Lil’Drain Fish

Walking along I noticed this lil’ drain fish. Have you seen any in the ‘Ham? I’m sure there’s more than just this one, but this is the first time I’ve noticed. So do you know #whereintheham?

This particular guy is found at the South East corner of 10th ave south and 16th street situated just in front of the UAB parking deck beside Al’s.

It then got me wondering, what’s the fish there for anyway? As you can tell in the photo this drain “drains to waterways.” This is a storm drain which means it serves an emergency purpose of flushing excess water off the street. In such a situation the large volume of water has to go somewhere right? These drains route the water without filtration directly into our natural water systems. Hence the “no dumping.” Stormdrain runoff is the number one source of water pollution in the world. The fish has become a internationally recognized symbol indicating the presence of these drains. However not all drains come with built in demarcation, which is why several organizations have developed markers available for purchase in order to mark stormdrains in your neighborhood. Here’s an American company as well as a Canadian program, shoot here’s a New Zealand one if you want to dish out the shipping costs.

Furthermore, in looking up all these fun facts I stumbled across something truly strange indeed: sewer fishing. Apparently some guy out in Texas discovered that his stormdrain had water in it and dropped a fishing line down there. Ta-Da! He caught a fish.

So there you have it, the secret of the lil’ drain fish. Remember folks, no dumping. If you find another drain fish take a pic and post it to the social media with #whereintheham. Also, don’t forget to follow on facebook at Where in the Ham am I? and on Instagram @whereintheHam. Happy Hamming y’all!

Safety First

Can anyone tell me #whereintheHam? This is a safety marker from the 1930s that they used to embed in sidewalk near bus stops and around schools. These markers indicated what was considered a safe clearance from loading and unloading zones.

Give up yet?

This particular little beauty can be found inside Buck Mulligan’s in 5 Points South (2011 Highland Ave South) though there are several situated around the 5 points fountain area as well.  While I have talked with the owner (Danny Winter) we have not determined if this piece served its original safety purpose or if it was added later for decoration. There are several inside the pub and they are located along an exterior wall that was an add-on after the building was constructed. So there’s a good chance it was a part of the sidewalk once-upon-a-time.

The building that now houses Buck’s has a long history in 5 points and has been everything from the recently moved Black Market to Twist and Shout and the more well-known Dugan’s. Hanging out inside Buck’s you can feel the history of the place as you throw back one of their 25 beers on tap. It’s a lovely setting and the food is an absolute must try (I highly recommend “The Mulligan” burger or the “Bangers and Champ”

This Saturday (March 12th) Birmingham celebrates St. Patrick’s day with our annual parade through 5 Points. Y’all should come on down. Buck’s is going to be in full Irish swing. You know where to find me.

Pause for Marketing

Hey guys! Sorry for the delay. I didn’t want to get too far down the road with this project without proper branding. So I contacted one of my good friends and local artist Christina Daniel and asked her to craft something awesome for us. She sure delivered! (Thanks girl!) Eventually these will be finding their way onto some sweet t-shirts and other items. While you’re at it you should go check out Christina’s work, she’s known around town as Dagger Fingers.

Now that we’re all good and branded be on the lookout for more

Where in the ‘Ham posts!

I Always Feel Like Somebody’s Watching Me

Sometimes the best things in life are found by looking up. I can’t tell you how many times I passed under this lovely lady before I noticed her watchful gaze. When I finally did, I was so startled by her presence that I tripped on the sidewalk and almost landed flat on my face.

Do you know where she is?

Take a stroll down 1st Ave N and right around number 2118, pause and look up. This female terracotta face graces the arch of the Birmingham Realty Company.

Built in 1905, this building housed the Birmingham Realty Company, which basically crafted the city from an empty field. Before the incorporation of Birmingham in 1871, the Birmingham Realty Company was known as the Elyton Land Company (for those that don’t know b’ham used to be Elyton). The company renamed itself to keep up with the city.

The building is built in the Beaux Arts style and the lady-face is known as a mascaron. Mascarons were not only thought to be decorative but the more gruesome ones were crafted to keep evil spirits away. As a random added bonus, check out the awesome iridescent glass in the window. I love the color and variation!

If you would like to read more about this building be sure to check out its historic register, here.

Just for the View

No seek-and-find this time, this one’s just for the view, folks.

Birmingham turns 144 this year. Isn’t she a gosh-dandy pretty sight?

I think so.

Here’s to the ‘Ham!

Window to History

Ok so a portion of UAB folk should be able to guess this one.

The shape of the stained glass window gives it away.

If you don’t know, this photo comes from inside the Spencer Honor House located at 1190 10th Ave S. The Honors House is an interesting building with some interesting history. It was built in 1901 and served as the Second Presbyterian church (and has been used by various denominations).

Somewhere in the 1970s the Honors House was used as a rehearsal venue for the Alabama Ballet Company. Then in 1984 it was utilized by UAB to house the new University Honors Program founded by Dr. Ada Long.

The space has seen numerous prestigious individual. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke there during the Civil Rights Movement and Mikhail Baryshnikov danced there during his stint with the Alabama Ballet. (If you don’t know who Baryshnikov is, he’s only one of the most celebrated male ballet dancers in history.)

Today the Spencer Honor House continues to house the University Honors Program. In the summer it is the home of the Ada Long Creative Writing Workshop for High-Schoolers. It is also used for various UAB events.

If you get the chance to drive by, I would recommend it. The building itself is gorgeous and the surrounding grounds host numerous sculptures.

Don’t forget to like and follow on facebook and instagram for more Birmingham fun facts and treasures: whereintheham

Lady Liberty the 3rd?!

So everyone knows that Birmingham has a working, gas powered replica of the Statue of Liberty. Many have seen her guarding the 459 corridor. She is not the only Lady Liberty in Birmingham though. Do y’all know where the other one is found?

If you do, congrats! You’re one of the few! If you don’t know, the second and lesser known Statue of Liberty is found in Linn Park (710 20th St N, but I won’t tell you exactly where. You’ll have to wander the park to find her on your own.)

This smaller lady liberty has been in the ‘Ham since 1950. She was donated by the Boy Scouts of America as part of a National Program called Strengthen the Arm of Liberty. So all across America Boy Scout troops were donating little 8ft copper replicas to different cities. There were around 200 made. Ours is very beautiful. So why don’t you drop on by, enjoy Linn Park, and say hi to the lovely Lady!

P.S. if you do find her, take a selfie and hastag #whereintheham on instagram. While you’re at it, give us a follow on facebook and instagram username: whereintheham