Skyline Heritage Farms Project fundraiser

Clarion Top News

Friday, 05 June 2020 11:19

by Martha Smith

Going back generations, anyone who went to or lived at Skyline remembers the Rock Store.
Some remember it as a commissary, post office, barber shop, dentist, etc. Some, from the later generations, can still recall the creak of the wood floors, the hum of the fan, the smell of bubble gum, the chill of the drink cooler, sodas in glass bottles, the racks of potato chips next to the taffy and the urgency to get back across the street to the school, before the bell rang.

These days, the current generation will come to know it as a museum, housing photographs and artifacts from a time gone by, a time when Skyline was just starting out.
“The Cumberland Mountain Farms Project, later known as Skyline Farms, began as a program of the Federal Emergency Relief Agency in 1934. Located in Jackson County and one of 43 such projects established around the U.S., the community helped impoverished Alabama farmers and their families, allowing them to live and work in their local area. The remains of this vibrant community include a school, commissary (now the Rock Store Museum), colony office building, factory, warehouse, cotton gin and approximately one-half of the original colony houses. The history of Skyline Farms illuminates the lives of often-forgotten men, women and children who survived through the power of hard work and community support.” -Alabama Heritage
Due to the threat of COVID-19 and current state mandates, the Skyline Farms Heritage Association will not be holding their annual fundraiser.

The association’s president, Deborah Helms stated, “Since it’s not looking very favorable for our annual membership banquet, I would like to encourage anyone who can to send in a donation so we can continue to pay the bills. Even during these times we still have to pay our mortgage and electricity to keep the Rock Store safe and secure. Remember, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so all donations are tax-deductible. If you need a receipt, please let us know, and we can send one to you as well. Our mailing address is Skyline Farms Heritage Association, 802 County Road 25, Scottsboro, Ala. 35768. We appreciate everyone helping out always, but especially this year. Any size donation will help.”

Tours are held all summer long on the first Saturday of every month at The Rock Store, and they also do field trips. (Due to COVID, check with director when making appointment for tour.) If interested, or for questions, call 256-587-6626 or visit their Facebook group.