More bonus text (hey, when I start researching ... I keep going) ....
Springdale Estate
Springdale, situated in the heart of Andalusia, on East Three Notch Street, is a large home on approximately four acres that was constructed by John G. Scherf in the early 1930s. It was scheduled to be auctioned off until the Andalusia mayor and city council stepped in to purchase it and thereby saved it from commercial development.
Springdale Estate is a Spanish-style home with six bedrooms and features a red-tile roof and tan stucco exterior. The interior boasts handmade moldings and an amber-colored crystal chandelier. Ponds, muscadine vines, and camellia bushes grace the exterior of the house.
The grounds also house a meat cellar, a carriage house, and a guesthouse in which University of Alabama football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant reportedly stayed when the Tomberlins owned the home. The house is heated by a natural geothermal spring on the property.
The city council unanimously voted to purchase Springdale Estate for $900,000, instead of the auction-listed price of $1.6 million. The city also purchased an additional lot for $300,000 to connect the estate to city hall. The city of Andalusia expanded the facilities, including a commercial kitchen, a public bathroom, and a driveway that connected the property to city hall.
On Saturday, our family called a Candyland Audible. We had planned to have dinner at Big Mike's Steakhouse (which makes more money from Candyland traffic than any other downtown Andalusia business).
However, the wait for a table was going to be at least 90 minutes. Also, the downtown movie theater across from the Big Christmas Tree was showing "Sonic 3" - which is a movie Jack, 8, had been looking forward to seeing for two years.
So, we instead ate at a great pizza restaurant on the square and caught the movie, which I even enjoyed. It's amazing to me that Andalusia (population 9,000) has a 3-screen movie theater, which Troy (population 19,000 and a "college town") no longer does.
Troy had had a movie theater for at least 100 years until the Covid lockdowns helped close our 5-screen theater. Now everyone in Pike County has to drive to Enterprise, Montgomery, Dothan or ... Andalusia to see a movie.
Chrissie Duffy made another point I should have included in the article. The 60 or so miniature houses that are spread across three areas are sponsored or paid for by area businesses. As Chrissie noted, business owners and employees "compete" with one another, trying to "outdo" the other houses on the grounds.
For those who haven't attended, these aren't just mini-house/business replicas. Inside, the structures are decorated with furniture and decorative nick nacks. Most have electricity, lights, ceiling fans, etc. Maid services tidy up the structures every night.
This shows the value of healthy competition or businesses that have gone "all-in" on a project and want to be represented at an event that showcases a community they all want to see prosper.
There's another Troy tie to Chrissie Schubert Duffy and Andalusia. Mrs. Duffy is now the director of development for Andalusia's Lurleen B. Wallace Community College. The president of LBW is Dr. Blake Kelley, who was the principal of Charles Henderson High School about six years ago.
In fact, Dr. Kelley hired my wife, Carrie, as a faculty member, which is the reason we moved back to Troy.
The Three Notch School was built in 1914 at the cost of $100,000 by Andalusia Manufacturing Company. The architect was C. Frank Galliher. The auditorium in the school was the center of Andalusia's cultural and civic activities. The stately building served as a school for Andalusia children for 85 years. In 2002, during the first administration of Mayor Earl V. Johnson, a restoration project was undertaken to convert the building to use as the Andalusia City Hall.
McKee and Associates of Montgomery were the architects and Zedot Construction of Wetumpka, the contractor. The renovation was completed in 2004 at a cost of $3.5 million. That same year, the building was officially dedicated as the Andalusia City Hall.
From an article in 2016 ... The Andalusia City Council last week agreed to spend up to $140,000 to buy the equipment it has leased the past two years for Candyland, and additional attractions.
Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Chrissie Duffy said, “For the past two years, we have rented everything we use. For just shy of double what it costs to rent it, we would already be done paying with it.
“I think the evidence shows this is an event that will stick around,” Duffy said. “We’ve done some really great things as a community. I think in order to keep doing it, we need to consider investing some money into it.”
