POWERGRAMS

31 meals. Original furnishings include a chifferobe, china and Ruteria Bass' snuff pipe and darning spool. A 2015 donation of $10,000 by Kenneth and Lois Farmer made it possible to establish a room dedicated to the service and memory of Leeds' soldiers. Farmer survived the Bataan Death March during World War II, and donated his notes, pictures and POW badge. Amidst Purple Hearts, Bronze Stars and a Distinguished Flying Cross is the Medal of Honor awarded WWII hero McLaughlin. Eddie Marbury's French Legion of Honor medal from WWI is another highlight among the historic relics enjoyed by schoolchildren and other visitors. The former ladies siing room is devoted to sports, an area that is almost as impressive as military service for Leeds natives. Major League Baseball baing champion Harry "The Hat" Walker and his brother, "Dixie," who also won a baing title, donated signed bats and balls to the museum. The bat The Hat used to make the 1946 World Series-winning hit for the St. Louis Cardinals is displayed on a wall. Negro League Hall of Famer Leroy Miller is featured, as is two- time Paralympic rugby gold medal winner Bryan Kirkland. NFL quarterback Bobby Thomason was named to the Pro Bowl three times aer being draed by the LA Rams in 1949. And Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Barkley's 1992 Olympic jersey is framed on another wall. "Charles never says 'I'm from Birmingham,'" says Carswell, who lives in The Hat's old house. "He always says, 'I'm from Leeds, Alabama.'" The Red Barn Amidst the many horse farms along Highway 119 on the southeast border of town lies a unique operation offering "faith, hope and love" on the backs of the big animals living in several barns alongside the Lile Cahaba River. Collectively called The Red Barn, it seems only natural the director and her assistant are named Joy and Grace. Since it opened in 2012, thousands of children, parents, wounded veterans and regular riders have found a special shelter within the fences where horses, goats, rabbits, cats and wild animals roam the 33 acres of rolling green grass beneath tall pine trees. Fourteen staff members and 160 volunteers work with people who have physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities and unique circumstances. "It's a place where kids can be kids," says founder Joy O'Neal. "Through horses, art, music and outdoor play, our students strengthen their bodies, express themselves, inspire others and learn all that they can accomplish." The natural movement of a horse can improve coordination for a child who may have a hard time walking. Someone who may not speak at school, perhaps because of stuering or shyness, can overcome those issues as they learn words to command a horse. College interns from across the nation, along with local volunteers, walk alongside the horses as the riders increasingly gain confidence. "The riding lessons are important, but it's so much more than that," O'Neal says. She walks with Grace Butler behind the columned two- story house that last year became the Red Barn administration building. They pass by a pond where beavers have begun chewing on sweetgum trees along the shore. A large barn that previously housed horses has become a learning center for preparing children as young as 2 to safely ride. In one stall, Purple Heart and other medals. Ball signed by Harry 'The Hat' Walker. O'Neal is founder of The Red Barn. Gabriel Calhoun rides 'Keswick' with help from Caroline Joiner, Rachel Borch and Chelsey Mentz.

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