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It was publicized in The Andalusia Star News in July that the City of Andalusia City Council has agreed to apply for a grant to enhance one of the city’s oldest parks, Robinson Memorial Park on Church Street and Railroad Avenue. Mayor Earl Johnson states that “the city leaders are working to bring new life to the entire neighborhood” which included restoring the school to an arts center, developing a senior adult activity center, partnering with housing developers to build new homes, and additionally includes a new impetus to rehab the park that is frequented by young people with children as well as maintaining the trail for walkers and joggers.

Passers-by on Church Street can all identify the suitable marker which recognizes the park located in the heart of Andalusia – Robinson Memorial Park.

This story begins around 1838 when James Madison Robinson was born in Fayetteville, Georgia. At the age of 21 years, he moved to Evergreen, a terminus for the L & N Railroad and later to Brooklyn, Alabama, believed to be the “oldest town in the state” around 1860.

In 1870, Robinson married Miss Kate McIver, whose parents of pioneer stock, Dr. and Mrs. Evander McIver, were among the first settlers in that section of Alabama. J. M. Robinson, Sr. and his family later moved to Andalusia where he served as pastor of the First Missionary Baptist Church between 1890 and 1900 preaching one Sunday of each month and serving three or four other churches on the same basis including the Pleasant Home Baptist Church which he founded. His name, Rev. Robinson, occurs frequently in the associational minutes after 1900 and also in newspaper articles of that period.

Robinson was a merchant in Brooklyn before being elected county tax assessor and being actively involved in civic affairs.

The Robinsons had four children born to them – two sons, James M. Robinson, Jr. and Alexander Herbert (Bertie) Robinson; two daughters, Kate (who became Mrs. J. D. Henderson), and Maggie Mae Robinson. The Robinson home in Andalusia stood on the site where the Church Street School was later located.

During the early years (late 1880s), Church Street did not extend beyond the intersection of River Falls Street. The corner where a service station/convenience store is now located was originally part of a site where a train station was to be located. More research will be necessary to learn why the (L & N)station was eventually built on South Cotton Street. The land beyond that point going westward was partitioned off and sold. It was reported in the 1980 “Old Home Folk Edition” of The Opp News that the property which extends on both sides of what is now Church Street was bought by the Robinson and Fletcher families. It is remembered that a lane known as Robinson’s Lane gave access to the home and ran westward from the intersection back through the woods to the Robinson and Fletcher acreage.

J.M. Robinson, Jr. moved (or removed as the old newspaper is worded) with his parents to Andalusia in 1890 when he was 16 years old. His first employment was in the office of Judge Malachi Riley, the judge of probate of Covington County, and he thus became identified with that office and continued in public life for some thirty years. On the death of Judge Riley in 1896, Robinson was appointed as Probate Judge and then was elected to four six-year terms.

Robinson’s 1946 obituary reads, “As a public official, Judge Robinson was deservedly popular. He made and held friends throughout the county and took a keen interest in public affairs. He was a voracious reader with a habit of reading his daily and weekly newspapers. His close contact with intimate friends made for the development of Andalusia.”

“Hundreds of friends from far and near came to pay tribute to the memory of this honored citizen.”

“His interest in politics was much remarked. In 1932 he was elected from the second Congressional District as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention and was one of the militant backers of Franklin D. Roosevelt when FDR was nominated for his first term as president.”

On December 12, 1924, Judge Robinson opened his new casket factory on North Cotton Street (corner of College Street) under the firm name of the Andalusia Casket Co. He continued as owner and manager of this growing enterprise until February 10, 1945 when, due to failing health, he sold the business and retired again from active business pursuits.

On November 27, 1946, Judge Robinson went on a hunting and camping trip Thursday and Friday near Brooklyn with friends and relatives. He went to bed Friday night in good spirits apparently feeling all right. Early Saturday morning, November 30, he was found dead in bed.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon from his home on Church Street. Dr. J. A. Cook, pastor of First Baptist Church, officiated. Music was furnished by a quartet composed of W. O. Bozeman, J. A. Thompson, Mrs. Raymond Miller, and Mrs. Bob Duggan, accompanied by Mrs. Elizabeth (Louise) Barrow, pianist. The body was laid to rest in the family plot in Magnolia Cemetery. Benson Funeral Home was in charge.

A December 5, 1946 editorial from The Andalusia Star reads, “The passing of Judge J. M. Robinson, Jr., widely known business man and for many years Judge of Probate of Covington County removes from our midst a man who through the years made himself felt as a factor in the life of his community and county.”

“When the (editorial) writer first knew Judge Robinson, that was some thirty years ago, he had his office in the old courthouse then located in the center of the public square in Andalusia.”

Headlines in the March 11, 1954 Andalusia Star News reads, “Robinson Estate Gives City Seven-Acre Plot for Park.”

“Seven acres of realty adjoining the Church Street School on the east have been given to the City of Andalusia for development as a public park by the estate of the late Rev. J. M. Robinson, Sr.”

“Improvement of the site for park purposes will begin immediately according to announcement by Mayor Tracy Wilder and the city council who have lauded members of the Robinson family for their generosity in making the gift to the municipality.”

“An appropriate marker designating the area as the Robinson Memorial Park is to be placed at the entrance when the land has been landscaped and improved. Mayor Wilder said that Railroad Avenue and Walker Street (Avenue) that bound the school and park are to be paved and the eastern end of Madison Avenue north of the swimming pool will be opened.”

“The realty in the gift is part of the Robinson’s old home property. Deeds to the land have been held by the family since 1890. The Robinson holdings at one time embraced practically all land from Church Street School to Snowden Drive. Several years ago, the family gave a site for the West Highland Baptist Church pastorium.”

“A landscape architect is to be employed by the city and his recommendations will be followed as to the preservation of stately trees now on the property, the building of paths, placement of park benches, and the planting of flowers.”

The deed specified three things: 1 – No buildings or structures are to be erected or placed on the property except those related to the use and enjoyment of a public park or school playground. The grantee shall erect a suitable marker designating the property herein conveyed as “Robinson Memorial Park.” 2 – The premises and property will be reasonably beautified and maintained for scenic park purposes and as a playground for school children. 3 – The premises and property will not be sold or conveyed but shall be kept and used perpetually only for the purpose herein stated.

Many events have been held in the park through the years such as Easter egg hunts, arts and crafts shows, summer recreation programs, picnics, family reunions, and the annual Storybook Festival hosted by the Coterie Club. The Angel of Hope monument, dedicated to the memory of deceased children, is located on the southwest side.

After 70 years, it is certain that the Robinson family heirs would be pleased and honored to know just how much the park has been enjoyed by citizens of all ages and in all walks of life. As we Remember When, this story of the Robinsons’ kindly deeds and generous spirits lives on.

 — Sue Bass Wilson, AHS Class of 1965, U of A Class of 1969, was a K-12 choral music teacher, is a local real estate broker, and long-time member of the Covington Historical Society. She can be reached at suebwilson47@gmail.com.