A King's Legacy

Jordan Meggs • April 15, 2021

Words by Kaitlin Chappell Rogers | Photos provided by the Cullman County Museum & Peinhardt family

Close your eyes and pretend you're back in the year 1950.


Gas was 27 cents a gallon; a new car would cost you around $1,500; and the average family income was around $3,300. Everything went at a slower pace than it does now, and cell phones weren't attached to our hands.


Now, flash back to present day. You're on a Zoom call while Netflix streams on your television and your phone plays music. You see more cars than crops when you drive down the road, and you can scroll through everyone's lives in a matter of minutes.


For William Peinhardt, 1950 feels like yesterday, and it was a year he will never forget.

As we sat on a Zoom call, he and his daughter commented on how bizarre it was that we were discussing the year 1950 while on a virtual interview in two separate cities. He said his 23-year-old self could have never imagined sitting in 2021 talking about the Cullman County Strawberry Festival on a screen.


"Meeting over a computer didn't exist then, and everything was a lot slower-paced," Peinhardt said.


He is 94 years old now, and the year he reigned as Strawberry Festival King is a distant memory.


Peinhardt is the last living Strawberry Festival King and was the last one ever crowned at the 10th annual event. He grew up in Cullman and helped the family business of produce.

"I'm proud of Dad and to be from a place that celebrates its heritage," said Peinhardt's daughter. "It seems fitting that he was the Strawberry Festival King since his father marketed and sold produce from the county to the rest of the country. I even have a recording somewhere of Dad talking about shipping produce on overnight trains to Chicago as a 'youngster.'"


Because Peinhardt's family was so well-known in Cullman, he was selected by the festival's chairman, George Stiefelmeyer, to be the king in 1950. He was reluctant to accept the title at first, not wanting any credit or attention, but looking back, he's so grateful for the time of fun and celebration.

"The whole town came together to celebrate," said Peinhardt. "It was nice getting to meet all the people in the city of Cullman and see all the friendly faces at the big parade and the Strawberry Ball held at St. Bernard School. We all really just had a great time."


While being the king of the city that year and graduating from Auburn University with a degree in agricultural engineering were major highlights of his life, he said there was nothing more special than being married to his wife Dorothea for fifty-nine years before she passed away in 2010.


"My greatest accomplishment in life was helping Dorothea rear our six children all those years," he reminisced.

"It's interesting to know he grew up farming & shipping strawberries & then became a king. My dad was a king!"

Those children went on to give him ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild so far. And while he beans with pride for his children, they certainly do the same for him.


"It's sort of neat to hear about his time as king because we never heard a whole lot of this growing up," said Peinhardt's daughter Mary Jo Lakin. "It's interesting to know he grew up farming and shipping strawberries and then became a king. My dad was a king!"


Mary Jo plays in the Cullman Community Band and performs at the Strawberry Festival each year, carrying on her father's legacy.

As the world continues to grow, change, and move faster than ever, Peinhardt and his family hold on to the memories of a time when picking strawberries was a way of life and being part of a parade was much more thrilling than watching one on a screen.


Make plans to join us on Saturday, May 1, 2021 for this year's Cullman Strawberry Festival! Visit our website for more information and a full schedule!

