FPHDA NEWSLETTER JULY2007 - Five Points Historic District€¦ · of water. To finish off this masterpiece, seashells were placed to provide a flourish that would show the world that

The President’s ColumnThe President’s ColumnThe President’s ColumnThe President’s Column As I commit these words to paper, the sound of the surf crashing against the shore fills my ears. All around me I see the visible spectrum displayed on tents, towels and chairs. Although I am surrounded by this festival of sight and sound I find myself captivated by a dilapidated sand castle. Some time in the past someone devoted a lot of time and love to the construction of this old wore-down castle. The towers were erected to be straight and tall. The moat was excavated to hold a glittering pool of water. To finish off this masterpiece, seashells were placed to provide a flourish that would show the world that this castle was special. Over time the incoming tide and careless passers-by took a toll on the sand castle. Without the attention of the owner, the towers crumbled and the moat caved in. As I contemplated this scene, I was reminded of the importance of historic preservation. Much like the old castle, historic neighborhoods can fall into disrepair without constant attention. As members of the Five Points Historic District Association, we are dedicated to preserving the sand castles of our neighborhood. We are here to rebuild the towers and dredge the moats of our properties every day. Though the original owners may no longer remain, we take seriously our inheritance of maintenance and preservation. Through our hard work and perseverance we are able withstand the ravages of time and tide.

Clarke Moore

President, Five Points Historic District Association

A CommunA CommunA CommunA Communication of the Five Pointication of the Five Pointication of the Five Pointication of the Five Points Historic District Association ~s Historic District Association ~s Historic District Association ~s Historic District Association ~ Huntsville Huntsville Huntsville Huntsville,,,, Alabama Alabama Alabama Alabama

The Point VOLUME 8 - ISSUE 3 3rd QTR 2007

FPHDA OFFICERSFPHDA OFFICERSFPHDA OFFICERSFPHDA OFFICERS

Clarke Moore - President

(256) 519-6378

[email protected]

Eric Benzenhafer - Vice President

(256) 539-8830 [email protected]

Janet Robbins - Recording Secretary

(256) 533-4236

[email protected]

Gwen Walker - Correspondence Secretary

(256) 551-9872 [email protected]

Todd Sims - Treasurer

(256) 489-5633

[email protected]

Please contact any officer if you have questions or comments!

FPHDA SUMMER MEMBERSHIP MEETING JULY 10, 2007

Come out and join in the fun of an ice cream social with the Five Points Historic District Association! On July 10, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. we will be holding our Summer Membership Meeting in the Fellowship Hall of the Doctrinal Bible Church. For new neighbors, the Church is located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Russell and Oakwood. Joining us as our special guest will be City Councilman Mark Russell. Councilman Russell represents our neighborhood on the Huntsville City Council. Please take this opportunity to air your constructive ideas on how the Council may better serve us. Volunteers are needed to bring ice cream toppings and/or cookies to the event. Please contact Clarke Moore if you intend to bring something to the meeting. He may be reached at 519-6378 or [email protected].

http://fivepointshistoricdistrict.org

By Judy Perszyk

Harry Townes was born and died in Huntsville and Randolph Avenue in

Five Points was his home. You may not recognize his name, but perhaps

you recognize his face. He attended the University of Alabama in the

1930s, but moved to New York, before finishing, to study acting. He found

his niche at Columbia University where he also received his

undergraduate degree. From there, it was on to roles on stage -- his first

in 1936 playing Captain Tim in "Tobacco Road". A two-year run in the

part of a leprechaun in "Finian's Rainbow" came next -- a role that also

took him to London. After a sprinkling of roles in the movies, Townes

found his greatest presence on television though, amassing a very large

portfolio of roles for his handbag of characters. A small sampling includes Studio One (1948),

Playhouse Ninety (1956) and Kraft Television Theatre (1953) all enjoyed his contributions. The more

popular Gunsmoke (1955), Perry Mason (1957), Rawhide (1959) and Bonanza (1959) also benefited

from Townes' acting skills. He starred in The Mountain with Spencer Tracy, & Fitzwilly with Dick

Van Dyke. My personal favorites were characters he played in Star Trek, Alfred Hitchcock Presents,

12 O’ Clock High, The Outer Limits, The Twilight Zone and Knots Landing. It must have been wonderfully exciting back then to hear “Harry Townes is on TV this evening.”

keeping in mind there were only 3 channels to watch back in those days.

Though he continued to perform occasionally, he quit the Beverly Hills and Hollywood lifestyle in

the 1970's, put himself through the seminary to become an Episcopal priest and settled back in his

Five Points home. Harry passed away in 2001 and is buried at Maple Hill. He had a distinguished,

prolific, and lengthy career. It is said by those who knew him that he was delightful company, and

was a very nice and very polite gentleman.

It doesn’t get much better than that.

2

From Five Points to HollywoodFrom Five Points to HollywoodFrom Five Points to HollywoodFrom Five Points to Hollywood-------- And Back AgainAnd Back AgainAnd Back AgainAnd Back Again

Thank You, Neighbor!

