RESOURCE GUIDE

TUSKEGEE/MACON COUNTY

Tuskegee AirmenSite ElevatesTourism

Retail Grows andCreates Jobs

Little League Football Scores Tourism Touchdown

HISTORY...HERITAGE...HOSPITALITY

THE CITY OF TUSKEGEE...PERFECT FOR A BACKYARD BREAK-CATION

Not so long ago, we never would have thought that driving to places that are close to where we live would amountto much of a vacation. We felt that if it werent several states or countries away to the beaches in the Carribean Islands or mountains in Montana or wine country in California, it just wasnt a real break from the everyday grind.

But now the cost of travel makes us think twice about jumping on an airplane to get to a destination. Airline ticket pricesare sky high and airline companies are charging for everything from baggage to peanuts. Driving is not much betterwhen gas prices fluctuate unpredictably; so, its time to take a different approach.

We dont have to give up the pleasure of a great vacation. We just have to cut back on the number of miles we travel.Here in Tuskegee, we have something for everyone, making a perfect place for a break-cation right outside yourbackyard. We have history, culture, hiking, hunting, bird watching, festivals, museums, parks, lakes, vineyards, historic homes, national forests and many other tourism assets for enjoyment and enlightenment.

A list of Tuskegee/Macom Countys tourism assets includes:

All of this can be visited on ONE TANK OF GAS. Lets break-cation in our own backyard!

Macon County Historic Courthouse (Built in 1907) Moton Field Airport (Home of the Tuskegee Airmen) Rosa Parks Birthplace Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Taska Recreation Area: (Tuskegee National Forest) Tsinia Wildlife Viewing Area: (Tuskegee National Forest) Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site (Museum) Tuskegee Downtown Historic District Tuskegee History Center Tuskegee National Forest Tuskegee University The Oaks (Booker T. Washingtons Family Home) Whippoorwill Vineyards

All Macon County Day Celebration (August-Tuskegee) Bartram Trail: (Tuskegee National Forest) Booker T. Washington Home Church BPA Labor Day Fly-In (September- Moton Field) Burial Site of Booker T. Washington Burial Site of Dr. George Washington Carver Camp Watts (Confederate Soldiers Training Site/Hospital) George Washington Carver Arts & Crafts Festival (May) George Washington Carver Museum Harris Barrett School (Rosenwald School) Historic Homes Juneteenth Celebration (June-Tuskegee) Lake Tuskegee Lionel Richies Home (Grammy Award Winner)

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TUSKEGEE, the home of TuskegeeUniversity, is located 40 miles east ofMontgomery, Alabama. The populationis approximately 9,500, including approximately 3,200 students at the University. Tuskegee is the cradle ofBlack Aviation in America. Visitors willfind Tuskegee a city with many historichomes, a topography of rolling hills,spruce pines, lakes, streams and meadows.Automobile Registration - Newcomers to

the Tuskegee area should register theirvehicles at the County Revenue office,213 N. Main Street, between the hoursof 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Bring yourtitle or payment book and registration.334.720.0527

Driver s License - I f moving to Alabama from another state, you mayobta in a dr iver s l icense upon establishing residence. The Drivers License Examiners Office is located inthe Gomillion Building, 302 S. MainStreet. Open Thursdays only.

Utility Connections - Electricity, waterand sewage are supplied by the Utilities Board of Tuskegee. Newcom-ers should apply in person at theTuskegee Municipal Complex, 101Fonville Street. Open Monday-Friday,8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A deposit is required. 334.720.0700 or w w w.yourubt.com

Applications for gas service shouldbe made in person at the businessoffice of Alabama Gas Corporation(ALAGASCO), 1441 Gateway, Opelika, Alabama between thehours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,Monday-Friday. A minimum meterdeposit of $100.00 is required. You m a y c o n t a c t A L A G A S C O a t1.800.811.7703

Telephone service is provided byAT&T. Call Customer Service at1 .800 .757 .6500 fo r in fo rmat ion

about how to establish service foryour home and /or business.

Charter Communications - Forcable services call 1.888.438.2427

Voter Registration - To register tovote in state or local elections,apply in person at the MaconCounty Board of Registrars, CountyCourthouse, 101 E. Northside,Room 105, Monday-Friday, 8:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A picture ID is required. 334.727.5545

CHURCHESThere are about 130 ProtestantChurches and one Roman CatholicChurch located in the Tuskegeearea, representing most major denominations.

CIVIC AND SERVICE CLUBSTuskegee has an abundance of civicand service organizations in thearea. Among them are Lions, Rotary,Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce,Red Cross, Optimist, American Association of University Women,YMCA and the Tuskegee Civic Association.

BANKINGPNC Bank and First Tuskegee Bankare two major banking institutions inthe area. The Tuskegee FederalCredit Union also serves the community.

TRANSPORTATIONTuskegee has one local airport,Moton Field, five miles east of thecity with a 5,100-foot lighted runway, fuel availabillity, tie downsand terminal facilities. Charterflights and private plane storageareas are available. Interstate 85,U.S. Highways 80 and 29, and Alabama Highways 15 and 81 arerouted through Tuskegee.

CONVENTION FACILITIESThe Kellogg Hotel and ConferenceCenter is a full-service conferencecenter with more than 17,000square feet of meeting space, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipmentand more than 110 luxuriously

appointed guest rooms and suites.The conference service staff willarrange meetings, banquets andspeacial activities for groups of allsizes.

TUSKEGEE NATIONAL HISTORICSITES - Are located on Old Montgomery Road on the TuskegeeUniversity campus. The Oaks,Booker T. Washingtons home andthe George Washington Carver Museum are operated by the Na-tional Park Service as administra-tive and exhibit areas for the visitingpublic. Guided Tours of the Oaksare available. Walking and drivingtours of the City are available withthe Tuskegee History Center downtown and the Tuskegee historic square. Tuskegee Univer-sity campus historic district tour isalso available through the Univer-sity. The grave sites of Booker T.Washington and George Washing-ton Carver are located on the Uni-versity campus. Historic markersare located at Butler Chapel AfricanMethodist Episcopal Zion Church,where Tuskegee University wasstarted; The Macon County Court-house and the Tuskegee AirmenMuseum at Historic Moton Field arealso available for tours.

SEASONAL EVENTS Mardi Gras Tuskegee Style Carver Arts and Crafts Festival Memorial Day Fly-In All Macon County Day The BPA Kids Adventure Labor

Day Fly-In Tuskegee University hosts a

number of annual events. Thecalendar of events can be foundat www.tuskegee.edu

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Tuskegee/Macon County Newcomers Information

TUSKEGEE

The Epitome of HISTORY...HERITAGE...HOSPITALITYTUSKEGEE was incorporated in 1843.The momentum that occurred duringthe rest of the 1800's established theCity's reputation as an educationalpowerhouse.

TUSKEGEE has wisely preserved itshistory while simultaneously preparingfor the years ahead. Today, it still hasold world charm, with a city centerdominated by the town square. Thereyou will find a serene park, quaint store-fronts and genuine southern hospitality.The future will usher in a new era ofprogress and prosperity that will includehealthy nurturing of tourism by business

and government leaders and friendlyovertures to tourists.We hope you takeus seriously when we say it's time torediscoverTuskegee.

