Built in 1895 by John Whitfield, owner of ALAGA syrup company and Whitfield Pickles, the home was purchased by Lum Duke, a local judge. His daughter Inez Duke Searcy was the first ever female attorney.
The home is now the headquarters for the Opelika Chamber of Commerce.
On the outskirts of Opelika is a Carpenter Gothic home built by Horace King, master bridge builder, for Mary Ann Godwin Yonge and her husband, William Penn. Mary Ann was the daughter of John Godwin, the man who enslaved Horace King.
Carpenter Gothic is an offshoot of Gothic Revival. They share steep roofs and decorative woodwork that sometimes resembles lace. Carpenter Gothic is usually light in color, frequently white, and made of wood.
Spring Villa was built in two parts. First, in 1850, it was a one-and-a-half-story home for the Yonge family. Then in 1934, the city of Opelika added the rear ell with the help of the Civil Works Administration, a job program created as part of the New Deal. It now serves as a clubhouse and event space for Spring Villa Park.
The buildings were once connected by a breezeway, but it was torn down.
Window detail
Inspired by the Horace King built Spring Villa on the edge of town, John Edwards most likely built the Gingerbread House in Opelika, Alabama. Completed in 1865, Edwards and his family moved into the home. Edwards was known as a skilled craftsman which is why the family believes he built it.
It is now home to the Old Timers and Chimers Clock Shop and Museum. They restored it after it fell into disrepair.
It is a contributing property to the Geneva Street Historic District.
I don’t believe this school still stands unless it’s been incorporated in the current Smithville High School.
The Smithville School opened in 1928 and stayed open until May 1955. It was a four-teacher-type school. Afterward, the building was converted into apartments. It now sits empty.
