Jeffrey's Adventure to the Monster March Fall Fest

For Jeffrey's last adventure, he wanted to make an appearance at the Monster March Fall Fest at the Convention Center downtown.  The event was hosted by the City of Selma in partnership with the Selma Times-Journal and provided children ages 0-12 with a fun Halloween experience.  Jeffrey enjoyed watching all the little "monsters" run around collecting candy, playing games, and participating in the contests.

Jeffrey has had such a wonderful time visiting historic landmarks, museums, parks, and events throughout Selma over the past month.  This was just a glimpse of what happens in Selma; there is always something fun and exciting in this historic city.  We have historic places and social graces, but you will have to come experience it yourself!

Jeffrey's Adventure to Kenan's Mill

Jeffrey visited Kenan's Mill today and loved it!  Kenan's Mill was built in the mid 1800's and produced water-ground meal, grits, and corn for over 100 years.  Restoration is ongoing, and the mill is currently operating on special occasions by the Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society.  One of those special occasions is the annual Kenan's Mill Festival held in the first weekend in November, which means that it is this weekend!  On November 2, you can experience rural life and traditions at Kenan's Mill with live music, stone-ground cornmeal, apple cider making, hay rides, and more.  Admission is just $5 per person 12 and over. Children under 12 get in FREE.  For more information, click here.

Jeffrey's Adventure to the Mabry-Jones House

Jeffrey visited the Mabry-Jones House today!  This Greek Revival dwelling was built in 1850 by Dr. Albert Gallatin Mabry, a prominent physician and member of the Alabama legislature.  It was the residence during and after the Civil War for Dr. Mabry's step-daughter, Gertrude Tartt Jones, and her husband, Captain Catesby ap Roger Jones, a Confederate naval hero.    

Jeffrey's Adventure to the Marina

Today, Jeffrey visited the Marina!  If you've never been out here, you are missing out!  It has become a major tourism magnet, bringing in fisherman and boaters from all over the Southeast and the country.  There is also a restaurant - The Sandbar - where you can enjoy your food by the river.  Jeffrey loved the food at The Sandbar and watching everyone on the river.

Visit The Sandbar on Facebook!

Jeffrey's Adventure to the Selma Walton Theater

Jeffrey went to the Selma Walton Theater tonight to watch "Gravity" in the historic theater.  This is Selma's only movie theater and is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  It also shows a different movie each week!  If you've never seen a movie in this theater, you should definitely go sometime!  Check out ticket prices, show times, and the movies each week on their website at www.selmawaltontheater.com.

Jeffrey's Adventure to Sturdivant Hall

One of Selma’s most popular museums is Sturdivant Hall, which has been called “The finest Greek revival Neo-Classic antebellum mansion in the southeast.”  If the high ceilings, elaborate moldings, and spiral stairway do not interest you, maybe you would fancy its ghostly legends.  It is rumored that previous owner, John Parkman, makes regular appearances.  Parkman was imprisoned in 1866 after being accused of shady cotton dealings in the Civil War.  His close friends staged a jailbreak and he was fatally wounded when he was spotted during the escape.  He vowed to never leave his home until his name was cleared and many believe he has kept his word.  Museum staff and visitors have witnessed objects moving on their own and footsteps creaking upstairs; some have even see Parkman’s two little girls looking out an upstairs window.  Many other strange happenings have occurred in this magnificent mansion, but you will want to see them for yourself.

Jeffrey's Adventure to Gerald's House

Jeffrey visited another ghost house today - Gerald's house.  Gerald is a very strong willed spirit that gets upset when things are changed in the house.  He wanders freely throughout the house and moves things around when they are not to his liking.  He seems to have several areas in the house where he does not want anything, such as a shelf in the kitchen that he has claimed.  Any item placed there is promptly moved, never broken, simply moved to another area.  Gerald is said to have communicated with the mother and children in this family.

Jeffrey's Adventure to the Selma Art Guild Gallery

Jeffrey visited the Selma Art Guild Gallery today and was very impressed with the work there.  The artists are incredibly talented and you should definitely check out their work!

