FAIRHOPE - There are a large number of people like me who were born in Fairhope who still live here.  They, like me, have fond memories of a simpler time and easier life here on the Eastern Shore.

During the 1950’s you looked suspiciously at anyone you did not know in the grocery store because you knew almost everyone in town. You could not play any pranks on anyone in town because they would call your parents before you even got home.

Everyone was so honest and hard working. If there was any type crime, you did not know it. Life was slow and easy in my early years in Fairhope.

Here at the Fairhope History Museum, we interview and record older Fairhope residents who tell us of Fairhope’s past so we can save the information in our files. The last question I ask them is “what is your fondest memory about growing up in Fairhope?”

All seem to have the same memory. They tell of spending the entire summer swimming in the Bay playing with friends and the good times of sleeping on the piers on the Bay. That too is my fondest memory -   waiting for my Dad to get off work so we all could pile in the car and go swimming at the Bay! Then later going from one pier to another, crab boils, first love, first kiss,moonlight sailing, all on Mobile Bay.

Present day Fairhope is a product of the Populist/Single Taxers hope to establish a model, Utopian community. They staked out a beautiful town which has developed into a beautiful city.

Visitors everyday in the Fairhope Museum say, “This is really a nice place,” like they were the first person to think of it.  It is a nice place. People here are friendly, helpful and just plain glad to be here. 

When you walk out on the Fairhope Pier you will notice that people speak to others as they pass. If you walk down other area public piers, there are many, people do not speak to their neighbors. If you speak to someone on the Mobile water front they think you are a panhandler.

I have everything I need here, do not drive through congested roads coming and going and really enjoy being at home - I am truly at home here.  I enjoy the contented life that our founders proposed for this model community.  Did they create Utopia?  In my heart, I think they did.

Donnie Barrett is the director for the Fairhope Museum of History.