LaFayette in Chambers County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Vines Funeral Home and Ambulance Service
Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 11, 2020
1. Vines Funeral Home and Ambulance Service Marker
Inscription.
Vines Funeral Home and Ambulance Service was established in 1952 and is representative of a mid-20th century rural African American funeral home. It is the only funeral home in Alabama still operating an ambulance service. The main building of the funeral home was constructed in 1952. A chapel was added in 1988
Julius Summers Vines was the founder and sole proprietor of the funeral home from 1952-2001. He exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit of black funeral directors and morticians of the period. Since the mortician was one of the few professions open to African Americans during segregation, professionally trained morticians joined doctors and lawyers at the top tier of the social economic ladder. As a result, Julius S. Vines was able to play a leadership role in Lafayette, earning the respect of the entire community.
Vines Funeral Home and Ambulance Service has been placed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Vines Funeral Home and Ambulance Service was established in 1952
and is representative of a mid-20th century rural African American
funeral home. It is the only funeral home in Alabama still operating
an ambulance service. The main building of the funeral home was
constructed in 1952. A chapel was added in 1988
Julius Summers Vines was the founder and sole proprietor of the
funeral home from 1952-2001. He exemplified the entrepreneurial
spirit of black funeral directors and morticians of the period. Since
the mortician was one of the few professions open to African Americans
during segregation, professionally trained morticians joined doctors
and lawyers at the top tier of the social economic ladder. As a result,
Julius S. Vines was able to play a leadership role in Lafayette,
earning the respect of the entire community.
Vines Funeral Home and Ambulance Service has been placed in the
National Register of Historic Places.
Erected 2019 by Alabama Historical Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1952.
Location. 32° 53.54′ N, 85°
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24.212′ W. Marker is in LaFayette, Alabama, in Chambers County. Marker is at the intersection of B Street and 1st Place SW, on the right when traveling north on B Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 211 B St SW, Lafayette AL 36862, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 11, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 11, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 349 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 11, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
