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Showing posts from December, 2011

From William Lowndes Yancey's Estate

This is a huge piece of furniture from the estate of Alabama Senator William Lowndes Yancey.  He was a planter in Dallas County, Alabama,  served in the Alabama legislature from Coosa County, was a state Senator from Coosa and Autauga Counties,  and was elected to the United States Congress in 1844.  Before he made his first speech defending the South, Secretary of State John C. Calhoun advised him to hold back a little, but Yancey gave a brilliant and forceful opening address that gave him instant national fame.   He was actually challenged to a duel because of the speech, but the dispute was settled before any shots were fired. Mr. Yancey served two terms in Congress then came back to Alabama to practice law in Montgomery. ( One old biography said he came back because he needed to "repair his fortune" which is a nice way of saying he was running out of money. )  Mr. Yancey's ability to stir up the crowds in his speeches earned him the reputation and n

Best Stove in Alabama

I visited my friend Charlie's shop in Clanton and was taken by this giant piece of Americana, a deluxe wood burning stove that is probably the best and most complete one I've seen in years.  He left it sitting on the roller dolly so it can be loaded, as it takes four strong men to lift it. As you see, it's called the Home Comfort and I suspect it would bring a lot of comfort on a cold day.  I am sure Tasha could fire this one up and produce some cakes and pies that would inspire complements from anyone in the house. I already have a cook stove about half this size that I love, or I would be bringing this one home with me.  I think the gray color  ( spelled grey if you are Old South)  would enhance any color scheme.