Garden Spot of the World: The History of Strawberries in Cullman

Jordan Meggs • March 25, 2021

Words by Trent Moore | Photos provided by Cullman County Museum

The birth of Cullman began with a siren’s song from founder Johann G. Cullmann to recruit farmers to his burgeoning city, calling it the “garden spot of the world.” He advertised cheap land, a fertile climate and fresh opportunity. Thankfully the call worked - and within just a few years farmers put down roots in Cullman and set to work figuring out what would grow best in this little pocket of North Alabama.

It didn’t take long to find one: strawberries. Local history shows the Kessler family was one of the first to introduce and plant strawberries, bringing down plants from Kentucky. Not long after the Kessler’s first few crops came to bear, other families such as the Rambows, Grobs, Evers and Goellers started experimenting with strawberries.

The local Hauk Ice House made it possible to ship Cullman strawberries by train as far as Cincinnati, Ohio, with a fresh crop loaded to the vented tops of freight cars, alongside ice to keep them fresh and cool for the trek.

As far back as 1898, The Cullman Tribune newspaper was reporting on local farmers shifting from more common cash crops to focus on strawberries, with harvest shipping out across the southeast. The price for a crate of strawberries back in those days? Just $1.25, with the farmer clearing just over 50 percent profit.

The paper went on to ask the question of 19th century Cullmanites: “What better profit can anyone desire than this, and why do people plant cotton and corn when berries pay so much better?”

Plenty of locals continued to heed the call, and by the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, strawberries had become one of the key crops in the area and quickly became Cullman’s agricultural calling card. Buoyed by an unique sweetness due to the rich soil and temperature climate in Cullman, the local exports became a known commodity for their flavor. It was around that

time local farmers also leveraged their collective power to organize a growers’ association, which helped solidify Cullman’s place in the market.

Before long, local farmers and merchants set out to celebrate those red berries, with local records showing a Strawberry Jubilee and Spring Carnival dating all the way back to 1905. Billed as “the biggest week in the history of Cullman” at the time, the festivities included everything from a contest for the best decorated carriage to a queen’s contest pageant.

The more modern version of the Strawberry Festival, some longtime residents might remember kicked off in 1939 with a crowd of around 25,000 enjoying live music, strawberry-themed exhibits and even a grand ball. Within a few years, the event was one of the premiere agricultural festivals in the region, drawing attendees from across the country - with local officials even converting the city’s 150-foot water tower into a gigantic, illuminated strawberry making for one of the most impressive spectacles of the era.

The strawberry market, as well as the festival’s influence, waned in the early 1950s and the event eventually went on hiatus, but Cullman strawberries have remained a key piece of the local agricultural landscape. The Strawberry Festival made a much-hyped return in recent years, featuring live music, vendors - and of course - plenty of local strawberries to go around.

Join us for Strawberry Festival on Saturday, May 1! Visit cullmanstrawberryfest.com for a full schedule of events, and be sure to follow us on Facebook!

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Youth Baseball, Softball, and T-Ball Registration Now Open at Cullman Parks & Rec

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.

Celebrating Our Incredible CPRST Volunteers

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!