One Dollar

Summer 1980 THE HISTORIC HUNTSVILLE QUARTERLY Of Local Architecture & Preservation HISTORIC HUNTSVILLE FOUNDATION MEMBERSHIP PHOTO CONTEST OF HISTORIC HUNTSVILLE BUILDINGS

Rules: 1. Individual and family HHF members only are eligible to enter.

2. One 2x2 inch color slide to be submitted for each building photographed.

3. All slides become the property of HHF with rights of reproduction.Credit line will be given to photographer if published.

4. Each slide should be marked with building name,photographer,phone number, and date taken.

5. Only the following buildings are eligible for submittal to the contest: - j First Alabama Bank Clemens House (Huntsville Utilities) Constitution Hall Coca Cola House Oak Place Morgan-Stockton House * Train Depot Corley-Tidmore House * Church of the Nativity Bibb-Hutchens House * Steam Boat Gothic House Van Valkenburgh-McCauley House * * Do not trespass on private property to make these photographs.

6. Entries must be submitted on or before January 10,1981 to Historic Hunts­ ville Foundation, Box 786, Huntsville,Alabama 358047

7. The decision of the judges is final.The award for each building and a grand award for the best photo will be announced in the 1981 Spring Quarterly.

8. Judges and their families shall not be eligible to submit photographs.

Please notify HHF by September,15,1980 of your intent to enter.Write HHF or call Ira P.Jones 883-5998. Good shooting. Your Photo Committee THE HISTORIC HUNTSVILLE QUARTERLY of Local Architecture and Preservation

Vol. VI, No. 4 Summer, 1980

Contents

2 from the Editor

3 THE ROMANCE AND REALISM OF MONTE SANO by Frances C. Roberts

12 RELICS by Susan Luther

14 News.. . EDA Grant....Depot Museum....Constitution Hall Park....Hundley House....Oak Place....Weeden House....Scrap Gold....HHF Ware­ house. ...New Members....HHF Officers....HHF Dinner Meeting

18 Reviews... National Trust.... Victorian Society....Live-in-a-Landmark Council....Historic House Association....Society for Commercial Archeology... .Friends of Cast Iron Architecture... .Alabama Trust

21 And Old Views Huntsville - 1880 by Patricia Ryan

24 from the Chairman

THE HISTORIC HUNTSVILLE QUARTERLY is published four times a year by the Historic Huntsville Foundation, Inc., P. 0. Box 786, Huntsville, Alabama 35804. Linda Bayer, Editor; Lynn Jones, Associate Editor. Sub­ scriptions are mailed free to all members of the Foundation. from the Editor

One of the determents to preservation activity in Alabama, is the absence of statewide enabling legislation authorizing the establishment of local preservation commissions and historic districts . Currently each municipality desiring to designate. districts and set up a design review board must draft its own local legislation— which can prove a hardship for small towns and rural areas.

Last spring the Alabama Trust submitted a bill to the. state. legis­ lature that would create such statewide, enabling legislation but later with­ drew it to allow time for improvements. Since then a group of preserva­ tionists from across the state have formed a committee to draw up a new bill to be reintroduced in early 1981.

The proposed bill must address several important concerns to be successful. Many of the state's significant properties ar e located in rural ar eas that lack legal controls such as zoning, planning commissions, and building permits. Another concern is that some counties and smaller towns may not have residents with the necessary architectural and/or historical knowledge to make sound judgments on requests normally brought before design review boards. It is vital that these problems be resolved by the proposed legislation so that Alabama's historic districts and sites maintain a high standard and are a credit to the state's preservation program.

The committee is examining the most recent preservation enabling legislation enacted by other states, as well as model bills provided by the National. Trust, in order to produce a bill for Alabama that will be general enough to satisfy varying local conditions yet Mill provide sufficient guidance to ensure that equally high criteria for the conservation of his­ toric properties ar e met throughout the state.

COVER PHOTO: These are four of the houses that were erected, on Monte Sano during the 1920s and published in brochures promoting the mountain as a residential resort.

2 Alum Spring on Monte Sano in the 1890s

T h e R om ance and R ealism o f M o nte S ano by Frances C. Roberts

Because of the natural beau­ tween her love for a young ty o f this mountain called white man and an Indian brave Monte Sano, there have been to whom she was betrothed by numerous legends and true sto­ her father, an Indian chieftain. ries recorded in the annals of There are two versions of the local history. end of this story. According to an unknown bard who recorded Perhaps the most romantic the legend in verse, Monte legend associated with the chose her Indian childhood mountain concerns its name. sweetheart who had pleaded with For thousands of years before her to say no to her paleface white settlers came to claim the land, numerous Indian tribes enjoyed living in the Dr. Roberts originally presented scenic Tennessee Valley. Ac­ this paper at a reunion of CCC work­ cording to legend, an Indian ers held Saturday, June 14, 1980, at maiden named Monte was torn be­ Monte Sano State Park.

