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The first 2022 meeting of the Covington Historical Society will be held on Thursday, March 24, at 6:00 at the Charles Dixon Room of the Andalusia Public Library.

Author of the play, “Ladies of the Jury” Marianne Merrill Weber and play director Roger Powell will present the program. They will be discussing the upcoming play to be performed by a community cast of ReAct Theatre & Arts on April 22, 23, and 24 at the Andalusia City Hall Auditorium.

The story about this custody case in August 1955 surrounded the judge’s appointing six women and six ministers from the voter roles when women in Alabama could not sit on juries at that time in history.

Weber grew up on College Street in Andalusia and was graduated from Andalusia High School and the University of Alabama. She is also the author of Truman Capote’s Southern Years and four plays. Always interested in government and the political scene as far back as she can remember, Weber recalled politicians standing on the steps of the Covington County Courthouse delivering robust campaign speeches in the 1950s. Events of integration and other cultural changes with the rights of women and black citizens occurred in her formative years including this first woman jury that happened in Andalusia.

Powell, a native Andalusian, local artist, an AHS graduate of the Class of 1972, and Troy University graduate, has much experience participating as a cast member and director in local Broadway musicals and other plays. He served as County Clerk for several terms so his interest in politics led him naturally to being a part of presenting this drama with the setting in this unique time in Andalusia’s history.

This is the first meeting of the historical society to be held since Covid caused the cancellation of regular meetings for over two years. Citizens interested in becoming a member of CHS are encouraged to attend. Annual dues are $25. per individual and $40. per family. Membership is encouraged to keep this organization active as it has been since 1976.

Programs pertaining to the history of Andalusia and Covington County have been presented on topics such as the history of businesses, churches, neighborhoods, schools, colorful characters, public buildings, events, wars, clubs, etc. Preserving and publicizing the county’s history is the goal of CHS.

The public, new members, and cast members are cordially invited to attend this meeting allowing Weber and Powell to talk about the upcoming play as it relates to Andalusia’s history.