TUSKEGEE, the home of TuskegeeUniversity, is located 40 miles east ofMontgomery. The populat ion isapproximately 10,000, includingapproximately 3,000 students atTuskegee University. Tuskegee is thecradle of Black aviation in America andhome of the famous Tuskegee Airmen.Visitors will find Tuskegee a beautifulcity with a topography of rolling hills,spruce pines, lakes and meadows.

For More Information Contact: City of Tuskegee 334-72-0500 or visit: www.tuskegeealabama.org

The Oaks - Home ofBooker T. Washington

Macon County Courthouse

Tuskegee University

Tuskegee Airmen Museum

Downtown Tuskegee, AL

For more Information Please Contact Us

204B S. Elm St Tuskegee, Alabama 36083334.226.3063 office 334.226.3066 fax

media@sclfoundation.orgwww.sclfoundation.org

www.silence-is-sinful.org

The International Southern Christian Leadership Foundation, Inc. (SCL Foundation, Inc.) was founded in 1966. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501c3 tax-exempt organization. We havebeen providing services to the community for over 45 years. We remain committed to building a diverse society where the differences of individuals are respected and embraced ratherthan merely tolerated.

SCL Foundation philosophy is to value our families and teach them the tenants ofQUANTUM RESPONSIBILITY.

Silence Is Sinful HIV/AIDS Initiative is the current signature health program of theFoundation. We are currently in a partnership with the Center for Disease Controland Prevention (CDC) and the Act Against AIDS leadership Initiative (AAALI) since2009. This partnership enables us to extend our reach directly into the communitieswe serve daily with important and relevant life-saving information. We are also seeking to refocus national attention on the HIV crisis in the U.S. and remind ourcommunities that HIV is still deadly, difficult and costly.

To promote and impact sustainable and healthy communities' through development andimplementation of wellness, and educational initiatives.

Southern Christian Leadership Foundation, Inc.

"Improving Today for a Better Tomorrow - Promise - Purpose - Progress!"

President Bernice Frazier, along with city leadership and youth of Tuskegee and Tallassee, Alabama for Martin L. King Day of Service

National Program Director, Darryl Rock, and President Frazier presenting certification to RevJoe and Mrs. Alana Fincher in Savannah, Georgia

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Even though I am the publisher of this magazine, I still enjoy reading itfrom the first page to the last. The content ranges from an airport that servesdouble duty to World War II warriors in the sky an artist with a world-class pedigree to champions in the world of Little League sports growthin the economic sector to grass as an agricultural asset. This magazine hasme grateful that I can be a tourist in my own backyard and makes me proudto promote this community as a tourism destination. Many visitors will descend on Alabama in 2015 and Tuskegee/Macon County has much tooffer them.

Though it is a somber centennial, Booker T. Washington, the first presidentof Tuskegee University, died on November 15, 1915 making 2015 exactly100 years since he passed.

In keeping with American ideals of freedom and equality, a Tuskegee native initiated changes that made this country better for all citizens. Bornin Tuskegee, Rosa Parks was arrested on December 1, 1955 in the City ofMontgomery for refusing to obey an unjust law governing the city bus line.Her bold and courageous act sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, whichlasted 381 days. The 60th anniversary of that iconic Civil Rights experience occurs in 2015.

And the Tuskegee connection to the Montgomery Bus Boycott extends evenfurther. Attorney Fred Gray, an esteemed Tuskegee citizen and respectedlawyer litigated and won the case involving Rosa Parks.

Tuskegee is steeped in profundities that involve individuals and institutions.Our local newspaper, The Tuskegee News, has been keeping an eye on thecommunity and reporting the news since 1865. Triumph trumped tragedythe day scorching flames destroyed the building. Incredibly, the publishersstill printed that weeks newspaper in spite of the extensive damage. The150th anniversary that occurs in 2015 is a testament to the burning will topersevere.

We learn from great moments in our past and pause on milestone anniversaries to show honor and respect.

As custodians of precious history, we commend the National Park Service(NPS), which does an excellent job of maintaining national treasures located in our community, including the venue dedicated to the TuskegeeAirmen.

We keep life balanced by also devoting resources to growth. ThroughoutTuskegee and Macon County several new businesses have opened, some areunder construction and established enterprises like our award-winning winery keep going strong. All of this activity boosts revenues and ultimatelygives consumers more options.

In this edition of the Tuskegee/Macon County Tourism Resource Guide,we look back at our glorious history while also acknowledging our impressive progress.

Welcome to this edition of THE TOURISM RESOURCE GUIDE.

Enjoy!

Noah Anthony HopkinsPublisher

Contents

PUBLISHERNoah Anthony Hopkins

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR AND WRITERKarin Hopkins

EDITORJanet Sullen

ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNNoah Anthony Hopkins

PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHERNoah Anthony Hopkins

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSMonika Watkins PhotographyFrank H. LeeAlan Ingram

COMMUNITY TOURISM NETWORK, INC.608 Dibble StreetTuskegee, Alabama 36083334.725.8496tourismresource@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSGuy RhodesAmy LedbetterShari WilliamsHarold Powell

*Historic photos courtesy of Tuskegee University Archives

1 Backyard Break-cation

2 Newcomers Information

7-8 Moton Field

9-10 Michelangelo of This Generation

11-12 Tuskegee News...150 Years and Counting

13-14 Home Grown Spirits

16-17 Macon County Fun Map

20 THE RIDGE

21 Economic Development

23-24 Their Grass is Greener

25-26 Tuskegee Airmen - Hangars 1 and 2

27 Dr. George Washington Carvers Museum

29 Tuskegee Junior Tigers

31-32 A Town On The Move

5

Blueberries &

Blueberry Preserves Cobblers Tea BrowniesCookies Herbal Tea Leaves

Pick Your Own or Let Us Pick Them for You

Bring the Whole Family and Have Fun

County Road 81Tuskegee, Alabama

3347032603818-422-2476

www.facebook.com/josie.gbadamosi

Benjamin Newhouse, PH.D, CPAManaging Director

1111 East Rosa Parks AvenueTuskegee, Alabama 36083

919.599.9669bnewhouse711@gmail.com

TUSKEGEE CONSULTING GROUP

Doing More With Less

TC G

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- Radio or TV Commercials

Festivals/Fairs Concerts Music Lessons Demo Tapes

We Are TIMELESS, Inc.

Call Today!!

334.421.2334thankyou@wearetimeless.com

billperry@iambillperry.comwww.wearetimeless.com

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As an airport, it is a first-class facility that offers quality amenities. It is also among the assets that economic development consultants useto recruit industries and jobs to Tuskegee and MaconCounty.

Moton Field Municipal Airport is owned by theCity of Tuskegee and is located only three miles fromthe citys downtown. In April of 2008 The City selected Golden Eagle Aviation as the Fixed BaseOperator (FBO) to ensure that pilots have what theyneed when they utilize Moton Field including GPS approach, aircraft detailing and painting, hangar anddown service, pilots lounge and snooze comforts, Internet access, executive conference room,concierge services and FAA certified mechanics andflight training. The runway is slightly more than 5,000feet and is large enough to accommodate jet airplanes. All approach lighting and other physicalhardware...the "nuts and bolts" of the Airport are provided by the City of Tuskegee.

