Madame Butterfly celebrates 90th
Published 11:54 pm Saturday, August 27, 2011
Dr. Sid McCollum wishes Mallieve Breeding a happy 90th birthday. McCollum, pastor of First Presbyterian, was one of many who attended a special party at the Selma Country Club Saturday afternoon. -- Rick Couch
Friends and family came from near and far Saturday to wish Mallieve Breeding, better known to some as Madame Butterfly, a happy 90th birthday.
Breeding couldn’t help flashing a smile as visitors poured through the doors of the Selma Country Club, and the guests were always quick to return the favor.
The party, Breeding said, was wonderful because it brought together many people she doesn’t get to see as much as she would like.
It has been wonderful and fun,” she said. “I really do appreciate it. Most of my family is scattered, and I don’t get to see them a lot. I’m so glad everyone could come.”
The party was planned by Breeding’s daughters and close friends to allow everyone the opportunity to celebrate her accomplishments and say hello.
Breeding, daughter Beverly Perkins said, holds a special place in many people’s hearts because of her role in making Selma the Butterfly Capital of Alabama.
Breeding started an effort more than 25 years ago to save Selma’s butterflies. She and other garden club members noticed a decrease in the butterfly population and set about teaching everybody from school children to property owners how to bring them back.
Because of her efforts, Perkins said she has always looked up to her mother.
“We could not be more proud of her,” she said. “She started out working through the Garden Club and went into school clubs. She’s been working in those public schools since the 1970s. One of the teachers introduced her as Madame Butterfly and that is where it all started.”
In 1982, our town was declared the Butterfly Capital of Alabama. The butterfly is also Selma’s mascot and has a place on the city seal.
Visitors to the party enjoyed cakes, punch and traded stories with Breeding, who said she was just as excited for everyone to see everyone having a good time as she was for the event.
Breeding said it was wonderful to have the opportunity to see people in her city come together once again.
“I can tell you, I never thought I’d be sitting here celebrating my 90th birthday,” she said. “This is wonderful.”
