This week in Birmingham history — January 28 to February 3

Welcome to Bham Now’s new weekly series — “This week in Birmingham history.”

Each week, we are going to provide historical snapshots about events and noteworthy accomplishments in The Magic City that occurred during the week.

Our goal? We hope these stories about Birmingham’s history will help you get to know our community better.

Many thanks to Bhamwiki, one of the largest community historical databases in the country, as our primary resource for each week’s list. 

Let’s get started: This week in Birmingham history — January 28 to February 3

Creation of Red Mountain Park Campaign begins

On January 28, 2005, the Freshwater Land Trust announced they were beginning a campaign to raise funds to purchase the land for Red Mountain Park. Located minutes from downtown Birmingham, the park today encompasses 1500 acres—nearly twice the size of New York City’s Central Park.

Buckingham Nicks — Before they were stars

Before Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined the legendary Fleetwood Mac, they were an unknown band out of Los Angeles called Buckingham Nicks. There was one place they were adorned — Birmingham — mainly because a local station WJLN-FM, aired “progressive/underground rock” during its evening block. 

How big were they in The Magic City? The duo sold out its January 28th concert at the Fairgrounds and January 31st date at Boutwell Auditorium..

According to Bhamwiki, Lindsey Buckingham quipped: “We went to Birmingham and discovered we’d sold out an auditorium. Just blew our minds because we were totally unknown in L.A., couldn’t get a gig at a club or anywhere, and here were six thousand people out there going nuts!.”

Woodlawn High School construction completed

Construction of Woodlawn High School, one of the grandest and most beautiful high schools in The Magic City, was completed on January 30, 1922. Hot tip: if you ever visit the school, check out the Depression-era WPA mural in the auditorium which is the largest of its kind in the South. Also, go see the school’s Jones Valley Teaching Farm and Farmstand adjacent to the school.

After 61 years Cobb Lane Restaurant closes

On January 31, 2009, Cobb Lane Restaurant closed after being in business 61 years. 

Fun fact: Before it was a restaurant, knitting groups occupied the space. When owner Virginia Cobb provided her own cucumber, cream cheese and onion sandwiches for customers to her clothing shop she expanded the downstairs space into a tea room. The rest was history.

After Cobb Lane Restaurant closed several other very popular establishments shuttered along the uniquely cobbled stone pathway, including Blue Monkey and  J. Clyde. Currently, Birmingham residents anxiously await the redevelopment of Cobb Lane, a wonderful historical place for restaurants and bars.

Mountain Brook Inn closes/Hoover Library dedicated

The Mountain Brook Inn closed on February 2, 2003. Built in 1974, it was one of the first luxury hotels on the Highway 280 corridor. This year, 16 years after the hotel was demolished in 2008, a new Residence Inn is opening.

Also on this date in 1992, the Hoover Library was dedicated. The original library was opened in 1983 – but after years of planning  the new building located near city hall was finally a reality. Want to learn about the Hoover Library, which is one of the most popular in our community — check out the Bham Now story about its 40th anniversary party

Autherine Lucy enrolls at University of Alabama

Miles College graduate Autherine Lucy enrolled on February 3, 1956, becoming the first Black student at the Capstone. Her presence caused a riot on campus and after three days she was suspended on the grounds she could not be given a safe environment. When her lawyers sued the University to enable her to return, she was expelled. The University of Alabama was integrated 7 years later.

Lucy later became a teacher and taught at Ensley High School. In 2022, the University renamed the Education Building on campus Autherine Lucy Hall.

Next week, we will provide a list of historical events and stories that happened in Birmingham and the region from February 4 to February 11. Got a story? Email Bham Now at hello@bhamnow.com