Moton Field...afunctional airport, ahistorical treasure

Golden Eagle Aviation Office

The City of Tuskegee Municipal Airport

7

Moton Field is the host site for two (2) annual aviation events. The Memorial Day Fly-in, held theFriday and Saturday prior to the Monday holiday, issponsored by the City of Tuskegee. The Kid's Adventure Labor Day Fly-in held in the fall, isco-sponsored by the Golden Hawks of Tuskegee, aChapter of the Black Pilots of America (BPA), GoldenEagle Aviation, and the City of Tuskegee. Theseevents introduce children and young adults to theworld of aviation and possible career choices in theaviation industry such as commercial pilot, aircraftmechanic, meteorology and air traffic control. The fly-in draws pilots from near and far who value the

safety briefings by theFAA and maintenance inspections. Most of thepilots also participate in giving the children airplane rides. Last yearmore than 170 childrenexperienced the joy offlight.

As the state of Alabama targets new sectors for jobgrowth, Moton Field positions the region favorably foraviation related economic activities.

As a historical treasure, Moton Field has sterling credentials. It is named after Robert RussaMoton, the second president of Tuskegee Institute,(now Tuskegee University). Moton provided

academic support for the Tuskegee Airmen trainingprogram.

Moton Field always willbe associated with theTuskegee Airmen. Theirlegacy inspired the federalgovernment to create theTuskegee Airmen NationalHistoric Site, located atMoton Field. It is a major tourist attraction that givesvisitors a connection with these great warriors of thesky who served with tremendous courage duringWorld War II. The story of the Tuskegee Airmen hasbeen told many times in books and movies includingRed Tails, produced by George Lucas and released in2012.

Citizens in Tuskegee can be proud of this cityscontribution to American history, education, architecture, agriculture, civil rights, entertainmentand of course military service and aviation. As wethink about Tuskegee in the context of significance, blessings and resources, we can definitely place Moton Field Airport on the list.

FAA briefing in session

Top right: Children ready for plane ride, Top left: Skydiver coming in for landing, Bottom: Children signing up for airplane rides.

Trucks are ready to refuel aircrafts with premium fuel sold at Moton Field

Moton Field also provides 10 individual hangars for rent to store your aircraft

This hangar is name for Chief Alfred C. Anderson, the pilot that Eleanor Rooseveltchoose to fly with when visiting the Tuskegee Airmen training camp

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Tuskegee, which is well known for its historical and academic icons is also the home base of an extraordinary artist Dr. Ronald McDowell.

Born and raised in California, he moved to Tuskegee in1986 and was so warmly embraced, he stayed. But no single place can contain an artist of his magnitude. Andthrough his artworks, which encompass every medium, heis internationally esteemed.

A few years after he settled in Tuskegee he was namedArtist In Residence, a role created to give city leaders ac-cess to his creative genius for public art projects. It was awise move on their part.

When he sculpts a statue, the fine details are breathtaking. Visiting The *Eddie Kendrick(s) MemorialPark, which features life-sized bronze figures sculpted byDr. McDowell, is awe inspiring. The park, dedicated on October 16, 1999 is in downtown Birmingham on the siteof the former Brocks Drugs building. Dr. McDowell artistically portrays *Eddie Kendrick(s) crooning into a microphone accompanied by his fellow Temptations,perfectly synchronized in a performance pose.*The s was added to Kendrick after he became an entertainer.

He also created a statue in the historic Civil Rights District in Birmingham honoring the foot soldiers who inthe 1960s, were on the frontlines of the fight for freedomand justice.

Dr. McDowell is blessed with an amazing ability to interpret a wide range of subjects using a variety of

The Michelangeloof This Generation

Bronze statue memorializing Eddie Kendrick(s) and The TemptationsSculpted by Dr. Ronald McDowell

Dr. Ronald McDowell

9

materials. He has painted portraits ofalmost every president at TuskegeeUniversity. He also painted the portraits of every musician inductedinto the Alabama Music Hall of Famewhere these works of art are magnif-icently displayed.

During the time he worked at Motown in Los Angeles, he crossedpaths with all of the stars that worked for the record label includingMichael Jackson. Michael asked Dr. McDowell to instruct him regarding arttechniques and Dr. McDowell taughtart lessons to Michael Jackson for 12years. Also, Dr. McDowell was an artconsultant to Michael Jackson on theThriller album.

His commissioned portraits become family heirlooms. He is alsogifted with creating abstract paintingsand montages, which blend multiple images into a single cohesive work ofart. In 2014, he created a montagecelebrating the life and legacy of Reverend William Greason militaryhero, baseball pioneer and belovedchurch pastor.

Also in 2014, Dr. McDowel l created a stunning montage for the Motown Heroes and Legends AwardsSilver Anniversary.

He says, it is both humbling and rewarding to receive the praise and accolades that have been showeredon me. In 2006, he received an honorary doctorate from the Univer-sity at West Alabama.

With more than 2,000 works of art,he has been called "The Michelan-gelo of This Generation and plans to continue creating even more art. Hisvision for Tuskegee includes a parkdedicated to a famous native daugh-ter Rosa Parks, Mother of the CivilRights Movement. If city officials approve his plan, he will sculpt astatue of Rosa Parks in a sitting position, reminiscent of her posture in1955 as she sat on the Montgomerycity bus, refusing to give up her seatto obey an unjust law.

He proposes this statue as a focalpoint in a peaceful green space hedreams wi l l be established inTuskegee to be called the Rosa Parks

Memorial Plaza. And if city officialsagree, the statue will be unveiled inDecember 2015 in conjunction withthe 60th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, an iconicCivil Rights event that was activatedby Rosa Parks a Tuskegee native.

Under the direction of Dr. RonaldMcDowell, this project could becomeanother landmark in Tuskegee, patronized by local citizens and visitors.

In his hands, raw material will betransformed into a masterpiece honoring Rosa Parks and the statue

will be the perfect anchor for the RosaParks Memorial Plaza.

Lets applaud this great conceptand the artist who birthed it Dr.Ronald McDowell.

Statue honoring an iconic moment in Civil RightsHistory Sculpted by Dr. Ronald McDowell

Portrait of Booker T. Washington painted by Dr.McDowell

Conceptual possibility of the Rosa Parksstatue proposed for Tuskegee Sketch by Dr. Ronald McDowell

Dr. McDowell is the Official Artist for the AlabamaMusic Hall of Fame

Michael Jackson was a collector of Dr. McDowell'sart as wel l as an art student and close fr iend

For more Information or to commission workfrom Dr. McDowell, Call The RenaissanceAgency at 205-837-2519.

With more than 2,000works of art, he has beencalled "The Michelangeloof This Generation

10

When the phone rang at 5:30 on the morning of Feb.10, 2004, my first reaction was this cant be goodnews. It wasnt.

My reporter Jacquelyn Carlisle was on the line. She informed me that The Tuskegee News office on EastsideStreet in downtown Tuskegee about 50 yards from theMacon County Courthouse was on fire. Also being engulfedby the blaze -- found later to be from an electrical issue --were the law office of noted civil rights attorney Fred GraySr., the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge No. 150 and theMacon-Russell (counties) Community Action Agency.

Fire departments from Tuskegee, the Tuskegee VA Hospital, Tallassee and nearly a dozen volunteer groupsfrom throughout Macon County were able to prevent thefire from spreading to the Goodyear Auto Center locatednext to the Community Action Agency.

The Tuskegee News, Gray Law Firm and Community Action Agency were completely destroyed.

