On Thursday, March 14 at 5:30pm, historian Ann Boutwell, board member of the Autauga County Heritage Association, presents on her absolutely favorite subject, the life of Daniel Pratt. Pratt’s name is familiar to many, but few know the scope of his achievements, which include founding of the town of Prattville; the development of not one but several mill businesses there and elsewhere; his advocacy for the introduction of industry in our state; his hiring of Black and White millworkers and for being among the first to provide schools and churches for millworker families; and his philanthropy, especially during the hard years following the Civil War. Pratt’s achievements are described in two books we have for sale: Honorable Daniel Pratt: A Biography, with Eulogies on His Life and Character, edited by Mrs. S.F. Tarrant (1904), and The World of Daniel Pratt: Essays on Industry, Politics, Art, Architecture, Reform, and Town-Building in Alabama, edited by Curt J. Evans and with essays by other Alabama historians (1999).

BOOKSTORE EVENT BONUS! Ann Boutwell will lead a tour of the Prattville mill complex for a group from The NewSouth Bookstore sometime in late March (date to be announced shortly). The tour is limited to 25 and is free of charge. Sign up in store or via email to Jessala at jessala.white@newsouthbookstore.com. Watch this newsletter for further details.