By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News



The Gardendale Historical Society Inc. celebrated three years in existence during a reception at the Gardendale-Martha Moore Public Library on Jan. 17.

The reception netted the society four new members, which was part of the event’s purpose, according to Kermit Dooley, the society’s second vice president.

“I think we had a good turnout,” said Mary Taylor, president of the Gardendale Historical Society. “People were interested in what we had to show.”

On display were several documents and photos relating to the history of Gardendale.

There were land papers and wills that had the former name of Gardendale – Jugtown – on them.

There was also a collection of news articles, countless photographs and a display featuring the Belcher family, of which society member Patsy Duncan is a descendent.

Taylor said it has taken the society its entire three years in existence to gather its collection. She said many of the documents were donated by Gardendale residents.

“It’s amazing what people have stuck back that they don’t realize. When we first organized, stuff started coming out of closets and out from under beds,” Taylor said.

All of the materials are stored at the Gardendale library in locked cabinets. However, Taylor said anyone may access the materials by asking a librarian for the key.

“We want people to look at it all, but we also want them to respect what they’re looking at and the value of it,” she said. “For the most part, I think that’s what people do.”

The society meets every third Saturday, 10 a.m., at the Gardendale Public Library and will also have a booth at the upcoming Magnolia Festival in Gardendale on April 18.

To learn more about the Gardendale Historical Society, call Dooley at 631-5662, Taylor at 631-3079 or first vice president Doris Ragsdale Hopper at 631-4839.