By Emily Williams After suffering from a heart attack and undergoing open-heart surgery, William C. McDonald III of Mountain Brook made a big life decision: he would finish the memoir his father started. McDonald co-authored the book “The Shadow Tiger: Billy McDonald, Wingman to Chennault,” with editor Barbara L. Evenson. It tells the story of his father, Billy “Mac” … [Read more...]
Stop: Get Married
By Sue MurphyI played a lot of board games over the holidays. Our granddaughters are now in the Candyland-Cootie-Chutes and Ladders stage. Our younger grandson is still banned from play because he insists on tasting all the game pieces. At the ripe old age of 7, my older grandson has now graduated to The Game of Life. During his Candyland days, he was ... well, let’s … [Read more...]
Defensive Posture: Stout Defense Brings Hoover Another State Title
By Lee Davis During its amazing run through the 21st century, Hoover has found a way to win 10 state football championships. But perhaps the program has never won a title quite the way it did in 2016. Hoover’s offense was good, averaging 29 points a game, but nothing quite approaching the spectacular scoring machines directed by former coach Rush Propst a decade ago. The … [Read more...]
Going Against the Grain: Hoover’s Hardwick Hones His Woodworking Skills in Retirement
By Emily Williams For Ralph Hardwick, nothing sounds less pleasing than spending retirement sitting around and waiting for something to happen. “I have two suggestions for anyone who is looking to retire,” Hardwick said. “One: Don’t have a mortgage. Have your house completely paid for. Two: Have a hobby.” Hardwick’s hobby of choice found him 46 years ago, when he was in his … [Read more...]
Closing the Trunk: Rosenberger’s to Close After 120 Years
By Lee Davis For 120 years, few family businesses have been more intertwined with the history of the Birmingham community than Rosenberger’s Birmingham Trunk Factory. Founded by J.D. Rosenberger in 1897, the company originally specialized in luggage, leather goods and travel items. Its logo – an elephant placing one foot on top of a trunk – became an iconic symbol. Through … [Read more...]