Old Alabama Town Reflects Montgomery's Olden Times

Old Alabama Town reflects Montgomery's olden times

By TRACY RUCKMAN For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 09/05/07

Montgomery — Hidden in the midst of progress in the heart of the capital city's downtown are six blocks of historic buildings designated Old Alabama Town. Visitors can step back to a time when life was harder but simpler, slower but richer.

The first stop at Old Alabama Town should be the Visitors Center and Gift Shop on Columbus Street to purchase tour tickets and obtain maps of the area. After exploring the gift shop, head out on your self-guided walking tour toward the first destination: the Working Block.

Here, every other Saturday, talented musicians greet you on the steps of the Rose House, entertaining with a variety of gospel songs and old-fashioned tunes in regular jam sessions. Some days, the weaver is in residence, giving informative and fun demonstrations with various yarns in different stages of the weaving process.

Depending on the day of your visit, you could also experience a blacksmith hard at work hammering out horseshoes, view a quilting bee in progress, or watch as basket weavers craft useful containers from golden piles of reed, cane or rattan.

Tour guides greet you at the door of some of the larger homes, answering questions you or the kids may have about life "back then."

Let your imagination take over as you tour the cotton gin, where massive bales of cotton stand looking as though they were just assembled, or through the print shop, where the weekly newspaper was published. You can almost hear the echoes of chatter around the fountain from years gone by as you walk through the re-created drugstore.

Once you've seen all the Working Block, stroll toward the Living Block. If you're in need of refreshment, stop off at Nellie Cameron's Coffee House. The menu offers a variety of coffees and teas, and you can get a homemade sandwich, salad or pastry. The place is tiny, but the friendly customer service is worth the wait.

Then head across the shaded street to the Living Block, where you'll be greeted by a smiling hostess who shares the history of Lucas Tavern. The high ceilings, rope mattresses and musky odors allow you to imagine stopping off at this tavern during the 1800s.

Sharing bedrooms with strangers and sitting at the dinner table with new friends isn't too hard to picture. Too bad dinner isn't priced the same: A posted menu said a full dinner of chicken pie, ham, vegetables, dried fruit pie, pudding, strawberry preserves, plums, wine and brandy cost only "3/4 of a dollar."

Go out the back door of the tavern and take in more historic buildings. Fun stops along the path include the restored carriage house and the doctor's office; check out the medical instruments.

Meander along the grassy path and stop in at the corner grocery, where years ago you could get all your dry goods or play a rousing game of checkers with the fellas.

Life in the 1800s wasn't complete without church and school — the buildings transport you back when you cross their thresholds. Another stop is the log cabin, with two massive porches, front and back.

Back on the sidewalk outside Lucas Tavern, the past lingers, and the rich experience of Old Alabama Town will follow you home.

IF YOU GO

Getting there

Montgomery is about 160 miles from Atlanta, about a 2 1/2-hour drive.

About the town

Tours and activities pick up at Old Alabama Town during the school season, but these events aren't posted on the calendar you'll find online. It's best to call ahead to learn of specific activities and events on the day you want to visit.

Old Alabama Town, 301 Columbus St., Montgomery, 334-240-4500 or 1-888-240-1850, www.oldalabamatown.com.

The self-guided tours are available Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; cost is $8 for adults, $4 for ages 6-18, ages 5 and under are free.

Nellie Cameron's Coffee House & Fine Gifts, 317 N. Hull, open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Lunch Trolley Express is a great way to get around town. This free trolley service makes over 20 stops throughout downtown Montgomery, Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. www.lunchtrolleyexpress.com.

Information

For more information on what to do in Montgomery, see www.visitingmontgomery.com.

Tracy Ruckman is a freelance writer and photographer living in Alabama.