Selma Art Guild Gallery

508 Selma Avenue

Selma, Alabama 36701

334-874-9017

Open Friday and Saturday 

Jeffrey's Adventure to the Library

Jeffrey visited the Selma and Dallas County Public Library today and even got a library card! The library hosts events throughout the year in addition to providing books and other reading materials to the public.  Check out their website to learn more about their events: http://www.selmalibrary.org/

Jeffrey's Adventure to the Bridgetender's House

Jeffrey visited the Bridgetender's House today!  This small cottage is located next to the historic St. James Hotel on the bluff of the Alabama River.  It is the site of Selma's first bridge across the Alabama River and is listed on the National Historic Register.  The turning operation of the toll bridge required a bridge tender to manually turn the capstan to open the span.  The bridge tender lived in this house with his family and was on duty 24 hours a day!  Tolls were collected until 1900 when the county bought the bridge and made it free to cross.  The bridge was then removed in 1940 when the Edmund Pettus Bridge was opened.  

Jeffrey's Adventure to the Slavery and Civil War Museum

Jeffrey visited the Slavery and Civil War Museum today! Both the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement shaped Selma into what it is today.  This museum offers an educationally balanced presentation of both sides of a very controversial time in the history of America.  Members of the museum staff are available for storytelling, workshops, and historical presentations.

The Slavery and Civil War Museum is located at:
1410 Water Avenue
Selma, Alabama 36703

Hours:
Tuesday - Friday, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Closed Sunday and Monday

Jeffrey's Adventure to Weaver Castle

Jeffrey visited the Weaver Castle today.  The Weavers were one of the founding families of Selma and the house has had a number of paranormal encounters.  One of the owners said she kept hearing faint music somewhere in the house when she went to bed at night.  A few years later they began hearing voices.  Once when the family dog was barking in the kitchen, someone said, "Dog, shut up!"  Of course no one was in the room with them at the time.  A few years ago, a friend was installing a ceiling fan while the owner was out of the house.  While he was on the ladder, someone asked, "What are you doing?"  When the owner returned home she found her friend outside and refused to go inside the house again.  Another episode was when the newspaper carrier was delivering the paper in the early morning and noticed a light on in the attic.  When the carrier mentioned it to the owner, the owner said it was impossible because the attic is not wired for electricity!

Jeffrey's Adventure to Old Live Oak Cemetery

Did anyone see Jeffrey at Old Live Oak Cemetery tonight?? He was trying to keep to himself so he didn't disturb the tours, but he was close enough to touch a few times.  He loved watching everyone as they listened to the reenactors tell stories because each person had a different reaction.  Jeffrey did say that someone brushed up against him at some point during the tour though.  Was it you??

Jeffrey's Adventure to Old Cahawba

Jeffrey visited Old Cahawba tonight for the Cahawba Spirits Investigation - night one of the Haunted History Tours!  Before the tour started, Jeffrey made a friend that was going on the same tour and they were inseparable for the rest of the night.  They enjoyed listening to the ghost stories in the graveyard and conducting the spirits investigation with the Central Alabama Paranormal Investigators inside the old slave quarters.  Jeffrey was sad for the tour to end, but very thankful for a second night of Haunted History on Selma's Ghost Tour.  He can't wait to meet other people and learn about more ghosts in Selma.  Be sure to visit the blog tomorrow night to hear about Jeffrey's visit to Old Live Oak Cemetery!

Jeffrey's Adventure to the Baker-Brooks House

Jeffrey visited the Baker-Brooks House and could not stop talking about how he felt like someone was staring at him even though we didn't see anyone.  This house was built in 1858 and the grounds of this home were the scene of a skirmish during the Battle of Selma.  A wounded Union soldier crawled under the staircase and died following the battle.  They say the blood is still visible under those stairs today.  The current residents hear footsteps upstairs even though the second story burned many years ago and was never replaced.  Jeffrey is looking forward to visiting this house again on Saturday during the Haunted History Tours so he can hear more about the ghosts from the owners and possibly meet the wounded soldier!

