Shipbuilding “Walkable” Community Celebrates Founders Day Oct. 30

Oct. 25, 2010 - PRLog -- Chickasaw, AL.  Walk through the ‘walkable’ community of Chickasaw, Alabama, to truly get a perspective on how small towns were designed during the early days of America’s formation.  Although the city was incorporated just 64 years ago in 1946, its name and history begins more than 200 years ago.  And, ironically Chickasaw is not the home, nor has ever been the home of any Native American tribes, not even the Chickasaw Indians.

    Ask a citizen how Chickasaw got its name and you will learn about a large tract of the city land being deeded by in 1733, by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville to his friend D'Arraguette. Native Americans referred to the creek running through the area as Chickasha Bogue, later anglicized to Chickasaw.

    The deep waterways of the area were advantageous for shipbuilding.  And, as World War I loomed, the Tennessee Coal and Iron Company. a division of Birmingham-based U. S. Steel, quietly purchased a large area which included what is now Chickasaw. Three corporations known as Chickasaw Shipbuilding and Car Company, Chickasaw Utilities Company, and Chickasaw Land Company were formed with specific duties.

    History shows that the cypress swamp adjacent to the creek was drained, with dikes built and huge pumps installed. And, at the same time an entire town was built - not just an ordinary "mill town", but a planned walkable community with attractive and well-built homes for the shipyard workers. The original community housed stores, a health clinic, a large multi-purpose community center (the old Playhouse), and a school.  The utilities company built a water purification plant.

    By the time operations at Chickasaw Shipbuilding and Car Co. were well under way, the Armistice was declared, but 14 concrete ships were built and launched before it was closed. Some of the occupants left for jobs elsewhere, and some of the houses were moved or demolished. Those who remained formed a close-knit community.

    In April 1939, the Village and shipyard were acquired by Ben May, a Mobile businessman who sold it in 1940 to Gulf Shipbuilding Corp., a subsidiary of Waterman Steamship Corporation. The shipbuilding area was renovated, homes repaired and modernized, and streets paved. Houses in Chickasaw Village were rented only to those with shipyard connections; so many old time occupants were required to leave. Seventy-six ships were built there, including cargo and naval vessels; however the need diminished at the end of World War II and operations gradually closed down.

     Early in 1946, Leedy Investment Company purchased the entire village. for $1 million. Houses were sold to individuals, with current occupants given first choice. Advertisements giving notice of the sale quoted prices ranging from $1,800 to $3,000 in the East Village, and from $3,250 to $5,000 for those in West Village. Undeveloped lots were sold at prices from $300 to $1,500.  Then, on November 12, the people voted to become incorporated.

   This year, the City of Chickasaw celebrates the 64th year of the city’s incorporation on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Citizens and former residents have been invited to ‘come home’ to Chickasaw and share memories of their experiences growing up in this historic community.  It is a reunion of residents – past, present and future.

    The historical contributions of this shipbuilding community as a small town in Alabama and the United States will be recognized with a historic marker dedication at the new city park site on the corner of State Route 43 and Viaduct Rd. with the ceremony starting at 8:30 a.m. Mayor Byron Pittman and Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood, along with Chickasaw City Council members and other elected officials, will take part in the early morning festivities.

    Founders Day celebration festivities kick-off at 9 a.m. in Paul DeVine Park and McConnell Civic Center, 200 Grant Street, with Mayor Pittman opening this year’s event.  The Davidson High School Naval JROTC Color Guard will carry flags as part of the processional.  

    Day-long entertainment starts at 9 a.m. with the DJ sounds of Phillip Belcher, P&K Audio Productions; 10-10 a.m., Sounds of the Bay Women’s Barbershop; 12-1 p.m., County Music Association Band; 1-4 p.m., University of Mobile RamCorps percussion band.

   Two authors will be on-hand for book signings. Betty Freeman Haines is a former resident of Chickasaw, growing up in Chickasaw during the Civil Rights era while her father worked at International Paper.  Haines has written “Relunctant Hero”, a fictional novel based on her experiences living in South Alabama during a time when segregation impacted life in small towns more than anyone ever realized.  Spanish Fort resident Hudson McDonald has authored a newly-published book, “One Man’s Message,” about his journey in the military and his impact  on the Army’s use of night vision goggles and weapon night lights.

    Kids of all ages will enjoy old-fashioned games such as apple catch, ring toss, pick-up ducks, potato sack races, as well as inflatables, face painting, paper hat making, clown who creates balloon animals, and story-telling.  The police department’s gun safety mascot Eddie Eagle will make an appearance from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

    Vendors include artists Robin Blackwell, paintings; Lorie Dees, goat’s mild soap and candles; Harold & Sherrill Hancox, soy candles; Jim Hayward, oil paintings, sculptures; Lori Jacobus-Crawford, oil paintings; Patricia McQueen, Christmas ornaments; Sandy Miller, stationary; Beatrice Ramsey, beaded jewelry; Sharon Singleton, wreaths, hair bows; Order of the Eastern Star, gifts in a jar; Chickasaw Historical Society, fall scene for photo taking, historical Chickasaw notecards; Chickasaw Academy Alumni; Chickasaw School of Math & Science; Mobile Press-Register; Ashley Rich for District Attorney, Thirty-One Gifts and Cagle Brokerage & Financial Services.

    The McConnell Civic Center will be buzzing with other activities including a large model train display to delight all rail enthusiasts from the Southwest Alabama Railroad Modelers Railroaders Club, historical photo display of the shipbuilding industry from Mobile County Probate Court and local community citizens, a cake walk from the Women’s Club of Chickasaw; historical walking tour sponsored by the Chickasaw Historic Society, silent auction/all-day raffle by the Chickasaw Chamber of Commerce and antique car show from local collectors.  

    Event goes will taste the delights of Saucy-Q Barbeque, Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream, Domino’s Pizza, Katie’s Candy & Cookies, Monroe Sausage Company, Old McDonald’s Farm, Spot of Tea, Catfish Junction, Chickasaw United Methodist Church and Chickasaw Lodge 894.

    Public parking is at St. Thomas Catholic Church on North Craft Highway, Chickasaw United Methodist Church on Lee Street, and First Baptist Church of Chickasaw on Fifth Street. There will be shuttle service at  the Old Chickasaw School, First Baptist Church and Chickasaw United Methodist Church.

    The event is co-sponsored by the City of Chickasaw and the Chickasaw Chamber of Commerce.  Event sponsors include Arc Terminals, Mobile Press-Register, Shell Corporation, ABC Signs, Mayor Byron Pittman, Mobile Gas, Old McDonald’s Farm, Cash & Carry, and The Citronelle Call News.

    The city extends an invitation to history buffs interested in shipbuilding and World War II to bring their children and join others to explore and celebrate this historic day in Chickasaw – one of the ‘first walkable communities” built as a community to support the shipbuilding industry in Mobile County.  It is a time to honor our place in the military history of the United States and to capture the historic spirit of caring of our citizens.

    For more information, contact co-chairperson Tom Hayward, 251.452.6450.  

Media Contact:

Sherrie Graham
Chickasaw Founders Day Committee
251.404.3924
sherrie@baycoastcp.com

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