One of the oldest barbecue joints in the USA still in operation is the Golden Rule in Irondale. Established in 1891 by the Williams family, it’s operated under multiple owners since then. But over 130 years, it’s expanded not only its menu, but its presence throughout Alabama and the South.
Nationwide shipping attests to the ongoing popularity of this historic location. See pg. 86 of Birmingham by the Book for other must-sees near this Irondale location!
Alabama Librarians and the Alabama Department of Archives and History outlines how to clean and preserve old books as well as five things you should NEVER do with old documents. Click on images to print them out.
(above) U.S. Pres. George and first lady Martha Washington“Washington at Home,” engraving by H. B. Hall after a painting by Alonzo Cappel, c. 1867.
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of Independence Day, the July 2026 newsletter of Birmingham Historical Society explores the links between George and Martha Washington and the places, residences, food, and artifacts that memorialize them locally.
A prefabricated home plan of Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, was available in the Sears & Roebuck catalogue by 1932, and two residential replicas were constructed in Mountain Brook; one on Mountain Brook Parkway and the other on Fairway Drive. A look-alike building named Washington Hall at American Village in Montevallo, Alabama contains 3 spaces related to the birth of the nation: the Grand Foyer, the Assembly Room, and the Mount Vernon room.
It was in the Assembly Room…”that Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of The Continental Army, and on July 4, 1776, The Declaration of Independence was adopted. In the same space, The U. S. Flag was agreed upon and The Articles of Confederation approved. Here also, The Constitutional Convention occurred in 1787, with Washington pressing from The Rising Sun Chair.” (Historical Marker Database)
“The Mount Vernon Room was inspired by what Washington called “The New Room.” It represents the place where on April 14, 1789, he was informed that he had been unanimously elected as The First President of the United States.” (Historical Marker Database)
Montevallo’s American Village now boasts the finest collection of Washington family memorabilia outside of Mount Vernon including almost 1,000 items purchased from Shelby County residents.
Included in the July 2026 BHS newsletter, is the complete recipe of Martha Washington’s Great Cake which was served at her wedding anniversary every year. Baked for 5 ½ hours and serving 40 people, the recipe was passed on to her granddaughter and was eventually adapted and published by culinary historian, Nancy Carter Crump.
Note that this version was served at the Birmingham Historical Society’s 2026 Annual Meeting!
It’s well known that George Washington suffered from dental problems throughout his life which may have contributed to his death. Another noted local link to the Washingtons includes UAB’s Reynolds-Finley Historical Library which contains his letters to dentists, confirming Washington’s lifelong trouble with his teeth.
Finally, the July BHS newsletter tributes a number of Revolutionary War soldiers who settled in Jefferson County and lists Alabama Places named for Revolutionary War Era Figures and Battles.
To receive detailed historical information in periodic newsletters like this as well as invitations to special events and lectures, please consider joining BHS. Return this form below or click HERE for more information.
Lots of ideas for things to do with your father in Birmingham by the Book: A Guide to the Magic City. Explore places where you’ve never been, or visit historical sites that your father remembers. Listen to stories from his past about Birmingham’s industrial age or the Civil Rights Movement.
Visit sports venues or history museums and parks. Museums, theaters, concert halls, and research libraries abound along with a list of family friendly outings and descriptions. Or try a walking tour exploring the architecture of the city center with historical descriptions.
If food is his thing, find a list of historic restaurants that have been operating for decades. Or take a picnic to some of the diverse parks, preserves, greenways, scenic drives, and viewpoints. Stroll through historic neighborhoods or read about their origins and historical importance.
All of this and more can be found in the guide with photos, background, maps and more! Have a Happy Father’s Day!
Order from Amazon or pick up from BHS offices at 2827 Highland Avenue.
If you’ve ever wondered about the history of your house, mark your calendar for Saturday, April 18th!
Birmingham is a true ‘foodie’ town now with multiple fine restaurants from which to choose, attracting tourists from all over the country. But it’s always been innovative and resourceful regarding food. These unique items were among those first invented in Birmingham and many are still available.
Watch this video from Dish Decoded for the complete story!
