Today we went to Tuscumbia, Alabama to see the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Helen Keller's Birthplace Ivy Green, and the Coon Dog Cemetery. I have to apologize because I am unable to upload pictures on my brother's computer so I am writing a short description of how our day went and what we saw at the places listed above. Pictures will come at a later date so be sure to check back later.
Alabama Music Hall of Fame - The hall of fame museum began as the dream of the Muscle Shoals Music Association, a group of Shoals-area recording studio owners, producers, musicians, songwriters and other music professionals. In order to be in the Alabama Music Hall of Fame you have to have been born in, lived in or recorded in Alabama. One of my favorite items on display there is the original notes and finished version of the song that was written by Alan Jackson "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning". The country group Alabama donated their first touring bus to the hall of fame for tourist and music lovers to enjoy. You can actually walk through the bus and see where the group Alabama called home while they were touring the first 10 years of their music careers. It was well worth the $5 admission fee.
Helen Keller's Birthplace Ivy Green - The Keller home was built on a 640-acre tract of land in 1820 by Helen's grandparents. The home is surrounded by English boxwood - over 150 years old - magnolia, mimosa, and other trees. The home contains much of the original furniture of the Keller Family. The famous pump where Helen learned her first word, "water", is located behind the main house. Helen graduated from Radcliffe College in 1904. The City of Tuscumbia acquired the Birthplace of Helen Keller, which is situated on a ten acre tract of land, in 1951. Cost of admission is $6 and was well worth the cost.
Coon Dog Cemetery - you've heard of boys and their toys, well this is definitely men and their best friend! This is the only cemetery in the world like this and people come from all over the world to bury their coon dogs in this cemetery located in the middle of nowhere. It is 12 miles outside of Tuscumbia. Once you get to Coon Dog Cemetery Road you travel about 6 miles before you get to the cemetery. There is nothing on this narrow mountain road but a lot of twists and turns all the way to the cemetery. To qualify for burial in this unique cemetery, three requirements must be met: the owner must claim the dog is an authentic coon-hound; a witness must declare the deceased is a coon dog; and a member of the local coon hunter's organization must be allowed to view the coon hound and declare it as such. Key Underwood sadly buried his faithful coon dog, Troop in a small, grassy clearing, deep in the thick wilderness of Freedom Hills. They had hunted there together for 15+ years. When Troop died Labor Day 1937 Key wanted to do something special for his best friend Troop, so he buried him where they loved to hunt. Out of his devotion to his faithful coon hound was born the "Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard", which has become a popular tourist attraction and is the only cemetery of its kind in the world. This cemetery was featured in the movie "Sweet Home Alabama". If you like to visit off the beaten path places this cemetery should definitely be at the top of your list. I give it a two thumbs up!
Again I apologize for not being able to post some pictures but will try to post some pictures later in the week.
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