Capturing the cultural heritage of Alabama, Journey Proud is a new show on Alabama Public Television hosted by folklorist Joey Brackner. Here’s an episode from last fall on gourd houses. While watching it, I had a small epiphany. Our mom used to have gourd birdhouses strung up outside (and inside) our childhood home — usually painted or decorated with one of her own kooky designs. We all just thought they were tacky. Well, Joan Brooks was an Alabama native, mind you, born in Mobile, so we think we now know where her gourd house attraction came from!
New season of Journey Proud starts this month.