Hotel Magnolia.

The Baldwin County Historical Society is pleased to invite the public to a program at the Hotel Magnolia in Foley on Sunday, Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. The program will be presented by Senator Albert Lipscomb, Judge Tim Russell, and Kevin Pennington, proprietor. Panelists will share their knowledge of the history of the hotel and personal memories of the historic building and its former owners. The meeting will be held in the upstairs ballroom followed by an open house of parts of the hotel as the guests of owners Dianna Rohe-Pennington and her husband Kevin Pennington.

Judge Russell and Senator Lipscomb are both natives of the area. Russell was former mayor of Foley as well as Probate Judge for Baldwin County. Lipscomb served in the Alabama Senate from 1989 through 2002. Kevin Pennington has embraced the history of the hotel and the city since his arrival in the area. His personal encounters with people who share memories about their visits to the hotel make fascinating stories he will share. Old photographs and documents will be on display.

The hotel was built in 1907 by the Magnolia Land Company, which was formed by John Foley to develop the town of Foley. The spur rail line from Bay Minette was finished in 1905, and Foley hired architect J.R. McKenzie to survey and draw plans for the city and surrounding farms. Prospective buyers were housed at the hotel and real estate was sold by several local companies, including Claude Peteet, whose office still stands next to the hotel. The most recent former owners of the hotel were John and Marjorie Snook, who are to be credited with saving the hotel, the railroad depot and several other historical structures. John Snook was president of the Historical Society in the 1970s-1980s and recorded much about the historical events in Baldwin County.

No reservations are required, but guests are encouraged to arrive early as there is limited seating. Refreshments will graciously be provided by the Hotel Magnolia. The Historical Society is a volunteer organization which meets four times a year for programs of local interest. Those wishing to join may do so at the meeting Sunday. Dues are $10 per year per member. Membership dues may also be mailed to President Harriet Outlaw. Email for more information bchsociety1923@yahoo.com.