future after 50 years. That first half century brought the creation of Old Alabama Town with the dedication and support from leaders in our community who were empowered to preserve our Central Alabama history. Programs and services today spring from that benchmark as we move preservation forward. To foster, encourage, and lead the historic preservation effort in Montgomery is what Landmarks does. After 50 years, we’ve got the “momentum” to explore our future.