Challenges: Do or Die Time

I was a bit intrigued when I saw this on several blogs.  I decided I'd bite the bullet and give it a go.  Whether I cross the "Z" finish line will be determined at the end of the month.  From what I understand, the rules are fairly simple:  Write a post/day (with the exceptions of Sundays) using a letter of the alphabet as the topic for each day.  So, today's will start with "A", tomorrow's will be "B", and so on.  Okay, ready or not, it's time to roll up my sleeves and get started!  Let's see if you can guess what the theme of my A to Z Challenge will be!

I decided to start off with "Aluminum".  Pretty weird, huh?  If you're at all familiar with the Small Town, you'd get it right away.  Aluminum built the Small Town.  There was a time when just about everybody's father worked for THE Aluminum Company, mine included.  It put food on our table, clothes on our back, and allowed my mom to stay at home and raise all 10 of her babies.  
Heck, the town even got its name from the company:  The town's name is an acronym of the company.  At one time we had 3 aluminum plants in the Small Town, but sadly that has dwindled down to 2.  The Company that was once instrumental in making aluminum now is mainly used for making the sheets used for making beverage cans.
The Aluminum Company built houses for its employees to raise families.  The first house that I lived in (until I was 9 months) was built for that purpose.  Those houses are still standing, and most of them have been renovated.  
I remember my dad showing me bauxite that is used in making aluminum.  They would get the bauxite from Arkansas and ship it here.  I remember him telling me (in more detail than I really wanted at that time!) the steps in making aluminum.  I think he was very proud to know that he had a part in that process.  I'm not sure if this was a requirement by the school or something that we chose to do, but for a science project, I think most (if not all) of my siblings completed the aluminum-making process.  And yes, we used that bauxite for the display.  As I'm thinking about it, I really, really hope that I got that back to my dad when I used it!  
Today, the Aluminum Company continues to give to the community through grants, scholarships, and donations.  The employees also clock many volunteer hours to give back to the community.  While it isn't the largest industry in the county, it is a major part of Small Town's rich history.

17 comments:

  1. What an interesting post! Looking forward to reading more. Glad you joined in the A-Z this year. It is a lot of fun!
    until next time...nel

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  2. What an interesting post! Looking forward to reading more. Glad you joined in the A-Z this year. It is a lot of fun!
    until next time...nel

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  3. Very interesting! Thanks for posting this.

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  4. I loved living in a small town. I'm from San Francisco but went to college in a small, rural Arkansas town. I don't know if it (or the ones around it) were built on aluminum but I think all small towns have a story like this. How cool that this is your A topic! Gnarly indeed.

    www.aleasa.net

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  5. Yay! So glad you're playing along...it will be fun to read about small town and see what I don't know : )

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  6. Wow your mom had 10 children. Must've been fun for you but hard on her.

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  7. Coming from a small town (pop. 427), I appreciated your small town. Nice to meet you!

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  8. I love how memories of community and family and people all intertwine in your post--about aluminum.

    http://bjj-law-living.blogspot.com/

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  9. What a grat post! I'm here from Blogging A to Z. I'm excited to read the rest!Good luck!

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  10. Interesting post. I love learning new things. Glad you decided to join in.

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  11. When I saw your blog title, I had to stop by and visit.
    I'm doing the A to Z about some 1934 quilt squares I found at a yard sale. I've traced (most) of the names to a small Iowa town that is now non-existent. The town was Athelstan, so this small town was the perfect start for mine.
    LOVE your blog!

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  12. It doesn't matter what part of the world you are in. A modest upbringing goes a long way I've learnt. Glad to connect.

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  13. Love this post and glad you are doing this too.

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  14. I love this insight into the history of Small Town.

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  15. If I get one tiny bit of foil in my mouth, it hurts. Yes, I have a lot of fillings. :) I have a feeling that driving through your town would be the death of me. LOL!!
    Great post.

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  16. Hi, I just stumbled upon your blog as I was browsing through the A-Z blogging challenge list. In the summers, we live in a small town on the Oregon Coast, Coos Bay. It's wonderful, and there are many stories.

    I may not get to all of your posts, but I will definitely be back.

    Cheers and thanks,
    Annis

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