A Photos Project for the Cahaba Project

As I was sweeping up around my house this morning, a house that is a bit dustier than most because it is old (or at least that is my excuse), I had time for quiet reflection. When I posted last month on social media about collecting vintage home photos for my neighbors, I didn’t know what to expect.

What resulted was an absolutely overwhelming response. Neighbors and former neighbors from far and wide, even those who long ago moved away, were wanting to get in on this collection of circa-1940 property tax archive photographs of the Trussville Cahaba Project homes.

Watch: A video of the first 40+ photos we’ve acquired of Cahaba Project homes, with addresses!

The process has shown me just how many people dearly appreciate that the place we call home has a rich and interesting past. More than 70 photo requests have come my way, and I know the number would be even higher but for homeowners already owning a vintage photo that they cherish and display. When this phenomenon is linked to the clamoring of people in the real estate market to buy these homes while pledging to the seller that they will love it and care for it as the piece of history it is, it becomes clear to me that potentially many history-minded folks are out there. Folks who are willing to take on an old home, flaws and all. Folks who want to put the shine back into a place with care to keep the original 1930s character and charm in order to honor the history.

The problem we have as a neighborhood is how to encourage the lovers of the historic character to continue to take ownership of these homes. Not everyone who loves the location also loves the history. Not everyone appreciates the value of being a part of a historic district, but every time a new homeowner comes in, either a chip is taken out of the foundation of this historic district or bricks are added to strengthen that foundation.

If you value our specialness, please become a part of new opportunities that are being presenting through the Cahaba Homestead Heritage Foundation. Please reach out and ask, “How can I get involved?”

Kathy Prince

Vice President

Cahaba Homestead Heritage Foundation, Inc.