Hello, February!
Mayor Andy Betterton
February 9, 2023
Florence-Lauderdale Public Library
This month's FLPL gallery exhibition features just a fraction of the numerous men and women who helped shape our society into the wonderfully diverse community we live in today. Our thanks to the decedents who have shared their legacy with us through donations to our Digital Archive and our Local History and Genealogy Department.
UNA Department of Entertainment Industry
Join us in celebrating Black History Month with Black History Vibes: A Jazz Tribute to Stevie Wonder! Come by The Mane Room on February 27 at 7 to honor the legendary Stevie Wonder!!
Mayor Betterton Proclaims January 2023 as National Human Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Mayor Betterton Proclaims February 5-11, 2023 Civitan International Clergy Week
Mayor Betterton Proclaims February National Parent Leadership Month
THE RESTORATION OF MAPLETON
Good news! Mapleton, the beautiful mansion on South Pine Street (it actually faces East Limestone Street), is currently undergoing restoration by its new owners, Brooke and Will King. Records indicate its original construction was completed in 1826 by its owner, George Coulter. Because that year was only eight years removed from the founding of the City of Florence, it can rightfully be said that the house is part of the very fabric of Florence. Among the outstanding features of this fine house are the beautifully-designed front façade and the magnificent woodcarving around the interior doors, mantels and partitions. That it possesses such an outstanding level of craftsmanship is remarkable, given that Florence was still a frontier town when it was constructed. Following the Civil War, the mansion and its valuable acreage became the property of Major Robert McFarland. The McFarland family property extended south to the Tennessee River (think today’s 325-acre McFarland Park) and west to include what is known now as the McFarland Heights Historic District (Riverview Drive, Riverview Circle and Pleasant Circle). As an event venue under its new owners, the Kings, Mapleton will no doubt have new life – welcoming groups of various sizes who will revel in the grand ambience that it offers to all who enter through its handsome doors. (See the accompanying photograph.)
--Billy Warren, City Historian
New Business: Scratchwood Candle Bar
2624 Hough Rd.
Scratchwood is a DIY candle bar in a unique family-oriented environment. Customers can design their own candles. More than 200 different scents are available to choose from. Reservations can be made through the Scratchwood Candle Bar website https://scratchwoodcreations.com/.
Join the Natchez Trace Genealogical Society on February 12, 2023 at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library.
The Southern Claims Commission was a commission established by the federal government in 1871 to reimburse Southerners loyal to the Union during the Civil War for goods and livestock confiscated by the Union Army.
Jordan's program will look at the claimants to the Southern Claims Commission from Lauderdale County, Alabama. It will examine the process by which a person made a claim, the stringent qualifications by which a claim was proved, and identify some patterns and commonalities between the claimants. It will zoom into a few specific remarkable claims, get the details on some scintillating scandals, and discuss how useful the claims can be for genealogical and historical research. You may be surprised to learn that you have an ancestor who was a claimant, and to learn the dramatic story of Unionism in Northwest Alabama preserved in these claims.
YOUNG LEARNER’S SERIES: Te Ata
The Florence Indian Mound Museum is hosting a series of children’s programs where students can explore the early history of the Shoals through short lessons and hands-on learning exercises. The programs will explore 12 Native American figures through their biographies, contributions, hopes, and accomplishments. Students will be given a passport with the 12 figures; they will receive a stamp for each program attended. Students who collect 6, 9, or 12 stamps will receive an award.
Join us on Saturday, February 18th at 10 for a program and activity about Chickasaw storyteller Te Ata. Born Mary Thompson Fisher in Oklahoma in 1895, she later took the stage name “Te Ata” which means “Bearer of the Morning.” Te Ata became an actor and storyteller, preserving Chickasaw stories through words, artistic interpretations, and children’s books. This free program and activity will explore her life and contributions and the importance of storytelling.
This program is free and is sponsored by the City of Florence Department of Arts and Museums and the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area. The Florence Indian Mound Museum is located at 1028 S. Court St. Florence, AL and is open, Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Call 256-760-6427 for more information.
Solid Waste 29485 County Road 14 Florence
Full Time - $34,403.65 Annually
Beverage Cart Worker Part Time New
Park and Recreation 2830 Darby Drive Florence
Part Time - $7.25 Hourly
Laborer Litter Control Solid Waste Part Time New
Solid Waste 29485 County Road 14 Florence
Part Time - $13.00 Hourly
NEXT COUNCIL MEETING
The Mayor and Council members will hold the next council meeting on
February 21, 2023
4:00 p.m. Work Session
5:00 p.m. Council Meeting
City Auditorium
103 South Pine Street
A little funny...
How to Submit Your Event, News, or Announcement:
- Public and community events or announcements can be submitted by attaching an email, Word document, PDF, or JPG file suitable for viewing on the web. Include graphics in JPG or PNG if possible.
- Along with your information, include your name, phone number, event name, location, date and time, and a brief description.
- IMPORTANT: Please submit your information no later than Tuesday of each week (preferably sooner). Submissions after the deadline will be added to the next week's publication. The newsletter is posted on Thursday afternoon.
- Send your information to rmansell@florenceal.org or call Rachel Koonce with questions at 256-760-6494.
Connect with Us!
Email: abetterton@florenceal.org
Website: florenceal.org
Location: 110 West College Street, Florence, AL, USA
Phone: (256)760-6400