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To describe Andalusia as
unique would be understated .
The architecture , the
institutions , the traditions and
most importantly , the citizens,
make Andalusia a special and
unusual place . Beginning with
its Spanish heritage , the area
in which it is located , is one of
the oldest communities to be
inhabited by Europeans . It's
altitude places it above all of
South Alabama , as though an
island in a sea of flat land . This
metaphor can be used in more
ways than simple topography .
The Court Square , with its stately
courthouse , theatre and rows of
storefronts and offices are
remarkable at the least , and with
the cornerstone building , the bank,
the Timmerman , or what my Dad
referred to as the "Entire State
Building" , the town had the
"skyscraper" signature that
everyone knew .
The Dairy Queen , in its original walk
up format , is one of very few left in
the US , and adds a lasting charm to
the main street of Andalusia .
Other notable public buildings
include the Church Street School ,
the East 3 Notch School , High
School, and of course the Baptist,
Methodist, Presbyterian, and
Episcopal Churches. The avenues of
early 20th century Victorian houses
add a certain charm of their own .
With the discovery of Hank and
Audrey Williams wedding location ,
in what we knew as TP Flower and
Gift Shop , Andalusia adds a new
historic landmark to its long list.
Andalusia , being 90 miles from
everywhere, is also known for a large
legal and medical community , with
offices in many of the older buildings .
The Kiwanis County Fair , another long
tradition is anticipated by young and old
as a fun week in Andalusia . The Civitan
Rodeo , and numerous horse shows
draw people to the area to this day .
The recreation fields are always full of
fans , and the stadium packed for Friday
nights . Parades still march through on
Homecoming and Christmas , a tradition
that is lost in many towns today . Many
stores still close early at least one day a
week , a long time practice in the area .
In Andalusia , service clubs , civic
clubs and church groups seemed
intent on helping one cause or
another, and charitable Foundations
helped with funds for more ambitious
projects .
The men were never too busy to
attend a prayer breakfast , and the
women volunteered to assist in
schools , Scouts , and Bible school .
Christmas had carolers and Handel's
Messiah . The Arts groups brought
excellent concert series and
dramatic productions .
With superb schools and a great
Junior College, kids had a top quality
education .
As a whole , the little town of Andalusia provided a place where education ,
recreation , religion , and culture were offered to us in balanced doses , allowing
for an ideal launch pad for the kids who grew up here . It is not surprising to me
that so many Andalusians , spread far and wide , are excelling in nearly every field
one can think of .
After all , we had a head start .
