About the Coosa County Historical Society

Porch Talk
Coosa County Stories

This is to be a monthly column as space permits about Coosa County history. To start off, the first column will be about the Coosa County Historical Society, how it began and some of the history that has occurred since its founding.

The following is an article published by the Coosa County Historical Society in November 1972.

“The Coosa County Historical Society was organized at Rockford, Ala., on August 30, 1972. Judge C.J. Coley of Alexander City spoke to the pilot group of 17 present on the organization and functions of such a society, as well as made mention of numerous places within the county of historical significance.

Officers elected were President Judge Mac Thomas; Vice-President John A Smith, IV; Secretary and Treasurer, Edna B. McGalliard.

“On October 17, the second meeting was held and our vice president pointed out the purpose of a historical society, among which is to preserve our local landmarks.

“Through the effort of Mr. Smith, Judge Thomas and others, plans are already underway of placing the old jail at Rockford on the National Register of Historic Places. Properties which the Alabama Historical Commissioner’s policy nominated to the prestigious Register and once placed on the Register they are eligible to have federal funds requested for their restoration and are protected from demolition for any project using federal funds such as highways or urban renewal. Last August (1972) only 68 landmarks in Alabama had been registered. The Alabama Historical Commission is the exclusive agency for administering all funds received by the state under the federal Historical Properties Act of 1966. Also, the Department of the Interior provides matching funds for historic preservation on the basis of recommendations by the Commission. Needles to say, funds allocated for preservation are quite limited.

“We believe the old jail, our covered bridge across Okachoy Creek (burned in 2000), and other landmarks and sites in Coosa County should be and can be preserved as a link to our rich historical past. Only through a strong historical society can we hope to achieve these worthwhile goals. To become a strong organization, we are urgently in need of members and money. We have listed our current membership and if you wish to become a charter member, your check must be received by Monday, November 20. Coosa residents and non-residents are welcome as members and all members will receive free copies of the bulletin.”

That was the end of the article. In the bulletin they listed 42 original charter members, then by January 1973 they had a total of 85 charter members. By April that year, there were a total of 124 members which increased to 156 by July.

However, when renewal time came in January 1974, only 31 members were “of good standing,” and seven of those were new members, while ending the year with 112 members. Each year according to the newsletter it seemed that renewals were slow to be paid and gradually decreased in number. That still continues today as we have slowly decreased in number every year.

In April 1973, they also decided to include genealogy inquiries and family sketches to the published bulletin reflecting the influence of genealogy. A letter to the editor even suggested changing the name to the Coosa County Historical and Genealogical Society. However, that was never enacted.

Over the years, they acquired the Oakachoy Covered Bridge property, the Old Rock Jail property, as well as the Women’s Clubhouse. There will be columns about those later, so we will leave that for now.

In January 1980, a new slate of officers was elected: President Mavis C. Sallas; Vice-President Mary George Teel; Secretary Edna Beasley McGalliard; Treasurer Louise Brown Camp; Program Judy W Jackson; and Membership Mrs. Annie L. King.

In February 1981, the publication “Coosa County, Ala. Records, Vol 1, Cemeteries” was published. It was followed by volumes 2 and 3.

We also participated in the heritage book project. This project compiled the history of various organizations, churches and places around the county, as well as family histories. It all culminated in the “Heritage Book of Coosa County,” or otherwise known as “the big red book.”

In addition to those mentioned above, the Historical Society has several other books that it sells. Several authors over the years have given us the copyright or furnished the books themselves.

At one time, we had space in the rock building behind the courthouse. Now, we are located in the driver’s license building with office and resource room. We are working to make the resource room available for genealogy research.

One project that will help is the digitization of our records. We are currently taking donations to purchase the equipment. Once the equipment is purchased, we will start the process. Our plans once we get everything digital is to get a website so they will be more accessible.

We meet on the fourth Sunday in January, April, July, and October with occasional changes. The program usually includes business, a speaker and refreshments. Years past, we met in various locations around the county, but for the last year we have met at the Rockford Senior Center located in the old library portion of Coosa County High School. They have a great facility that is easily accessible with no steps.

Currently, we have about 90 members, but only about eight or 10 active members. Our current officers are Sheila Ward, president; Ronnie Joiner, vice-president; Bridget Kelley, secretary; and Nicole Law, treasurer. We also have three executive committee members, Debra Lamberth, J.T. McDonald and Jan Wood.