From 1902 to 1986, our city was home to Castle Heights Military Academy, a school that attracted students from all over the world. Those of us who have been around for a while have heard a bunch of stories about the school. The rivalry between the cadets and the local guys. The great athletic teams. The people who received a great education within its halls. One day, I will write about those stories. However, this is story is about a few students who made an impact.
Many of the Castle Heights cadets went on the great success, and a few of them went on to a level of fame.
Pete Rademacher won the heavyweight boxing gold medal at the 1956 Olympics. He made his professional debut by fighting Floyd Patterson for the heavyweight title. As far as I know, it is the only time that someone had a shot at the belt in their first fight.
General Wesley Clark, who ran for president in 2004, also attended the school.
Danny Evins, the founder of Cracker Barrel, went to Castle Heights and was one of its major benefactors for many years.
Heck, Benito Mussolini even sent some young men to Castle Heights before the outbreak of World War II. I have seen a photograph of the Rotary dinner that was held in their honor.
However, two brothers who attended Castle Heights rose to greater fame than any of those. They altered the course of music history and, as a result, became iconic figures. One of them passed away in 1971 at the height of his fame. The other passed away just a few days ago.
It is difficult to imagine them wearing the uniforms of Castle Heights cadets, but Duane and Gregg Allman did just that. Up above is a picture of Gregg as proof.
SBI: A Thinning Crowd 
Huge fan of the Allmans. Had much of their music. Brothers and Sisters is a favorite Classic – but it’s after Duane died.
Time sweeps past us.
There was some great music back in those days.
The Allman Brothers! Cadets! You could make that into a movie!
It could end up like Animal House.