The Skyline Farms project, established by the federal government in Jackson County in 1934, was one of the more unique socioeconomic experiments in Alabama history. It provided a way for destitute families to pull themselves out of poverty after the Great Depression.
Skyline Farms fell on hard times in the 1940s when cotton crops failed. Political factions in Congress also caused its demise. However, the town of Skyline still thrives in Jackson County, Alabama and many are at work to preserve its unique heritage.
The town of Skyline will be having a Skyline Day Celebration on June 6, 2014. This years event will be held on June 6, 2015 at the Cumberland Mtn. Park. There will be free entertainment along with free catfish dinner. Everyone is asked to bring a covered dish and lawn chairs. To learn more about the event, visit Skyline’s Facebook page.
These old photographs were taken at a square dance at Skyline Farms in 1937 by Ben Shahn and Arthur Rothstein. Share your memories of Skyline Farms.
Spectators watch square dancers performing
Musicians sing for the square dancers. I wonder who they were?
Square dancers had a lot of energy.
Watching the square dancers.
How could he sleep through all the noise?
Interior of the Store at Skyline Farms in 1937.
Farmers at Skyline Farms in Feb. 1937
Farmer returning home after shopping at Skyline Farms store. This picture makes me appreciate my car.
Do you have memories to share of Skyline Farms? Share them below.
Visit the Skyline Farms preservation website to learn more about this unique Colony. Today the community store — constructed of rusty yellow sandstone — is the focal point of Skyline Farms Heritage Association restoration efforts.
FreeHearts: A Novel of Colonial America (Tapestry of Love) (Volume 3) Inspired by true events, Col. John Washington (ancestor of President George Washington), Randall Revell, Tom Cottingham, Edmund Beauchamp ward off Indian attacks and conquer the wilds of Maryland’s Eastern shore in 17th century colonial America in this historical novel.
See larger image