Historic Photos of Birmingham in the 50s, 60s, and 70s
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About this ebook
Between 1950 and 1979, Birmingham, Alabama, experienced some of the most dramatic growth and change in its history. Booming suburbs, desegregation, the fall of steel and the rise of medical and educational research, a new emphasis on the fine arts, and other changes imparted to Birmingham a radical new look over that thirty-year period.
Historic Photos of Birmingham in the 50s, 60s, and 70s highlights the changes that took place through pictures of busy shoppers, amusing advertising ploys, eager audiences, cultural achievements, towering buildings, influential citizens, new institutions, famous actors, and violent protests and demonstrations.
Nearly 200 photographs, vividly reproduced in black-and-white with captions and introductions, give a clear idea of what the Birmingham landscape and environment was like during these years. This look back is the perfect reminiscence for those who remember the era and an ideal resource for those new to the city who may not.
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Historic Photos of Birmingham in the 50s, 60s, and 70s - Jessica L. Barton
HISTORIC PHOTOS OF
BIRMINGHAM
IN THE 50S, 60S, AND 70S
TEXT AND CAPTIONS BY JESSICA L. BARTON
Vulcan raises his torch to light the Magic City.
HISTORIC PHOTOS OF
BIRMINGHAM
IN THE 50S, 60S, AND 70S
Turner Publishing Company
200 4th Avenue North • Suite 950
Nashville, Tennessee 37219
(615) 255-2665
www.turnerpublishing.com
Historic Photos of Birmingham in the 50s, 60s, and 70s
Copyright © 2010 Turner Publishing Company
All rights reserved.
This book or any part thereof may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Library of Congress Control Number: 2010932272
ISBN: 978-1-59652-752-2
Printed in China
10 11 12 13 14 15 16—0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
PREFACE
STEEL GIANT WITH A GLASS JAW (1950–1959)
A LINE IN THE SAND (1960–1969)
OPERATION NEW BIRMINGHAM (1970–1979)
NOTES ON THE PHOTOGRAPHS
From a good vantage point on Red Mountain, the rear of South Highlands Presbyterian Church, 21 Restaurant, Temple Emanu-El, and some apartment buildings and a few houses are visible.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This volume, Historic Photos of Birmingham in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, is the result of the cooperation and efforts of many individuals and organizations. It is with great thanks that we acknowledge the valuable contribution of the Birmingham Public Library and the University of Alabama at Birmingham for their generous support, along with the following individuals:
James Baggett, Birmingham Public Library Archives
Don Veasey, Birmingham Public Library Archives
Yolanda Valentin, Birmingham Public Library Archives
Gigi Gowdy, Birmingham Public Library Archives
Jason Kirby, Birmingham Public Library
Elizabeth Willauer, Birmingham Public Library
Ben Petersen, Birmingham Public Library
Timothy L. Pennycuff, University of Alabama at Birmingham Archives
Jennifer L. Beck, University of Alabama at Birmingham Archives
We also wish to acknowledge the continued support of the Birmingham Public Library Board:
Gwendolyn B. Guster Welch, President
Shanta’ Craig Owens, Vice-President
Samuel A. Ruemore, Jr., Parliamentarian
E. Bryding Adams
Thomas J. Adams, Jr.
Nell Allen
Gwendolyn R. Amamoo
Georgia Morgan Blair
Anthony Alann Johnson
Dora Sims
And special thanks to William A. Bell, Mayor of Birmingham
PREFACE
Look at a photograph. Is it just a pretty picture to accompany an interesting story or can it be something more? Could it be that a simple snap of a camera can capture more than what the photographer originally intended? Indeed, photographs often contain a vast amount of insight into the past, preserving far more than the original photographer may have been conscious of when he recorded the image. Jim Baggett, head archivist at the Birmingham Public Library Department of Archives and Manuscripts, agrees: Photographs are not just illustrations but historical documents that can be read for historical information.
The snapshots presented in this book contain a vast amount of knowledge about Birmingham, Alabama, during the prosperous 1950s, turbulent 1960s, and changing 1970s. With pictures, one of the most important senses, sight, is engaged. As a result, photographs can sometimes give a more complete view of history than a simple written document. The structure of society, organization of government, the reactions of people to the events happening around them, evolution of fashion trends, the marketing tactics of advertisers, the impact of entertainment, and the importance of religious observations are just a small fraction of what can be gleaned from a photograph.
Much thought was given to selecting the images that appear in this book. Historic events, famous visitors to Birmingham, average citizens, prominent Birmingham architecture, and memorable landmarks are just some of the subjects that were chosen. These photographs will introduce the reader to yesteryear of the recent past and broaden his knowledge of how Birmingham today came to be.
The book is divided into three sections. Chapter 1 covers Birmingham during the 1950s and includes billowing Sloss Furnaces, a visit with beautiful Miss Alabama, the public’s race to sales at Birmingham department stores, and blockbuster movies hitting downtown theaters. Chapter 2 highlights the transformational events of the 1960s, for better or worse, such as