Wednesday, August 6, 2008


LOCK FOUR
Lock Four was built in 1891-1892 on the Coosa River near Lincoln, Alabama. It was built to facilitate riverboat traffic. The house was built to serve the needs of the riverboat workers and passengers. My parents bought the house and property after the lock and dam were demolished in 1963.

3 comments:

Mom said...

When Adrew was two years old and adventuresome as he was always to be, he wandered down the hill to the Coosa River, turned Lake Logan Martin. Fortunately, fire ants attacked him and prevented his getting to the water. Distraught Mom heard his cries and rescued him from both the the River and the ants!
Adoring Mom

Unknown said...

I never thought to thank fire ants for anything before, Mom always had a unique perspective about things.
We learned so much about the world at Lock 4, to play hard and work hard. The first, we practiced, the last was more from observation of the parents and grandparents. Our grandfather used his weekend time painting the house and gardening, Dad always had a grand project, Mom and Mimi kept the inside and children in shape.
We learned to treasure nature and history, to treasure family, these things were especially related to Lock 4.

Andrew Monaghan said...

The fire ants experience is one of my earliest memories! I am not sure why I stood in the ant bed until I was covered in ants. I guess I don't have much sense. But they did stop me from drowning.

I have a client who moved to Baldwin County from New York. He was walking in the grass in front of my office with his wife and she was pointing at the ground saying "that looks like one, watch out!" I asked what in the world she was looking at and he told me he is allegic to fire ant bites. He has been stung three times and had to go to the hospital each time. He said it was why he needed a will. Apparently they do not have fire ants in New York.

Fire ants were just a part of life at Lock Four. I have learned so much up there about nature, family, work and living. I feel very lucky to be a part of it and this wonderful family of mine!