May 23

May 23 in the history of the Birmingham District:

• 2023: "Bama Rush" aired on Max.
• 2006: The Newfound Branch Trestle was destroyed by fire.
• 1998: The Visionland theme park, and its Rampage roller coaster, opened in Bessemer.
• 1985: The Birmingham Historical Society erected a marker at the "Heaviest Corner on Earth".
• 1978: The Locust Fork Volunteer Fire Department was organized with Rob Rutherford as chief.
• 1968: Ground was broken for the Talladega Superspeedway.
• 1966: Construction of the Highland Avenue overpass was started.
• 1963: The Alabama Supreme Court affirmed the change from a City Commission to a Mayor/Council form of government in Birmingham.
• 1962: The renovated Tapawingo Plunge was incorporated.
• 1889: Richard Hawes was convicted of killing his wife and family.

A. B. Loveman, born May 23, 1844. Photo courtesy BPL Archives

Births

• 1923: Gospel star and music teacher Evelyn Starks Hardy was born.
• 1924: Attorney Karl Friedman was born in Birmingham.
• 1906: Secretary Helen Cockrell was born in East Saint Louis, Illinois.
• 1867: U.S. Congressman William Oliver was born in Eutaw.
• 1844: Merchant A. B. Loveman was born in Györke, Hungary

Deaths

• 2022: Biologist David Westbrook was shot to death in Woodlawn.
• 2016: Former Birmingham Bulls (WHA) and Birmingham Bulls (CHL)) hockey coach John Brophy died at home in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada.
• 2008: Cardiff mayor JoBo Country died.
• 1931: Architect and Kansas City Mayor W. W. Rose died at home in Kansas City.

Sports

• 2003: Albany Conquest 56 - Birmingham Steeldogs 47 at Albany.
• 1983: Birmingham Stallions 23 - Michigan Panthers 20 in overtime at the Pontiac Silverdome.
• 1921: Ralph Upson and C. J. Andrus won the 1921 National Balloon Race after touching down near Stuart, Virginia.
• 1916: The first night of a major international wrestling tournament at Rickwood Field.