The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-06-17
M E N N, w o M B N
 A ND T H IN G 5

Barb ecue is a word imported Into the English language. In Haytian 1t is barbacos, and stands for framework of sticks set up on a post; but the same word in Cuba desig- mates platform or floor on the top story of country houses where fruits and grains are kept.
 But with us it means usually an iron frame on which large joints of meats are placed to be "barbecued." It is a great institution In the south and thrives nowhere better than in the south Alabama counties; but is no novelty throughout the entire state.
 There are barbecues and barbecues; family. community, political and va rious other varieties. The old-time political barbecue, however, is fast disappearing, when hogs, goats, sheep and at times even cattle were roasted whole. Strange as it may seem the only time l ever saw 8 whole steer on d spit was at fair in Munich.
 The day will never come in this cli~ mate when the family and conn munity barbecue will go out of fash ion for there Is something about the aroma which comes up from the pits which will ever be a sweet scent in the nostril of the southerner The mere mention of the name always makes a man from this side of the Mason and Dixon line homesick when he is living on the other side of it.
 l can't explain but there is lure the carcasses of sheep, goats and hogs or lambs, kids and pigs as with spit backbones they rest on the splits laid across hole in the ground. been roasted to turn by the embers of wood fire which is kept just alive enough not to burn them but to cook them done through and through. i
 
 I never tire of standing around. watching the experts who see to it that the right kind of wood Is used and the proper amount of heat kept up, while others with mops sponge the meats with the liquid dressings which add to he flavor and raciness of the meats. The open air, the smell of the woods, the sight of the run ming stream, the bubbling spring; in fact the whole setting is one to make the tired city man forget his desk and respond to the call of the wild.
 I like to stand around the cutting table, and particularly so when Capt. Jack Phillips is in charge, for to see him wield a knife is to watch about as artistic performance in carving as one will ever have the good for tune to see; and being my friend and knowing that he knows the rarest delicacy in lamb, kid, pig or steer, l am sure always of getting a tidbit for he likes to cater to man who is an expert when it comes to passing on well cooked and selected barbecued meats.
 I am writing this with gratitude and feeling for I have just come in from the barbecue given by pr. C. N. Carraway, president of the Nor wood hospital to the doctors, their families and friends out beyond Tar rant City in lovely shaded dell close to a babbling stream and a flowing spring. Several hundred were out to enjoy the occasion. Alfred. the faith. ful servitor trained under the eye of Capt. Jack Phillips, was the chief cook.
 Enough meat had been roasted to turn to serve 800 hungry men and women, and there is no place to which the average person carries such an appetite as to barbecue. for some how everyone is supposed to leave all thought of nibbling or dainty eating farm hand or growing boy No one seems ashamed to indulge themselves to the full This was the case at the doctors barbecue. for one hearty eater voiced the sentiment of all, If I get sick, there are enough physi- clans here either to cure or kill me. and so why hold baclS?'
 never tasted finer lamb, kid or shoat, and the Brunswick stew. my favorite dish was just right Sow there are many who are good bar becue cooks who fail on the stew. went out early with Capt. Jack Phillips for I always like to see the meats and the stew being prepared. I soon saw that pr, Carrawav who was chef at the wash pot. knew his business, and when I asked hin, where he came from and was told. south Alabama I knew where he learned the art of making it thick and rich and creamy.
 II was one speeches. barbecue. had not counted on hearing any oratory, but my hopes rose when saw John Hornady put in his ap- pearance for he is about the only ma know who registers as often sS do when it comes to talkfest, D& even he never chirped, and neither did I.
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