Wonderful article Bill and I had never heard of "Candyland" Andalusia style until now. I have made the drive to Thomasville, GA on several occasions to see the lights around the Flowers Bakery headquarters, but now I have to put Andalusia on my list. Thanks for the info!!
"Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Chrissie Duffy said, “For the past two years, we have rented everything we use. For just shy of double what it costs to rent it, we would already be done paying with it."
why aren't there more smart logical people like Chrissie Duffy in the legislature???
I thought some of my "national" readers might be interested in this article. It shows the increasing popularity of "small town living" and how it's easier to follow-through on LOCAL projects. You don't need to convince as many people.
If I ever have the opportunity to visit Alabama, Candyland would undoubtedly be at the top of my must-see list. The description of this enchanting place makes it sound like a magical wonderland filled with vibrant colors and delightful attractions. I’m curious to know whether one full day would be sufficient to explore everything Candyland has to offer, or if I should plan to spend multiple days to truly soak in the entire experience and appreciate all the intricate details and activities it provides
Thanks, Kim. You can do or see everything in one day - but you could definitely find 8 to 12 hours of fun activities, including meals and shopping. Many of the events are tailored to children, but I see plenty of couples or adults without children strolling around.
Andalusia is an hour's drive from Troy. We stopped at the Chicken Shack in nearby Luverne for lunch on our drive over. Giving some business to that outstanding locally-owned restaurant has also become a part of our annual pilgrimage to Andalusia.
I also learned that many of the over-sized Christmas decorations are built by a company based in, I think, Luverne (population about 3,000).
As another oddity, on the drive to Andalusia I noted a business that makes "Tiny houses" (which is new thing in America). But the houses this business builds aren't as tiny as the ones you see at "Candyland!"
Tiny homes are becoming a popular trend here in Canada, especially with how pricey real estate has gotten! I truly appreciate the idea of minimalist living, but if I have to squeeze by my Mr. in a tiny space, that’s not for me! 😂 We really enjoy the rural charm, with all the lovely open spaces, trees, fields, and wildlife—plus, having no neighbors is a big bonus!
I actually love taking those drives into the city; it gives me a chance to reflect and soak in the beautiful scenery around me. I'm grateful for everything and everyone in my life. Wishing you and your family a joyful Christmas and a fantastic new year!
I'm grateful for your great posts, Kim. I also enjoy longer rides as it allows me to make many new micro and macro observations about our evolving world.
My goodness the architecture in Andalusia is just stunning. What joy to walk among such beautiful buildings. The school-turned-hall is particularly magnificent. I bet they are nice and cool in the summer. We could build this today, but choose not to.
Happy New Year to you, Bill, and keep up the great work! I've never been to your Troy, but I have visited Rome, Georgia, home of the beautiful Berry College, where the great Peter Lawler taught.
By now, just about everyone in Troy knows about "Christmas in Candyland" - and many Trojans have visited multiple years (like our family). However, until 10 days ago, I didn't know that a "Troy girl" made all of this happen. In my research, I saw the name Chrissie Duffy, which didn't register with me. However, when I went to Mrs. Duffy's Facebook page, I saw that it was Chrissie Schubert Duffy. I've been around this now grown woman since she was a child growing up in Troy!
Her late father, Chris Schubert, was one of the key leaders of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, the church I grew up attending. That's the church where Sister Schubert's Homemade rolls were first sold!
Merry Xmas Bill to you and your family . I will be looking forward to your postings for the New Year where, no doubt, there will be more than enough to cover from a perspective that I have admired for these past few years . Thank you .
More bonus text (hey, when I start researching ... I keep going) ....
Springdale Estate
Springdale, situated in the heart of Andalusia, on East Three Notch Street, is a large home on approximately four acres that was constructed by John G. Scherf in the early 1930s. It was scheduled to be auctioned off until the Andalusia mayor and city council stepped in to purchase it and thereby saved it from commercial development.