Lost were the newspapers archives of documents, photos and bound volumes of editions going back decades.

In addition to his firms ongoing legal work, Gray lost numerous historic documents and pictures from his illustrious legal career that dates back to his being the attorney for Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Montgomery Bus Boycott in the mid-1950s whenfuture Nobel Peace Prize recipient Dr. King first came toprominence.

Moments after receiving the phone call from Carlisle, Iplaced a call to the newspapers owner Paul Davis, a long-time award-winning journalist, at his home in Auburn.I left my house in Opelika and headed to Tuskegee. I couldsee smoke rising into the early-morning drizzling sky frommiles away on Interstate 85.

Tuskegee and Macon County officials joined Davis,Gray and community residents in watching the inferno thatthe various fire departments had begun getting under control after several hours. However, all was not lost.

The Tuskegee News financial and some of its editorial operations were located at an office in Auburn thatformerly housed the Auburn Bulletin which Davis had purchased years earlier when he acquired The TuskegeeNews.

The deadline for our weekly Thursday press run wasWednesday morning. We had the rest of Tuesday to getthe paper ready. We did not miss our deadline and those inthe community purchased nearly every copy of TheTuskegee News that was printed.

Before the day was over, the newspaper had received offers from other newspapers to provide computers and whatever else was needed to help us getby. Fortunately, we had some computers in our Auburn office. A local businessman offered us office space that wewould not need for long.

Months earlier The Tuskegee News, in partnership withlocal architect Roland Vaughan, had purchased an oldhardware store a block away across the square on SouthMain Street. The building was within a couple of months ofbeing renovated with The Tuskegee News opening the newoffice in May.

The Community Action Agency moved to the oldLakeshore Clinic on the shore of Lake Tuskegee. After operating from a temporary location, the Gray Law Firmmoved into a brand new building that occupies the spaceformerly occupied by the law office, The Tuskegee Newsand the Community Action Agency.

That horrific day 10 years ago is now a distant memory.The Tuskegee News is celebrating its 150th year of

150YEARSAND COUNTING

When Fire Destroyed Tuskegee News

Photo by Guy Rhodes

By GUY RHODES

Cont on next page 11

Since 1865 The Tuskegee News has documentedevents and been the editorial voice in Macon County.From the end of the Civil War to evolving ways to deliver thenews in the 21st century, The Tuskegee News has been aconstant and will celebrate its 150th year of operation in2015.

Consider the 150 years of The Tuskegee News in 50-year increments.

During the newspapers first 50 years of existencefrom 1865-1915, Reconstruction following the CivilWar, establishing of Tuskegee University, the arrival ofBooker T. Washington andDr. George WashingtonCarver in Tuskegee, andWorld War I were among notable events. Washingtondied in 1915 when RobertMoton became the secondpresident of what was thenTuskegee Institute. Of course there were many more stories covered by The Tuskegee News that dealt with lessmemorable stories, but were significant community events.

From 1916 to 1965 the second 50 years of TheTuskegee News theTuskegee VA Hospital to treatblack veterans was created in1923. World War II arrived andwith it the creation of theTuskegee Airmen black pilotswho battled discrimination athome and abroad. Dr. Carverdied in 1943 and crucial civil rights litigation that helped integrate public schools in Alabama and eliminate

gerrymandering of voting districts in Tuskegee becamelandmark decisions that reachedthe United States SupremeCourt.All was not good during that eraas the battle for civil rights

continued and the infamous Tuskegee Syphilis Studybegan in 1932 and wouldn not end until 1972 as more than400 black Macon County residents were unknowingly nottreated for syphilis as part of a U.S. Government study.

From 1966 through 2014 in the third 50-year spanof TheTuskegee News, the emergence of blackelected officials were in many in-stances a product of Macon County.Elected were the first black sheriff inthe Deep South and first black members of the Alabama Legislature since Reconstruction.The same was true of Tuskegeesfirst black mayor and council members, and Macon County commissioners. The political scenewas changing.Black attorneys, led by Fred Gray who was the lawyer forRosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, openedpractices in Macon County and became fixtures of the local legalcommunity.VictoryLand Greyhound Park openedin 1983. Charity electronic bingo wasadded in 2003 with it 2,000 jobs andmillions in tax revenue for MaconCounty and the State before a raid bythe State shut down the operation in2013. Court battles continue to this day about the legality ofelectronic bingo.The Tuskegee News has been part of the fabric of MaconCounty since 1865 and continues as the countys voice andpaper of record under the ownership of Gayle Davis.

Guy Rhodes is editor and publisher of The Tuskegee News. He is the2013 Distinguished Alabama Community Journalist and first place recipient in the 2014 Alabama Press Association contest for Best Editorial Column or Commentary. He can be reached by email at guynrhodes@bellsouth.net

Looking Back 150 Years

GUY RHODES Editor/PublisherThe Tuskegee News

Tuskegee VA Health Care Entrance

Tuskegee Veterans Hospital

Booker T. Washington

George Washington Carver

reporting news in Tuskegee and Macon County and FredGray is marking his 60th year of practicing law after reaching the age of 84 in December 2014. The Tuskegee News has risen from the ashes from that fateful day to continue what we do serving as the newssource for Tuskegee and Macon County.

Cont from previous page

Sheriff Lucius Amerson

Fred Gray, Sr.

2015 is the 100th anniversary of the

death of Booker T. Washington the first

President of Tuskegee University who

later brought Dr George Washington

Carver to Tuskegee University

12

SpiritsIt all started as a glance at an article in a ProgressiveFarmers magazine. A glance then turned into anidea, an idea put into actions. Tim Watkins startedit all. He then presented his idea to Chad Ledbetterand in no time it had started. The planning, the discussions, and budgeting were put into motion.Bobby Watkin's land was cultivated and the blacksmithshop, which is now the winery, was occupied after several additions. Muscadine seeds were orderedand planted in the winter of 2005. The irrigation system was installed the summer of 2006 with thesheer determination of a good friend Mike Bush .Then everyone realized that a name was needed forthe vineyard. After weeks of going over names, theguys in the vineyard were working as always. It wasdusk and the sounds of whippoorwills were in thebackground. Bobby said Whippoorwill Vineyardsand from then on the name was never an issue. Theyloved the name because it is so fitting for their littlepiece of heaven on earth.

Little by little more varieties of muscadines havebeen added while still working on the winery itself. AtWhippoorwill Vineyards, the muscadine harvest is typically at its peek in mid-to-late September. On Highway 14 just before you turn onto County Road 31,

you will see another natural resource, a beautifulpecan orchard, which consists of over 360 trees thatproduce hand-harvested cracked pecans in themonths of October, November and December sold inour gift shop.

About MuscadinesMuscadines (vitis rotundifolia) are native to the

Southeastern United States and thrive on the heat andhumidity common to the region. Muscadines areknown for producing high levels of resveratrol, an antioxidant that blocks the effects of unstable molecules that occur naturally in the human bodycalled free radicals. Free radicals are known to causecell damage and have been linked to heart disease,stroke, signs of aging, and certain types of cancersand macular degeneration of the eye. For this reason,muscadine grapes are currently being sought after asa renewable source for resveratrol and have beendeemed nature's healthiest grape.

