Local Author to Hold Book Signing at UA’s W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Charles Adams will be signing copies of his book, “Blocton: The History of An Alabama Coal Mining Town,” at the W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, on the second floor of Mary Harmon Bryant Hall at The University of Alabama, Thursday, Jan. 24, from 4-6 p.m.

Mary Harmon Bryant Hall is located on campus at 500 Hackberry Lane. The book signing will be held in the lobby of the Hoole Library and refreshments will be served.

Blocton began when two entrepreneurs created the Cahaba Coal Mining Co. and pushed a railroad eight miles into the wilderness of northern Bibb County. They built the town called Blocton there. The community was made up of a rich tapestry of ethnic groups, including Italians, Eastern European Jews, Slavs, Welsh and British.

Much of the research for the book was completed at the Hoole Special Collections Library.

Adams, a native of Blocton, worked for UA as the conference director in continuing education for 28 years. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as a certificate in graduate history from the University.

“Blocton: The History of an Alabama Coal Mining Town” was published by the Cahaba Trace Commission. Books will be on sale at the event. The books are attractive, coffee table style books and are priced at $30 each. The book contains 240 images; most are previously unpublished.