Springdale Estate is a Spanish-style home with six bedrooms and features a red-tile roof and tan stucco exterior. The interior boasts handmade moldings and an amber-colored crystal chandelier. Ponds, muscadine vines, and camellia bushes grace the exterior of the house.
The grounds also house a meat cellar, a carriage house, and a guesthouse in which University of Alabama football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant reportedly stayed when the Tomberlins owned the home. The house is heated by a natural geothermal spring on the property.
The city council unanimously voted to purchase Springdale Estate for $900,000, instead of the auction-listed price of $1.6 million. The city also purchased an additional lot for $300,000 to connect the estate to city hall. The city of Andalusia expanded the facilities, including a commercial kitchen, a public bathroom, and a driveway that connected the property to city hall.
Wonderful job by the obviously far-sighted members of Andalusia's city government. Good job indeed!
On Saturday, our family called a Candyland Audible. We had planned to have dinner at Big Mike's Steakhouse (which makes more money from Candyland traffic than any other downtown Andalusia business).
However, the wait for a table was going to be at least 90 minutes. Also, the downtown movie theater across from the Big Christmas Tree was showing "Sonic 3" - which is a movie Jack, 8, had been looking forward to seeing for two years.
So, we instead ate at a great pizza restaurant on the square and caught the movie, which I even enjoyed. It's amazing to me that Andalusia (population 9,000) has a 3-screen movie theater, which Troy (population 19,000 and a "college town") no longer does.
Troy had had a movie theater for at least 100 years until the Covid lockdowns helped close our 5-screen theater. Now everyone in Pike County has to drive to Enterprise, Montgomery, Dothan or ... Andalusia to see a movie.
I love this quote that Chrissie Schubert Duffy added to one of her Chamber of Commerce reports about Candyland in Andalusia.
"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." --Helen Keller
***
One of my favorite quotes is from Gen. Colin Powell's autobiography:
"Never stomp on enthusiasm."
I think Chrissie was enthusiastic about her idea ... and nobody stomped on her enthusiasm ... and see what happened?
Chrissie Duffy made another point I should have included in the article. The 60 or so miniature houses that are spread across three areas are sponsored or paid for by area businesses. As Chrissie noted, business owners and employees "compete" with one another, trying to "outdo" the other houses on the grounds.
For those who haven't attended, these aren't just mini-house/business replicas. Inside, the structures are decorated with furniture and decorative nick nacks. Most have electricity, lights, ceiling fans, etc. Maid services tidy up the structures every night.
This shows the value of healthy competition or businesses that have gone "all-in" on a project and want to be represented at an event that showcases a community they all want to see prosper.
There's another Troy tie to Chrissie Schubert Duffy and Andalusia. Mrs. Duffy is now the director of development for Andalusia's Lurleen B. Wallace Community College. The president of LBW is Dr. Blake Kelley, who was the principal of Charles Henderson High School about six years ago.
In fact, Dr. Kelley hired my wife, Carrie, as a faculty member, which is the reason we moved back to Troy.
Bonus Text 3 ...
The Three Notch School was built in 1914 at the cost of $100,000 by Andalusia Manufacturing Company. The architect was C. Frank Galliher. The auditorium in the school was the center of Andalusia's cultural and civic activities. The stately building served as a school for Andalusia children for 85 years. In 2002, during the first administration of Mayor Earl V. Johnson, a restoration project was undertaken to convert the building to use as the Andalusia City Hall.
McKee and Associates of Montgomery were the architects and Zedot Construction of Wetumpka, the contractor. The renovation was completed in 2004 at a cost of $3.5 million. That same year, the building was officially dedicated as the Andalusia City Hall.
Bonus copy from my research:
From an article in 2016 ... The Andalusia City Council last week agreed to spend up to $140,000 to buy the equipment it has leased the past two years for Candyland, and additional attractions.
Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Chrissie Duffy said, “For the past two years, we have rented everything we use. For just shy of double what it costs to rent it, we would already be done paying with it.
