RPL introduces readers to Jemison Café

Feb. 15 the Russellville Public Library welcomed Clara Ruth Hayman Holt as a special guest speaker for one of the newly-initiated third Thursday adult programs. Holt spoke about a book that is close to her heart: “The Jemison Cafe: Reflections on an Alabama Boyhood.”

The book was written by Holt’s late husband, John Hayman Jr., who wrote seven books and more than 60 academic articles. Holt edited the book and had it published 17 years after her husband passed away.

“John wrote this book for posterity, for a place he loved, a place that helped shape his heritage,” Holt said.

During her presentation, she told some of Hayman’s background, including his parents’ history. She read several excerpts from the book that illustrated what life was like for the Haymans during the Great Depression, World War II and its aftermath.

The main focus of the book is the Haymans’ journey to, and experiences in, Jemison, where they owned and operated a café that became a staple in the city’s social scene. Holt emphasized, however, that the setting is not what is actually important.

“What is important is that this is a historical account of a time and a place that will never be seen again. It describes a lifestyle that no longer exists,” she said.

To give more examples of that lifestyle, Holt brought some objects from that time period, like Hayman’s trumpet, pictures of the café and the Haymans and artifacts from the café itself.

“John always knew he wanted to write, and he always enjoyed it,” Holt said.

Hayman’s passion for music was also well known, and now there is a scholarship in his honor through the Alabama Symphony Volunteer Council for the brass-winds-percussion division.