HERITAGE PRESERVATION

Because a quorum was not present, no action could be taken that required motions for passage.

Billy Warren reported that he has talked with Deborah Massey in Ken Irby’s office. She told Billy that the deed for the Oak Street house has been prepared for transferal of the property’s ownership to Heritage Preservation, Inc.

Bill McDonald:

Circulated pictures of President Franklin D. Roosevelt which were made on the Lauderdale County side of Wilson Dam;
Expressed his gratitude to Bob Torbert for the huge numbers of hours that Bob has already spent cataloguing Bill’s collection of documents;
Stated that some of his vast collection of documents is now being transferred to the archival department at Collier Library;
Stated that officials at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library have expressed an interest in acquiring copies of items from his collection; and
Asked for (and received from those present) support for the possibility of erecting a historic marker near Wilson Lock (Lauderdale County side of Wilson Dam) to commemorate Franklin D. Roosevelt’s connections and contributions to the Tennessee Valley.

Billy Warren agreed to invite Robert Redd to the March meeting of the HPI Board to discuss the possibility of erecting a historic marker near Wilson Dam to commemorate Franklin D. Roosevelt’s impact on the Shoals area.

All Board members present agreed that HPI’s annual meeting in January was a real success, with approximately 50 people present.

Billy Warren distributed copies of the letter he wrote on behalf of the Board to Dr. William Cale, president of UNA, regarding the location of the proposed science building on the UNA campus.

Billy Warren reported that he was the guest speaker at the Florence Civitan Club on 2-14-06 regarding historic preservation in Florence and that he and Jimmy Hill appeared on “In the Know in the Shoals” (Comcast Channel 3) on 2-9-06 regarding the new book, A Walk Down Walnut.

All Board members present expressed approval for receiving a reminder of the monthly meeting from Billy Warren via e-mail.

There was a discussion regarding the possibility of HPI’s making a monetary contribution toward the restoration of Rogers Hall. Action on this discussion was deferred until the March meeting of the Board.

Billy Warren reported that he has had inquiries for a complete list of all historic markers erected by the Florence Historical Board. The inquiries also included requests for the wording that appears on each marker. Everyone present agreed that this information would be appropriate for HPI’s website; therefore, we will explore ways to make that happen.

Billy Warren distributed copies of a flyer advertising plans by the Wheeler Rifles at Hibbett Middle School to raise $1,000 toward the restoration of Joe Wheeler’s home. All agreed that this is an exciting project for fifth and sixth graders to undertake. There was discussion regarding the possibility of HPI’s making a donation to this fundraiser. Action on this discussion will occur at the March Board meeting.

Billy Warren reported that work toward the establishment of the Riverview Historic District is moving forward and that discussion continues regarding the creation of an attractive entry into the neighborhood at the intersection of Riverview Drive and Dr. Hicks Boulevard.

Billy Warren complimented Bill McDonald on the recent article in the Times-Daily about Florence’s Mill Villages. There are many houses, both large and small, still standing in the former villages. All Board members present agreed that this slice of Florence’s history is definitely worth preserving (perhaps as a Mill Village Historic District).

Billy Warren distributed copies of a recent e-mail which he received from Marc Matrana who is writing a book on “Lost Plantations.” Mr. Matrana asked for information on the Forks of Cypress because he wants to include it in his book. Billy reported that both he and Lee Freeman are supplying information in response to the request.

Charlotte Dean (in absentia) reported a very successful presentation which she made in Huntsville recently to a group of leaders there regarding the successful revitalization of downtown Florence. They agreed with her that maintaining retail shops is a key to a flourishing downtown. (Downtown Huntsville is almost 100% office space now.)

Billy Warren distributed copies of a letter he wrote to Dan Howard, vice-president of UNA, assuring HPI’s support for the restoration of Rogers Hall. Dan will use the letter as part of a grant-writing effort to raise money for the restoration project.

Billy Warren distributed copies of information about National Literary Landmarks. At a future Board meeting there will be a discussion about the possibility of nominating certain buildings in Florence (e.g., Wesleyan Hall) to become National Literary Landmarks because of their connection to T. S. Stribling.

Hester Cope:

Reported that Marcus Thompson is scheduled to begin construction in May on the two buildings to be located in the vacant space directly across from the Post Office on North Seminary Street;
Stated that work is in full swing on the total renovation of the building (formerly the Court Street Café) that will be the site for Legends Steak House;
Reported that the problems with the soil testing for the new Hampton Inn on Court Street have been resolved and that construction will move forward; and
Stated that work is progressing well on the Tennessee Street building that will house the law offices of Robert Bunch and Joey James – with loft apartments on the second floor.

Billy Warren distributed copies of a vintage photograph of the Price Homestead at 520 North Walnut. He reported that the house has recently been sold and that the new owner plans to restore it to its original look as portrayed in the photograph.