Wildflower CD Available
ASHS Column for 06 15 2006
Jerry Simmons
There are more than 4,200 herbs, shrubs and trees that grow and bloom in the Escambia Bay and Conecuh River wetlands and lower watershed. Two-thirds of them are found in the two counties that harbor the most beautiful part of the river: Escambia, Alabama and Escambia, Florida.
A man in our area did a lot of photography and
leg work, and spent many man-hours among bugs,
ticks, spiders and all manner of crawling things,
just to bring us a study of these native plant
treasures in the Escambia region of Florida and
Alabama; or if you will, just outside your door.
That man, Botanist Darryl Searcy of Range,
Alabama, has put together a CD of his work
and is offering it for sale for a tax-deductible
donation of $15.00 or more (plus postage)
to either The Alger-Sullivan Historical Society
or the Escambia County Historical Society in
Brewton. The entire proceeds go to the
respective historical society.
"The Escambia region has the distinction of being the most prolific area for wildflowers in the state of Alabama," Searcy said. "Indeed, Florida is teeming with varied growth from the peninsula to Escambia Bay. The very word Florida means ‘abundant flower.’"
According to Searcy, "The region is without rival in variety but second in the nation for extinct plant species and the number of plants on the endangered, threatened and rare species list. Hawaii is first."
For a sampling of the CD, take a look at this site: http://wildflowers.jdcc.edu/Front Page.html
Call or email me and place your order for the CD. You won’t be disappointed!
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We often get comments on our website guest book (www.algersullivan.org) and I am remiss in not sharing more of them with you. They usually relate to people who once lived or worked here in Century. Some of the more recent entries and emails are in today’s column (slightly edited for relevance) and if you have any answers for these folks who have questions, let me know and I will get back to them with your information.
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John Bush, Huntsville:
"In the latest column ("Winding River Road," June 8, 2006), I noted this paragraph: ‘Joel A. McDavid, a son of Mr. McDavid, served his county many years as chairman of the Board of County Commissioners.’
"I don't know [if] this relates to this Joel A. McDavid, but a Joel McDavid from McDavid was a Bishop of the United Methodist Church.
"I met the young Joel a few times when he visited his aunt and uncle, Miss Daisey and Mr. Howard McDavid at Century. Then, our paths crossed again a couple of times many years later in Kentucky after he was elected Bishop -- I think of one of the Florida conferences of the Methodist Church.
"I'm sure your United Methodist pastor could find these details." (This Joel McDavid died in 2003 at the age of 86.)
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Kevin McKinley, Canoe:
"Here's an interesting bit of information (or I thought so) on your Robert Emmons story ("Gopher Tales," May 18). There is a grave at Travelers’ Rest that is marked Bob (i.e. Robert) Emmons, and there is a Polly Emmons next to it. Next to these graves are Rodie (my great-grandfather), Lydia (my great-grandmother), and some of their children who would be my great uncle and such. It is possible the Robert in your story is a relative [of mine].
"I was telling my father about that and he was telling me that Rodie Jr. (who died in 1993) used to have a pet gopher turtle that he kept in a cage back of his place which would eat strawberries, fruit, etc. My mother told me that Lydia Emmons used to cook a lot of these gopher turtles and that the meat would be covered with onions and gravy.....and naturally, it tasted like chicken.
"It would be assuming facts not in evidence to suggest that Rodie's turtle came from Robert Bob Emmons herd but I thought it made for some interesting Sunday afternoon conversation. Thanks for the article."
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Annette Crews, Pensacola:
"My father worked for Alger Sullivan when I was younger. I remember going to the mill to see him there. His name was Clayton Jernigan. Also, my father in-law was a doctor there at the hospital many years ago, Dr. Fred Crews."
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Gary Beasley, on Lake Guntersville:
"You have a way with words also; your column ("Memories Crashed down with Old House," June 1, 2006) left me in tears bringing back many memories... seems I can remember the small ponies!!
"I was sitting on the back deck today afterwards reflecting on the fact that this is the first house that Lynn and I have lived in that my mother, Lonnie Mae, has not seen! Now Archie has missed the last 5 houses since 1991.
"We are about 1/2 mile from Lake Guntersville up on Sand Mountain. In the winter when the leaves are gone, you can see the lake and part of the town down below. Our house sits in a hollow just below a huge gorge and creek that makes its way down to the lake.
"As I sat thinking, a bald eagle cried out as it circled high in the sky. [Maybe Mom is] a ghost circling in the form of an eagle and cried out just to let me know that she has too seen this house!!"
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John Bush, Huntsville:
"OK, Mr. Historian, I have a mystery for you. You may remember I mentioned that my grandfather, John B. Vaughn, had shot a man in Century. I said it happened in connection with his duties as town constable/marshal. I now know that the man's name was Jack Nichols, and think it was a political confrontation of some kind. So, sleuth that you are, what more can you find out about it? I know it happened in 1905."
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V.L. Byrd, Brewton:
"My dad worked for Alger-Sullivan long ago. Your site is interesting; brings back memories. Thanks."
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Martha A. McCollough, Mobile:
"[I am] looking for my grandfather’s father who ran a Logging Camp around 1910-1935. His name was William Robert Owens 1868-1949, nickname St. Rosa Will or Uncle Will; a daughter Polly Ann Owens, who was raised by William and Fannie Broxson."
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Andee Peacock, England:
"Have been re-reading your site and am finding it very interesting, I keep coming back to it."
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John Bush, Huntsville:
"Does anyone from Century know a lady named Geraldine who was once married to a gentleman with the last name of Kastning I do not know her maiden name; therefore I cannot find her family.
"I know that she had one son named Dewey Wayne Kastning, and she probably had more children. I would appreciate any help in finding this old friend. She would be about 64 years old."
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Paul T. LaMoy, Century:
Nice website about Century History. Does anyone have old pictures of Little Hecker, Hecker’s first house, and any history information? I’m in the process of restoring the house. Any information would be much appreciated."
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Our regular meeting on June 20 will be quite
interesting, since Mr. Bates of Jay will tell us
about his dad’s dismantling and reassembly
of the Hauss mansion in the 60s. You don’t
have to be a member to attend, and
refreshments are at every meeting. The meeting
time is 6 pm. There are some of our
members that just can’t forget the new time –
we won’t let them!
One another topic:
Y’all come.
This page last modified on Friday, June 30, 2006
Bates/Hauss home east of Jay, Florida