Muscadines are best known for their extraordinaryflavor, high sugar content, and unusually thick outerskins. A single 1-cup serving of muscadine grapeswould more than double the average persons antioxidant intake! That positions muscadines andscuppernongs as the elite among a list of powerful antioxidant foods that includes blueberries, pomegranate, blackberries, cranberries and raspber-ries. Wine is the perfect host for preserving the unprecedented levels of antioxidants found in muscadines, scuppernongs and blueberries. By preventing oxygen exposure, the antioxidant compounds are protected from disintegration by CO2.

Whippoorwill Vineyard wines are made from 100%sun ripened muscadines and scuppernongs. Eachbottle of wine contains the essence of these magnificent fruits, fermented without diluting, to

By Amy Lebetter

13

create the finest wine you will taste or drink.To satisfya wide range of palates, Whippoorwill has developedfour residual sugar concentrations. Our sweet andsemi-sweet scuppernong and muscadine wines arelight and fruity with intense bouquets similar to dessertwines or ice wines. Our semi-dry and dry wines arefull bodied and robust with oak and tannin overtonessimilar to typical Pinot Noir and Merlots.

Dry Wines Cynthiana This red bunch grape also known as

the Cabernet of the South has a sophisticated,medium-bodied taste with a hint of oak and spice. Theflavor of this wine is explosive.

Lenior Also known as the Black Spanish thisbunch grape has a delightful taste with beautifullydeep purple hues. This wine has been documentedby the Spanish; they used this wine in communion.The finish is lingering and smooth.

Noble We saved the best for last of our dry muscadine wine. This wine can only be appreciatedby the elite wine drinker because of its full bodied flavor and moderate acidity that gently spreads raspberry and cherry flavors across the palate.

Semi-Dry Wines Noble This lush black muscadine wine has a

complexity that can only be achieved with this Noblemuscadine. This full-bodied favorite is soft, dry andvelvety with a lengthy finish.

Semi-Sweet Wines Noble Beautifully deep in color, this red

muscadine is slightly sweet with intense fruit flavors ofthe south. This wine is the perfect gift to bring to anydinner party.

Saugahatchee Creek - A fruity red wine with robustberry flavors is made exclusively from one of the oldest varities of muscadines to produce an intensered wine with charm. This wine is an absolute perfectaddition when getting together with friends - anytime.

Sweet WinesSouthern Glory - Our Trilogy blend and already a

legend in its own time is made because of numerous requests for a sweet red.

Scuppernong A light golden wine with delicatefruit flavors is made exclusively from scuppernong varieties to produce a sweet, crisp white table wine. Itis an absolute all-time southern favorite.

Confederate Rose - The perfect blend of the redmuscadine, and the bronze scuppernong, create auniquely smooth and light fruity wine with character.Had Grant tasted this, he would have surrendered toLee immediately.

Tail Gate Red - This is becoming one of the "favorites"; it's the unique blend of Noble muscadinewith the perfect amount of strawberry.

Whippoorwill Vineyards is located on County Road 31, Notasulga, Alabama - 334.257.2711

website: www.whippoorwillvineyards.com

Hours of Operation Thursday, Friday & Saturday

10am - 6pm

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Margaret FraserBroker

608 Dibble StreetTuskegee, AL 36083

cloudrealtors.commfraser@cloudrealtors.com

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RealtyProperty Management

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We are Located On the Squarein Beautiful

Historic DowntownTuskegee, Alabama

Pioneer settlers traveling through the wilderness in covered wagonsbrings to mind cowboy movies about the Wild West. But Americas original Wild West actually included lands right here in Macon County.

The Ridge Macon Archaeology Project is focused on Macon CountysWild West days dating back to the 1800s when free and enslaved pioneer settlers journeyed here on the Federal Road through ruggedlands possessed by the Creek Indian Nation. The Ridge InterpretiveCenter and archaeological dig site are located at 10735 County Road 10in the Warrior Stand Community about 15 minutes from Tuskegee. TheCenter is open to visitors during the first quarter of 2015 on January 10,February 7 and March 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central Time. Admission is free.

Shari Williams, Executive Director, explained that the mission of the501(c) 3 non-profit organization is to present educational programs andevents for all ages to honor the inhabitancy of communities in SouthMacon County by the Native Americans and by the European andAfrican Americans pioneers. Programs include archaeological digs,games, crafts, food demonstrations and historic character portrayals.

Williams praised local residents Willie Pace, Henry Wilson, JamesMoore and Marvin Tolbert, who volunteered to assist last October withstudents from Lee-Scott Academy. Williams explained that it was theschools third consecutive field trip for the entire fourth grade class offifty-eight students. Mr. Pace, a self-taught herbalist, gave a presenta-tion on making Sassafras tea, very much like the Creek Indians made it long ago, stated Williams. He introduced other herbsand plants and encouraged the children to start a garden at home. Hisenthusiasm shined and evidently was contagious. He told me that afterthe demonstration, a student hugged and thanked him for teaching aboutthe Indians and nature. The other men helped with the archaeology site and other activities. It was rewarding to see the positive intergenerational interaction. Using history to enrich students, visitorsand our local community is what The Ridge Project is all about.

Williams stated that the work of the Ridge Project also includes promoting an understanding of the history and its value for present-dayrural heritage development and community-based tourism. Many residents of South Macon County can trace their ancestry to the earlysettlers. It is only natural to reach out to them because they embodythe legacy and are essential to preserving the history.

Archaeological excavations conducted by students at the Centerhave uncovered significant Native American and Colonial artifacts andthe likely presence of a historic dwelling. According to Dana Chandler,Head Archivist at Tuskegee University, the artifacts found by his studentsin 2012 and 2013 led to the conclusion that this site had been used overmany centuries as a camp by a variety of people. Williams stated thatvolunteers like Chandler fuel the mission and she acknowledged GlennDrummond, Edie Powell, The Ridge Board of Directors, Guy Trammellfrom Tuskegee Youth Safe Haven, Commission Chairman Louis Maxwelland Jocelyn Zanzot and Daniel Neil from The Mobile Studio for their contributions. For more information, visit www.digtheridge.com or call 770-843-1913.

THE RIDGE A Macon CountyArchaeology ProjectA HISTORIC SITE FOR MACON COUNTY CULTURAL DISCOVERY & ENRICHMENT

Enslaved persons served as interpreters for whites and theCreeks

Lee-Scott Academy students at the archaeology sifting station

Above and below right: Dana Chandler explains archaeologybasics to Tuskegee Youth Safe Haven students. Top and bottom left: English pipe bowl and Woodland pottery fragmentexcavated at The Ridge dig site.

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21

The Go-To Guy for Economic Development in Tuskegee

James Harper is Assistant to the CityManager - Economic Development for the City of Tuskegee. A native son, he returned home after retiring from a longand successful career in corporate marketing. His skills and accomplishmentsignited excitement within city officials whofel t h is expert ise could accelerate business growth. They were not the onlyones who were impressed with his credentials. Harper was appointed to theboard of directors that governs the MaconCounty Economic Development Authority.This organization focuses on attractingjobs and businesses to the county, whichis comprised of four municipalities. In thisposition, he concentrates exclusively onTuskegee and his priorities are clear attracting jobs and increasing revenues bystrengthening commercial, industrial anddowntown business sectors while concurrently expanding the middle classpopulation in Tuskegee. His toolbox is fullof enterprising concepts, plans and strategies including ways to maximizetour ism to boost the Tuskegee economy. Its a big job and Big Jim is wellequipped for it.

