Author, Truman Capote, spent a large portion of his childhood living with and visiting his Faulk cousins in Monroeville, AL. Capote was close friends with Harper Lee, author of “To Kill A Mockingbird”, who lived next door to the Faulk family. Shown is the “Truman Capote” historical marker that is located at the site where the Faulk home once stood. In the background is Mel’s Dairy Dream restaurant which is located where Harper Lee’s childhood home once stood.
Following is the text on the historical marker:
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Truman Capote
(1924-1984)
On this site stood the home of the Faulk family of Monroeville, relatives of the writer Truman Capote. Capote himself lived in this home between 1927 and ca. 1933, and for several years spent his summer vacations here. Two of the Faulk sisters operated a highly successful millinery shop located on the town square. The third sister, affectionately known as “Sook,” was the inspiration for the characters in The Grass Harp, The Thanksgiving Visitor, and A Christmas Memory. The original structure on this site burned to the ground in 1940, and the second home was demolished in 1988. Monroeville remained important to Capote throughout his life, and he returned to area many times in the years before his death to visit surviving relatives.
“I won’t be here forever, Buddy. Nor will you ….The Lord willing, you’ll be here long after I’ve gone. And as long as you remember me, then we’ll always be together.” – Truman Capote, The Thanksgiving Visitor © 1967, Random House, Inc.
Alabama Historical Association 1995
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This historical marker is located on S Alabama Avenue approximately 0.2 mile south of the Old Monroe County Courthouse, which is home of the Monroe County Heritage Museum (GPS coordinates 31.523645,-87.323787). If you’re interested in learning more about Truman Capote and Harper Lee, be sure to visit the museum, which contains permanent displays about their lives.