Birmingham Rouge - RED TRUCK!

It is no secret that I have a special affection for bright red trucks. I'm really not a truck lover or owner but there's something about a vintage one with shiny red paint that makes me swoon. When we walked out of the  Alabama Theatre yesterday, there were some vintage cars on display. All I could look at was this Chevy.

Since 1927...

the glamorous light fixtures in the Historic Alabama Theatre have been lighting the Showplace of the South. A treasure!

Christmas in Birmingham - The Historic Alabama Theatre

From the Mezzanine of the Alabama Theatre

Glam

Sunday my church held Easter services at the historic Alabama Theatre.  Before the service I wandered around and took more photos to add to my growing collection from this grand old place. I have many fond memories of Saturdays spent here when I was growing up.  Built in 1927, it has been lovingly restored and still runs movies and is a popular venue for weddings and concerts.  Today, one of the magnificent chandeliers reflected in the mirrored walls.

Just Grand

That's how I would describe Birmingham's historic Alabama Theatre.  I've brought you here many times.  Today the staircase.  This lovely old theater is 84 year young now and thanks to the late Cecil Whitmire and many others, it has been lovingly preserved.  It evokes many wonderful memories for me as a girl growing up here.

Farewell Dear Friend

Sunday, Birmingham and the state of Alabama lost a dear friend. Cecil Whitmire who was responsible for the renovation and preservation of our beautiful Alabama Theatre passed away. Cecil began playing, what we all call "The Mighty Wurlitzer" in the late 1970's . In 1987 he became the president of Alabama Landmarks and is credited with giving our fabulous 83 year old Alabama Theatre a new life. I was privileged to have met him in recent years when I photographed the Alabama and another of his loves.....the Lyric. We mourn the loss of a wonderful friend and hope that others will step up to continue the renovation and preservation of the theatres that he so loved.

I have many posts of the Alabama and the Lyric here, here, and here, and here,

Snow Capped II

The Lenten Rose post yesterday was a cruel joke I fear, because today, we're right back to the snow photos.

As many of you know, I am presently teaching a photography class. I pleased to be featuring some of my talented students' work right here. Today, Tom Cronier's grand view of the historic Alabama Theatre in the midst of last week's snowstorm. Tom is an terrific volunteer at the Alabama, so he didn't mind a bit braving the cold for this shot! ( He also thought it would earn him some brownie points with the teacher.......it did! )

photo by Tom Cronier

Birmingham Rouge VI - The Mighty Wurlitzer

Quick, what's BIG, red and at 82 years of age can still belt out a tune? The Historic Alabama Theatre's "Mighty Wurlitzer" of course! Big Bertha, as she is affectionately known, has to be the most over the top organ anywhere! At the time the theatre was built in 1927, silent movies accompanied by an orchestra were the norm. Using an organ for smaller shows and matinees was a way to save money. I have many fond memories of afternoons spent here as a girl. Before and after the movie, the spotlight would dramatically shine on the stage and the floor would open and the organ and organist would magically rise up! From 1937 -1956 audiences were entertained by Stanleigh Malotte, who not only played but added some interesting commentary on Birmingham politics etc. The Alabama's faithful steward, Cecil Whitmire, not only oversees the preservation of the wonderful old theatre, but still plays from time to time. On my tour with volunteer and friend Tom Cronier, we were treated to a concert via the computerized system that has been installed. The Alabama Theatre is a Birmingham treasure that thankfully has been lovingly preserved.

For previous posts on the Alabama click here , here. and here

A HUGE congrats to our dear friend Bob Crowe who is celebrating his Saint Louis MO Daily Photo's 1,000th post today. Can you believe that??? Bob has to be the hardest working blogger on City Daily Photo, and might I add a terrific friend and mentor. Take a big bow B!!!