POWERGRAMS

19 BRIDGING THE 'BIGBEE WITH ROOSTERS For nearly a century, one historical event has given Demopolis something to crow about: building the first bridge over the Tombigbee River between Marengo and Sumter counties. In 1919, that span was the last left unbridged on the highway between San Diego, Calif., and Savannah, Ga., until auctioneer Frank Derby came up with a unique scheme for funds. Derby had been successful auctioning bulls for big bucks in Birmingham, so why not give roosters a shot? His committee enlisted famous Americans to help the campaign take flight. Donations of the big birds came from President Woodrow Wilson and the prime ministers of England, France and Italy. Helen Keller donated the only nonrooster, while Gen. John J. Pershing and actors Mary Pickford and Fatty Arbuckle stayed within the rules and sent male chickens. Seating for 10,000 was erected in Demopolis Public Square and more than 11,000 $2 buttons were sold for admission, barbecue and to view attractions including the roosters being auctioned. Greene County paid $15,000 for an egg laid during the auction by Keller's bird, while the president's rooster sold for $55,000, which was the highest of about 900 pledges totaling some $300,000. Unfortunately, the bid by several Montgomery men on Wilson's rooster didn't fly, nor did others, and after expenses the auction earned just $45,000. However, combined with state and federal funding, the bridge opened on May 15, 1925, and 34 years later the name was officially changed from The Memorial Bridge to what everyone already called it: Rooster Bridge. Last year, Kirk Brooker's idea of getting an early start on the centennial celebration took off. "It had been a long-range plan of the Marengo County Historical Society to celebrate the Rooster Auction of 1919," says Brooker. "We've told the story to tourists and students for years, but have not had a large- scale event to commemorate it. The 100th anniversary of the 1919 rooster auction coincides with the 200th anniversary of the state of Alabama. In addition, we'll be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the city of Demopolis this year and of Marengo County in 2018." Rooster Day 2016 included the Cock's Crow 5K, "Stock Your Coop" crafts fair in the public square where the original auction took place, entertainment for all ages and a "rooster auction" of donated items at Lyon Hall. The second annual Rooster Day is April 8. "The society provides heritage education in the local schools and annual events and programs that help Citizens raised funds for last span completing highway across America. Roosters were auctioned in Demopolis Public Square in 1919 to pay for bridge; theater and other buildings were decorated.

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