Friday is the last day to purchase tickets for the Saturday tour, so be sure to call the Chamber of Commerce at 334-875-7241 before it's too late!

Jeffrey's Adventure to the Golf Course

In honor of the Mayor's Charity Golf Classic that happened today at the Valley Grande Golf Course, Jeffrey decided to play a round of golf himself.  He was so excited to watch people play golf today because he knew that it was for a great cause.  The money raised from the golf tournament is used to support special needs children in the Selma and Dallas County area.  If you played in the golf tournament and noticed that the ball didn't land where you thought it did... Jeffrey is responsible for that!

Jeffrey's Adventure to the Trotter House

Jeffrey visited the Trotter House today and got to hear Mr. Trotter tell about the paranormal happenings in his home!  He learned that there was a young man living in this home who got into a car accident and later died... 50 years to the day that the Trotter's moved in.  Doors open and close without explanation, objects move without anyone touching them, and other spooky phenomena have occurred in this home.  If you want more details from the homeowners themselves, be sure to purchase tickets for the 7th Annual Haunted History Tours this Saturday! The Trotter House is one of the Haunted Historic Homes that will be visited on this ghost tour.  Space is limited, so call the Chamber at 334-875-7241 to get your tickets!

Jeffrey's Adventure to Grace Hall

Jeffrey visited Grace Hall today, one of the stops on Selma's Ghost Tour this Saturday!  He learned that this antebellum structure is believed to be the home of "Miz Eliza," who has been a regular guest since 1982 when Grace Hall became a Bed and Breakfast.  Several other ghosts have been spotted here over the years and five spirits are believed to share the home with the owners and their guests.  Grace Hall no longer has temporary guests as a Bed and Breakfast, but now hosts its "permanent residents," the ghosts.  If you haven't purchased a ticket for the Ghost Tour this Saturday, you should call the Chamber of Commerce at 334-875-7241 before it's too late!  The tickets are almost completely sold out, so don't want to miss the chance to see the ghosts first hand!

P.S.  A black cat crossed Jeffrey's path at Grace Hall today... We hope Jeffrey's not superstitious!

Jeffrey's Adventure to the Edmund Pettus Bridge

I bet you haven't seen this view of the Edmund Pettus Bridge before!  It is actually very accessible with stairs and clear paths for visitors to enjoy the views.  Jeffrey loves coming down here because it is so peaceful, beautiful, and the view just gets better and better as you keep walking.  If you didn't already know, the Edmund Pettus Bridge became a National Historic Landmark earlier this year due to its significance as a site of a major turning point in the Civil Rights Movement.  Tourists come from all over the world to see the Edmund Pettus Bridge, but they have probably never seen it from this angle.

Jeffrey's Adventure to Historic Water Avenue

Jeffrey apologizes for not letting anyone take his picture this weekend.  He ran in the Integrity Worldwide 5K Run on Saturday morning and he was completely exhausted (he's not much of a runner).  We saw him at Riverfront Market Day, but he refused to let us take his picture because he was in so much pain.  Jeffrey has finally recovered, however, and said we would take a picture of him on Historic Water Avenue where Riverfront Market Day is held every year.  He truly loves going to Market Day because Water Avenue is filled with vendors in the street on the sidewalks!

Jeffrey's Adventure to the Tale Tellin' Festival

Jeffrey went to the Tale Tellin' Festival tonight!  He loved hearing Bobby Norfolk and Donald Davis tell stories and the Dill Pickers play and sing with their comedy routines.  Jeffrey could not stop laughing because the stories were hilarious!  Did you see him rolling on the floor laughing when Donald Davis told the story about when the yellow jacket "stung the Methodist out of him"?  This was such a fun event and Jeffrey is so glad he went this year.  The Alabama Tale Tellin' Festival is an annual event in its 35th year that was started by Selma author Kathryn Tucker Windham.  Sound familiar? Jeffrey lives in her house and Kathryn Tucker Windham wrote stories about him!

It's not to late to go to the Tale Tellin' Festival!  If you missed tonight's event, you can still go tomorrow at 5:30 pm for the Swappin' Ground and 7:00 pm for the main event. 

