CULLMAN, Ala. – Michael Sullins will host the 15th annual Historic Cullman Candlelight Walking Tour at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. The tour will begin at the Cullman Depot, 301 First Ave. NE by Depot Park. This year’s focus will be on Cullman during and after World War II.
Sullins told The Tribune, “This is the 15th annual Candlelight Walking Tour, making it one of the oldest continuous events at Cullman Oktoberfest. Our event will highlight the events during the decade of the 1940s, which includes World War II and the post-war years. Cullman’s German culture was repressed during the war years and for many years thereafter. Today, however, we embrace our German heritage and history with events like this walking tour during our biggest celebration of our culture – Oktoberfest.”
Without giving away too much information, Sullins noted a few tidbits of the forties that guests will encounter:
- The massive winter storm that welcomed in the decade
- Stories of Cullman’s soldiers and sailors in the war
- Loss of a city school to fire
- Industrial and business growth in Cullman following the war
The tour will also highlight three of Cullman’s most prominent residents during the decade:
- “Big” Jim Folsom – Governor of Alabama from 1947-1951 and 1955-1959, the first Alabama Governor who resided in Cullman
- Finis St. John, Jr., often referred to as “Saint” – Attorney and Alabama State Senator from 1939-1947. The St. John family holds the distinction of having four consecutive generations serving in statewide offices in Alabama.
- Annie Lola Price – Court Reporter for the Eighth Judicial Circuit (1935-1947), the first woman to serve as a legal advisor to an Alabama Governor (1947-1951), and the first woman to serve on an Alabama appellate court (1951-1972)
Sullins said, “This is my 15th year conducting walking tours and community presentations in the city of Cullman. Before that I was involved with the cemetery tours. I have found some of the best conversations have originated during the walking tours. I suppose standing in the presence of a historical spot or building stirs up nostalgia. I’m fond of hearing folks speak about their parents or grandparents and their stories, often contributing to our community in unique ways.”
At a glance
15th Annual Historic Cullman Candlelight Walking Tour
Thursday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m.
The starting location will be at the Cullman Depot (301 First Ave. NE)
The tour will last approximately one hour
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