WLAY-AM is located at 509 N Main Street in beautiful downtown Tuscumbia, Alabama. Our studios are located inside a famous local landmark, The Hogan House. Mary Hogan McReynolds originally built the two story Victorian house in 1885. Back then, our nearest neighbors were the Kellers (yes, those Kellers! Helen and her kin). Mary's family also owned the Hogan Plantation in Tuscumbia and she and her daughters occupied the home until her death.
Here's a biography of Ms. Hogan which was published in the local newspaper following her passing:
"During the ‘dark days’ of 1861-1865, this woman, born to luxury and a life of ease, saw, one by one, the things that made life easy for the Southern woman, taken from her and ruthlessly destroyed; but like thousands of other gentlewomen in the stricken Southland, she shouldered burdens and faced hardships with unfaltering courage and unswerving heroism. Her home was burned, her carriage and horses were seized and she was forced to stand by, with folded hands, while aliens came in and destroyed valuables and luxuries to which she had been long accustomed. After fifty years of peace the memory of these days linger with her yet, and no truer daughter of the confederacy lives today. Mrs. McReynolds was one of the charter members of Tuscumbia chapter, U.D.C., and ever since its organization, has labored actively and earnestly in its behalf. In every way eligible to affiliate with many other similar organizations, she has never done so, preferring to give her entire support and time to the cause dearest to her heart-the memory of the Confederacy.
Mary was a faithful and consistent member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, being, probably, the oldest communicant of that church.
Some years ago, Mary moved from her country home to Tuscumbia and her residence on Main Street, was one of the handsomest in the city. Two daughters, Miss Orlean McReynolds and Mrs. Rowena Abernathy, live with her; and Mesdames Owen Julian and Chas Womble, other daughters, children are Mrs. Joseph O’Neil, of Tampa Florida; Mrs. Ernestine King and Mr. John McReynolds of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Mr. Lucien McReynolds, of Sheffield, Alabama.
Mary Hogan McReynolds was wonderfully active for one ‘of her age’, and produced the most exquisite needle and lacework. She retained an interest in the outside world and never permitted herself to grow old, except in years.
Her husband, General James Hogan was a member of the Colonial Congress, which met at Halifax, April 11, 1776, General Hogan was elected Colonel of the 7th North Carolina regiment and on December 6, 1776, an election was ordered to fill the vacancy in Congress.
Colonel Hogan moved northward with the 7th regiment. Col. Hogan performed very well in the service and was commissioned Brigadier General, accordingly, January 9, 1779. He continued to serve with the army North.
When Charleston was threatened, all the North Carolina line which had previously gone South with General Lincoln under Sumner, was ordered to that point. Owint to losses, the North Carolina regiments then North were consolidated into four regiments and General Hogan placed in command. At the head of his brigade he passed through Halifax and Wilmington in January 1780, and took part in the memorable defense of Charleston. When General Lincoln surrendered that city, on the 12th of May, 1780, though he surrendered 5000 men, only 1800 of them were regular troops, and most of these were Hogans North Carolina Brigade. General Sumner, our other brigadier, who had commanded that part of the North Carolina line, which was at Charleston before General Hogans arrival, was at home on furlough, as, also were many other officers, who had lost employment by the consolidation of the depleted companies and regiments. With that exception North Carolina’s entire regular force was lost to her at this critical time."
There is a famous etching on one of our house's bedroom windows (now an office for our Director of Sales, Cheryl Self!):
It may be somewhat difficult to read in the photo above but the etching reads: "“Tracy and Rowena, January 11, 1895”. The inscription was made by Mary Hogan's daughter, Rowena Abernathy (using the diamond in her wedding ring) on the night she married Dr. Tracy Abernathy. They departed by train the next day for their honeymoon.
WLAY-AM moved it's operation from its original location to the Hogan House in 2002, joining our sister station WVNA (a long time resident of the home). We're very proud of our house and we continue to restore the property. Most recently, the home's porch was restored and our antique staircase was refinished.
You are welcome to tour the house! Please don't hesitate to call our Operations Manager, Brian Landrum at (256) 383-2525 to make an appointment for a visit!
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