Grave History lessons

There are several ways to learn about the past.  Almost every town and city offer museums, historical markers and statues. Some of these structures are very well cared for and in public view while others are neglected hiding behind entangled wild vines and located in very isolated areas.​

On the heavy trafficked intersection of Commerce and Tallapoosa Street, in Montgomery, is a very well-maintained bronze statue of Hank Williams. This life--like statue stands in front of the ever-so-popular Historic Riverfront Gateway leading locals and tourists along the river front.  Across from the statue is a small museum honoring his life being one of first megastars of country music.  The museum also boasts about harboring the actual Cadillac Hank died in, at the age of 29, heading towards a venue he was about to perform at for an evening.  

There is another more obscure way of learning history - visiting graveyards. Yes, graveyards. In this graveyard is the burial site of Hank Williams next to his wife. The huge plot is covered by artificial turf, as fans would steal a clot of the real grass originally maintained in the same area. Cemeteries offer a different approach to our history. One can learn more about the individual from the layout, inscriptions and type of tombstone displayed.

Somebody wanted to keep their eye on the City of Montogomery forever! Back about 130 years ago, a casket was placed on top of the Steiner-Lobman building. Dry food sellers, Louis Steiner and Nathan Lobman owned the building. To this day, no one knows which one is overlooking the city. Is it Louis or Nathan? Is it empty? Is there someone else in it? No one knows exactly for sure.

A couple hours away from Montgomery is a typical looking old cemetery on the side of a small two-lane road, The Oakwood Cemetery. The property is quite flat and full of old typical looking tombstones except for one! Nadine Earles passed when she was four years old just a few days before Christmas in 1933. All she talked about was wanting a doll house for Christmas. Her parents had this beautiful dollhouse built over her gravesite. Inside are some of her favorite toys, bedroom furniture, a Christmas tree, her bike and a photo of Nadine. Outside, the yard is manicured regularly. Toys are still being left today in remembrance of Nadine - 88 years later. RIP Nadine.

By the Union train station, in Montgomery, are several emotional driven bronze statues remembering the Alabamians who served in World War I.  There is so much history throughout our cities and town.

As I continue traveling throughout our very enriched country, I find myself craving more and more of its history. I keep my eyes out for a museum visit. I pull over to read historical markers. And yes, I visit graveyards to learn from those who passed. I encourage you to do the same. There is so much out there, and most of the time we just pass it by.