Some of my favorite childhood memories are from Lake Highland in Blount County, Alabama, nestled between the town of Oneonta and the mountains of Springville.
Granddaddy worked as an accountant at Hart Greer, but when he wasn’t working, he wanted to be at the lake. He and Ma’am Maw owned a lake house and property there before eventually making it their permanent home.
Every summer, my sisters, my cousins, and I couldn’t wait to get there. We didn’t need a packed schedule or expensive vacations. The lake, good food, and being together were enough.
Lake Highland wasn’t just where we spent our summers. It was a close-knit community. The anchor at the entrance served as the gathering place for town meetings, and it seemed like everyone knew everyone. Neighbors looked out for one another, and children spent their days outside until the sun went down.
Fourth of July at Lake Highland
The Fourth of July was always my favorite day of the summer.
One of my cousins was born on the Fourth of July, so every year we celebrated a birthday and Independence Day together. Before we could swim, water ski, or even think about homemade ice cream, Ma’am Maw gathered all of us at the flagpole in the front yard. We stood with our hands over our hearts and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. It wasn’t something we questioned—it was simply how every Fourth of July began. No one questioned it. That’s just how the Fourth of July started at Lake Highland.
After that, we were off to the lake.
We spent the day swimming, water skiing, riding in the boat, and laughing until we were worn out. The smell of smoked ribs filled the air while the homemade ice cream freezer churned away. By the end of the day, we were sunburned, tired, and wishing summer would slow down just a little.ke.
Looking Back
When I think about those summers, certain memories come back first.
Standing around the flagpole.
Birthday cake on the Fourth of July.
Long afternoons on Lake Highland with my sisters and cousins.
Granddaddy telling stories.
Ma’am Maw calling all of us together before the day began.
Every Fourth of July, I find myself thinking about Lake Highland and how lucky we were to have those summers together.