For more information, call 334-878-ARTS (2787), email info@artsrevive.com or visit the website at www.artsrevive.com, and look for updates on the ArtsRevive Facebook page. 

Jeffrey's Adventure to the Vaughan-Smitherman Museum

Jeffrey visited the Vaughan-Smitherman Museum today and he learned so much about this magnificent structure.  For example, this building is known by a variety of names throughout its history.  It was built in 1847 and has served as a school, a Confederate hospital, Selma's first African American hospital, a military school, a memorial hospital, and it is now a museum depicting history from Selma's beginning to around 1960.  The museum has countless documents from Selma's past, a replica of Mayor Smitherman's office, and the third floor is restored and looks just like a nineteenth century hospital.  There is so much to see in this historic structure and Jeffrey loved every bit of it!

Jeffrey's Adventure to the St. James Hotel

Jeffrey the Ghost is staying at the St. James Hotel tonight because he found out it was one of the most haunted places in Alabama.  This is the view from the balcony right outside his room on the third floor.  The St. James was built in 1838 and opened as The Brantley.  After the civil war, it was operated by Benjamin Sterling Turner (the first African American ever elected to U.S. Congress), who reportedly hosted the legendary outlaw, Jesse James, in 1881.  The hotel ceased operations in 1892 because of hard times, but reopened in 1997.  Since its reopening, many guests have reported hauntings from Jesse James and his girlfriend, Lucinda.  The apparitions appear to be wearing clothing that was common in the 1880s and the scent of lavender is sometimes very prominent, which is Lucinda's favorite.  Jeffrey is excited that he may get to meet other ghosts tonight!

The St. James Hotel is definitely a must-see if you are staying in Selma - especially if you are coming next weekend for the Haunted History Tours!  Get ready for a spooky weekend!  Call the Chamber of Commerce at 334-875-7241 if you would like to purchase tickets for the Haunted History Tours on October 18th and 19th.

Panoramic view from the third floor of the St. James Hotel

Jeffrey's Adventure to the Mayor's Office

Jeffrey had the privilege of meeting Mayor George Evans today at City Hall!  Mayor Evans is in his second term as Mayor of Selma, Alabama and he enjoyed meeting with Jeffrey today.

Mayor Evans is very active in civic and charitable organizations.  One of his charitable events is actually coming up next week - the 4th Annual Mayor's Charity Golf Classic on October 16, 2013.  All proceeds from the tournament benefit special needs children in Selma and Dallas County.  Jeffrey plans on going to the tournament and maybe even playing a little.  Will you be there?

Jeffrey's Adventure to the Old Depot Museum

The second place Jeffrey went today was the Old Depot Museum, where he learned that the museum was once known as the L&N Railroad Station.  The Old Depot Museum currently houses collections of historic treasures from prehistoric Indians that lived in the area, before and after the Civil War, and from the early days of the Civil Rights Movement.  It displays the various cultures that have contributed to the development of this part of the Black Belt region.

They even have original art by Clara Weaver Parrish and her medal in the main lobby, plus the original emergency room log from the Good Samaritan Hospital on Bloody Sunday!

There is so much history and so much to learn in the Old Depot Museum, so you will have to see it for yourself!  For more information on the Old Depot Museum or to schedule a tour, call 334-874-2197.

Jeffrey's Adventure to the Voting Rights Museum

Jeffrey apologizes for not going anywhere yesterday.  He is scared of the rain and did not want to get out in the bad weather.  So, Jeffrey agreed to let us take pictures of him at two places today!

The first place he went was the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute.  Jeffrey learned so much about the civil rights movement and the struggle in Selma.

The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute offers the United States and the world the unique opportunity to learn from the lessons of the past and to secure our rights for the future. It is a place where past and present struggles and future possibilities can be viewed, studied, felt, remembered and appreciated. It was opened in 1993 and serves as a permanent memorial to the struggle to obtain voting rights (www.nvrmi.com, 2013).

To learn more about the civil rights movement or tour the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, visit www.nvrmi.com.