3 suitor, thus the name, "Monte the death of Mrs. Rowe at the Sano." 1 The other ending to early age of thirty-four. 5 the legend is more tragic. Ac­ cording to this version Monte In 1833, the town of Viduta said no to her Indian lover and, was platted which included the to avoid the wrath of her fa­ school and earlier settlements ther, she'and her paleface that had been formed on the suitor leaped to their deaths north slope of the mountain from Inspiration Point in order above Cold Spring. This under­ to be united in "the happy taking was sponsored by Dr. hunting grounds of the here­ Thomas Fearn and his brothers, after. " 2 George and Robert. They were assisted by Dr. Alexander Ers- Actually the name Monte Sano kine, John Brahan and Bartley means "mountain of health" in M. Lowe. The town was laid off Italian which goes back to the in sixty-seven lots of one acre Latin basis of mont (mountain) each. The streets ran north sanitos (health). According to and south and east and west in tradition, Dr. Thomas Fearn, such a way that the lots, di­ one of Huntsville's pioneer vided by alleys in the back, physicians, gave the mountain faced on them. Within a short its name because it was a time thirty-eight lots had healthful area where families been sold to some of Hunts­ could spend their summers and ville's most prominent citizens escape various types of ill­ including Samuel Chapman, Dr. nesses which seemed to occur Samuel Breck, Preston Yeatman, during the hot summer months. 3 John M. Taylor, Dr. David Moore, Dr. Thomas Fearn, George P. Apparently John Martin was Beirne, Arthur F. Hopkins, the first permanent settler on Bartley M. Lowe, Robert Fearn, the north slope of the moun­ Thomas G. Percy, Dr. Alexander tain. In 1814 he purchased Erskine, and John T. Smith. 6 eighty acres which included the east half of the southwest Throughout the ante-bellum quarter of section 28 in town­ period Huntsville families who ship 3, range 1 east. Within could afford summer homes on this area, a health colony was Monte Sano Mountain lived there established by 1827. It in­ during the summer months. In cluded a row of small log cot­ 1859, the Monte Sano Turnpike tages and an inn where families Company constructed a toll road from Huntsville came to escape to the mountain to provide bet­ the heat during the long summer ter transportation for this months and to recuperate from summer resort. 7 illness. 4 During the Civil War only a The Reverend James Rowe, a few families lived on Monte Methodist minister at the Sano, and the Union troops vis­ Huntsville station, decided to ited the area occasionally in build a school near this colony search of food supplies. In in 1829. By February of 1830 1862 a coal mine was opened by all the necessary buildings had Jonathon Broad, an Englishman, been constructed, and classes who contracted with Baker and began at the Monte Sano Female Conway to deliver coal to their Seminary under the direction marble works for distribution of the minister's wife Malinda. to local residents of Hunts­ Four years later, this success­ ville. After the Union troops ful school was closed due to established a camp at the foot

4 This plan for the development of Monte Sano Plateau xoas published in 1927 by the Monte Sano Construction Company. It shows the locations of the various springs and the natural well, the old Monte Sano Hotel and the pro­ posed new hotel, and the old female school. Viduta was located at the north­ west corner of the plateau, while the "dummy line" ran parallel to and below the crest along the northern edge.

of the: mountain along Fagin profit in the beautiful Tennes­ Spring, they commandeered the see Valley. In 1886 they back­ mine to secure coal for their ed the formation of the North tents and barracks. Thirty Alabama Improvement Company soldiers were sent to work in which included a number of lo­ the mine, and Broad was forced cal financial leaders of Hunts­ to haul the coal down the moun­ ville. M. J. O'Shaughnessy of tain to the camp. 8 New York served as president of the company; Samuel H. Breck, For twenty years after the vice president and general man­ Civil War Monte Sano's develop­ ager; J. R. Stevens, President ment remained fairly dormant of the First National Bank, because of the lack of funds, treasurer; and J. L. Rison, but in the mid-1880's a number President of Rison's Bank, sec­ of northern land developers retary. Besides these officers, discovered the potential for the directors included M. J.

5 O'Shaughnessy's brother, J. F. formal as well as informal oc­ O'Shaughnessy; Milton Humes, casions, and a band played a Huntsville attorney; William nightly from June 1 to October P. Newman, local real estate 31. 10 and insurance agent; and Dr. George M. Harris, local cotton The grounds around the hotel manufacturer and hardware mer­ were beautified with beds of chant. 9 natural flowers and shrubbery, trees and promenade walks were These men had a vision of developed. Fourteen miles of transforming Huntsville into drives around the mountain were the "Queen City of the South" made to provide scenic views by developing the city as an which, according to the hotel's industrial center and Monte advertisements, "pleased the Sano Mountain as a health re­ eye and let the soul of man sort and vacationer's paradise. rejoice." Adjacent to the ho­ They purchased more of the tel was a livery stable con­ acreage on top of the mountain taining trained horses, buggies and built a two hundred room and carriages which were made hotel on the west side which available to guests for riding overlooked the town of Hunts­ or driving. Billiards, croquet, ville. This structure was de­ lawn tennis and other amuse­ signed in the Queen Anne style ments were available. Trails of architecture with broad connecting all springs and the porches surrounding it. It was bottomless well were maintained heated by steam and lighted by for hiking. 11 gas. A grand ballroom could accommodate large groups for M. J. 0'Shaughnessy bought

The 0 'Shaughnessy house, located on the eastern side of the mountain near O'Shaughnessy Point, burned in March 1890.

