Andalusia Star News

Civic groups, businesses and individuals responded to a call issued by members of the Old Three Notch Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to help them paint Andalusia the most patriotic town in the South, and 75 hydrants have been adopted in time for the group’s annual Fourth of July parade.

Brenda Gouge, who serves as the organization’s regent, said she stumbled upon the idea by accident.

“I saw a picture of some DAR ladies in Alabama. They were standing outside at the Kate Duncan school and there was a fire hydrant right in front of them. I thought, ‘too bad that fire hydrant’s not red white and blue.’ ”

The idea stuck with her, and she began to look online to see if anyone else had painted fire hydrants.

She approached Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson with the idea, and he agreed to give it a try. The city council approved a simple patriotic design which is being used throughout the city. Sponsors cover the $75 cost for painting.

Fellow DAR member Sue Bass Wilson assisted Gouge with the project.

Even though 75 have been adopted, the DAR is still seeking more sponsors. Checks will be written to the DAR, who will in turn pay the city to paint the hydrants. The donations may be done in honor or memory of someone, and that will be noted in published lists of sponsors. The current list is shown, below..

The freedom hydrant forms are available here, at The Bass Agency, or by calling Gouge at 334.222.0347.

Fire hydrant sponsors

  1. Lions Club of Andalusia
  2. John and Faye Vick
  3. Bill Patton
  4. Farmer’s Insurance – Bulger Agency
  5. Joseph Garland
  6. Stan & Brenda Gouge
  7. Jimmy Wilson & Sue Wilson
  8. Mary Kendrick Lewey
  9. Dr. Jon Raley
  10. Bass Agency – In memory of Charlie Bass
  11. Bass Agency
  12. Bass Agency
  13. Shirley House – in memory of John Leo House
  14. Veterinary Express of South Alabama
  15. Tripp & Regina Bass
  16. Dirk & Claire Price
  17. Civitan Club of Andalusia
  18. Comfort Care Hospice
  19. Soap Opera
  20. Mayor Earl Johnson
  21. Mayor Earl Johnson
  22. Jackson Honda
  23. Andalusia Health
  24. John F. Jones, Jr. Attorney at Law
  25. Vicky Barrow and family – In memory of Gary Barrow
  26. O’Neal Agency
  27. Covington Electric Coop
  28. Mike & Janet Beste
  29. John & Teresa Hunt
  30. Covington Heavy Duty Parts, Inc.
  31. Andalusia Ford
  32. Sharon G. Dye
  33. Davis & Associates, Inc.
  34. Walker Electric
  35. Jean & Mike Jones
  36. Charles Dixon
  37. Pirate Graphics/Tony Brown
  38. Cynthia & Reggy Powell
  39. Lucy P. Martin & Kevin Price – in memory of Fred Price
  40. W.R. & Elaine Reeves
  41. Heather Helms – in honor of Justin Helms
  42. Sharyn Smith State Farm
  43. Carter Williams
  44. Jean Masterson
  45. Carter Williams & Jean Masterson
  46. Richard & Kathy Jones – in memory of Merle Barrow Jones
  47. Matt McQuay – In honor of the 5th & 6th graders at AES
  48. Cenergy Oil & Gas LLC/Anthony King
  49. Cenergy Oil & Gas LLC/Anthony King
  50. Jim & Laura Carpenter – In honor of Mr. Eland Anthony, WWII veteran
  51. Dr. Jon & Teresa Ward
  52. Luncheon Pilot Club of Andalusia
  53. Caroline Avant McCall
  54. First Baptist Church
  55. Sherwin Williams
  56. Citizens Bank
  57. Tim Hudson & Wayne Hudson & grandchildren – In honor of Gerald Hudson and his 24 years of service with the Andalusia Fire Department
  58. Bill Spurlin

59 & 60. Heenan & Amy Spurlin – In honor of our grandchildren Belle Spurlin, Brynne Spurlin, Thomas Lee, Amelia Grace Lee, Peyton Garner and Emory Garner
61. Sheila & Robert Williams – In honor of Granny, Johnny & Ronnie Thompkin
62. Sheila & Robert Williams – In honor of residents and staff of Andalusia Manor
63. Joey Thornton – In honor of Herbert Fain, a veteran of the Korean War and the Vietnam War
64. The Johnny Williamson Family
65. BB&T Bank
66 & 67.   Power South
68. Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce
69. The Francis McGowin Family
70, 71, 72, 73. Shela Padgett – In honor of Jimmy Mott
74. Jimmie & Helen Wambles – in memory of Terry L. Wambles
75. Mark & Emogene Colvin – in honor of Douglas J. Colvin

Andalusia Star News