Jeffrey's Adventure to Riverfront Park

Did you see Jeffrey at Riverfront Park today?? He spent hours walking on the concrete path along the Alabama River, sitting in the grass, and playing with the birds.  He plans on watching tonight's sunset there because he says it has the best view of the river and the bridge!

Riverfront Park is located a few blocks from the Edmund Pettus bridge.  At the entrance to the park is the newest addition, a gaslight commemorating those who fought in the civil rights movement.  To learn more about the gaslight, view our blog post here.  To learn about the upcoming renovations at Riverfront Park, click here.

Where do you think Jeffrey will go tomorrow?

Jeffrey's Adventure to Dallas Academy

Do you recognize those steps at the old Dallas Academy building in downtown Selma?  We found Jeffrey creeping up those steps late this afternoon.  He was really hoping to make a ceramic ghost with the Ceramic Art Program, but we found out they are not open on Fridays.  Jeffrey will just have to come back another time!

The Dallas Academy Building is located at 816 Selma Avenue.
Hours for the Ceramic Art Program:

Tuesday Morning 9:00 am - Noon Tuesday Afternoon 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm Wednesday Morning 9:00 am - Noon Thursday Night 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm You just might run into Jeffrey at one of these sessions!

Jeffrey's Adventure to Bloch Park

Jeffrey was spotted at Bloch Park tonight!  Bloch Park hosted minor league baseball teams in the 1950s and 1960s, then again in 2002.  It is currently used for high school and American Legion baseball.

Jeffrey loved how peaceful and relaxing the park was today.  There were people running, playing on the playground, and practicing for games.  He wants to go back to the park to run on October 12 when Integrity Worldwide hosts its 4th annual 5K and 1 mile fun run.  He would love it if you would join him in the 5K as he helps Integrity Worldwide raise money for Kenya!

Bloch Park is located at 108 West Dallas Avenue across from the Selma Country Club.

Jeffrey's Adventure to the Centre for Commerce

Jeffrey decided to visit the Centre for Commerce building today to learn more about Selma!  The Centre for Commerce is located at 912 Selma Avenue in the historic Carnegie Library building in downtown Selma.

The Centre for Commerce houses the Selma Economic Development Authority, the Chamber of Commerce, Selma and Dallas County Tourism, and Leadership.  Each entity operates under its own board, yet they all work together to move forward in the creation and implementation of coordinated business development.

Jeffrey loved how beautiful the building is on the inside and outside!  He also loved how helpful the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism directors were in finding other locations for him to explore this month.

We can't wait to see where Jeffrey will make his next appearance!

UPDATE (Oct. 3):

Our receptionist just spotted Jeffrey's signature in the Centre for Commerce guest book!  I guess he signed in before we helped him figure out where to go on his next adventure.

Jeffrey's Adventure to the Fair

We spotted Jeffrey at the Central Alabama Fair tonight!  He posed for a picture and told us about how much fun he was having at the Fair.  Jeffrey had two Cozy Dawgs, a funnel cake, and cotton candy!  We're not quite sure how he was able to eat all of that since he's a ghost, but we certainly didn't question him.

Jeffrey also told us that he learned this was the 57th Annual Central Alabama Fair in Selma, Alabama! It is hosted by the Selma Lions Club and admission is $5 per person.  The Fair will be here until October 5, so go while you can! Jeffrey had a lot of fun and he knows you will too!

Here are some other pictures we snapped at the Central Alabama Fair while we were searching for Jeffrey:

Jeffrey's First Adventure

We just got word that Jeffrey will be making his first appearance at the Central Alabama Fair TONIGHT!  We are going to try and capture a photo of him enjoying the rides or hanging out at the Selma Lions Club.  Fingers crossed!

By the way, the 57th Central Alabama Fair opens tonight at 5:30 PM and tickets are only $5.00 for Ages 5 & Up. Come tonight and help us find Jeffrey!

Central Alabama Fair

Selma Lions Club

2401 West Dallas Avenue

Selma, Alabama 36701

334-872-6717

www.centralalabamafair.com