Title
Rooster Bridge in Demopolis, 1919
Subject
Bridges
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Tombigbee River (Miss. and Ala.)
Description
Frank I. Derby, organizer of the 1919 Rooster Auction in Demopolis, Ala., accepts a rooster from President Woodrow Wilson. Derby is holding the rooster on a tray.
The auction was held to raise money to build a bridge spanning the Tombigbee River. The Dixie Overland Highway Association was looking to complete a major road from Savannah, Ga., to San Diego, California,. The only spot along the route without a bridge was between Marengo and Sumter counties; a ferry connected them.
Derby came up with the idea for a rooster auction to raise money for the bridge. At that time cock fighting was both legal and popular. Calling on politicians and businessmen, and working with others in both counties, Derby organized the famous two-day event. Working with Alabama's senator, they convinced President Woodrow Wilson and the prime minister of France, Georges Clemenceau; Great Britain's David Lloyd George, and Vittoria Orlando of Italy to donate roosters.
Roosters were also donated by Gen. John J. Pershing and Hollywood personalities Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, and Mary Pickford. Helen Keller sent a little blue hen. A rooster named "Bob Jones", which served as a model for auction publicity, was named for the famous evangelist. It sold for $7,500. Some buyers donated their roosters back again to be resold.
The two-day event featured the largest barbecue and Brunswick stew dinner ever held in Alabama. The state legislature closed up shop, and all the politicians came to Demopolis. Trains carried folks from all over to the small West Alabama city.
The sale raised enough in pledges to build the bridge, but not all the money was collected. The auction raised awareness that a bridge was needed, and the state came through. With local, state and federal money, the bridge was built.
The bridge was named "Memorial Bridge," although no one in the area ever called it that. Everyone always referred to it as the "Rooster Bridge." Finally, under Congressman E.O. Eddins, the name was officially changed to the Demopolis Rooster Bridge honoring R.I. Derby. (Information provided by Patsy Derby Chaney, daughter of R.I. Derby)
The auction was held to raise money to build a bridge spanning the Tombigbee River. The Dixie Overland Highway Association was looking to complete a major road from Savannah, Ga., to San Diego, California,. The only spot along the route without a bridge was between Marengo and Sumter counties; a ferry connected them.
Derby came up with the idea for a rooster auction to raise money for the bridge. At that time cock fighting was both legal and popular. Calling on politicians and businessmen, and working with others in both counties, Derby organized the famous two-day event. Working with Alabama's senator, they convinced President Woodrow Wilson and the prime minister of France, Georges Clemenceau; Great Britain's David Lloyd George, and Vittoria Orlando of Italy to donate roosters.
Roosters were also donated by Gen. John J. Pershing and Hollywood personalities Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, and Mary Pickford. Helen Keller sent a little blue hen. A rooster named "Bob Jones", which served as a model for auction publicity, was named for the famous evangelist. It sold for $7,500. Some buyers donated their roosters back again to be resold.
The two-day event featured the largest barbecue and Brunswick stew dinner ever held in Alabama. The state legislature closed up shop, and all the politicians came to Demopolis. Trains carried folks from all over to the small West Alabama city.
The sale raised enough in pledges to build the bridge, but not all the money was collected. The auction raised awareness that a bridge was needed, and the state came through. With local, state and federal money, the bridge was built.
The bridge was named "Memorial Bridge," although no one in the area ever called it that. Everyone always referred to it as the "Rooster Bridge." Finally, under Congressman E.O. Eddins, the name was officially changed to the Demopolis Rooster Bridge honoring R.I. Derby. (Information provided by Patsy Derby Chaney, daughter of R.I. Derby)
Source
Patsy Derby Chaney
Date
1919
Contributor
Betty Slowe (Description)
Type
Photograph
Identifier
2074
Coverage
Marengo County (AL)
Original Format
Photograph