Travelers in the mid-1800s passed through a little community now known as Birmingham Crossroads and remarked that they were often greeted by the aroma of meat cooking in nearby log homes. They described the scent as “burning hams.” According to an article written by a roving reporter in 1960, that is how many old-timers believe the Birmingham area of Milton got its name.In the article, Wade McCurry denied that the area was named for Birmingham, Alabama, or Birmingham, England. The small farming settlement got its name and post office soon after the Civil War. The community was a popular stopping place for farmers from the mountain regions on their way to sell their produce in Atlanta. McCurry described pitched tents that looked like a campsite.
Back then, everyone in the area grew cotton. The community included a school, a store, and a Baptist and Methodist church, which are still located on their original sites. Another center of activity in those days was an old home in the middle of the community that served as a boarding house, hospital, post office, and livery stable. The restored structure, now called the Newton house, sits on the southwest corner of the Birmingham Crossroads.
In 1981, Doug McCurry, the grandson of Wade McCurry, returned to live on his grandfather’s turn-of-the-century farm and continues to reside there with his wife, Charna. For decades, the McCurrys have lived near the Buice’s Store, which was built in 1930. Many businesses have called the old store “home.” Over the years, you could find plows, harrows, bush hogs, trailers, firewood, snorting pigs, feed, seed, or antiques at the old store. In more recent years, you might have enjoyed a cup of gourmet coffee in the old store. As of May 2019, it’s home to a locally owned restaurant.
The McCurrys have seen profound changes to their neighborhood, yet remain welcoming and cheerful. The basis for their positive outlook is that change is inevitable. They also believe that sometimes new things enhance the specialness of a community. The mini-sized grocery store, commonly referred to as “baby Publix,” and the restoration of historic structures for a restaurant and modern-day offices are examples of good change.
“These things are an outgrowth of natural progress and enhance the uniqueness of the Crossroads and benefit the entire community,” Doug said.
When Doug’s grandfather was asked by a reporter what they did for entertainment back in those days at the Birmingham Crossroads, he spoke of an old-time frolic dance, stating, “The fiddlers were wonderful; it was the most fun we ever had. I’d like to go tonight.”
So, the next time you pass through the Birmingham Crossroads, slow down, wave to the McCurrys, and imagine the aroma of burning hams and the echo of frolicking fiddles from years past. The modern-day Birmingham Crossroads is pretty special, too.
to your business!