Historic Alabama city continues tradition of preserving African-American heritage while fundraising for school renovation
HOBSON CITY, AL — The historic city of Hobson City held its 126th annual Founders Day Gala in August, celebrating Alabama’s first incorporated African-American city while honoring two longtime community leaders who made significant contributions to education and civic life.
The gala recognized the late Coach Hutchins and 96-year-old Georgia Calhoun, both of whom left lasting impacts on the community through decades of service in education and civic engagement.
Historic Significance
Hobson City holds special significance as Alabama’s first incorporated African-American city, established and governed by Black residents. Mayor McCrory, who has led the annual celebration since taking office in 2008-2009, emphasized the importance of preserving this unique history.
“We are working to preserve and save the historic town of Hobson City, Alabama,” McCrory said during the event. “Alabama’s first incorporated African American city established by black people, governed by black people.”
Honoring Community Leaders
The evening honored two pillars of the community. Coach Hutchins, who passed away at age 86 shortly before the event, was remembered as both an educator at C.E. Hanna and a beloved coach who combined humor with meaningful life lessons.
“He was one of the funniest gentlemen you wanted to meet,” one speaker recalled. “But when he got through talking to you, you realize the lesson had been taught.”
Georgia Calhoun, 96, was celebrated for her nearly century-long commitment to the community as a retired teacher who served on numerous boards and worked with the Alabama Historical Commission. Community members described her as embodying “regal excellence” and serving as a mentor to multiple generations.
“She’s smart, intelligent, she’s an educated woman, and I’ve had the opportunity to be mentored by her,” said one attendee who has known Calhoun since childhood.
Fundraising for Preservation
The gala serves as more than a celebration—it’s a crucial fundraising effort for the preservation of local history. Proceeds support the renovation of the old C.E. Hanna-Calhoun County Training School, which once served as the only place where Black students in rural Calhoun County could earn a high school diploma.
Mayor McCrory explained the significance of the school renovation project: “That was once the only school where blacks in rural Calhoun County and some other outland areas could get a high school diploma. And we are housed in that building there. We have a museum there, and it’s just beautiful. Pivotal to our preserving our history and our city.”
The building now houses a museum and serves as a centerpiece for the city’s historical preservation efforts. The community has completed phase one of renovations, including classrooms and hallways, and plans to begin phase two—renovating the old gymnasium—in November.
“We have to do this to raise money, not just to have matching funds, but to have funds because we still struggle to get recognized and funded by some of the larger agencies,” McCrory explained. “We wanted to show people that we’re not looking for a handout. We need a hand up.”
McCrory also shared a poignant memory of Coach Hutchins’ final words to her: “In one of our last conversations, he said to me, Alberta, don’t let this school go. Alberta, don’t let that gym fall. We need to go ahead and get started on the gym.”
Regional Partnership
The event also highlighted growing collaboration between Hobson City and neighboring Anniston, with Mayor Ciara Smith and city councilmembers attending to show support for the historic preservation efforts.
Anniston Mayor Ciara Smith emphasized the importance of regional collaboration: “I think it’s important to understand the relationships between Anniston and Hobson City and in moving forward what that could possibly look like. We’re excited to partner with them in any facet possible.”
Mayor Smith also spoke personally about her connection to Georgia Calhoun: “I have had a wonderful relationship with Ms. Calhoun. I’ve known her for many years and she’s been such a great mentor and the standards are very high when it comes to her and so I’m so glad to be under such a woman with a spirit of excellence.”
Anniston City Councilman D.D. Roberts shared his perspective on the historical importance: “One of the things that is most important is history. This is a fine time and most important for not only the citizen but for young people to realize that you have a city within a city within the county that is a historic city.”
Roberts praised Georgia Calhoun’s tireless work: “Ms. Calhoun, I met her some years ago. I’m not from this area but I had the opportunity to meet her and if you know her, she’s like the Energizer Bunny. She’s always moving. She’s always trying to do not only for this community but for this state as well.”
City Councilman Joe Harrington highlighted the personal connections many officials have to Hobson City: “This gala represents a collaboration that’s showing that we can partner with the other cities in our county to have great events. But it’s really special for me because my father’s from Hobson City and my grandmother lived in what they call the ditch for a long time.”
Harrington also shared his long history with honoree Georgia Calhoun: “With Miss Georgia Calhoun, we go way back to my years at Mount Calvary Baptist Church where she was a member when I joined and she taught me several things from vacation Bible school to taking us to museums, a bunch of trips.”
Mayor McCrory reflected on the growth of the annual celebration: “Each year, it has gotten bigger and better. And last year, we celebrated our 125th Founder’s Day, and Terry Smiley with Alabama Power was gracious enough to offer to be our chairperson.”
She emphasized the ongoing mission: “Right now, it’s more important that we preserve our history. And what we do with the money that’s left after we do what we’re doing tonight, that goes to the community foundation into a fund. We have an endowed fund and a non-endowed fund.”
The annual gala, described as the city’s “signature event,” continues to grow each year, providing community members an opportunity to celebrate their heritage while supporting ongoing preservation efforts in Alabama’s first incorporated African-American city.
The event underscores the ongoing importance of preserving African-American history and the role of community-driven initiatives in maintaining cultural heritage for future generations.
The event underscores the ongoing importance of preserving African-American history and the role of community-driven initiatives in maintaining cultural heritage for future generations.
*Photos and video by Shasta Jones with the Calhoun Journal