6 The toll gate keeper's cottage on the Monte Sano Turnpike, photographed circa 1890. The toll gate can be seen at the left. and remodeled the Robert Fearn ment on Monte Sano came in 1926 home on O 'Shaughnessy Point when a group of local business­ overlooking the east side of men bought 22 00 acres of moun­ the mountain. A number of new tain property for $42,000 and homes were built along the west began to promote the sale of and north side of the mountain summer homes on the mountain. near the old town of Viduta. 12 They also envisioned the build­ ing of a new brick hotel with A railroad built by the grounds to include a golf Huntsville Belt Line and Monte course and swimming pool. Lead­ Sano Railroad Company and known ership for this project was as the "dummy line" was con­ furnished by D. C. Monroe, Her­ structed to carry guests from bert Johnson, Morton M. Hutch­ the railroad station to the ens, Sam S. Thompson, J. E. mountain. It was not too suc­ Pierce, W. P. Dilworth, I. A. cessful since travelers were Burdette, E. A. Terry, Raymond afraid of the railroad bed's Jones and Ira M. Terry. This steep slopes. 13 dream dissolved with the de­ pression of 1929. In order to For a period of ten years keep from losing their invest­ the Monte Sano Hotel flourished, ment, they borrowed $24,000 but the depression years of the from the Reconstruction Finance 1890's took their toll on tour­ Corporation and gave a mortgage ism, and the hotel was forced on the property for this a- to close shortly after 1900. mount. I5 It was then purchased by Mrs. Laura Garth as a summer home This was the status of the for her family. 14 land titles on most of Monte Sano Mountain in 19 35, when a The next period of develop­ drive began to develop it as a

7 state park. J. B. Mitchell, of park construction. It was county agent for Madison County, Brewster's belief that two Ci­ working with the Chamber of vilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Commerce contacted Sam F. Brew­ camps could be placed on the ster, regional planner and de­ mountain to do the actual con­ signer of parks and recreation struction of the park. 16 areas for the T.V.A., to ask his advice concerning the Monte At this point in the devel­ Sano site as a park. Brewster opment of the project, the thought that the location was County Commission was urged to ideal, but pointed out that an purchase the property in order adequate water supply should be that it could be developed by developed to take care of in­ the T.V.A. and maintained by creased use which would natu­ the state. rally follow.

One of the Civilian Conservation Corps camps erected on Monte Sano.

When the owners of the Monte With some reluctance the Sano Construction Company were County Commission finally a- contacted by the Chamber of Com­ greed to furnish the $18,000 merce committee, they learned if the developers would allow that 1,992 acres could be pur­ two camps to be built on their chased for $18,000. The remain­ land rent free. The city then ing 400 acres could be used by came forward to provide addi­ the company to secure the tional water to the camp site $2 4,0 00 mortgage held by the by extending the McClung Street Reconstruction Finance Corpora­ pipe to the top of the mountain tion. Col. Page S. Bunker, and taking over the water sys­ Alabama Commissioner of Forests tem from the Monte Sano Con­ and Parks, and Sam Brewster of struction Company. 17 T.V.A. conferred on the matter On August 16, 19 35, the struction Company in 1927, was first ninety-eight C.C.C. boys widened and blacktopped, thus arrived from Knoxville, Tennes­ giving two entrance routes to see, under the direction of the park. 19 Lieutenant C. B. Burgoyne. A day later they were joined by To celebrate the official one hundred more, thus bringing opening of Monte Sano State the total to about two hundred Park, dedication ceremonies men who were ready to go to were held on August 25, 19 38. work. Two camps, numbers The program for this occasion twelve and thirteen, were con­ began with a parade in down­ structed on Monte Sano to serve town Huntsville followed by a the needs of five hundred C.C.C. motorcade which proceeded from recruits. 18 the Courthouse to the amphi-

This photograph of Monte Sano Boulevard was probably taken on July 4, 1927, when the road was officially dedicated and opened.

Within three years Monte theater near the public lodge Sano Park was completed. A in the park. At two-thirty road, now known as Bankhead p.m. the official dedication Parkway, was constructed by took place with Robert K. Bell W.P.A. workers to connect Pratt serving as master of ceremonies. Avenue with the entrance to the The Honorable William H. Bank­ park. The old road from the head gave the principal address parkway to the old town of Vi- after which a barbecue dinner duta was improved and named was served in the picnic area. Fearn Street. Monte Sano Boul­ At seven p.m. a pageant depict­ evard, which had been construct­ ing the history of Huntsville ed across the top of the moun­ from 1805 to 1938 was presented. tain by the Monte Sano Con- Authored by Weston Britt and

