Cowbellion explores the origins of America's Mardi Gras traditions, beginning with the Cowbellion de Rakin society, the first mystic parading organization. Following the lives of Michael Krafft, the "First Cowbellion," and his family., Cowbellion tells the story of the world around them in antebellum Mobile, New Orleans and the ports of the northeast. Masked balls, Slaves, Creoles, and Yellow Fever., this was all new to the Krafft family and thousands of others who came toDeep South in the 1820's and 1830's, to be at thecenter of the booming international cotton trade.Out of their experiences, a new tradition of festivity was born."

Cowbellion follows the Krafft family in antebellum Pennsylvania, Mobile and New Orleans in the 1820's and 1830's to reveal how everyday life was lived among the ship captains, slave traders and cotton brokers of the country's great urban ports. When steamships and cotton ruled the economy, the ports of the Gulf Coast were at the center of world commerce and trade. The first mystic parades were created there America's Mardi Gras celebrations arose from the unique mixture of Creole and American traditions in the Deep South.

Join author Christopher Andrews on a delectable romp through the long food history of Mobile, Alabama . From its founding in 1702 by the French, Mobile has had a lot on its plate. Indeed, the story of food itself is a rich gumbo--a dish created in Mobile--tracing the city's rich history, albeit in far more filling fashion. Native, European and African traditions met and blended here. From the colonial days through the Civil War and up to the present, this history serves up a full menu for foodies and history buffs alike.

It was an unlikely place for a city, scourged by disease-ridden mosquitos and pummeled by hurricanes. But for more than three hundred years, Mobile has thrived on the unlikely and endured the unimaginable. Mobilians love their gumbo but are likely unaware that it was first served up here by women sent from France to foster population growth. Times were once so dire for free blacks that a shocking number petitioned the courts to become slaves. The city witnessed the first operational submarine, the first Mardi Gras celebration and the last major battle of the Civil War. Author Joe Cuhaj navigates the backwaters of Mobile's fascinating history.

Tired of the same old tourist traps? Whether you’re a visitor or a local looking for something different, Alabama Off the Beaten Path shows you the Yellowhammer State you never knew existed. Uncover the roots of the civil rights movement at the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery Tour the state's network of limestone caves , like Cathedral Caverns in Woodville Soak up the sun on the sugar-white sands of Alabama's Gulf Shores So if you’ve “been there, done that” one too many times, get off the main road and venture Off the Beaten Path.

Full edition 'coffee-table' 11"x8.5" - 198 color photos of food preparations - step-by-step instructions A collection of favorite foods that also reflect the history and folklore of Mobile and the surrounding areas of Alabama's Gulf Coast. Many ways of Southern cookery contained in this collection hail our surrounding area. Featuring images of vintage postcards of our area. Each recipe in this collection is prefaced by a "story" that is either based on facts derived from our area's historical chronicles or is drawn from traditions that have been passed down for generations. All stories either reflect upon a past time and place or offer an insight into our cultural "personalities". Many recipes refer to our harvested crops -- especially seafoods -- that are so important in our area, and that we are fortunate to have in abundance. We believe you will enjoy our "stories" for their lightness as well as their facts, and we feel sure you will enjoy these recipes!