Decatur in Morgan County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Beauty and Hope
Restoring the Vision...Preserving The Legacy
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 13, 2009
1. Beauty and Hope Marker
"This section lying between Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue will provide the central beautification theme as it will evolve into a beautiful elevated rose garden with 2,000 selected roses planted at vantage points the color ensemble, when complete is expected to be one of rare beauty."
The Decatur Daily December 30, 1933
During the difficult years of the Great Depression, Franklin Delano Roosevelt used park projects to provide a vision of hope in the future. As part of the New Deal efforts, park improvements were made in 1933-1938 under the Civil Works Administration (CWA) and Works Progress Administration (WPA). As the park is an example of both the "City Beautiful" movement of the late 1800's and as a representation of New Deal park projects, Delano Park has two periods of historic significance. This second important phase of the park's development was led by Carolyn Cortner Smith, a pioneering female architect, who guided the construction of the park's handsome stone structures. These projects provided needed job opportunities in bleak times and gave people new parks where they could experience beauty and fun once again.
Made possible by Shirley and George McCrary
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work
this page online
Location. 34° 35.882′ N, 86° 58.733′ W. Marker is in Decatur, Alabama, in Morgan County. It is at the intersection of Prospect Drive and 7th Street, on the right when traveling west on Prospect Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Decatur AL 35601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Alabama. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Social and Cultural Opportunities (within shouting distance of this marker); Albany (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Carolyn Cortner Smith (about 400 feet away); Health and Civic Welfare (about 500 feet away); Recreation and Refreshment (about 500 feet away); The Land of the Indians (about 600 feet away); the "Chicago of the South" (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. John's Episcopal Church (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Decatur.
Additional keywords. New
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 13, 2009
2. Delano Park
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 13, 2009
3. Beauty and Hope Marker
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 13, 2009
4. Beauty and Hope Marker
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, June 12, 2010
5. Beauty and Hope Marker
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 13, 2009
6. Beauty and Hope Marker
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 13, 2009
7. Restoring the Vision Preserving the Legacy
In appreciation of
Congressman
Robert E. "Bud" Cramer
whose leadership and support made possible the stone terrace and in gratitude to
The Decatur Daily
The Baker Foundation
for their generous gift
of the stone and timber pergola
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 13, 2009
8. Rose garden
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 13, 2009
9. Rose Walk
given in honor of
John A. Woller and Patricia H. Woller on the occasion of their
50th wedding anniversary July 28, 2007.
Johnny and Suzanne Woller, John III, David, and Patricia,
Ronald, and Melinda Woller, Joey and Leta,
Will and Kate Woller, Caroline, Sarah Catherine, and William
David and Janet Woller South, Llewyelly, Margaret, and Leah
Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 18, 2012, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 1,121 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on July 26, 2025, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 18, 2012, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 7, 8, 9. submitted on March 19, 2012, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