Contact James Harper at 334.421.9970 (mobi le) , 334.720.0500 (of f ice) orjharper@tuskegeealabama.gov. His office islocated in the Tuskegee Municipal Complex,101 Fonville Street, Tuskegee AL 36083.

James Harper

Macon County is experiencing a new renaissance of economic development. In thepast three years the Macon County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA) has assistednew investment of over $30 million and the creation of more than 350 new jobs. From the expansions at Halla-Visteon to the designation of

a rare CSX Select Site, diversification of our economy is underway. Today, components for

more than one million vehicles a year are produced in Macon County.

New retail activities in Tuskegee and Shorter have helped keep andattract new tax revenue through the addition of AutoZone; Pizza Hut; Hibbetts Sports; Farmers Furniture; Loves Travel Center; Dollar Tree;Dollar General and more.

New development is underway at Exit 38. A comprehensive Aviation Feasibility Study has been completed by MCEDA to assist usin more fully capturing the legacy and goodwill of Moton Field and theTuskegee Airmen through new projects.

Fiblast Company is now shipping architectural fiberglass buildingcomponents all over the USA from the Tuskegee Commerce Park.

Things are happening, dirt is moving and new factories and businesses are opening. Made-in-Macon is not just a slogan, its a factof life! www.madeinmacon.com

Industry + Retail = Jobs

Joe TurnhamStrategic Consultant

New retail stores have opened in Tuskegee including Dollar Tree, Farmers Furniture,Hibbett Sports, Pizza Hut and Auto Zone

Macon County workers make parts for cars that are manufactured in Alabama

Community Tourism Network, Inc.Special Edition Tee Shirts & Other Tuskegee Treats

Order TODAY - Men Women Children sizes

FoodsSalted PeanutsPeanut Butter, regular (3)Breakfast Food #1Pancake FlourPeanut Flour (11)Malted PeanutsBisque PowderPeanut Meal, brownMeat SubstitutesChili SaucePeanut Cake #1 & #2Peanut BrittleDry CoffeeInstant CoffeeChop Suey SauceMayonnaiseWorcestershire SaucePeanut Food #1Shredded PeanutsPeanut SproutsPeanut Tofu Sauce Cooking OilCream for MilkSalad OilButtermilkMock MeatMock DuckMock Chicken

Mock Veal CutMilks (32)CurdsVinegarPeanut Relish #1Peanut SausagePeanut Relish #2Flavoring PastePeanut Chocolate FudgeOleomargarineCaramelButterscotchLard CompoundEvaporated MilkSweet PickleGolden NutsCheese PimentoCheese Nut SageCheese Tutti FruttiCheese SandwichWhite Pepper, from VinesCocoaPeanut DaintiesPeanut KissesBar CandyPeanut WafersStock FoodsPeanut Stock Foods #1, 2And #3

Peanut Hull MealPeanut Hull Stock FoodMolasses FeedPeanut Hay MealHen Food for laying

Household ProductsLaundry SoapSweeping Compound

BeveragesPeanut Lemon PunchPeanut Koumiss Bever-agePeanut Punch #2Beverage for Ice CreamPeanut BeverageBlackberry PunchPlum PunchCherry PunchPineapple Punch

MedicinesRubbing OilIron TonicTannic Acid Emulsion for BronchitisCastor SubstituteGoiter TreatmentOils, Emulsified w/mer

MORE THAN 300 PRODUCTS WAS MADE FROM PEANUTSBY GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER

ONLY A FEW ARE LISTED BELOW

Foods

Flour (4)Starch (4)SugarMolasses (3)Mock CocoanutTapiocaVinegarEgg YolkSynthetic GingerCandy, 14 varietiesChocolateDried Potatoes #1and #2Dry PastePotato Nibs

Bisque PowderBreakfast Food #5Meal (4)After Dinner Mints#1, #2 and #3YeastCoffee, dryInstant CoffeeGranulated PotatoesLemon DropsOrange DropsSauceSpiced Vinegar

Stock FoodsStock Feed Meal (3)Hog Feed

General

StainsDyes (73)PaintsMedicineLibrary Paste (5)AlcoholRubber CompoundWriting InkShoe BlackingFillers for Wood (14)Synthetic CottonSynthetic SilkPaper (from vines)

LIST OF PRODUCTS MADE FROM SWEET POTATO

BY GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER

History....Heritage....Hospitality

608 Dibble Street Tuskegee, Alabama 36083334.725.8496 ofc 205.567.6397 cell tourismresource@gmail.com

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Products made from peanuts and sweet potatoes are printed on back of shirts

SWEETin myPOTATO

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TUSKEGEE-MACON COUNTYCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

608 Dibble StreetTuskegee, Alabama 36083

334-725-8496www.tuskmaccdc.org

We AreBuilding A BetterTomorrow...Today

Business Offices

Entrepreneurship Training

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If your idea of the perfect lawn is lush green grassthekind that beautifies property and softens the ground forchilds play; then you will appreciate Becks Turf Farm.

Tucked in a cocoon of nature along County Road 53, thisbusiness is blessed with the right conditions to thrive. Thesoil at the 1,000-acre property is sandy clay loam. The location is spitting distance from Interstate ramps. The employees are hardworking and dedicated. And the ownersare smart, ethical and principled. They believe in, Doingthe right thing, taking care of our employees and takingcare of our customers. This philosophy is the foundationfor their success according to Jimmy Bassett, who purchased Becks Turf Farm in 1994 in partnership withhis brother, Wayne Bassett.

2014 marked the 20th anniversary of their ownership ofBecks Turf Farm. Prior to this venture, Jimmy was a vice-president and senior loan officer at First National Bankin Union Springs, Alabama. He and Wayne, who workedat a sod farm, wanted to have a business of their own andjumped at the opportunity to acquire Becks Turf Farm.Martin Beck founded the business in 1938.

Keeping the name was an excellent decision. When thenational economy nosedived a few years ago, the Bassettbrothers weathered the storm partially because of the namerecognition and longevity of Becks Turf Farm. A lot ofsod farms went out of business but we kept going. Peopleknew Becks as a place with an excellent product.

They grow zoysia, bermuda and centipede grass turnedinto sod, which is grass plus the soil beneath it held togetherby the roots or a piece of thin material. The new sod needsno special care because it is a healthy mature lawn when itis installed. They sell to landscapers, building contractors and anybody that wants to buy grass, saysJimmy who adds, Our biggest markets are Atlanta andBirmingham. We also have a lot of customers inTuscaloosa, Auburn and Montgomery. Really our territoryis within a 150-mile radius.

Under their leadership, the business has maintained itsoutstanding reputation and their sod is known for its exceptional quality. They say sod is a good investment because it cools and cleans the atmosphere, releases oxygen, stores carbon, breaks down other harmful pollutions, enriches the soil, helps to minimize dust, provides substantial erosion control, helps ground waterrecharge and minimizes storm water runoff.

Tending to the operation is a year-round enterprise thatrequires the land to be fertilized, irrigated, weeded andmowed. The grass is lifted from the ground using sod harvesting machines that cut in 16x24 slabs and 42-inchwide rolls. Delivery to customers requires truck drivers andmaintaining the fleet requires shop mechanics.

