Florence in Lauderdale County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

William Christopher Handy

Home-Museum-Library

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, November 5, 2015

1. William Christopher Handy Marker

Inscription. (side 1)
William Christopher Handy was born on November 16, 1873, in this two-room log cabin, which was located approximately one-half mile north of this site. In 1954, the cabin was dismantled, placed in storage, and restored to its original condition at this location in 1970. Handy grew up in Florence where his father and grandfather were Methodist-Episcopal ministers. Early in life, he developed a deep understanding and appreciation for religious music as performed in black churches. Later, he composed and published more than 30 spirituals. As a young man, Handy traveled widely, performing as a band leader and musician playing the trumpet and cornet. From 1901 to 1903, he taught music at the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College in Normal, Alabama. From 1903, to 1909, he directed the Knights of Pythias Band in Clarksdale, Mississippi. In 1909, Handy moved to Memphis, Tennessee. There, he composed the "Memphis Blues." This popular work, along with the "Saint Louis Blues," the "Beale Street Blues," and 37 other blues tunes, made him an internationally prominent figure in the music world. Handy moved to New York

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in 1918 and established a very successful music publishing business. He spent the next several decades actively involved in the music business while composing and performing. (Continued on other side)
(side 2) (Continued from other side) Handy had a deep appreciation of his own race, its heritage, and accomplishments. He wrote, edit and published five books on this subject, including his own autobiography entitled The Father of the Blues. Florence, Alabama, was always home to Handy and he often returned to visit relatives and friends. In the summer of 1931, during a visit to Florence, he planned and conducted an elaborate concert. Funds raised at this event were donated to the Greater St. Paul AME Church. In the late 1930s, Handy went blind and in 1955 he suffered a stroke which confined him to a wheelchair. He continued to compose music until his death on March 28, 1958, at the age of 84. He was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Bronx, New York City. The City of Florence honors the "Father of the Blues" each year with a birthday party at the W.C. Handy Museum. The Handy legacy is also honored each summer with the W.C. Handy Music

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, November 5, 2015

2. William Christopher Handy Marker

Festival. A statue of Handy is located in Wilson Park and his accomplishments are recognized with a plaque on the Walk of Honor in River Heritage Park. A second historical marker is located at the intersection of Cherokee and Beale Streets, indicating the original Handy home location.

Erected 2013 by Florence Historical Board.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 16, 1873.

Location. 34° 47.757′ N, 87° 41.099′ W. Marker is in Florence, Alabama, in Lauderdale County. It can be reached from the intersection of West College Street and South Marengo Street, on the right when traveling west. This marker is located next to the W.C. Handy Home/Musuem. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 620 W College St, Florence AL 35630, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Alabama

and in the Shoals.

It is also in the American South,

specifically

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, November 5, 2015

3. William Christopher Handy Marker

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 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: W. C. Handy Birthplace (within shouting distance of this marker); Burrell Normal School (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church (about 700 feet away); Locust Street Historic District (approx. 0.3 miles away); Rosenbaum House Museum (approx. 0.3 miles away); St. James Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Birthplace of W.C. Handy (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Greater Mount Moriah Primitive Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.

Also see . . . W. C. Handy Birthplace, Museum & Library. (Submitted on November 6, 2015.)

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, November 5, 2015

4. William Christopher Handy Marker

William Christopher Handy Statue in Wilson Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, June 25, 2009

5. William Christopher Handy Statue in Wilson Park

Birthday Cake "Father of the Blues" 2011 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, November 16, 2009

6. Birthday Cake "Father of the Blues" 2011

2011 Birthday Celebration for Handy image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, November 16, 2009

7. 2011 Birthday Celebration for Handy

Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2015, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 1,033 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 5, 2015, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.