By Jordan Meggs January 13, 2025
Spring is just around the corner, and that means it's time to sign up your young athletes for baseball, softball, and t-ball with Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism. Whether your child is a seasoned player or stepping onto the diamond for the first time, our youth sports programs offer a fantastic opportunity for children ages 3-12 to learn, grow, and have fun. Registration for the 2024 spring season is currently open and will continue through February 13th. Don't delay in securing your child's spot, as our programs consistently draw enthusiastic participation from throughout the Cullman community. Program Overview Our comprehensive youth baseball and softball programs are designed to accommodate children at various skill and age levels. For our youngest athletes (starting at age 3), t-ball provides the perfect introduction to baseball fundamentals. As children progress through the age groups up to 12 years old, they'll develop their skills, understanding of the game, and teamwork abilities. Important Dates to Remember Registration Period: Now through February 13, 2024 Player Evaluations: Week of February 17 (specific dates vary by age group) Practice Start Date: First week of March Season Opening: Games begin in April Player Evaluations The week of February 17 marks an important milestone in our season preparation, as we'll conduct player evaluations. These assessments help us create balanced teams and ensure every child is placed in an appropriate skill level group. Your child's specific evaluation date will depend on their age group, and detailed information will be provided upon registration. What to Expect Once teams are formed, practices will commence in the first week of March. This gives our young athletes plenty of time to build team chemistry, work on fundamental skills, and prepare for the excitement of the regular season. Games will begin in April, running through the spring months. Our dedicated coaches focus on: Teaching proper baseball/softball fundamentals Developing good sportsmanship Building confidence and self-esteem Creating a positive, encouraging environment Fostering a love for the game Benefits of Youth Baseball and Softball Participating in organized baseball and softball helps children develop not just athletic skills, but also important life skills. Players learn the value of teamwork, develop leadership abilities, and build confidence through achievement. The physical benefits include improved hand-eye coordination, overall fitness, and motor skills development. Get Ready for the Season As you prepare for registration, make sure you have: Proof of your child's age Current contact information Any relevant medical information Appropriate clothing and equipment (detailed lists will be provided) Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of Cullman's vibrant youth sports community. Register your child today and help them create lasting memories, develop valuable skills, and experience the joy of America's favorite pastime. For more information about registration, equipment requirements, or any other questions, please contact Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism directly. We look forward to another exciting season of youth baseball, softball, and t-ball in Cullman!
A man in a wheelchair is playing baseball with a group of people behind a chain link fence.
By Jamie Kirk November 12, 2024
At Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism, we are beyond grateful for the dedicated volunteers who bring our events to life. To all of our volunteers, thank you for your remarkable contributions. Together, we are building a vibrant community that values the arts, inclusivity, and youth development. Your support makes all the difference! Shining a Spotlight on our Amazing Community Theatre Members Their passion for the arts has enriched our special events and created unforgettable experiences for everyone involved. Whether they are performing on stage, crafting immersive experiences, or utilizing their creative talents behind the scenes, these volunteers add an extraordinary touch to our community. Their unwavering commitment to the arts inspires us all, and we cannot thank them enough for their hard work and dedication. A Heartfelt Thanks to Wallace State Community College We also want to express our gratitude to our wonderful partners at Wallace State Community College . The support we receive from their students and staff is nothing short of incredible. They consistently go above and beyond to ensure our special events run smoothly. From assisting with event logistics to engaging with attendees, Wallace State’s involvement is crucial to our success. Their enthusiasm and energy help create unforgettable experiences for everyone who participates. Thank you, Wallace State, for your continued partnership—we look forward to many more fantastic events together! Ballet South: Elevating Our Events with Grace We are proud to collaborate with Ballet South, whose artistry and grace have significantly enhanced our special events. Their performances bring a touch of elegance and cultural enrichment to our community, captivating attendees and leaving a lasting impression. Ballet South’s dedication to the arts helps us create a vibrant atmosphere that exceeds expectations. Whether performing on stage or supporting behind the scenes, they are an invaluable part of our success. Thank you, Ballet South, for sharing your talent and passion with us! Honoring the Pilot Club’s Dedication We are incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of the Pilot Club . Their members have played a vital role in the success of our Archery Tournament and Therapeutic Recreation programs. Their dedication to service and willingness to help whenever needed exemplify true community spirit. The Pilot Club’s contributions ensure that participants of all abilities can enjoy our events in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Thank you, Pilot Club, for your commitment to our mission—you truly make a difference! A Big Shout-Out to Our Amazing Volunteer Coaches Finally, we want to recognize our incredible volunteer coaches who make our youth sports programs thrive. These dedicated individuals invest their time and energy to mentor young athletes, imparting valuable life skills that extend far beyond the game. The impact of our volunteer coaches is profound—they not only teach sports but also foster confidence, leadership, and teamwork in the youth they coach. We cannot thank you enough for your dedication to shaping the future of our community. Your efforts are creating lasting change!
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