About 40 employees work at Becks Turf Farm. They arepaid well and receive a generous package of benefits. Also,there are monthly employee lunches and other activities

23

that ultimately contribute to healthy employee morale. Showing respect and appreciation to employees is a priority to the owners. Jimmy says, Were like one bigfamily out here. Some of our employees have been with thecompany for 20, 30 and 40 years.

I just love working here, said 60-year old Eddie Stinson, a certified chemical sprayer who also performs avariety of other services at Becks. Stinson is a Tuskegeenative who has worked for Becks since 1975. I workedfor the original owners for about 15 years and stayed onwhen Jimmy and Wayne bought the business. He adds,They treat us real good. We get Blue Cross and 401(k) andwe get bonuses twice a year the 4th of July and Christmas. They are two of the nicest guys you could evermeet.

Many people feel that way including Joe Turnham,strategic consultant for the Macon County Economic Development Authority. Turnham says, "Jimmy and WayneBassett are a Macon County treasure. Not only are they-model businessmen, a leading Macon County employer andsuper neighbors, they are always ready to assist with any

economic development task from hosting delegations to offering properties for development.

And Turnham has even more good things to say aboutthe Bassett brothers. They have enormous respect fromcommunity leaders, high ranking elected officials and areknown throughout the business, agriculture and financialworld as being of the highest integrity. Having the Bassett'son your side is half the battle won."

About 8 years ago the Bassetts built a cabin that is usedfor entertaining employees and customersespeciallyprized by people who like to hunt and fish. They also carvedout 25 acres of their spread for a nursery called TheWildlife Group that produces nut and fruit bearing trees.

Their entrepreneurial spirit has fueled other projects including publication of a magazine featuring experts writing about the land, food production, animal habitats andanimal behavior. The Bassett brothers produced WildlifeTrends Journal in partnership with legendary coach PatDye. It was sold and is now published by Andy Whitaker.

Kindhearted and down to earth, they are highly valuedcorporate citizens in Macon County who have the righttouch when it comes to sod, sensitivity and success.Contact Becks at 800-288-4291/334-724-9300 or visit www.becksturf.com

The Wildlife Group Nursery also grows and sells many types of fruit trees

Jimmy and Wayne Bassett, stand amoung future fruit trees at the nursery

Sod harvesting in progress

24

Nested right off of Interstate 85, exit 38 (Tuskegee/Notasulga), in Tuskegee,AL, is one of the most captivating and riveting historical attractions, established November 6, 1998 by legislation, Public Law 105-355, and identified as a Park unit under the National Park Service The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. The Park was created in order to commemorate and interpret, in association with Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., andTuskegee University, the heroic actions of the Tuskegee Airmen during WorldWar II. Congress authorized federal appropriations to develop visitor facilities and restore Moton Field, home of primary training for the TuskegeeAirmen, in accordance with the 1998 Moton Field/Tuskegee Airmen SpecialResource Study. Fullon site development began in 2005 and was completedin 2012.

Hangar 1, the first structure built at Moton Field in 1941, has been fully restored and serves as the orientation and starting point for visitors. The ambience of Hangar 1 provides the visitor with a stepping back in time experiencewhile focusing on the maintenance operation of the Tuskegee Airmen experience. The museum is housed with a variety of interpretive materials including unique exhibits and audio stations, two full-sized trainer planes (J3 Piper Cuband P-17 Stearman), a Link Trainer simulator, interactive parachute folding table and eight fully-furnished perimeterrooms with audio soundscapes and some 1,300 museum objects.

National Historic Site - Hangars 1 and 2

P-17 Stearman

Built in 1941 is fully restored

25

National Historic Site (Cont)Hangar 2, a new construction item (original hangar burned in afire in 1988) is a modern museum that zeroes in on the broader storyof the Tuskegee Airmen. The four themes: Who are the Tuskegee Airmen, Victory Against Facism, Victory Against Racism andLegacy/Living Legacy are highlighted throughout the facility, augmented by four robust oral history stations. Hangar 2 also containsa state-of-the-art, 200-seat theater that premieres every hour on thehour the award-winning Park movie entitled Tuskegee Airmen: Sacrifice and Triumph. A full-sized P-51D Mustang is the center attraction of the hangar, suspended from the rafters, and a light gun inaddition to a diorama or model of Ramitelli Air Field (overseas base forthe Tuskegee Airmen), adorn the museum providing for a unique interactive visitor experience. The Control Tower, which is historic andadjacent to Hangar 2, has been fully restored allowing visitors to scalethe four stories for a breathtaking view of Moton Field. A well-appointedgift shop is also available for visitors who would like to take home asouvenir.

The Skyway Club, also known as the All Ranks Club, was a social

haven for the Tuskegee Airmen while training at both Moton Field and Tuskegee Army Air Field. The facility has been broughtback to its original state to include a recreation area, juke box with the tunes of the 1940's, piano, stage, kitchen, and bar - allthe amenities to take visitors on a trip back in time. Two screened porches occupy the north and south sides of the facility andallow for a moment of reflection as visitors look out over the field where it all began for the Tuskegee Airmen. Currently, theSkyway Club is not fully staffed and is not open to the public; however plans are underway to open it in the near future.

The National Park Service is truly dedicated to its mandate of protecting and preserving the legacy of the famed TuskegeeAirmen and Moton Field. Since the Parks humble beginnings and opening in 2002, more than 200,000 visitors from all overthe world have come to learn about and explore the legacy of these World War II heroes. The educational opportunities aswell as overall excitement of being at this special place have left Park visitors with a deep appreciation of the heroics of theTuskegee Airmen. Why not make Tuskegee and the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site the next destination stop on yourjourney?

Hangar #2

200-seat theater in Hangar #2

Full-sized P-51 Mustang in Hangar #2

We are located at: Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site1616 Chappie James AvenueTuskegee, AL 36083

Main Telephone: (334) 724-0922Fax: (334) 724-0952Website: www.nps.gov/tuaiHours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Monday - SaturdayReservations: For groups of 10 or more call main number

(Closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day).26

"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with theyoung, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving,and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in lifeyou will have been all of these." George Washington Carver

While living on a farm in Missouri, George WashingtonCarver dreamed of getting an education. At that time, hecouldn not have known how he himself would positively impact the educational dreams of so many people. Carverhad several strikes against him as a child. He was born aslave and contracted whooping cough early which made himphysically weak. His father was killed in a logging accidentbefore he was born and Carver and his mother were both kid-napped by slave raiders when he was a baby. Carver was lo-cated and returned to Missouri, but his mother was neverfound. All of these obstacles didn not deter him. Carver wasan inquisitive child and wanted to learn everything he couldabout the plants, rocks, and animals that he discovered in thewoods, prairies and creeks in his rural Missouri home.Carver became very skilled at reviving sick plants that henurtured and his reputation became so well known that hewas nicknamed the Plant Doctor.

Carver left his birthplace at the age of twelve in search ofan education that led him from Missouri to Kansas to Iowa.It was in Iowa that he said he was treated like a human beingfor the first time. He was the first African American to attendand graduate from Iowa State and then became a facultymember of his Alma Mater. It was while he was in Iowa thathe received a letter from an educator named Booker T. Washington in Alabama. Washington invited Carver to jointhe faculty at Tuskegee Institute to establish the schools agricultural department. While Carver loved Iowa, he felt acalling to go to Tuskegee. While in Tuskegee he taught and

conducted research two of his favorite endeavors. It washere that he became famous for his research with peanutsand sweet potatoes.