“I think the evidence shows this is an event that will stick around,” Duffy said. “We’ve done some really great things as a community. I think in order to keep doing it, we need to consider investing some money into it.”
Wonderful article Bill and I had never heard of "Candyland" Andalusia style until now. I have made the drive to Thomasville, GA on several occasions to see the lights around the Flowers Bakery headquarters, but now I have to put Andalusia on my list. Thanks for the info!!
"Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Chrissie Duffy said, “For the past two years, we have rented everything we use. For just shy of double what it costs to rent it, we would already be done paying with it."
why aren't there more smart logical people like Chrissie Duffy in the legislature???
I thought some of my "national" readers might be interested in this article. It shows the increasing popularity of "small town living" and how it's easier to follow-through on LOCAL projects. You don't need to convince as many people.
If I ever have the opportunity to visit Alabama, Candyland would undoubtedly be at the top of my must-see list. The description of this enchanting place makes it sound like a magical wonderland filled with vibrant colors and delightful attractions. I’m curious to know whether one full day would be sufficient to explore everything Candyland has to offer, or if I should plan to spend multiple days to truly soak in the entire experience and appreciate all the intricate details and activities it provides
Thanks, Kim. You can do or see everything in one day - but you could definitely find 8 to 12 hours of fun activities, including meals and shopping. Many of the events are tailored to children, but I see plenty of couples or adults without children strolling around.
Andalusia is an hour's drive from Troy. We stopped at the Chicken Shack in nearby Luverne for lunch on our drive over. Giving some business to that outstanding locally-owned restaurant has also become a part of our annual pilgrimage to Andalusia.
I also learned that many of the over-sized Christmas decorations are built by a company based in, I think, Luverne (population about 3,000).
As another oddity, on the drive to Andalusia I noted a business that makes "Tiny houses" (which is new thing in America). But the houses this business builds aren't as tiny as the ones you see at "Candyland!"
Tiny homes are becoming a popular trend here in Canada, especially with how pricey real estate has gotten! I truly appreciate the idea of minimalist living, but if I have to squeeze by my Mr. in a tiny space, that’s not for me! 😂 We really enjoy the rural charm, with all the lovely open spaces, trees, fields, and wildlife—plus, having no neighbors is a big bonus!
I actually love taking those drives into the city; it gives me a chance to reflect and soak in the beautiful scenery around me. I'm grateful for everything and everyone in my life. Wishing you and your family a joyful Christmas and a fantastic new year!
I'm grateful for your great posts, Kim. I also enjoy longer rides as it allows me to make many new micro and macro observations about our evolving world.
My goodness the architecture in Andalusia is just stunning. What joy to walk among such beautiful buildings. The school-turned-hall is particularly magnificent. I bet they are nice and cool in the summer. We could build this today, but choose not to.
Happy New Year to you, Bill, and keep up the great work! I've never been to your Troy, but I have visited Rome, Georgia, home of the beautiful Berry College, where the great Peter Lawler taught.
I can't believe I didn't know about this! I'll check it out next year!
By now, just about everyone in Troy knows about "Christmas in Candyland" - and many Trojans have visited multiple years (like our family). However, until 10 days ago, I didn't know that a "Troy girl" made all of this happen. In my research, I saw the name Chrissie Duffy, which didn't register with me. However, when I went to Mrs. Duffy's Facebook page, I saw that it was Chrissie Schubert Duffy. I've been around this now grown woman since she was a child growing up in Troy!
Her late father, Chris Schubert, was one of the key leaders of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, the church I grew up attending. That's the church where Sister Schubert's Homemade rolls were first sold!
Merry Xmas Bill to you and your family . I will be looking forward to your postings for the New Year where, no doubt, there will be more than enough to cover from a perspective that I have admired for these past few years . Thank you .
Thank you very much, Linelle. I appreciate your support and kind words.
Merry Christmas all! Thanks, Bill for sharing this great story! 🎄🎄🎄
You have a lovely family!
Thank you, Fred!