Do you remember some old fashioned favorites like angel food cake, pineapple upside down cake, icebox cake, or chocolate mayonnaise cake? Do they bring back memories of baking or sharing with family members? Do you have other baking memories of 50~plus years ago? Then please enter your cake in this annual contest! Judging will be at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens Auditorium between 3:30 and 4:00PM on Monday, February 23rd, 2026 . A tasting and announcement of the winners will follow the annual meeting at 7:00PM during which the latest publication, BIRMINGHAM by the BOOK, will be introduced.
So search those recipe boxes! We can’t wait to see what you create along with its memorable story!
This past weekend, neighborhood Highland Park residents, Annie Leardine and Elizabeth Sanfelippo as community liaisons and co-chairs, assembled various property owners willing to share their houses, and garnered the support of local realtors as sponsors. Along with Friends of Highland Park – the neighborhood 501c3, the group successfully created a walking tour and porch visits entitled “It’s Nice to have you in Highland Park“.
Don’t miss the two videos below by Jacob delaRosa!
Click on images for links
Historical costumes from the period were encouraged and one of the event sponsors, Priscilla LeBerte and her husband Adam, were among those wearing period clothing. In the photos below, Elizabeth is wearing a costume originally made for Mrs. George Ward, but is representing Florence Jordan – the widow of Mortimer Jordan, who built the Jordan house after his death. This 2nd annual event with live music and refreshments highlighted the warmth and charm of this historic neighborhood while inviting guests to explore its architectural treasures.
Developer Bob McKenna generously opened his doors to showcase the restoration work currently in progress at the historic Warner House, one of the soon to be restored “Three Sisters“. Additionally, tours were offered at the celebrated Brown House, known today as the Clubhouse on Highland, providing insight into the neighborhood’s rich heritage and architectural diversity.
The event saw an impressive turnout, with approximately 350 participants. Sixty-six individuals and groups enthusiastically completed their scavenger hunt known as Highland Heritage Hunts. Each of these participants was rewarded for their efforts with a copy of Birmingham Homes: A Guide to Architectural Styles, which serves as a resource for those interested in the historical and architectural significance of the houses in the area.
The success of this event would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of its organizers, as well as the enthusiastic participation of all those who turned out. Many thanks to everyone involved for making this such a memorable occasion!
Are you familiar with the three homes built around 1905 on Highland Avenue that once belonged to three sisters? While one has been fully restored, two of them have been abandoned for many years. But the good news is that the restoration of the other two will soon follow! Even better, the neighborhood will have some involvement. Take a look at these videos! And follow the progress on Facebook using this hashtag: #sisterhouserenovation.
CBS NEWS REPORTS ON PROGRESS 9/25/25
Inside Peek before the Renovation
Read more about the restored Enslen House HERE
Birmingham Historical Society is often asked if we’d like old family photos, artifacts, or local memorabilia. As much as we would like to archive and even permanently exhibit these historic collections, we do not currently have the space or resources to adequately catalog and preserve them. While we appreciate their importance, we are primarily a research and educational organization. Rather, we encourage individuals to consider donating their items to larger institutions that have the capability to properly care for and display such collections.
There are two places that we recommend: The Southern History Department at the Birmingham Public Library focuses on items regarding Birmingham and Jefferson County. Open to the public by appointment only, the downtown location also maintains a digital library available on demand.
City directories, local newspapers on microfilm, and state and local histories are the Southern History Department’s most used items. Research class projects, books and articles, and the histories of local houses and buildings are also popular searches.
The Alabama Department of Archives and History In Montgomery is about all things Alabama. “Founded in 1901, the Alabama Department of Archives & History is the state’s government-records repository, a special-collections library and research facility, and home to the self-guided Museum of Alabama, the state history museum.” Their vast digital collection features genealogy and family histories, maps & architectural drawings, photos, video, posters and much more.
The Alabama State Museum, as part of the Department of Archives and History, was first housed in the State Capitol. Thanks to the efforts of Thomas & Marie Owen, the current Archives and History building was opened in 1940 and the final wing was completed in 2005. Visit the beautiful building virtually HERE or plan a visit to Montgomery. To donate a personal collection to the state archives, please submit a donation form HERE, or if you have a very specific item, consider one of these history museums.
And thank you for your interest in donating historic materials!
September Events at
Alabama Department of Archives & History
