Outside of knowing it was built in 1900, I cannot find any history on this house.
Updated to add, according to Scott Reed, this home was built in the 1840s. It was modified in the 1870s, and then in 1900, it was modified to what we see today.
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.
The Palmour House was built in 1892 for Dr. William and Alice Crenshaw and their family. The home was affectionately known as “Annabelle.” I am unable to determine why. There are no immediate relatives with the name of “Annabelle.”
The home was built by Alice’s brother, William Cox, who graduated from Cornell University. He also designed Cox College, a women’s college that once operated near the home.
The home was constructed of brick from the dirt excavated to build the enormous basement.
The home later became known as the Palmour House. Dr. Crenshaw’s daughter, Mary Louise, and her husband, Oscar, purchased the home from the Crenshaw estate.
Dr. Crenshaw and his daughter were talented gardeners, especially with flowers. At one time, a chrysanthemum was named for Mary. I am unable to locate an image of the flower.
Booker T. Washington was an educator, speaker, author, and benefactor. He was the first president of Tuskegee University when it was known as Tuskegee Institute. His accomplishments are numerous. From working with Julius Rosenwald to start the fund for Rosenwald schools to traveling the world to speak on issues that impacted the Black community, Washington was a tireless advocate for change. Many members of the Black community supported his belief that the focus should be on education and wealth accumulation. Whereas there were those, who disagreed with him and felt that he bowed to white interests by not pushing forward an agenda based on civil rights and political representation.
“The Oaks” is a large Victorian that sits next to campus. Tuskegee’s students helped build the home that Washington and his family moved into in 1900.
In 1915, Booker T. Washington passed away. It was believed that he died from congestive heart failure and kidney disease that was caused by the stress of his work (later examination of his medical records indicated that he was suffering from very high blood pressure). Over 8,000 people attended his funeral. He is buried in the campus’s cemetery, which is next to the Chapel.
Built in 1892 for John Drakeford and his family, this is one of a handful of grand Victorian homes in Tuskegee in a dilapidated condition. Fortunately, the home was purchased, and there are plans to restore it. In partnership with Tuskegee University, this home will be beautiful again.
This home was built in 1895. It is a contributing property to the North Main Historic District.
