The Mardi Gras Master of Make-Believe
John Augustus Walker changed the world of float design and made Mobile’s Mardi Gras a sight to behold.
A Look at the Art of Mardi Gras
In all its gaudy grandeur, Carnival utilizes — and manifests itself in — every form of art.
Oakdale Ice and Fuel Company Float
Turn back time with this photograph of a Mardi Gras float that served as an advertisement for a local ice and fuel business.
The History of the Excelsior Band
Dating back to 1883, the Excelsior Band has been delighting Mobilians for generations and breaking barriers along the way.
Korean War Era at Brookley Field
Turn back time with this photo of women in uniform at Korean War-era Brookley Army Air Field.
A Historian’s Restoration Wish List Ten Years On
A decade ago, MB asked historian John Sledge to share his personal restoration wish list. Happily, the intervening decade has been a strong one for historic preservation in Mobile. Allow us as a brief review of the successes of the past 10 years and a look at what remains in peril.
Ask McGehee: What Is the History of Trinity Episcopal Church in Midtown?
Trinity is the second oldest Episcopal church in Mobile, and the only one to have the distinction of having been consecrated twice by two different bishops. Much of its long history, however, did not take place at its present location.
Rural Revival
A Baldwin County landmark with deep community roots finally gets a chance to shine again.
Ask McGehee: What is the history of Mobile’s Admiral Hotel?
The 12-story hotel was opened in November 1940, and named in honor of Mobile’s Admiral Raphael Semmes. It had been constructed over a course of 15 months at a total cost of $1 million — well over $21 million in today’s dollars.
The USO in Mobile
Turn back time with this 1940’s photograph from the Mobile chapter of USO
