One of the most enjoyable maps I drew was that of the community of Wylam, Alabama. It was a small business district, in the process of being overshadowed by urban Birmingham, but walking around the town and talking to the business people was uplifting and inspiring. Many of them had been there for decades, proud of their town's history, and their business had played a part in the development of the area. It probably isn't the same today, since this map was drawn in 1988, but I hope the people are doing fine and the memories of their community's better days are fondly recalled.
Wylam was founded in 1886 by Joseph Martin, named after a town in England. Settled by Scots, Englishmen and Poles who worked in the nearby coal mines and steel mills, the town was incorporated in 1900. It became a part of the City of Birmingham in 1910.
We even produced a postcard using the map. Click on the images to make them larger.
