Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Demopolis, Alabama

We arrived in Demopolis Alabama after a few days of anchoring at various sites on the Tenn-Tombigbee. We intended to spend a few days to regroup with groceries and laundry and some sightseeing. It also gave a chance for our friends on "bucket list" to catch up with us. The marina had at least 15 other boats on the loop. When we left there were 11 boats going through the lock with us 2 miles down the river.


     Water Moccasin having lunch.


Library in Demopolis, Alabama. I went into the library to ask directions and was overwhelmed by the uniqueness of this beautiful building that once housed a furniture manufacturer. As it turns out, the building was saved by a 90 year old local resident who fought to have the building remodeled, rather than torn down, and turned into the library. A few years back the library applied for, and received a grant from Bill Gates for 20 new computers. Shortly thereafter, Gates came to this library to see that his grants were being well used. He spent 2 hours in the library and made a lasting impression on the town and the staff.






    The Bluff Hall home


    The water authorities have allowed the river to raise 40 feet, so the white cliffs 
     are hardly noticeable now.




    Formal Dining room


    Formal parlor, for guests only



    A desk located in the men's parlor where men played cards w/o numbers on them, 
    Smoked cigars and used the spittoons.  Women were gathered in the parlor.
    
  

    Hi, medium, or low


    What kind of chicken do you want?  They ordered from other farms, fertilized eggs from different
    Kinds of hens.  Then, they let their own hens sit on the eggs to hatch them.  This tin is an egg 
     Sorter.
     


      master bedroom


    Chamber potty for the ladies at night.



     Boy toys


   Girl toys


   Young ladies wardrobe.  No closets back then.
 

    This addition added sleep  porches for the hot and humid summer nights.


    Open the top window over the door to allow breezes in cooling the the evening air.


    Mealtime.



    An Original Tiffany window.


    A home from the 1700's. A family of two adults and five children.


    This is the bath tub for the family.  Notice the fanny spot and soap holder.  The tub was placed
     By the fireplace so the water and the bather stays warm!
     



The tug "Crimson White".



We were noising around the fuel dock as this tug took on fuel. We were invited aboard for a view.  He is the boss.



   He was cooking chicken, noodles, etc..  The whole crew takes turns at cooking except the capt.


    One of two engines




    
   



















The trip to Demopolis, Al.



    Good Morning!  7AM



     Trucks lined up to receive their loads from the barge.  See below


   

    
      You have read about the White Cliffs of Dover, here are the White Cliffs of Ebe Alabama.



    So beautiful!


    Water seeping through this rock?


    Confluence of Black Warrior River and the Tenn-Tombigbee River



     Good Night! ⚓️🌛 Bodacious  mooring out with us.