The “ Parlor ” I really enjoy my study , which was a bedroom for the previous residents .
Our son jokingly calls it “ the parlor !” I guess technically he ’ s right according to the dictionary — a place for conversation .
It ’ s yellow with white trim and brown leather furnishings . My favorite room in the state Capitol is a yellow room that is absolutely beautiful . Mine is not as big or as ornate but I like it .
We added an exterior door and a screened porch onto my study .
In cool weather we really enjoy the fireplace ( one of three in the house . It ’ s amazing to me the workmanship in 1910 that could produce a stone fireplace . They are heavy but beautiful !
The reason for the brown leather furnishings is I have my chair from the courthouse , from my days as Chairman of the county commission . I bought it from a man that bought at the county auction .
My reading chair is special as well . It belonged to Cephas Turner from Eva . I worked with him at Baileyton Super Saver when I was twelve years old . He treated me like I was an adult . I admired him because he had a vibrant personality and a strong work ethic . He taught me a lot about working with the public .
I sit in my chair that I respectfully call “ Cephas ” and I see bluebirds and flowers out my window and I see my family along the walls ( photos ).
I enjoy a lot of momentous item like my greatgrandfather ’ s tobacco pipes and tobacco jar !
Mother gave me a replica of my grandfather ’ s hand ( Rufus Garrett ). He was melting metal one day and he stuck his hand in the loose dirt then poured hot metal into it . It ’ s pretty special .
My Lance cracker jar came from Baileyton Grocery that I used to own .
I have photos of my four mothers — my biological mother ( Louise Garrett Shedd ) who I absolutely adored ; my mother-in-law ( Estelle Akin Ray ) who I loved from day one and she loved me .
Then there is Lucille Nottingham Galin . I respectfully call her my mother at the courthouse because when I became Chairman in 1977 I was only 23 years old and she took me under her wing ! She kept me out of trouble !
And , then there is the one the love of my life , the mother of our sons ! We married in 1979 and it ’ s been and still is a wonderful life !
38 | WINTER 2021 CULLMAN COUNTY SENIOR MAGAZINE