By Ruth Cook
SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Sylacauga might justifiably be dubbed “The Little Town That Could – and Does.” With a population of a mere 12,500, Sylacauga is a vibrant community with a world-class library and world-class marble deposits.
On Sunday afternoon, Aug. 4, many residents and guests gathered at the B.B. Comer Memorial Library to honor one of the town’s most supportive citizens.
Dr. Ted C. Spears has a long history of involvement with education and community. He is the powerful engine behind Sylacauga’s Magic of Marble Festival now in its 16th year, bringing talented sculptors from Italy and across the country to carve the prized white marble that is a foundation of the town – both literally and figuratively.
He and his wife Shirley, retired director of the library, have enriched both the library and the community in many ways – from leadership and vision to tiny, practical details.
I first met this dynamic couple almost two decades ago when I was first asked to document the history of Sylacauga marble in what eventually became my third book, Magic in Stone. I have treasured their friendship ever since, and I enjoyed attending the celebration, visiting with them and with many other Sylacauga friends I’ve made over the years.
Dr. Ted was honored Sunday with the dedication of the Dr. Ted C. Spears Music Trail, which now winds around the gardens on the grounds of the Comer library. I had not seen a “music trail” before, but I’ve been told there is also one in Fairhope, which hosts a music festival every fall.
The Spears Music Trail features several stations where adults and children can try their hand at a wide variety of music makers in this lovely outdoor setting.
Sylacauga has always had ambitions, and thanks to dedicated residents like Ted and Shirley Spears, along with many, many others, this town has often thought it could and thought it could – and then did!
