Movement at the West Side Mill: Auburn Archives Shows Continued Interest in Tallassee History

Easterling Carpenter • July 2, 2026

Dr. Brown attends local Talisi Historical Preservation Society Meeting

Following Dr. Tommy Brown's—Associate Professor at Auburn University's Archives—visit to the historic Tallassee Mill site earlier this year, he returned as a keynote speaker for the Talisi Historical Preservation Society(THPS)'s June meeting.

He expressed the Archives' interest in preserving regional history, especially Mill history since it was so impactful in Alabama and across the southeast. The THPS's collection of records occupies a large portion of the attic at the Confederate Armory site. Dr. Brown mentioned specifically being interested in log books that often detail events such as on-the-job injuries that tell a story of the people who worked there.

He mentioned that he found records as old as early 1900s while THPS members indicated there may likely be records as old as the mid to late 1800s. Dr. Brown commented that while the interest is primarily in specific records, by accepting and preserving all the mill records, it could potentially be one of the most complete mill record collections in the state.

The THPS is set to consider the proposal for Auburn University's Archives to preserve the collection, keeping in mind that potentially sensitive records pertaining to living individuals may be considered closed to the public and researchers alike until further into the future. Concluding his remarks, he heartily invited members of the THPS to take a tour of the archives at the Ralph Brown Draughon Library in Auburn.

Preservation Efforts at the West Side Mill Site

Among other reports, THPS Property Manager and Tallassee City Council member, Fred Randall Hughey, informed the organization that he had recently applied for a $30,000 grant to assist with preservation efforts. The funds would look to maintain the grounds, further stabilize buildings such as the boiler room and mount a historic Tallassee mill bell in the Confederate Armory bell tower.

This isn't the first time Hughey has applied for such a grant, as he has been writing grants for the organization for many years now. Results for his grant application should be known later this month. He did mention that major changes to the property are unlikely at this time as Brownfield investigations are still underway.

THPS Vice President and Tallassee Mayor, Joey Wiginton, mentioned they are looking into bids to remove trees around the 1852 Mill site further preparing the property for redevelopment. The property, owned by the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority (TRA) and managed by the THPS, sits adjacent to downtown Tallassee and the Tallapoosa River.

In other business, Hughey produced a historic document from his personal collection to be donated to the archives, signed by former Secretary of State William Seward, dated 1866.

Residents interested in further meetings, the THPS meets every 3rd Monday at 6PM at the Tallassee Falls Museum on Barnett Blvd.

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TRA Board Member Spotlight: Michael Bird

By Kristina Pendergrass • July 12, 2026

Though he grew up in Montgomery, Michael Bird was introduced to Tallassee on family excursions to the Hotel Talisi for Sunday lunch and remembers falling in love with the town’s Mayberry-like charm and laid-back lifestyle. After being offered a job as Southside Middle School Band Director, Michael moved his family to Tallassee and knew he would stay here the rest of his life. His 20 years of service at SMS were followed by 8 years as THS Choral Director, during which time he was heavily involved in the creation and promotion of music education, including the Capital City Classic show choir competition and Tallassee Jazz Festival. In 2024, “Mr. Bird” retired from Tallassee City Schools to become Assistant Professor of Music at Faulkner University in Montgomery. A ready fixture in Tallassee, you have likely encountered Michael in Super Foods (where he has been employed since college), heard his voice as a radio host on WACQ (15 years), or read his weekly column in the Tallassee Tribune (over 20 years). In his free time (!), he has also served our community in various capacities: City Council representative, McCraney Cottle Arts Council member, and now as Tallassee Redevelopment Authority Board member. For many years, Michael has felt we are sitting on a gold mine. Tallassee is halfway between Montgomery and Auburn, close to Lake Martin, and located partly in one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama (Elmore). Our town can boast of a rich history, including being the site of Tukabatchee, capital of the Creek Nation in the 1800s. What Michael feels is Tallassee’s greatest treasure, however, is its picturesque setting on the Tallapoosa River and its two lakes, which have huge potential for recreational development. Michael hopes that his work with the TRA will help promote Tallassee’s assets, highlighting the many retail opportunities available to prospective businesses and drawing visitors from throughout the state and region to our town. Michael and his wife Sena, a professional musician, have seven children and two--soon three!—grandchildren, and are members of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