To the lady who captured and returned our wayward dog, Clyde, and let us know that his accomplice, Bonny, was still at large: We offer

you our heart-felt thanks and our eternal gratitude.

Shelley and Elise Heard


3


Recipe fromRecipe fromRecipe fromRecipe from

The Huntsville Times, 1935The Huntsville Times, 1935The Huntsville Times, 1935The Huntsville Times, 1935

Date Muffins

¾ c. oil 2 c, flour

4 Tbsp. sugar 2 tsp. salt

2 eggs, well beaten ¾ c. chopped dates

2/3 c. sweet milk

Mix and bake in muffin pans in moderate

oven.

Serve warm with butter.

A delicious treat for morning, noon, or night.

ENJOY!

4

Historic Marker Order Historic Marker Order Historic Marker Order Historic Marker Order

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 15th. Our next order will be placed mid-October. If you would like to purchase a Marker for your historic home it’s not too early to start thinking about it - sometimes the research required to verify the name and date is time consuming.

Please contact Judy Perszyk 551-2957 or [email protected] if you are interested and would like more information. We need at least two Markers per order or a set up fee of $35.00 will be added.

■ ■ ■ ■ Ruth Ann Dahl ■ ■ ■ ■

Professional Tutor/Mentor 813 Wells Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35801

Teaching study skills and all subject areas All grade levels K -12

College level English Composition – History ■ Home ~ 256 489-6960 Cell ~ 713 817-9998 ■ ■ Fax ~ 256 489-6961 Email ~ [email protected] ■

THANKS TO ALL THAT PARTICIPATED!

On Saturday, May 12, 2007, members of the Five Points Historic District Association participated in a Five Points Clean Up event. On this Spring Saturday morning, a total of 19 neighbors contributed two hours of their time to help pick-up litter along the streets and alleys of the Historic District. Coordinated by Jerry Berg, the group of neighbors worked together to collect 14 bags of trash. The City of Huntsville Green Team supplied coffee, doughnuts and cleaning supplies for the event. This event is anticipated to be held bi-annually. If you are interested in participating, a second Clean Up event is planned for the late Fall. Watch for a time and date in the Fall edition of The Point.

Subscription Information Subscription Information Subscription Information Subscription Information The Point is a publication of the Five Points Historic District Association (FPHDA) and is published quarterly: January, April, July, and October. Subscriptions are free to residents living in the district. For those outside of the district, you are welcome to join the FPHDA, which entitles you to a year of free Newsletters. If you would like to join the FPHDA, please return the membership form found in this newsletter!

NEWSLETTERS SUBMISSIONS/ADVERTISING:

If you have an article, story, photograph, or information that would interest or affect the neighborhood, please contact: Judy Perszyk - Phone: 551-2957; e-mail: [email protected] . If you own a business and would like to sponsor or advertise in the FPHDA Newsletter, please contact: Pam DeLozier - Phone: 508-3858; e-mail: [email protected]

The deadline for submitting information or advertisements to be included in the next newsletter is SEPTEMBER 15, 2007

http://fivepointshistoricdistrict.org 5

GOOD FRIENDSGOOD FRIENDSGOOD FRIENDSGOOD FRIENDS

IIII grew up with practical parents who had been frightened by the

Great Depression in the 1930's. A mother, God love her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it. She was the original recycle queen, before they had a name for it... A father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones.

TTTTheir marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends

lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat and Mom in a house dress, lawn mower in one hand, and dish-towel in the other. It was the time for fixing things - a curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, and the hem in a dress. Things we keep.

IIIIt was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-

pairing, eating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there'd always be more.

BBBBut then my mother died, and on that clear summer's night, in the

warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't any more.

SSSSometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes

away...never to return. So... While we have it... its best we love it... And care for it.... And fix it when it's broken..... And heal it when it's sick.

TTTThis is true... For marriage.... And old cars.... And children with bad

report cards..... And dogs and cats with bad hips.... And aging parents....And grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. Some things we keep. Like a best friend that moved away or a classmate we grew up with.

TTTThere are just some things that make life important, like people we

know who are special.... And so, we keep them close!

GOOD FRIENDS ARE LIKE STARS.GOOD FRIENDS ARE LIKE STARS.GOOD FRIENDS ARE LIKE STARS.GOOD FRIENDS ARE LIKE STARS............. You don't always see them, but you know they are always there. Keep them close.


6

http://fivepointshistoricdistrict.org 7

“One person can make a “One person can make a “One person can make a “One person can make a difference and every difference and every difference and every difference and every person should try.”person should try.”person should try.”person should try.”

In MeIn MeIn MeIn Memoriammoriammoriammoriam

If you remember Millie you remember…

• She wore a tiara like a queen

• She was a little spoiled

• She considered herself to be human; therefore, she wouldn’t touch dog food

• She showed no respect for law enforcement and was not friendly with the sheriff in town

• She could talk and once when told “You will be ok”, she replied “No I won’t.”

