To Kill a Mockingbird... A Glimpse of Maycomb

Maycomb was a tired old town, even in 1932 when I first knew it. Somehow, it was hotter then. Men's stiff collars wilted by nine in the morning; ladies bathed before noon, after their 3 o'clock naps, and by nightfall were like soft teacakes with frosting from sweating and sweet talcum. The day was twenty-four hours long, but it seemed longer. There was no hurry, for there was nowhere to go and nothing to buy... and no money to buy it with. Although Maycomb County had recently been told that it had nothing to fear but fear itself... That summer, I was six years old. (paraphrased from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee)

One of my favorite lines from my favorite book.... Today I lived a dream I have had for a very long time.  I finally visited the Monroe County Heritage Museum in Monroeville, Alabama.  For those who don't know, let me briefly educate you on this bit of Southern history.  Monroeville is home to the author of To Kill a Mockingbird, Mrs. Nell Harper Lee.  Mrs. Lee grew up in Monroeville and still lives there today.  Her next door neighbor was, of all people, Truman Capote!  Imagine that....two famous authors growing up as children next door to each other in a sleepy Southern town.  Goes to show you that if you dream it, you truly can achieve it!

So, here's how it all came to pass...I really felt strongly about our 9th grade students reading TKAM this year, so I went to my 9th grade English teacher, a dear friend, and asked her to read the book with her students.  She adores this book, too, so she didn't need much arm twisting convincing!  I went in as a guest reader from time to time (after all, it IS my favorite book!!), and we discussed the possibilities of taking this trip to help bring literature to life for our students.  We magically worked it all out somehow, (she has THE BEST principal EVER.....hahahaha!  ---- that's me for those that don't know that!!)  Of course, the principal HAS to accompany the kids on the field trip...we were crossing state lines!!  LOL!!

I have to tell you, I had the BEST time ever.  I LOVED seeing those kids' faces, seeing the light in their eyes with a book coming to life right there where it all started.  Seeing them being transported back into the past, watching their faces as they made the connections to the book...AMAZING!  If you ever get the chance to visit Monroeville, Alabama, do yourself a favor and stop by the Monroe County Heritage Museum.  If you've never read To Kill a Mockingbird, I encourage you to do so.  You won't be disappointed.

Here are a few photos I took today.  (I took WAY more than this, but I don't want to run everyone off right away!!)  Hope you enjoy this little glimpse of "Maycomb".

Can't you just see the courtroom filled with townspeople awaiting the trial..

No detail has been spared to restore the courtroom to its 1930s appearance...

The balcony...look at the tin ceiling!

A view of the outdoor set for the upcoming production of the play. It's held each April and May and draws visitors from around the United States and even international guests...

It was a great day, and we finished it off by serving the kids a picnic lunch on the courthouse grounds. Fried chicken and potato salad, of course! It's a day I won't ever forget, and I know they won't forget either.
If you ever head down this way, stop and pay them a visit. Get some fresh squeezed lemonade from Dawn Brewton of Front Porch Lemonade. She'll be happy to point you in the right direction and make you feel right at home.

It will be worth the trip, I promise.

Until tomorrow, dear friends!