9 directed by Nancy Pierce, the of a pumping station. In 1957 cast consisted of local citi­ a fire department was construc­ zens whose forebears were a- ted, and an elementary school mong those who contributed to was built in 1959. As yet no the development of the communi­ full scale sewage system has ty. 20 been developed for the mountain, nor has a natural gas line been Once again Huntsville resi­ extended to that area of the dents became interested in city. 21 building summer homes on the mountain. Although a water The Monte Sano Civic Associ­ supply had been provided by the ation was organized in 1954 to city in 19 35, it still was in­ promote activities which would adequate to serve the needs of insure the development of a any increase in population. well-rounded type of community life on the mountain. This Not until after World War II group has remained active in did the full development of most civic affairs, particular­ Monte Sano as a year round res­ ly those related to slope de­ idential area take place. Al­ velopment. 22 though Huntsville experienced some growth during the war as By 1978, only a few lots re­ a result of the establishment mained vacant on top of Monte of Redstone and Huntsville Ar­ Sano. On the eastern part of senals adjacent to the city the mountain, Monte Sano State limits, the population on Monte Park continues to provide rec­ Sano remained static. In 1944, reation for several hundred the Monte Sano Hotel building thousand people who come to en­ was torn down and sold for the joy the beauty of the scenery valuable timber it contained. and the fresh cool air. There are 1,436 residents on the moun­ After gas rationing was dis­ tain that are housed in 498 continued and transportation homes, apartments, and trailers. facilities returned to normal, Eighty-seven percent of the 484 the Mountain Heights Construc­ homes are owned by those who tion Company became active in- live permanently on the moun­ promoting the sale of lots on tain. 23 Although there are the mountain. A number of the still a few places where visi­ German families who came to tors can gain a beautiful view Huntsville from Fort Bliss, of the valley, many of the Texas, to work in the missile scenic spots such as Inspira­ research field chose to build tion Point have now become part homes on Panorama Drive. Be­ of the yards of home owners who tween 1945 and 195b numerous have built along the edge of lots were sold and construction the mountain. of homes proceeded more rapidly than the water supply could The dream of the development accommodate. Shortly after of Monte Sano as a health re­ Monte Sano became a part of the sort has been realized, not as City of Huntsville in 1956, the pioneers envisioned it but municipal services were extend­ as a healthy residential com­ ed to residents living on the munity where family life can be mountain. In 1957, a large enjoyed and where visitors are 150,000 gallon reservoir was always welcome to enjoy the constructed on top of the moun­ recreational facilities of a tain, and water pressure was state park. increased by the installation

10 12 "Historic Romance," Huntsville Footnotes Times, May 13, 1934. 13 Ibid.

1 Official Program of Monte Sano 14 Ibid. State Park Celebration, Huntsville, Alabama, August 25, 1938. 15 Live Life Longer on Monte Sano, Mountain of Health, Huntsville, Ala­ 2 "Historic Romance of Monte Sano," bama, issued by Monte Sano Construc­ by Pat Jones, Huntsville Times, March tion Company, compiled and published 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, by D. C. Monroe Printing Co., Hunts­ 1934. ville, Alabama, 1927.

3 Ibid. Miss Katie Steele, grand­ 16 Huntsville Times (Monte Sano Edi­ daughter of Dr. Thomas Fearn, related tion) , August 21, 1938. this story to me on April 25, 1935, while on a visit to Huntsville. 17 Ibid.

4 "Historic Romance." Miss Fannie 18 Ibid. Cabaniss who was interviewed by the author of this article told me this 19 Ibid. same story on a number of different occasions. 20 Official Program, Monte Sano State Park Celebration, Huntsville, Alabama, 5 "Historic Romance," Huntsville August 25, 1938. Times, April 8, 1934. 21 Information obtained from Water 6 Government Tract Book, p.154; Department, Fire Department and the Plat Book I, pp.22, 23; Deed Book B, City Board of Education office, p.190; Direct Index to Property A-Z, Huntsville, Alabama, July 6, 1980. 1810-1919, Madison County Probate Record Office, Madison County Court­ 22 Monte Sano, Mountain of Health, house, Huntsville, Alabama. prepared and distributed by Monte Sano Civic Association (no date). 7 "Historic Romance," Huntsville Times; Williams' Huntsville Direc­ 23 Statistics furnished by Community tory, City Guide and Business Mirror, Development office of the City of vol.l - 1859-60. Huntsville, Ala.: Huntsville, Alabama, June 13, 1980. Coltart and Son, No. 10 Commercial Row, 1859, (Reprinted by Strode Pub­ lishers, 1972)

8 "Historic Romance,” Huntsville Times, May 6, 1934.

9 Huntsville Alabama, Queen City of the South: Industrial, Mechanical, Agricultural, Mineral Resources, ETC. Issued by North Alabama Improvement Company and printed by Caldwell Print­ ing Company, Birmingham, Alabama, 1888,

10 Ibid.

11 Ibid. Typical homes on Monte Sanos 1927

11 Relics

Old houses haunt me more passionately than ghosts: perpetual fascinations of magnolia- Greek Revival, Stick Victorian, Queen Anne: even castellated visions of monolithic Rhode Island Stone Ends.

