Artdanz.com – Muses

Bill and Phyl Armstrong

My mother, Martha Powell Armstrong (Canyon Sue) and my father, James William Armstrong (Willie) were aspiring country musicians in their youth. They played live on the radio quite often and performed in various places around the Southeast. My dad traveled and performed with Hank Williams Senior in the early years (before Hank Williams become famous).

“Willie” also participated in rodeos – trick riding, bronc & bull riding and so forth. He decided to change careers when he was injured during a bull ride. Eventually my dad became a firefighter and my mother a genealogist & necrogeographer.

Bill Armstrong playing his guitar, January 26, 1953

My Great-Grandparents Miranda Iona Bell Powell & James Curren Powell

I never knew my Great-Grandfather, but remember my Great-Grandma Bell. She was tiny and brown as a berry. Even as an old lady, she was very agile, energetic, and strict. The children knew not to misbehave around her! She grew gourds and made eating utensils and other items out of them. She was known as a healer and often visited the woods to gather herbs to make medicines. She had diabetes (which runs in the family) and treated herself with herbs until she was very old. Family members told us she was of American Indian descent.

My Great-Grandparents Miranda Iona Bell Powell & James Curren Powell as young parents.

James William Armstrong with his brother Neal and their cousins (taken in Florida)

My dad, James William Armstrong, is on the far right. Sitting next to him is Neal Armstrong, his brother. The other young guys are their cousins, the Tuckers. The photo was taken in Florida, and it’s estimated that the photo was taken around 1915-1920.

Hi,

Welcome to my blog, which is in it’s infancy to say the least. Feel free to look around or post a comment…

The original Kowliga made famous by Hank Williams Sr.

(Photos taken late 50’s to early 1960’s) This is the original wooden statue of an American Indian nicknamed “Kowliga.” The statue was immortalized by Hank Williams Senior. While vacationing in Wetumpka, he wrote a song called “Kow-liga,” which was inspired by the wooden statue. As time passed, people took parts of Kowliga as souvenirs, until one day poor old Kowliga was damaged beyond saving! A replica now stands in his place, and can be seen at Sinclair’s on Lake Martin. Hank William’s cabin can be seen at the Children’s Harbor near the Kowaliga Bridge.

Original wooden Indian Kow-liga