‘Gone With the Wind’ Fan Displays Collection, Speaks at UA’s Gorgas Library

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — After seeing the film “Gone With the Wind” for the first time in 1969, David Williams bought the soundtrack and a 28-page booklet about the author of the novel, Margaret Mitchell, as well as the novel itself and the film. Thus began his collection of “Gone With the Wind” memorabilia.

About 80 pieces from Williams’ collection are on display in the Pearce Foyer, Gorgas Library, until Aug. 5 at The University of Alabama. The display is in honor of the 75th anniversary of the publication of the novel. Included are a replica of the famous green-curtain dress, foreign copies of the book, a flier advertising the showing of the movie at Tuscaloosa’s Dale Drive-In and a copy of the Atlanta Constitution dated Aug. 12, 1949, announcing the automobile accident that later would claim Mitchell’s life.

Williams will give a free public lecture about his collection at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 23, in Gorgas Library, room 205. Sponsors are University Libraries and the Alabama Center for the Book.

Williams remembers seeing the film at the Capri Theater in downtown Tuscaloosa when he was 14. He went with a church group. His ticket cost $2. He had heard of the movie but didn’t know much about it. At intermission, he thought the film was over and remembered thinking he enjoyed the movie but wanted the story to continue.  He shared his experience with his parents when he returned home and together they remembered their first time of viewing the film. He was hooked.

An original unused ticket to the world premiere in Atlanta on Dec. 15, 1939, is his favorite item in the collection and is on display. Williams has only seen one complete ticket for sale and feels fortunate to have acquired it.

Williams, a native of Moundville, has lived in Tuscaloosa since 1978. He is a loan officer with Alabama Credit Union and music director at Moundville Baptist Church. His wife, Libby, is assistant director of graduate admissions for international admissions and recruitment at UA.