This past weekend my hometown of Leeds, Alabama, held an event called Historic Walking Tour 1940 meant to commemorate life in our town in 1940. Sites were set up around town portraying businesse, business people, and citizens.
The man on the right is portraying the local blacksmith of the time, Early Leonard. The man on the left is playing my grandpa Reed Ramey, a client of Mr. Leonard's. The lady in the middle is my niece India. She's no part of the blacksmith scene, but she did sing a 40s song, "I Can't Give You Anything But Love," in another venue on that day.
I can remember as a very very young child, going with my dad to visit the blacksmith shop, which Mr. Leonard operated until the late 40s.. I can even remember the smell of the place and the heat from the forge.
This is the real Reed Ramey. circa 1950.
This is the real Early Leonard, circa I have no idea.
Note: Mr. Leonard was African American. My sister, who was a part of the group who organized this walk, says he looks white here because of a glare on the photo.
This lady played my mother-in-law of my first marriage, Irene Aderholt Wright. She was nurse to one of our local doctors for many years.
Aunt Winnie Carlisle, represented here, was our school's librarian (there was only one school in the 40s: elementary, middle, and high. Everyone called her Aunt Winnie whether you were related or not. She also drove a bookmobile and was instrumental in getting our first public library. She rode her bicycle all over town and was never interested in learning to drive a car.
What I remember most about Aunt Winnie is that she caught me and a friend smoking in the girl's restroom. She ignored us, pretended not to see us, but said, "Whew! Somebody's been smoking in here." She turned around and left the room and never turned us in. (Note: I don't smoke anymore.)
Life-long Leeds citizen Nelda Faulkner played a customer at Miller Drug, a favorite after-school hangout for kids. As a teenager. Nelda actually had an after-school job working behind the soda fountain a Miller Drugs. She served me and others countless cherry cokes, lime freezes, banana splits, etc.
Niece India singing at the gazebo
"Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby
Til the lucky day you know darn well, baby
I can't give you anything but love"
Permanent mural
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On 04/18/2024, Ramey Channell said ...
And a good time was had by all!
On 04/18/2024, Ramey Channell said ...
The blacksmith shop was a big success!
On 04/18/2024, Sandra Clarke said ...
Wow! Such a great idea! Your niece is beautiful!!
On 04/19/2024, Sandra Hutchins said ...
This post is so interesting. Your family and family connections is to be treasured. It looks like the original blacksmith was white. What a great celebration for Leeds.. On the pain note, i will be seeing pain management specialist #4 on April 30. I haven't been able to sew and make quilts in a year now. I have both a walker and a wheelchair. Back surgeon #2 says I would need rods, pins, and screws to even try to repair my back, but at my age the surgery is too dangerous anyway.
I feel a kinship with you when you speak of your pain.
On 04/20/2024, Barbara Anne said ...
What a wonderful ide and it's wonderful that so many folks took part!!
Hugs!
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