spirit of christmas page

- Home Histories -


* 210 Williams Street - UAHuntsville Lowe Home
Architect Herbert Cowell designed this outstanding early 20th century mansion which introduced to Huntsville a modest example of the Chateauesque style of architecture typically associated with the Vanderbilts and the Astors. Completed in 1902, several distinguishing architectural characteristics include a portico, a side foyer, a stained glass panel above the side entrance and a unique double stairway. Behind the residence is a two-story "crow-step" gabled brick Federal-style building that dates between 1820 and 1830 and is a rare survivor of an earlier 19th century Federal residence. Jane Knight Lowe willed the house to the University of Alabama Huntsville Foundation. The current President of the University of Alabama Huntsville, Dr. David Williams and Mrs. Williams, now make it their home.


* 409 Lincoln Street - Masonic Lodge, Helion Number 1
This is the oldest Masonic Lodge in Alabama. First chartered in August 1811, the rolls included city developers and leaders LeRoy Pope, Clement Clay, John Williams Walker and Stephen Neal. Originally constructed in 1823, its rooms were used by the Masons, the Eastern Star organization, and by schools and religious groups without permanent facilities. The present building, designed by architect Edgar Love, was first occupied in November 1917. The original color scheme of the main Lodge Room has been retained along with the elaborate plaster molding. This building houses a collection of artifacts including a large portrait of President George Washington painted by Huntsville artist William Halsey in 1849 and based upon Gilbert Stuart's "Landsdowne" Washington portrait.


* 422 Echols Avenue - Spragins - Fleming - Stephenson Home
This home was built about 1920 by Beirne and Georgia Spragins (Beirne Avenue was named after him). Sue Hill Fleming lived there from 1973 until 2005. Candy and Charlie Stephenson purchased the home from the estate of Susie & Dick Fleming in August 2005. They lived there 18 months while planning the renovation. They returned to the house in September 2009 after an almost two year project. They were careful to maintain the integrity and beauty of the existing home while adding some modern touches such as a downstairs master suite, large kitchen, screened porch, rec room and three car garage.


* 317 White Street - Harrison - Sullivan - Tutt Home
As a result of court action, the vast estate of William H. Pope, heir of LeRoy Pope, was ordered sold in 1849 to satisfy debts. For access to these holdings, two new streets were created: White and California Street. Much of the land created by the new streets became the property of the Halsey-Yeatman Addition involving more than 6 acres. At #317, Sarah the widow of J.B. Harrison made her home. After her death, John J. Sullivan purchased the property. After several other owners, the Drew Tutt family purchased the property in 1985. The Tutts have made extensive modifications with a large rear addition. The original Queen Anne cottage features have been retained with great success and the substantial addition has not destroyed the "cottage look" of this charming residence. During the renovation the original heart-of-pine floors were discovered when the oak floors were removed. The lights on either side of the door are original as are the columns between the living and dining rooms. In the back hall, the pantry door was originally the front door to the house.


* 300 Gates Avenue - Weeden House Museum

Owned by the City of Huntsville - Leased by Twickenham Historic Preservation District Association
This lovely Federal design home was built in 1819 by Henry C. Bradford during Huntsville's first economic boom. The house was f a while, in the possession of Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, John McKinley. By 1845, it became the town house of Dr. William Weeden and his family. The Weeden family retained possession until 1956.

After a succession of owners, the Twickenham Historic Preservation District Association now leases the Weeden House from the City of Huntsville and carries on a continuing process of preservation. The aim of the museum is to illustrate family life in the 1840's, to present the fine architectural features of this Federal style house and to share the life of Maria Howard Weeden, who was a famous poet and watercolorist.

Upon entry to the Weeden House, guests are treated to the delightful trio of curves - the brilliant leaded-glass fanlight over the double entry door, the curved rear wall of the entry hall and the cylindrical shape of the spiral stairwell. Throughout the house one may see the intricate hand-crafted woodwork, which carries on the initial theme established in the cornice at the top of the house exterior.

The Weeden House would have remained just one more lovely Federal house, had it not been for the talents of Maria Howard Weeden. Born in the Weeden House in 1846, Miss Weeden became famous for her talents by depicting the fine Southern Negro in watercolor portraits and in dialect poems. Her admiration and love for these, her fellow human beings, is abundant. In the poem, "Old Watts and the Rabbits", she uses humor to illustrate the similarities of all human kind, when she writes:
An' while on preached de others slept,
As sensible as we all do;
An' den, de meetin' havin' broke,
Dey went like us, home two an' two.
Each Christmas season, the Huntsville Garden Club adorns the Weeden House with 19th century decorations.


Map & Home Histories
2009 Spirit of Christmas Past Homes Tour
5:00 until 9:00 p.m. - December 12, 2009