7 awesome Facebook pages for people who love Alabama
By Kelly Kazek | kkazek@al.com AL.com series /series Aka Story Package gallery-preview /gallery-preview Aka Secondary Package
/storypackage /#article_inset Article
Because my fiancé, Wil, and I love to take road trips through Alabama --and sometimes neighboring states -- when we have a few extra hours on weekends, we started a Facebook page called "States of Curiosity." We post photos of our travels and I link my AL.com features for Odd Travels and Real Alabama each week.
The States of Curiosity "About" section says: "Authors Kelly Kazek and Will Elrick not only love visiting odd places around the South, they often write about them. This page is a place to feature photo galleries and stories of unusual sites, largely centered in Alabama, but from time to time in Georgia, Tennessee and perhaps eventually from that oddest of states, Florida. Follow along with us on our journeys and send recommendations of places we should visit."
Other Alabamians had the same idea for sharing little-known treasures - past and present - from our great state. I frequently use local websites, blogs and Facebook pages as sources for my stories.
Below are a few I thought you'd enjoy. If you have recommendations, send them to kkazek@al.com.
7 awesome Facebook pages for people who love Alabama
Forgotten Alabama
Glenn Wills says of his page Forgotten Alabama: "Many of you know about my blog, forgottenalabama.blogspot.com in which I share pictures I take on the road. I want to capture Alabama's disappearing past before it's gone. This page is for everyone to share their own images. Pictures you took when you were a kid. Places you went. Vacations at interesting spots that no longer exist. My only criteria, besides the obvious things such as good taste, for a G rated audience and staying within Alabama, is that they be your own. I don't mind official pictures as long as they are properly credited. Share your memories. Have fun. You'll realize as you look through your old pictures the fond memories you had of that time.
"
Strange Alabama
Beverly Crider describes Strange Alabama: "Alabama folklore, history, curious facts and fun and unusual places to visit. Strange does NOT mean bad around here...it's just a fun name for the page! Visit our blog on AL.com for an archive of past stories about our wonderful state:Check out our new book, 'Lost Birmingham' released April 2013 by History Press."
Birmingham Rewound
Russell Wells, creator of Birmingham Rewound says the page was made: "To serve as a placeholder until a functioning time machine can be perfected and mass-marketed. A website dedicated to the post-war pop culture of Birmingham, Alabama. Vintage retail, radio, TV, dining, entertainment, recreation, roadside - everything that was a part of growing up in the Magic City of the '50s, '60s and '70s."
Huntsville Rewound
Brothers Lance and Vance George write: "Welcome to the Huntsville Rewound Facebook site! Retro posts are welcome and encouraged from throughout the Huntsville DMA. Huntsville Rewound is now entering its 6th year of operation. Thank you for your continued support. Check out the website at: www.huntsvillerewound.com."
Huntsville Rewound is actually a "group" on Facebook, a place for open discussions and posting. The Georges manage two other groups: "Huntsville Rewound Classic TV Ads" and "Huntsville Rewound Local Children's TV Shows," for those who remember a time when Romper Room ruled.
Historic Photographs of Southwest Alabama
Administrator Jeffrey Allen Reed writes of Historic Photographs of Southwest Alabama: "There are hundreds of photos here, all in albums by county for easy navigation. This page is a collaboration between myself; private individuals; public domain images from federal sources; historical societies, the Alabama Historical Commission, the Alabama Department of Archives and History, and a few state universities. My intent here is to compile extensive photographic coverage of southwestern Alabama and its history."
Historic Alabama Online
Historic Alabama Online's Facebook page is a series of historic photos gathered by administrator Tyler Mount.
Alabama History
Mike Tumlin, creator of Alabama History on Facebook, writes: "This page is being built to preserve historical pictures and documents in order to share with future generations. A place to add your historical pictures of landmarks etc. existing or from the past. Please do not add any copyrighted pictures."
MORE: Our readers suggested six more Facebook pages for Alabama history lovers.
Kelly Kazek is following the trends and talking about Real Alabama. Call her at 256-701-0576256-701-0576, find her on Facebook, or use contacts at the top of this story.