Victorian gingerbread, more serpentine than any cottage curlicue out of Hansel and Gretel appears appetite-teasing as an edible treat: grit-crumbly like Easter Egg sugar and sand-rough to the touch (those 19th-century imaginations, seaming their fanciful, quasi- astral sublimate embroideries are nakedly cabineted here: we may sicken on sugar, provided we hide the evidence...) Then, insinuated inside by ingenuity, I fondle surreptitiously the friendly finger-patina of old banisters: burrow like a brown recluse into closets, inspecting the premises for webs: pad about, ready to pounce, on wide pine boards suspecting dim corners of overlooked mice. Ancient water- stained paper, peeling in decadent strips from stalactite-moist walls exudes a musty declarative invitation: and through the leaded glass of doorpanes at Christmas millions of caged electric vespers glitter quietly on hall-erected trees, wavering by the ambulant enthusiast in ripples, caught like so many water-drowned stars. I languish

12 and devour the real-estate ads in the paper like a termite, searching for the pithy square of print which will be as a Message for me: but the prices are too high and the insufficient, minted alloy-coins in my fraying pocket slither through the decaying threads like flat round eels inadvertently set free. Therefore my dreams feature huge white columns and obtrusive pediments. Lecturers chatter endlessly in my slumber, gabbing of friezes and plaster medallions.

I am forced to hunt my quarry in museums, avid to flush out endless duplications of the Corinthian capitals which once supported Grandma's front porch. I go on every house tour in every accessible city and on the Neanderthal street every glazed eye of every old house I pass leers, winks or whispers lewdly "Come in...

Come in."

by Susan Luther News..

MAYOR JOE DAVIS announced on snacks. Neither the ARC nor July 1 that the city has been the EDA grant provides financ­ awarded an Economic Development ing for staff or exhibits. Administration (EDA) grant of $1.7 million to be used for The Huntsville Depot Museum construction of the Huntsville board has hired the California Depot Museum and Constitution firm of Duell Associates to Hall Park. This is a 60-40 prepare a site layout plan for matching grant; EDA will pro­ the total museum complex. This vide $1,749,251 and the city firm has already submitted two will match it with $1,166,168 preliminary designs for site for a total project cost of development with the final plan $2,915,419. The city's 40% to be completed later this sum­ matching funds will be provided mer. Duell Associates special­ mostly by in-kind services, so izes in designing theme parks that little or no money for (such as Opryland) and, based these projects will come from on their past experience, will the general fund. It is ex­ advise on the mechanics of es­ pected that approximately tablishing a successful public $500,000 of the total $2.9 will facility, as well as preparing be used on Constitution Hall a master plan to follow in fu­ Park with the remainder of the ture construction. It is hoped funds going to Depot Museum that the Depot Museum will open construction. in two to three years.

HUNTSVILLE DEPOT MUSEUM: The CONSTITUTION HALL PARK: A por­ contract for the interior res­ tion of the recently approved toration of the passenger depot $1.7 million grant from the has been signed and the work is U. S. Economic Development Ad­ already underway; this phase ministration will be used on of construction is being fi­ Constitution Hall Park. Funds nanced with funds awarded by will be used to finish the in­ the Appalachian Regional Coun­ teriors of all the buildings cil (ARC). The money from the that are now simply shelled in EDA grant will be used for fur­ and to build five additional ther development of the museum buildings. These additional complex, such as work on the buildings will include the Neal express and baggage buildings, house, service wing, carriage roundhouse and turntable, and house, outhouse, and sheriff's other site development. In office. There are as yet no addition to these structures, provisions for furnishings or the total complex will eventu­ staff. According to Harvie ally include a water tank, Jones, architect for the pro­ walks, bridges, drives, a pond, ject, it will be approximately livery stable, small worker's two years before completion of cottage of the 1850s, car shops this final phase. A board has and dining car for serving recently been appointed to plan

14 for furnishing, staffing, and ing to see the tub prior to overseeing the operation of the bidding may do so weekdays be­ Park. Board members are Charles tween 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. at A. Caldwell, Sarah Fisk, Philip the church. Bids can be mail­ Gentry, Devie Mosley, Frances ed to: Bathtub, East Hunts­ Roberts, John E. Tyson and John ville Baptist Church, 808 Mays G. Zierdt. ville Road, Huntsville 35801.

HUNDLEY HOUSE: A contract was let some time ago for re-roof­ ing the Hundley House with shingles identical to the orig­ inal metal shingles. When the new shingles finally arrived from the manufacturer, they required hand trimming. It is hoped that work on the new roof will begin very soon.

