The Grand O’l Lady in Fort Payne, was the setting, Sat. Sept. 18th, for the First Fall Art Show held by The Northeast Alabama Art Council. The 1890s historical Victorian home was built during the town’s “Boom Days” period.” The “boom” was a bust but it helped to create and environment in which the town’s present appearance and prosperity have occurred.
The show was a hugh success made possible by local artists and the generosity of those attending. Ten of the 11 artists exhibited made sales. The council hopes to have the show on an annual basis.
The “Boom Days” era in Fort Payne came about from a misguided belief that there was enough coal and iron in the area to allow for the development of an industry similar to that of the steel industry in Birmingham, Al. Investors believed they would become wealthy from this endeavor. Most were from New England and moved their families here and build homes like The Grande O’l Lady.
These investors, along with local ones, provided the means for the construction of industrial buildings, a 250 room hotel and a cultural center consisting of several buildings. In time, the hotel burned, but most of the other buildings remained. One of the main buildings, “The Coal and Iron Building” has been purchased by the city with the intention of making it into a museum and center for the arts. Eventually the council wants to be of assistance to the city in providing an open studio for local artists.
