Weldon and Kay Vickery are making plans to attend the annual National Purple Martin Convention in Griggsville, Illinois next month.

This won’t be the first time Weldon has attended this national get together for Purple Martin enthusiasts. His visits, dating back to 1966, generated a state legislative movement few years ago that proclaimed Atmore the Purple Martin Capital of our state, according to Vickery.

Weldon stated, “With the help of Robin Swift and other legislators we were able to gain official recognition here in Atmore.”

This action took place when he was serving on the Escambia County Commission.

Vickery, who retired three years ago from his long time work at the paper mill in Brewton, was able to find time to further his project. He personally bought countless PM houses and erected them not only in Atmore, but at other locations in south Alabama.

For many years, Vickery also found time to coach and manage WATM’s Babe Ruth’s baseball teams, helping develop several local players find success in college baseball.

Vickery gives credit to the late Floyd Currie for his untiring efforts to further the cause of Purple Martins in our area.

Several honors have been bestowed on him by the national Purple Martin Association, depicted by plaques in view at the national headquarters.

A very distinct honor has been given him for the June convention. His personable wife, Kay, has been called upon to return thanks (say the blessing) at the festive luncheon. Weldon credits Kay with her devoted support and he is personally gratified that she will play a role in the National Purple Martin Convention.

In some other news, I thought it fitting to relate some personal items regarding last week’s tornado.

My granddaughter, Jordan, her friend, Sarah Beth Davis (Rev. and Mrs. Don Davis’ daughter), and a few other students took shelter on the advice of some other students on the street who apparently saw the dark clouds coming toward them. They went into the bathroom of a wellness building and heard the crumbling noise of the storm, which passed almost on top of them. In fact, the wellness center received major damage, but the bathroom stayed intact. No injuries were sustained, but my granddaughter’s apartment received damage and her automobile windshield and two other windows were blown out.

A lull of about one hour occurred without having phone contact with the girls. When contact was made it was evident the girls were in state of shock, some even confused. After talking with her parents, Jordan consoled herself and she and the other girls began searching for classmates. Most were found safe as they returned to their respective apartments to assess their damages.

She tells us classes have been suspended indefinitely and she really does not know when she can return to the University.

As tragic as the event was, I could not help being impressed with Tuscaloosa Mayor Walter Maddox. His articulate and professional manner gave one the impression that “things would be alright.” This, I am sure was very difficult for him to project in his firm, diplomatic and caring speeches and interviews on TV. His facial expressions, his choice of words and his descriptive manner of speaking was most impressive. It is good for the nation to see and hear this man because he projects a professional image that all Alabamians can be proud of. If ever there is a college for mayors he should be the man in charge.

Ironically, my wife and I had talked about revisiting Tuscaloosa this summer. I wanted to go back and have a look at the apartment house I lived in back in the early 1950s. I wanted go by the radio station I worked at part time when I was a student. And, I wanted to have lunch at “Pugs” the popular campus restaurant. But, those places are no longer there based on a Google Internet search. Pugs, by the way was torn down several years ago. I am waiting for Google Street Scene to update these other locations and, perhaps, I can hopefully find them among the wreckage.

Hackleburg, located south of the Florence-Muscle Shoals area, was one of the most devastated towns. My adjusting work would sometimes take me to this town on my trips to Tupelo, Miss. and Lawrenceburg, Tenn. Hackleburg is the hometown of Sonny James, a popular crossover vocalist in the 1950s and 1960s. Two of his hit songs were “Young Love” and “Christmas in Dixie.”

It has been brought to my attention that many local individuals, church groups and civic groups have donated to the disaster relief efforts in north Alabama. This is most refreshing, and for those who want to donate online I would recommend the Alabama Salvation Army. On their website you are assured your donations go directly to those in need.

Well, I certainly veered away from my normal format this week. But, I think it was good that I did, in view of all that has happened.

“…..yes,….it always whispers to me…those days of long ago…”

Lowell McGill is a historical columnist for The Atmore Advance. He can be reached at exam@frontiernet.net