The City Council has had If you do not need a bathtub several appraisals made of the but would like to contribute to Hundley House and authorized the restoration of Oak Place, the advertisement for proposals you can donate your used papers to purchase the property. and cans to the paper drive be­ Only two proposals were submit­ ing sponsored by the East Hunts­ ted, both below the appraised ville Baptist Church. The con­ value. The mayor has submitted gregation is collecting news­ the two proposals to the City papers, magazines, and cata­ Council to be acted on at a fu­ logues (separately packed in ture work session. According grocery bags), and aluminum to Ralph Gipson, assistant to cans to raise additional money the mayor, the mayor's position for the building fund. Papers would be not to sell the prop­ and cans should be delivered to erty at this time. the church on the first Sunday of each month but can be left at the church on weekdays be­ OAK PLACE: If a claw footed tween 8:30 and 11:30 a.m., if bathtub is your heart's desire, necessary. This is your chance now is your opportunity to pos­ to help the church get cash for sess one. The East Huntsville your trash and to support pre­ Baptist Church is selling a servation. claw and ball footed porcelain tub dating from ca. 1920. It The restoration of Oak Place will go to the highest bidder; is well underway with the ex­ sealed bids will be accepted terior work being completed until September 1, 1980, and this summer. The stuccoed the purchaser will be announced brick walls have been cleaned by September 5. The proceeds and sealed and are being primed will be added to the church's prior to being painted beige. building fund for the restora­ The window trim will be a choc­ tion of Oak Place, the George olate brown. Repairs to the Steele home. The tub is in cornice and pilaster capitals good condition, has teardrop have also been made. Harvilee porcelain handles marked "H" Harbarger will be in charge of and "C", and has been painted the landscaping. Interior res­ on the outside. Persons wish­ toration should begin in the

IS fall. Much of the electrical early fall. A security alarm work has been completed, and a system is being installed, and new heating and air condition­ many furnishings have already ing system will be installed been purchased. before work resumes on struc­ tural repairs. • • • •

THE WAREHOUSE of architec­ WEEDEN HOUSE: Interior res­ tural components operated by toration of the downstairs of the Historic Huntsville Founda­ the Weeden House has virtually tion has received several nice been completed. The Twicken­ donations this summer. One ham Preservation Society, Peter large group donated by Mr. and Barber, president, is working Mrs. George Harsh contained out a lease arrangement with several highly ornate box locks, the Housing Authority and plans five windows complete with to open the downstairs as a glass, weights and interior and house museum by late summer or exterior trim, and two doors.

DONATE SCRAP GOLD TO HISTORIC HUNTSVILLE FOUNDATION, INC.

• CHAIN PIECES AND BROKEN LINKS • DAMAGED RING MOUNTINGS • DISCARDED DENTAL GOLD • UNMATCHED EARRINGS • UNUSED CLASS RINGS AND PINS, ETC. • UNMARKED GOLD PIECES ACCEPTED

TAKE TO J. B. HILL AND SON JEWELERS Heart of Huntsville Mall Huntsville, Alabama 35801 DEPOSITORY FOR THE FOUNDATION A RECEIPT WITH ESTIMATE OF CASH VALUE OF SCRAP GOLD GIVEN. ALL DONATIONS TAX DEDUCTIBLE. ENTIRE PROCEEDS FROM SALE OF GOLD TO REFINERY WILL BE ADDED TO THE HISTORIC HUNTSVILLE FOUNDATION, INC. REVOLVING FUND

16 Mr. and Mrs. Mark Smith have THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS of donated a huge Victorian fret­ the Historic Huntsville Founda­ work grill, such as was common­ tion elected new officers for ly used in hallways or to sepa­ the 1980-81 year as follows: rate the parlor from the hall. Sarah Warren, chairman; (Mister) Constructed of wood--probably Royce Mitchell, vice chairman; oak--it measures 14'6" by 2'. Brenda Courtney, secretary; The Foundation is most grate­ and Ira Jones, treasurer. ful for the generous contribu­ tion of these items which will eventually be reused in the restoration of Huntsville homes. PLAN TO ATTEND the Covered If you would like to donate an Dish Dinner for HHF members on old house part or need a re­ Sunday, August 17, at 5 p.m. placement part for your old in Ridley Hall, Church of the house, contact Ralph Allen at Nativity. After the meal, Jib 539-0764. McLain will present the slide program on Huntsville's archi­ tectural history that was pre­ THE HISTORIC HUNTSVILLE pared by Foundation members. Foundation is pleased to recog­ This half-hour program will be nize and welcome the following made available to third grade patrons and benefactor who teachers for use as an enrich­ have recently joined the organ­ ment material in the teaching ization: of Huntsville history. PATRONS Dr. and Mrs. Silas W. Grant Madelyn Hereford CORRECTION: In the Spring Mrs. R. J. Lowe 1980 QUARTERLY under Business Mr. and Mrs. Royce E. Mitchell Memberships, the name of Mr. and Mrs. Carl H. Morrison McAlister & McQuinn Construc­ BENEFACTOR tion Co., Inc. was reported incorrectly. We are happy to Mrs. George R. Grumbles set the record straight.

HUNTSVILLE-18 8 0/ continued

From these newspapers, one local businessmen established gains the impression of a town a successful cotton spinning forced to repair its existing mill near the depot. This was structures because there was shortly followed by the arrival no money for new construction, of several northern entrepre­ and consequently, was unable to neurs, who recognized in Hunts­ attract architects or hold ville an untapped resource builders. Transportation was ready for development. These poor and not until the end of men brought with them the the decade would a second rail­ money, connections, and ability road lay tracks into town. In­ to begin rebuilding the town dustry was scarce and unable as a cotton textile center, so to support the community, which that by 1890, Huntsville began primarily was forced to rely emerging from years of inactiv­ on the cotton crop. A change ity and could look forward with in Huntsville's fortunes was confidence to a second period not to come until 1884 when of growth and prosperity.

