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Once a thriving center of steel production and coal mining, Helena went to sleep for a period of time after the depression and devastating tornadoes of 1933. But in recent years, the building of a modern sewage system, newly annexed land west of the city toward the Cahaba River and beyond, the building of an industrial park and a huge demand for housing has boosted construction in Helena. Stemming from the spill-over growth branching southward from Birmingham, the new construction signals another period of rapid economic and residential growth.
Post office records from 1849 refer to the town of Cove, thought to be little more than a crossroads stage stop. The name changed to Hillsboro in 1856. During this time, a highly productive rolling mill was built to manufacture material for the confederate war effort. Classified as "top secret", it continued to operate throughout the civil war, and near the end of the war in 1865, federal troops known as "Wilson's Raiders" razed the plant, burning it to the ground.
During the reconstruction period following the war, the railroads began contributing to the growth in the area. One of the more well known railroads, L&N, sent an engineer name Pete Boyle to survey the land. Upon completing a new train station, he named it "Helena Station" after his sweetheart, Helen Lee, the daughter of a prominent local judge.
The area around the station began to develop and grow, eventually absorbing Hillsboro and officially incorporating as the city of Helena. M.H. Williams, a railroad agent, served as the City's first mayor. Helena was a regular little metropolis by all accounts. It was during this period when the steel mill was reopened by Burwell B. Lewis, Rufus W. Cobb and others. Mr. Cobb went on to become Governor of Alabama and spent his later years as probate judge of Shelby County.
Helena played a vital role in the Birmingham steel industry and growth which continued for many years. Besides the steel mill, Helena had several prosperous coal mines, a variety of retail stores, a couple of hotels and boarding houses as well as a school. Also operating was a large railroad yard, a grist mill powered by Buck Creek and a cotton gin next to the train station. In 1916, it was learned certain errors made in filing papers for incorporation caused it to be invalid. As a result, the city was reincorporated in 1917. Charlie Hinds, grandfather of present mayor Charles "Sonny" Penhale, served as the new city's first mayor.
Today, Helena is synonymous with rapid but controlled growth. The pace at which we are developing has allowed us to maintain our small town charm, yet gives us the resources necessary to provide the services that our citizens and businesses need and deserve. Helena has grown into a city that offers a lot of the conveniences of larger cities yet still maintains its family-oriented atmosphere.
Holiday Shopping
Homewood businesses kick off the holidays with the annual Holiday Open House. The popular event has grown each year and features complementary appetizers and beverages, trolley rides, live music, and the opportunity to preview the season’s best gift ideas in a fun and festive environment.
Christmas in Homewood
Celebrate the holidays in Homewood with the festive annual Homewood Christmas Parade. The parade starts at the Homewood Public Library, travels east on Oxmoor Road to 18th Street, around to 28th Street and Central Avenue with the parade ending at Homewood Central Park. The parade features a variety of civic groups, churches, clubs, organizations, school groups, businesses, and individuals. Awards are given for “Best Float,” “Best Performance,” and “Best of Show.” The parade’s traditional finale is the arrival of Santa Claus riding atop the Homewood Fire Department’s ladder truck. Following the parade, Santa is available for photos on the 18th Street plaza.
Easter Egg Hunt
Homewood Central Park is home to Homewood’s annual Easter Egg Hunt. The hunt is for toddlers to 12-year-olds. Children hunt for eggs by age groups, and there is a section for children with special needs. There are also Moon Walks, train rides, and a Merry-Go-Round.
Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off
Each year, dozens of chili cooking aficionados turn out to see whose recipe will reign supreme at the Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off. Held in the Exceptional Foundation parking lot, which is shared with Homewood Central Park on Oxmoor Road, the cook-off has become a highly anticipated event and the Foundation’s biggest fundraiser. A panel of judges chooses the grand-prize winner and first and second runners-up, as well as the winners of the fundraising and spirit awards. Event patrons vote on the People’s Choice Award. Festivalgoers sample chili and enjoy live music. Kids activities include face painting, a moonwalk, and a magician.
Friday Night Flicks
Each Friday night during the summer, Homewood Central Park becomes an outdoor movie theater, with family friendly movies shown on a huge outdoor screen. There are also food and beverage vendors, inflatables, and other kid-friendly activities. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic basket for loads of family fun.
Downtown Homewood Farmer's Market
Homewood’s first Farmers Market kicked off on May 22 and will continue each Saturday through August. The Farmers Market is a partnership between Urban Cook House, a new Homewood eatery featuring locally grown foods, and the Homewood Chamber of Commerce. Located at the corner of 18th Street S. and 29th Avenue, the market features local farmers selling their fresh-from-the-field produce.
Homewood Chamber Golf Tournament
Held at Oxmoor Valley, a 54-hole Robert Trent Jones-designed
facility, the Homewood Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic puts
the fun in fundraiser. After a shotgun start, golf teams compete
for bragging rights and prizes for first-, second-, and third-place
finishes. There is also a putting contest, and each golfer receives
an official tournament golf shirt or cap and many other valuable
prizes in their gift bag. The “after the tournament party”
features great food and
live music. There are
drawings for incredible
door prizes donated by
Homewood businesses,
which are always a fan
favorite. The 2010 event
features a hole-in-one
competition with a
prize of a Toyota from
Limbaugh Toyota and
gifts of golf balls from
State Farm Insurance.
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