TRA Board Member Spotlight: Abe Rigsby

By Kristina Pendergrass • July 5, 2026

Having lived in Tallassee for over 40 years, Abe Rigsby is deeply rooted in the community he proudly calls home. For the past 21 years, he has served as a Customer Success Manager at Neptune Technology Group, building strong relationships and helping customers succeed. His long-standing commitment to both his profession and his hometown reflects a genuine passion for service and growth. Abe is actively involved in several Tallassee-based organizations, including the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority, Tallassee Kiwanis Club, Tallassee Chamber of Commerce, and Project 4:12 Tallassee. His decision to serve on the TRA Board stems from a lifelong desire to make Tallassee an even better place to live and raise a family. Inspired by the positive momentum in the community, he is especially excited about opportunities to enhance the downtown area and further utilize the Tallapoosa River—one of the city’s greatest treasures. He values Tallassee’s small-town feel and the strong partnership between the school system and the community, which together create a meaningful experience for families. In his spare time, he enjoys supporting his children’s activities and staying active. Abe and his wife, Brooke—who owns Studio B Dance Center—will celebrate 22 years of marriage in June. Together, they have three children: Bryson, Braylon, and Hamilton. In addition to the dance studio, they also own The Corner Room, an event space that serves and supports the Tallassee community.

TRA Board Member Spotlight: Dylan Carr

By Kristina Pendergrass • June 28, 2026

My name is Dylan Carr. I am a lifelong citizen of Tallassee. I am married with 3 children (7 yo, 15 yo, and 19 yo). I own my own technology business in Tallassee (inTouch Home Technology, LLC). We do everything from low voltage wiring, electronic security, cameras, wireless network solutions, and anything media related including audio, video, and automation for homes and businesses. I am a very passionate and on-the-go outdoorsman in my free time and enjoy activities like whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, and camping. I'm extremely active in the whitewater community and travel often to explore different parts of the southeast, and the rivers and creeks the area has to offer. I think Tallassee has a lot to offer to people who also enjoy outdoor activities and would love to help bring those activities to Tallassee as I think it would be great for our community and economy. We have an incredible river that runs through our city that I would love to see more people take advantage of, and the natural landscape we have here would also support trail systems for hiking and biking. My goal for being a part of the TRA is to help bring these types of activities to Tallassee.

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By Michael Bird • June 20, 2026

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TRA Board Member Spotlight: Leigh Anne Butler

By Kristina Pendergrass • June 20, 2026

Leigh Anne Butler, a native of Tallassee and a Tallassee High School graduate, received a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the University of Alabama. While attending college, she was named the top student in Interior Design her senior year and was awarded first place in the American Society of Interior Design state student design competition. She has served on the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce, McCraney-Cottle Arts Council, Tallassee Redevelopment Authority and is an active member of First Methodist Church, Tallassee, where she serves on the Board of Trustees. She and her husband, Michael own and operate Tallassee Times and WTLS radio, the 2025 Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year. WTLS is a former winner of the Alabama Broadcasters Association Station of the Year. Leigh Anne and Michael have three children, Georgia Anne, Jack and Daniel. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, decorating, reading, painting, photography and bird watching.

TRA Board Member Spotlight: Dylan Daniel

By Kristina Pendergrass • June 12, 2026

By Kristina Pendergrass Though he’s only lived in Tallassee for 10 years, Dylan Daniel has already accomplished a great deal to support this town and help foster its economic growth. Originally from Opelika, Dylan found himself seeking spiritual renewal and decided to attend some revival services held by Living Water Worship Center. He quickly fell in love with the congregation and decided to call Tallassee home. He and his wife Haley--a Tallassee native--built upon that idea of revival and renewal, completely renovating a vacant building and turning it into a thriving coffee shop, Restoration 49. Their vision was to create an inviting place for people to hang out and connect, where community-building can take root and flourish. The business has proven so successful, the Daniels have since opened a second location in Wetumpka. But their journey hasn’t been easy. What should have been the most joyful time in any expectant parents’ lives turned to heartache when their son, Samson David, was stillborn at 32 weeks. Through the love of community and the support and strength of their faith, the Daniels resolved to turn their tragedy into hope for others, establishing the Samson Strong Foundation. Along with outpourings of love and prayer, money raised through the Foundation and its annual Samson Strong 5K & Fun Run is used to financially support others in the community who have experienced the loss of a child. Dylan’s business acumen, experience, and drive led to his being asked to serve on the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority’s Board as Vice-Chair. His passion, vision, and love of community led him to accept. He hopes his work with the TRA will see the mill properties and riverfront area developed into a place for Tallassee residents and visitors alike to enjoy. In his spare time, Dylan enjoys restoring old cars behind Restoration 49, and Haley oversees both coffee shops while staying home with their adopted son. They both continue to be active members of Living Water Worship Center.