While visiting the George Washington Carver Museumyou will learn not only about the life and research of Carverbut you will also see items from his laboratory, paint samplesthat he created from Alabama clay and several of his paintings. The story of Tuskegee Institute is also toldthrough displays, exhibits and artifacts. The Jesup Wagon,helping the farmer in the field bringing farm tools, plants,seeds, fruits, vegetables and Carver products can be seen aswell as P.H. Polks camera.

The historic site is the only national park on an active college campus with Tuskegee University being the only college campus designated a National Historic District. TheCarver Museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Thereis no charge for visiting the museum or the home. For moreinformation, call 334-727-3200 or access www.nps.gov/tuin.

The National Park Service manages Tuskegee InstituteNational Historic Site which includes the George WashingtonCarver Museum and The Oaks-Booker T. Washingtons home.Check at the front desk for tour times or call 334-727-3200.

The George Washington Carver Museum

2015 Tourism Resource Guide27

Fishing Boats & Paddle Boat Rentals Rods & Reels Live Bait Food Drinks Available for Event Rentals

On Beautiful Lake Tuskegee

OPEN 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.Closed on Monday

When the games involve children grouped into 5 and 6year old, 7 and 8 year old and 11 and 12 year old categories, playing organized football, you can bet that parents and family members will be there. That's when Lit-tle League becomes a tourism asset. And when the teamsare undefeated, the crowds get bigger and bigger.

That is what happened in Tuskegee this past footballseason as the 5 & 6 and 7 & 8 year olds went undefeatedand 11 & 12 year olds lost only one game (ranked #2).Every home game drew lots of family and friends from othercities and counties to support their children. When familiescome they eat and shop, which makes them tourists.

This community claps, shouts and cheers while supporting these young athletes at the games, especiallywhen they achieve championship status in the East Alabama Youth Football League. We also celebrate andappreciate them for their touchdowns on the field of tourism.

Links to video footage of the games can be found online atwww.tuskegeeprl.org.

The Tuskegee Public cheerleaders, representing Tuskegee Parks andRecreation, competed against Tallassee, Reeltown, and Dadeville inthe 11/12 year old division, and won 1st place!

Tuskegee Junior Tigers Dominates East AlabamaYouth Football League (EAYFL) in 1st Year

The Tuskegee Junior Tigers and other sport activities are supervised by TuskegeeParks and Recreation Department. For more information at 334-226-1630 or 334-226-2258.

Coaches, family members and the Tuskegee Junior Tigers celebrate after winning the East Alabama Youth Football League championship game

(l to r) Councilman/ Assistant Coach Chris Lee, Head Coach Anthony Tarver,Assistant Coach Michael King, Assistant Coach Al Lee

29

*First Visit / Emergency Care Is FREE(334) 439-5031 (334) 832-1064

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Visible Growth in Shorter, AlabamaBy: Harold D. Powell - Correspondent Tuskegee News

The Town of Shorter is undergoing a transforma-tion with new growth and development throughout the area. The growth is positively impacting the community with developments thatare creating new jobs and increasing wealth in thearea.

The new developments are welcome news for acommunity that has worked to overcome severaleconomic challenges on its quest to become agrowing hub for business and industrial development.

Recently, the community saw the opening of a newDollar General store on the corner of Main Streetand First Street in Shorter. The national retaileropened its doors to a waiting crowd of local resi-dents anxious to experience the feeling of shoppingin their own community.

Just down the street from the Dollar General,construction of a Loves Travel Center store is underway. The $14 million development is slated forcompletion by March 2015 and will bring with it fastfood giants McDonalds and Subway. The total development will create around 85 jobs

and further transform the Shorter economy into oneof self-sufficiency. As is stands today, the almost600 workers at Halla Visteon often travel to other

A TOWN ON THE MOVE!

31cont on next page)

communities on their lunch breaks. With the opening of Loves much of the need to travel outside of Shorter for food will change.

Another new company just recentlly added to thetown of Shorter is Sams Trucking with many more tocome.

In an open field behind the Loves development,a crew of men are working to complete a bore project under I-85 for phase two of the natural gasline extension. The project is an effort of South EastAlabama Gas District (SEAGD) which recently completed a gas line into the Shorter Tech Park toserve Halla Visteon. The second phase of the project will allow Loves and other existing businesses along Main Street to connect and usethe resource in their daily operations. The new infrastructure is a major boost for the Town ofShorter in that it will make it possible for other natural gas dependent restaurants to build inShorter.

Over in the Shorter Tech Park, builders are putting the finishing touches on a new $6 millionwarehouse for Halla Visteon. The new facility will

create huge cost savings for Halla Visteon and allowthe company to implement planned expansion efforts and new jobs at the facility. The project is theresult of a public/private partnership between HallaVisteon, Town of Shorter and a private investmentgroup.

Combined, these projects represent progress inthe community and demonstrates the business community has confidence in the Shorter marketand is willing to invest for future profit.

Planning for development is essential if a community is to succeed. The Mayor and ShorterTown Council have worked cooperatively to improvethe community and should be applauded for their efforts. Shorter is fortunate to have a team of leaders working together in its interest.

Governor Robert Bently, Mayor Willie Mae Powell and The Town ofShorter City Council breaking ground for another new building

One of several trucks for Sams Trucking that is now located in Shorter

40,000 square feet new manufacturing/distribution facility available inShorter Industrial Park

32

Macon CountyEconomic Development Authority

Macon County, Alabama

Loves Travel StopOpening Spring 2015

Highway 80 at Exit 22 off I-85Shorter, Alabama

Dollar GeneralNOW OPEN

Highway 80 at Exit 22 off I-85Shorter, Alabama

Hibbett SportsNOW OPEN

Washington Plaza Shopping CenterTuskegee, Alabama

Pizza HutWashington Plaza ShoppingCenter Tuskegee, Alabama

Farmers Home FurnitureWashington Plaza Shopping Center

Tuskegee, Alabama

FiBlastTuskegee Industrial Park

BECKS TURF FARM #5 is a... MOTON FIELDMoton Field, home of the Tuskegee

Airmen Museum, boasts a 5,000plus foot runway, FBO, fuel and

direct access to I-85

SHORTER TECHNOLOGY PARKLarge industrial and retail space available

near Halla Climate Systems

BECKS TURF FARM #2OFF I-85 AT EXIT 22 WIRE ROAD

750 acrea, ready for large development and industry. Near Auburn and Tuskegee AL

SHORTER TECHNOLOGY PARKLarge industrial and retail tracts available

near Halla Climate Systems and VictoryLand. Minutes from Montgomery, AL

DISCOVER MACON COUNTY, ALABAMA TODAY!WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Macon County: The New Diamond of the Interstate 85 CorridorLocation...Locaion...Location

MACON COUNTY ASSETS:Airport Access Railroad Access Interstate Access Tuskegee University Tuskegee Airmens Museum Tuskegee National Forest George Washington Carver Museum Historic Landmarks...and much more

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit Our Web Site: www.madeinmacon.comor Call Joe Turnham at 334.725.8496 or 334.444.2672

608 Dibble Street Tuskegee, Alabama 36083

COME GROW WITH US...YOU WILL LIKE WHAT YOU SEE