17 Reviews..

With incr easing awarene s of the necessity to preserve o u r built envir onment, preservation organizationr havr begun to proliferate. Each group concentrates on a particular aspect of Amer ica ’s architectural past, so that there is now an organization focusing on the Special interests of nearly everyone concerned with preservation. L i s t e d b e l o w a r e a selection of state and national organizations with a brief description of their activities and the benefits of membership.

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC The Trust also provides con­ PRESERVATION is the oldest and sultation on a variety of reno­ largest preservation group. It vation, legal and educational is the only national, nonprofit, matters through regional of­ private organization chartered fices; the Southern Field Of­ by Congress to encourage public fice is headed by Dwight Young participation in the preserva­ in Charleston, South Carolina. tion of sites, buildings and National headquarters are lo­ objects significant in American cated at 1785 Massachusetts history and culture. Its ser­ Avenue, Washington, D. C. 20036, vices are carried out at nation­ and annual membership dues are al headquarters, regional of­ $15 for an individual and $20 fices and museums in consulta­ for a family. tion with advisors in each state. Membership privileges include a subscription to both THE VICTORIAN SOCIETY IN AMER­ the Trust magazine and the news­ ICA is a national, nonprofit paper, free admission to Trust organization dedicated to the properties, attendance at the protection, understanding and annual meeting, a ten percent enjoyment of our 19th century discount on books and items in heritage. Members receive the the Trust shops, and a wide quarterly magazine NINETEENTH range of tours, meetings, and CENTURY which is devoted to regional activities. The Trust cultural and social history magazine HISTORIC PRESERVATION from 1790 to 1917 with feature is published bimonthly and fea­ articles on architecture, fine tures a wide array of articles and decorative arts, lifestyles and columns on preservation and photography; members also topics both here and abroad. receive the monthly BULLETIN The monthly newspaper PRESERVA­ which covers news on upcoming TION NEWS carries the latest exhibitions, preservation ac­ in preservation news and activ­ tivities, and chapter reports. ities as well as reviews of new Local chapters are chartered books in the field. The Trust across the country with active bookshop in Washington carries programs of their own, although an excellent inventory of arch­ none currently exists in Ala­ itectural books which can be bama. The Society also offers ordered (at a 10% discount) by a variety of tours, an annual persons who do not have access meeting, an Autumn Symposium, to a good bookstore in their and two, three-week summer community. courses— one in Boston on 19th

18 century America and one in Eng­ THE HISTORIC HOUSE ASSOCIATION land on the 19th century archi­ OF AMERICA was established in tecture, arts and history of 1978 to assist private owners that country. The Society is of historic houses to cope with currently sponsoring a travel­ those problems peculiar to his­ ling workshop, "Upstairs and toric properties. In its first Downstairs in the Victorian full year of operation the House," which assists owners Association sponsored a number in restoring and recreating of conferences and worshops, Victorian buildings. Member­ worked actively with Congress ship in the Victorian Society and with federal agencies on is $25 a year? to join, con­ laws, regulations and tax is­ tact the Society at East Wash­ sues, published and reprinted ington Square, Philadelphia, a variety of materials, includ­ Pennsylvania 19106. ing HISTORIC HOUSES, and pro­ vided information and assist­ THE LIVE-IN-A-LANDMARK COUNCIL ance to owners of historic pro­ is a state organization created perties. A regular part of the and funded by the Alabama leg­ Association's program is an in­ islature in 1973 to aid and en­ tensive, week-long preservation courage the restoration of old­ course presented in cooperation er domestic landmarks and the with the Smithsonian Institution revival of older neighborhoods. on "How to Preserve Your His­ Applicants to the Council must toric House." Other programs own a home eligible for either co-sponsored by the Association the National Register of His­ include "Planning for the Fu­ toric Places or the Alabama ture of Large Estates and Man­ Register of Landmarks and Heri­ sions" and "Managing Wear and tage, and restoration of the Tear in Historic House Museums." house must be complete, in pro­ The bimonthly newsletter HIS­ cess, or planned. The board of TORIC HOUSES keeps members up- directors is made up of couples to-date on the latest issues appointed by the governor. affecting them as owners of old Members of the Council receive and historic properties, in­ a directory listing craftsmen cluding new tax and legislation and sources of hard-to-find matters, grant and loan infor­ restoration materials, finan­ mation, new publications and cial advice, newsletters, a feature stories on old house bronze plaque identifying their restorations. The Association home as a registered Alabama also publishes a series of spe­ landmark, and restoration aid. cial reports on energy conser­ vation in the old house, inher­ Membership meetings are held itance taxes and their rela­ several times each year at his­ tionship to historic properties, toric spots over the state to and a guide to preservation bring together historic home­ literature, and actively en­ owners with mutual interests, courages legislation favorable and seminars are presented per­ to preservation. The first iodically to relate the latest annual meeting was held at in authentic restoration meth­ Biltmore in Asheville and the ods and benefits. Membership second in Princeton. Member­ is free to qualified applicants, ship in the Association is $25 who may contact the executive annually. The Historic House secretary of the Council at the Association of America is lo­ Alabama Historical Commission, cated' at 1600 H Street, N. W., 725 Monroe Street, Montgomery, Washington, D. C. 20006. Alabama 36130.