• She was a social butterfly, spotted at parties at the Hilton and Five Points gatherings

• She was a community advocate walking in the Heart walk

• She enjoyed car rides with the sole purpose of riding around

• She was often spotted enjoying a vanilla ice cream at Sonic

• She would be dressed in her best costume to hand out Halloween candy

• She spent many an hour being pushed by Benny in her cart outfitted with a seasonal theme and in the summer she would have a portable fan to keep her cool

There will never be another Millie and we all will miss her dearly.

Once a dog, All white like snow.

Never again, Will we ever know.

She bite and she nipped, The front of his face. Oh Millie, Oh Millie,

You, we will never replace.

Pamela C. DeLozier REALTOR®, MBA

110 South Side Square Huntsville, AL 35801 Cell: (256) 508-3858

Office: (256) 533-6767 [email protected]

www.pamdelozier.com

FIVE POINTS FIVE POINTS FIVE POINTS FIVE POINTS FOURTH FOURTH FOURTH FOURTH FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY DINNERSDINNERSDINNERSDINNERS

We have had an overwhelming success with the Five Points Fourth Friday Dinners!!! So far this year we have experienced the cuisine at the following establishments:

February – Sazio March – Thai Garden April – Café Baba May – Chef Green’s

June - Papou’s

If you would like to join us for a future dining adventure, please contact

Patricia Edwards: [email protected] or

539-3285


8

Tips to Keep You and Our

Neighborhood Safe

Keep your cars locked and do not

leave your valuables in sight.

Call the non-emergency number

722-7100 to report a crime, to

have police respond or to

convey any suspicious activity.

In an Emergency

ALWAYS dial 911

"Have nothing in your "Have nothing in your "Have nothing in your "Have nothing in your house that you do not house that you do not house that you do not house that you do not know to be useful or know to be useful or know to be useful or know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." believe to be beautiful." believe to be beautiful." believe to be beautiful."

-- William Morris

FPHDA COMMITTEE CHAIRSFPHDA COMMITTEE CHAIRSFPHDA COMMITTEE CHAIRSFPHDA COMMITTEE CHAIRS

HISTORY Gwen Walker 551-9872 [email protected]

HISTORIC MARKERS Judy Perszyk 551-2957 [email protected]

MEDIA Pam DeLozier 508-3858 [email protected]

NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERN Richard Perszyk 551-2957 [email protected]

Please contact any committee chair if you would like to volunteer to serve on a committee!


The Five Points Historic District Association has much to be proud of since its formation in 1999. Members initiated the preservation, beautification and re-dedication of the Wellman Family Park, published an already sold-out cookbook, established a quarterly neighborhood newsletter, assisted with the placement of 70 historic markers throughout the neighborhood, created a walking tour of the district held each October and sponsored by the Huntsville-Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau, endorsed and raised funds for the placement of a historic marker honoring the significance of our neighborhood.

The Huntsville Pilgrimage Association now includes a home from Five Points on its annual spring tour of historic homes. We sponsor a Neighborhood-wide Yard Sale each year, have a Spring Plant Swap, enjoy dinner gatherings, and notify our residents when things of importance to our community arise. This year our neighborhood grew to the North to include 146 more homes.

We enjoy our neighborhood and our neighbors.

Please support our organization with your membership!

MEMBERSHIP - Membership in the Five Points Historic District Association is open to anyone who shares our purpose - to preserve the historic and unique character of our neighborhood. Members who are not residents are entitled to attend all functions and receive our quarterly newsletter. Members who are residents-property owners are also eligible to vote on all matters brought before the general membership and to be elected or appointed to hold office in the Association.

DUES - Membership is renewable at the end of each year, and may be paid at our Annual October Gathering, or mailed to:

FPHDA P. O. Box 10120

Huntsville, AL 35801

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _

MEMBERSHIP TYPE ANNUAL DUES Resident—Property Owner $10.00 Friend of Five Points (Non-resident or Business)

$15.00

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY

STATE ZIP

E-MAIL ADDRESS

FPHDA MEMBERSHIP

9


RETUR

“…whatever “…whatever “…whatever “…whatever you leave behind is your history, you leave behind is your history, you leave behind is your history, you leave behind is your history,

and it better be good, because you’re history longer than you’re fact.”and it better be good, because you’re history longer than you’re fact.”and it better be good, because you’re history longer than you’re fact.”and it better be good, because you’re history longer than you’re fact.” - Clyde Edgerton

Five Points Historic District Association P.O. Box 10120

Huntsville, AL 35801

The Point

A Communication A Communication A Communication A Communication of the Five Points Historic District Association, Huntsvilleof the Five Points Historic District Association, Huntsvilleof the Five Points Historic District Association, Huntsvilleof the Five Points Historic District Association, Huntsville,,,, Alabama Alabama Alabama Alabama

POSTMASTER: REQUESTED IN HOME DELIVERY BY

JULY 6, 2007

FPHDA NEWSLETTER JULY2007 - Five Points Historic District€¦ · of water. To finish off this masterpiece, seashells were placed to provide a flourish that would show the world that

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