Book signing for the third edition of “Remember that time…” on June 27th – The Atmore Advance

Old stories and memories were shared during Dr. Max Parker’s book signing for the third edition of “Escambia County Training School: Remember that time… Stories Never Told” on June 27 at the PCRC building in Atmore.

The alumni present were offered an extensive program that included the presentation of gifts, the singing of the school song and a speech. After lunch, a book signing session followed.

Coach Jim Parker, class of 1968 and Parker’s brother, introduced Max.

“When we were little, we called him ‘Sweet,'” Jim said. “I never understood why my mother called him ‘Sweet.'”

Jim remembered that his brother was thinking about many things.

Max thanked the community for their help in making the book possible.

“Writing a book requires a community,” said Max.

He then acknowledged the research team and the other contributors to the book. Eighteen authors wrote stories for the book.

“The motto of this program is: Light it up,” Max said. “Let your light shine.”

Max described Dr. Ulysses McBride as a diamond in the sky. He said the third edition of the book is dedicated to McBride.

In addition, excerpts from the book were read and a quiz game was played.

According to Advance archives, the third edition of the book tells the stories of many people who grew up in rural Alabama in the 1950s and 1960s, and the many experiences, reactions and decisions of students who left high school and entered a world that seemed as big as the universe. Therein lies the premise that something big can come from humble beginnings. The book also chronicles the incredible accomplishments of people who attended or graduated from the school before the integration of public schools in Alabama in 1970 and afterward.