It is difficult to overstate the outsized recognition that the small city of Irondale adjacent to Birmingham and Miriam’s home/studio has in the city. Founded in 1887 and named after the Irondale Furnace (a Civil War-era furnace less than 2 miles from Miriam’s Birmingham home, Irondale is home to several state and nationally-recognized organizations.
The Golden Rule Bar-B-Q, a favorite of Miriam’s through the decades, is Alabama’s oldest restaurant, established in 1887. ETWN network which broadcasts Catholic programming worldwide was also located in Irondale. And last but not least is the Irondale Cafe with its award-winning Southern meat and three cuisines and inspiration for the book and later movie “Fried Green Tomatoes”.
Miriam’s pastel-on-paper painting (see above image) of the main street with train crossing flashing in the foreground, the café, train, and Irondale’s downtown in the center, and Ruffner Mountain in the background capture the spirit and history of this unique Alabama community.