Author, Dr. Delos Hughes, right, speaks to a guest at Sunday’s book signing and discussion event at the Cullman County Museum. / Drew Green
CULLMAN – On Sunday, even though it took place in the midst of a pop-up storm, a crowd of people showed up for what turned out to be quite an interesting lecture and book signing by Dr. Delos Hughes, professor of politics (emeritus) at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. Hughes collected photographs and histories on the courthouses in all 67 Alabama counties and wrote a book about them which is full of historic information.
The title of Hughes’s book is, “Historic Alabama Courthouses: A Century of their Images and Stories “
Hughes presented his book and a presentation, depicting the various architectural attributes of many of the historic courthouses in the state, including Cullman’s former courthouse.
Published by NewSouth Books, the beautifully bound, 155-page volume includes a courthouse, either present or past, from each of Alabama’s 67 counties, and in the case of Cullman County, both past and present courthouses are depicted. The visual archive of these monumental buildings is a treasure for history buffs, students of architecture, and lovers of beautiful memorable buildings.
"We learned about the style and architecture popular for county courthouses during the New South period,” said Drew Green, who helped to plan and host the event at the Cullman County Museum. “We also learned some interesting information about Cullman County’s courthouses. For example, many of the courthouses were designed by architects from other states, including New Orleans, New York and Atlanta; however, Cullman's courthouses were designed by local architects. W.A. Schlosser was the architect for our impressive 1912 courthouse.”
Hughes was very complimentary of the visit and the venue.
“I was very pleased with the turnout in Cullman,” said Hughes. “The facility was very accommodating and everything was really done right.”
Those interested may purchase the book from a favorite local or online retailer, or from NewSouth Books, 334-834-3556, http://qrne.ws/hughes.
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