19 THE SOCIETY FOR COMMERCIAL streetlamps, and benches and ARCHEOLOGY is a unique national garden furniture. Members are organization concerned with the informed when demolition threat­ artifacts and structures, signs ens an important structure and and symbols of the American are kept current of cast iron commercial process. Encompas­ restoration successes through sing both the celebrated and informal newsletters; reprints anonymous work of many of Amer­ of articles on cast iron arti­ ica's best designers, the mass- facts are circulated. Members produced forms of the machine are encouraged to share news age, and the vernacular concep­ and slides of cast iron struc­ tions of local builders, these tures in their communities. elements comprise a significant Lectures on cast iron landmarks part of our national heritage. and tours of cast iron neigh­ Features of the American com­ borhoods are presented each mercial environment include 'ear in New York city. Persons highways, airports and bus sta­ interested in supporting the tions; gas stations, diners activities of this group should and motels; movie theaters, send their $3 membership fee to drugstores and department Room 6C, 235 East 87th Street, stores; and resorts, fair­ New York, New York 10028. grounds and amusement parks. The Society is concerned that these resources, while rapidly disappearing, are often con­ THE ALABAMA TRUST FOR HISTORIC sidered too recent to be ana­ PRESERVATION was founded in lyzed, recorded and preserved. 1979 to provide volunteer sup­ The goals of the Society are to port to encourage and promote promote public awareness and heritage projects in all fields exchange of information and to including archeology, geneology, encourage the selective conser­ records management, and histor­ vation of the commercial land­ ic preservation. The Trust scape. Members have the oppor­ distributes material on resto­ tunity to participate in con­ ration matters upon request and ferences and field trips, re­ is involved as an advocate on ceive the SCA NEWS JOURNAL and heritage matters before the special publications, and con­ Alabama legislature. (Addi­ tribute to the future growth of tional information on the Ala­ the Society. The $15 member­ bama Trust appears in the Win­ ship fee should be sent to ter 1980 QUARTERLY.) Annual P. 0. Box 8248, Boston, Massa­ dues are $10 for an individual chusetts 02114. and $20 for a family and may be sent to P. 0. Box 85, Deca­ tur, Alabama 35602.

FRIENDS OF CAST IRON ARCHITEC­ TURE is an organization dedi­ cated to the identification, appreciation and preservation of cast iron architecture and PHOTOGRAPH CREDITS street furnishings of 19th cen­ tury America. These include Dr. Frances C. Roberts: page S not only the famous iron-front buildings but also fountains, Huntsville Public Library: cover, statues (such as Vulcan), ceme- and pages 3, 6> 7 3 8, 9, and 11 tary monuments, fences, decora­ tive ironwork on verandahs.

20 4,977; for the fiscal year be­ And Old Views ginning March 1, 1880, the city An examination of local collected $22,840.92 while its newspapers published in 1880 expenditures totaled $22,785.40 reveals a small Alabama town leaving a balance of $55.52. struggling to recover from Re­ A barber collected 10C for a construction and the depression shave and 25

22 place in nine months if we Park lot was to be enlarged and don't get another railroad." converted for the storage of (February 26) cotton; again it is not known if this was done, since in 1882 Cotton prices ranged from the old buildings were razed around 8 1/2 to 10<= per pound and new ones constructed. early in the year and averaged about 12Florida, but at least by second story was added to the 1888, he had returned to Hunts­ house, and presumedly, it then ville. One other builder to took on its Italianate features. advertise was James M. Hutchens; J. Henry Landman added another no architectural listings ap­ story to his residence and en­ peared. larged it with a cottage style front. A house facing Franklin continued on page 17 Street on the Constitution Hall

23 from the Chairman

It is with a heavy sense of responsibility that I assume the chairmanship of Historic Huntsville Foundation. Following in the foot- steps of Lynwood Smith, Nancy Van Valkenburgh and Lynn Jones will be no small task. I also am very excited-in that we have come so far since our founding in 1974, yet there is is much left to be done.

Our msmb e rs ar e enthusiastic and ar e always matching for new projects and programs which will promote the Foundation and thereby aid us in our local preservation efforts. The most recent example of this is the "Gold for Preservation" project which was brought to us by Catherine Gilliam. Hill Jewelers in Heart of Huntsville Mall will accept tax deductible gifts of scrap gold, which will be sold for refining. The proceeds will then go into our revolving fund. We thank Jimmy Hill for his participation in thir project.

We one open to such suggestions from our membership at any time. Please feel free to call a board member on drop u s a note when you have ideas or suggestions for anything you would like to s ee the Foundation do. As you travel about, keep your eyes and ears open for activities in other communities which may be helpful to us and let us know about them.

Remember that this is your city and your henitage, and your help is needed in its pr eservation.

24 from Historic Huntsville Foundation, Inc. P. O. Box 786 Huntsville, Alabama 35804