Historic Sneaker Exhibit, “Charlotte’s 23 Jays,” to Open Next Sunday at WSCC

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Charlottle Cummings in the early 1990s/Courtesy of Robin Cummings

HANCEVILLE -Robin Cummings is set to realize his goal of carrying on his wife’s passion next Sunday when his massive sneaker collection goes on display at the Evelyn Burrow Museum at Wallace State Community College (WSCC). The exhibit is called “Charlotte’s 23 Jays.”

On Sunday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m., doors will open to the museum, allowing people from all walks of life to see a truly incredible sneaker and sports memorabilia collection.

“While the grand opening is Sunday, Jan. 24, visitors can preview the exhibition starting Tuesday, Jan. 19,” said a representative from WSCC. “The Burrow Museum is regularly open Tuesday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 am.-2 pm. We hope you'll visit this amazing exhibition!”

Cummings’ reason for having the event, and the collection itself, is his late wife, Charlotte. The Cummings family owned Cummings Sporting Goods in Cullman for many years, and Charlotte Cummings began setting aside some pairs of sneakers back in 1985 – sneakers that were the newest from Nike, the same kind of sneakers that a certain NBA rookie named Michael Jordan was wearing on the basketball court.         

After 31 years, Robin Cummings has grown the collection to 536 pairs of shoes, 450 of which will be on display starting this Sunday.          

The collection features specially-made display cases, customized for this specific collection. Along with the sneakers, there will be enough paraphernalia to make a sports fan’s jaw drop.          

Items include Michael Jordan game-assigned jersey and shorts and vintage Nike promotional posters and displays, including the legendary Moses Malone poster. Also included are a bat that Jordan used when he played for the MLB's Birmingham Barons, Bo Jackson and Charles Barkley gear and much more.          

The event may receive national attention because of the rarity of items the collection boasts.

The Evelyn Burrow Museum is located on the campus of WSCC at 801 Main St. NW in Hanceville. For more information, call 256-352-8457.