University of North Alabama - Diorama Yearbook (Florence, AL)

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Peace Like o River The time has long since passed that the Tennessee River was the community ' s lifeline to the rest of the world, serving as a kind of pre-automotive super-highway, but it still plays a very important role in the life of the community. Besides the obvious economic advantages of Wilson Dam and the Tennessee Valley Authority, many people find that the river is advantageous from a purely hedonistic viewpoint. Students at UNA especially know the pleasure of tak- ing a towel and a book out to McFarland in the late spring to soak up the sun and perhaps even study a bit. The river is also a favorite place for cam- pus organizations like the BSU and Tri-Beta to gather for food and fun. The recreational possi- bilities are limitless: swimming, boating, fish- ing and skiing are enjoyed by thousands each summer. Perhaps the most important aspect of the river is the tranquility found there at the close of a hec- tic day. The sense of relaxation found in the soft whisper of the waves at sunset is hard to beat after a day of exams, homework, and deadlines. The view across the river at sunset is spectacular. A barge serves as a reminder that the river still has many com- mercial uses lor the surrounding area.

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Regency Square. . . The Sears building downtown stands deserted because of the move to Regency Square, but Mar- tin Industries plans to move into the building. r I. It is inevitable that a shop- ping complex of such great size would have an impact on the stores which chose to re- main downtown rather than make the move to Regency Square. Most of the downtown stores, however, seem to feel that the effect of the mall on the downtown commercial area has been kept to a mini- mum. Most of the stores had the foresight to plan for the effect that Regency Square would have upon them. Howard Hall, general merchan- dise manager for Rogers Department store on Court Street, is especially opti- mistic about the future of the downtown commercial area. He made special mention of the close tie that exists between UNA and downtown Florence as one deciding factor in preventing the complete desertion of Court Street as a shopping area. Perhaps the most definite evidence that Regency Square does not mean the death of downtown Florence could be said to be parking conditions downtown: on the day of the grand opening of Regency Square, it was still impos- sible to park easily on Court Street. Some shoppers still choose to shop downtown as well as at Regency. Mall 23

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. r An evening ' s boat ride on the Tennessee affords a special re- laxation of its own kind. These students choose to enjoy a ride on the river without the aid of a noisy boat motor. . River 25