In 1956, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act which developed the interstate highway system, he connected cities and towns across the country with roads that opened up travel in a big way. People could hop in their automobiles and be across the country faster than ever before. What he might not have realized was the devastating impact it would have on smaller towns and communities, as traffic was rerouted and travelers sped past on their way to bigger destinations. The only stopping in many towns was taking place on bypasses and once vibrant downtowns became ghost towns.
Scottsboro was one of those small towns negatively impacted by the drive through interstate mentality. If you look at old photos of the downtown area, they are filled with cars, people, restaurants, theaters and shops. By the late 80s, things were different. Shops and restaurants closed. Theaters all went away. If people came to downtown Scottsboro, it was mostly for business, to see their attorney or visit the courthouse. In fact, if it had not been for the courthouse and the attorneys moving in and keeping the buildings from decaying, there might not have been anything left on the square.
Recently, however, things have begun to change. People are starting to see the value of small towns and the unique travel opportunities they can offer. They are specifically searching for off the beaten path destinations, for rural experiences and cultural interactions different from the ones available in large cities and urban areas. People are drawn to attractive downtowns with one of a kind dining and shopping opportunities, easy walkability and interesting history. They want experiences of all kinds in large cities and small towns, too.

With this renewed interest in smaller communities, downtowns and main streets are coming back to life. Communities are sprucing up their downtowns with wider sidewalks, innovative lighting, lush landscaping, attractive building renovations and interesting and colorful community art. Scottsboro became an official Main Street Community in 2018 and, with the help of Main Street Scottsboro, has worked on improving the downtown in all of these areas. The latest project, spearheaded by the Main Street Scottsboro Design Committee, with the support and advice of the Scottsboro City Council, and a giant assist by the Bynum Foundation, is a downtown green space to be located on the square. Two Sisters Square, on Peachtree Street, will be a gathering place for people to come and relax in downtown Scottsboro. It will be a place for eating, resting, and enjoying music and events. Hopefully, it will be an addition that brings new business, more visitors and renewed life to the already beautiful downtown square.
This project is a testament to the unique contribution of women to the city of Scottsboro. It is named after two special sisters, Jessie Sue and Lucy Bynum, whose generosity and civic mindfulness have contributed, in many ways, to improving the lives of the citizens of Scottsboro. A fountain, which will be located in Two Sisters Square, will be named Julie’s Fountain, in memory of a dear friend and former teacher, Julie Gentry-Michaels, who served on both the Main Street Scottsboro Board and the Main Street Scottsboro Design Committee. Julie was passionate about improving the downtown area and worked tirelessly to make the square more beautiful by planting flower baskets, hand watering plants and even painting a mural. Just a few months before her untimely passing, she instigated the application process to the Bynum Foundation that would ultimately make this park a reality. Finally, the park has been the dream and many hours of work and planning by the dedicated ladies of the Main Street Scottsboro Design Committee. I am proud to have worked alongside former members, Julie Gentry-Michaels and Vickie Shelton and the current committee, Merri Wright, Kathy Wright, Jane Bergman, Diane Widgeon, Deborah Moody, Vicki Watts, Penny Green, City Council representative, Nita Tolliver and Main Street Scottsboro Director, Julia Whitehead. We hope Two Sisters Square will be a beautiful and vibrant addition to the square and will be used by the citizens of Scottsboro for many years to come.
Richi Reynolds
In 1956, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act which developed the interstate highway system, he connected cities and towns across the country with roads that opened up travel in a big way. People could hop in their automobiles and be across the country faster than ever before. What he might not have realized was the devastating impact it would have on smaller t...