Author: ryan

Bessemer’s Mummy By Jim Langley, Research Historian Billy the Kid and the James Gang all come to mind when we think of notorious outlaws in the late 1800s and early 1900s. In Alabama, we had Rube Burrow, who would rob trains in Texas and Oklahoma and then skedaddle back to Lamar County, Alabama, for sanctuary.

Report on Alabama Historical Association, April 7-9, 2022 By Pam Thompson and Linda Joseph Editor’s note: Linda Joseph and Pam Thompson attended the 74th annual meeting at Florence. Here is their report! Upon arrival, we saw an African-American lady with a cane at the hotel door. She was alone and we asked her to ride

Experience and learn about the Birthplace of Birmingham: Old Elyton and its centerpiece, Arlington Plantation! Read all about it!

By the time a body is found in the woods, investigators may not have much physical evidence to go on. For example, a body is found in the woods in Shelby County.

Harbert was born on July 19, 1921, to John and Mae Schooling Harbert in Greenville, Mississippi; he had two siblings. His father was in the construction business, so the family had to move on occasion to follow jobs.

A few years ago, the Prime Timers senior group of Hoover Ross Bridge was having their annual Christmas luncheon at the Bright Star in Bessemer. At the luncheon, it was my honor to sit at the table with Mr. and Mrs. Vaugh Burrell of Long-Lewis Ford.

When you think of a Boondoggle, what comes to mind? During my military and business experience, I went on a few boondoggles. Usually, these were trips to exotic places for conferences, etc. where you could combine business with pleasure. The dictionary defines boondoggle as an extravagant and useless venture.

Jim Langley, president of the Hoover Historical Society, led a guided tour through Oak Hill Cemetery in downtown Birmingham on Friday morning and many of those following him through the oak-shaded lanes were descendants of one of the famous families buried there. Click here to read the rest

The demolition of part of the old Bluff Park School campus was officially deemed complete this past Friday, and contractors hope to begin renovation work next week on the original building that was preserved, a Hoover school official said Wednesday. Complete Demolition tore down an old lunchroom and kitchen, a four-classroom addition on the left

In 1951, the Shades Cliff Civic Club of Bluff Park wanted to build a community building to be used as a meeting site and for community events. However, it was not that easy.

By Jimmy W Langley, President-Hoover Historical Society

The Key that unlocked the gateway for the founding of Birmingham is hidden in the mountain rocks, trees, and bushes of Hoover Alabama. People in this area knew as early as the 1840s that Red Mountain had red iron ore and the surrounding areas had coal and limestone.

By Jimmy Langley – President, Hoover Historical Society

Lover’s Leap is one of the most intriguing historical sites in Hoover Bluff Park. Its legend began with Creek Indian lore, of a brave stabbing a troublesome marriage suitor and then jumping with remorse from Lover’s Leap with her in his arms. It was where an early

When I was a kid of 10 years old, Sunday night was a big deal. I would get especially excited when I knew Walt Disney would have Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier. He was a great hero of mine, born on a mountaintop in Tennessee and he killed a bear when he was

A History of Monte D’ Oro – A Subdivision in the City of Hoover, Alabama Introduction There are 160 homes in Monte D’ Oro. Streets in the subdivision are Wisteria Drive ( to what is now 1459 overpass), Monte D’ Oro Drive, Monte D’ Oro Circle, Monte D’ Oro Way, Monte D’ Este Drive, Monte

A few years ago, I made a special effort to attend the Annual Meeting of the Alabama Historical Association. That year, the meeting was in Gadsden, AL near Attalla where I grew up.  I was quite surprised to learn that one of their places of local interest was the site of the Dwight Manufacturing Company

MEMORIES OF AUTUMN AND FOOD By Jean C. Butterworth   What childhood memories do I have of Autumn I ask myself? Pulling back the years of my memories, I think first of my grandmother, who was as busy as a bee when it came to preparing for our family’s long winter months ahead.   As

It wasn’t the Brinks Robbery, but in the early days of our fair city, an unusual theft was pulled off by a robber in broad daylight. The following tale was recounted to me by Jane Hoover Parrish, who has lived in the area for 49 years, even before Hoover was incorporated. We’re not sure of

In the early days of Bluff Park, visitors were probably seeking a cool place to vacation, clean air and, certainly, clean water. Bluff Park afforded them all of these things.  A conversation in September 2012 with Tommy Tucker, longtime resident of Bluff Park, resulted in information about water and springs in the area. Most interesting

By Inez McCollum June 7, 2018 Reprinted from Alabama Pioneers One of my favorite places to visit in our state is Mentone, Alabama. There is so much natural beauty in the area that each season inspires awe. In the Spring, pastel colored Mountain Laurel is scattered through the forest with a polka dot effect. The trees give

Robert Tyler came to our Hoover Historical Society January meeting, and I got to visit with him! He and his wife Clara are members. His dad, Luther Tyler, had been so helpful when we were gathering Bluff Park history to celebrate the birthday of the school back in 1988.  Luther had even given the Bluff

“Keeping Hoover clean and green” is the motto for the city of Hoover’s Beautification Board.  Among their accomplishments are City Arbor Day, Tree City USA Program, and Litter & Recycling programs.  But, did you know this 20-member volunteer group played a role in getting the Snowflake Hydrangea named the City’s Flower?  Resolution 3626, adopted April