Civic groups, businesses and individuals responded to a call issued by members of the Old Three Notch Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to help them paint Andalusia the most patriotic town in the South, and 75 hydrants have been adopted in time for the group’s annual Fourth of July parade.

Brenda Gouge, who serves as the organization’s regent, said she stumbled upon the idea by accident.

“I saw a picture of some DAR ladies in Alabama. They were standing outside at the Kate Duncan school and there was a fire hydrant right in front of them. I thought, ‘too bad that fire hydrant’s not red white and blue.’ ”

The idea stuck with her, and she began to look online to see if anyone else had painted fire hydrants.

She approached Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson with the idea, and he agreed to give it a try. The city council approved a simple patriotic design which is being used throughout the city. Sponsors cover the $75 cost for painting.

Fellow DAR member Sue Bass Wilson assisted Gouge with the project.

Even though 75 have been adopted, the DAR is still seeking more sponsors. Checks will be written to the DAR, who will in turn pay the city to paint the hydrants. The donations may be done in honor or memory of someone, and that will be noted in published lists of sponsors. The current list is shown, below..

The freedom hydrant forms are available here, at The Bass Agency, or by calling Gouge at 334.222.0347.

 

Fire hydrant sponsors

1. Lions Club of Andalusia
2. John and Faye Vick
3. Bill Patton
4. Farmer’s Insurance – Bulger Agency
5. Joseph Garland
6. Stan & Brenda Gouge
7. Jimmy Wilson & Sue Wilson
8. Mary Kendrick Lewey
9. Dr. Jon Raley
10. Bass Agency – In memory of Charlie Bass
11. Bass Agency
12. Bass Agency
13. Shirley House – in memory of John Leo House
14. Veterinary Express of South Alabama
15. Tripp & Regina Bass
16. Dirk & Claire Price
17. Civitan Club of Andalusia
18. Comfort Care Hospice
19. Soap Opera
20. Mayor Earl Johnson
21. Mayor Earl Johnson
22. Jackson Honda
23. Andalusia Health
24. John F. Jones, Jr. Attorney at Law
25. Vicky Barrow and family – In memory of Gary Barrow
26. O’Neal Agency
27. Covington Electric Coop
28. Mike & Janet Beste
29. John & Teresa Hunt
30. Covington Heavy Duty Parts, Inc.
31. Andalusia Ford
32. Sharon G. Dye
33. Davis & Associates, Inc.
34. Walker Electric
35. Jean & Mike Jones
36. Charles Dixon
37. Pirate Graphics/Tony Brown
38. Cynthia & Reggy Powell
39. Lucy P. Martin & Kevin Price – in memory of Fred Price
40. W.R. & Elaine Reeves
41. Heather Helms – in honor of Justin Helms
42. Sharyn Smith State Farm

43 & 44. Carter Williams & Jean Masterson

45. Carter Williams & Jean Masterson
46. Richard & Kathy Jones – in memory of Merle Barrow Jones
47. Matt McQuay – In honor of the 5th & 6th graders at AES
48. Cenergy Oil & Gas LLC/Anthony King
49. Cenergy Oil & Gas LLC/Anthony King
50. Jim & Laura Carpenter – In honor of Mr. Eland Anthony, WWII veteran
51. Dr. Jon & Teresa Ward
52. Luncheon Pilot Club of Andalusia
53. Caroline Avant McCall
54. First Baptist Church
55. Sherwin Williams
56. Citizens Bank
57. Tim Hudson & Wayne Hudson & grandchildren – In honor of Gerald Hudson and his 24 years of service with the Andalusia Fire Department
58. Bill Spurlin

59 & 60. Heenan & Amy Spurlin – In honor of our grandchildren Belle Spurlin, Brynne Spurlin, Thomas Lee, Amelia Grace Lee, Peyton Garner and Emory Garner

61. Sheila & Robert Williams – In honor of Granny, Johnny & Ronnie Thompkins
62. Sheila & Robert Williams – In honor of residents and staff of Andalusia Manor
63. Joey Thornton – In honor of Herbert Fain, a veteran of the Korean War and the Vietnam War
64. The Johnny Williamson Family
65. BB&T Bank

66 & 67   Power South

68. Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce
69. The Francis McGowin Family

70, 71, 72, 73. Shela Padgett – In honor of her son, Col. Jimmy Mott

74. Jimmie & Helen Wambles – in memory of Terry L. Wambles
75. Mark & Emogene Colvin – in honor of Douglas J. Colvin