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The John R. Drish House stands as a remarkable witness to Tuscaloosa history, embodying stories of transformation, resilience, and architectural innovation. Built in 1837 by enslaved laborers, this historic home has experienced dramatic shifts in purpose and condition, reflecting broader social and economic changes in the region. Its unique architectural style, a blend of Greek Revival and Italianate elements, makes it a rare example of "Bracketed Greek Revival" architecture. This post explores the rich history and architectural significance of the Drish home, offering historians a detailed look at its evolution and enduring legacy. Early History and Construction The Drish home was originally constructed in 1837 as the main residence of the “Monroe Place” plantation. Slave labor built the house, a fact that anchors it deeply in the complex and painful history of the American South. John R. Drish, the plantation owner, lived in the house until his death in 1867. Afterward, the property passed through several owners, and the plantation itself was gradually subdivided, reflecting the changing economic landscape after the Civil War. This period marks the beginning of the house’s transformation from a private plantation home to a public and commercial space, mirroring shifts in Tuscaloosa history and society. Transition to Public Use and Decline In 1906, the City of Tuscaloosa purchased the Drish home to serve as a public school. This new function lasted nearly two decades, from 1906 to 1925. Unfortunately, the heavy use as a school caused significant damage to the structure. The original landscaped grounds were stripped and repurposed as a playground, which further altered the estate’s historic character. After the school closed, the city leased the property to Charles Turner in 1925. Turner operated an automobile wrecking company from the house, turning the once-elegant grounds into a junkyard filled with wrecked cars and assorted debris. This period of neglect and misuse starkly contrasts with the home’s original grandeur but adds a unique chapter to its story. Photographic Documentation and Recognition The Drish home’s unusual state during the 1930s attracted the attention of prominent American photographers. In 1936, Walker Evans captured the exterior of the house, producing a photograph titled “Tuscaloosa Wrecking Company.” This image has become one of Evans’ most famous works and is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. The photograph highlights the juxtaposition of decay and history, preserving a moment when the Drish home symbolized both neglect and endurance. Two years later, Frances Benjamin Johnston included the Drish Mansion in her Survey of the Architecture of the South, sponsored by the Carnegie Foundation. Johnston’s work helped document and raise awareness of southern architectural heritage, including the unique features of the Drish home. Restoration and Preservation Efforts By 1940, the City of Tuscaloosa sold the house to Southside Baptist Church. The building was in a dilapidated state, but the church undertook restoration and remodeling efforts, particularly focusing on the interior. These changes helped stabilize the structure and gave it a new purpose as a place of worship and community gathering. However, as the church congregation declined in the 1990s, the property was sold to the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. The society removed the additions made by the church and worked to stabilize the original structure. Their efforts have been crucial in preserving the Drish home as a historic landmark and a tangible piece of Tuscaloosa history. Architectural Significance of the Drish Home The John R. Drish House is a rare example of the "Bracketed Greek Revival" architectural style. This style combines elements of Greek Revival, popular in the early 19th century, with Italianate features that became fashionable in the late antebellum period. The result is a distinctive hybrid that reflects changing tastes and influences in southern architecture. Key Architectural Features Materials : The house is constructed from brick, wood, plaster, and stone, showcasing the craftsmanship and resources available in the region during the 1830s. Size : The residence spans approximately 6,000 square feet, measuring 61 feet 2 inches across and 67 feet 10 inches deep, making it a substantial home for its time. Design Elements : The Greek Revival influence is evident in the symmetrical façade and classical proportions. Italianate features include decorative brackets under the eaves, which give the house its unique "bracketed" character. Remodeling : The late antebellum remodeling introduced Italianate details, blending two architectural traditions into a cohesive design. This architectural combination makes the Drish home an important study subject for historians and architects interested in southern building styles and cultural influences. The Drish Home in the Context of Tuscaloosa History The story of the Drish home reflects broader themes in Tuscaloosa history, including the legacy of slavery, the transformation of southern plantations, urban development, and historic preservation. Each phase of the house’s life—from plantation residence to school, wrecking yard, church, and preserved landmark—mirrors shifts in the community’s social and economic fabric. Studying the Drish home offers insights into: The impact of slavery on architectural heritage The challenges of adapting historic buildings to new uses The role of photography in documenting and preserving history The importance of local preservation societies in maintaining cultural landmarks Continuing Legacy and Importance Today, the Drish home stands as a symbol of resilience and change. Its preservation allows historians and visitors to connect with Tuscaloosa history in a tangible way. The house’s layered past encourages reflection on the complexities of southern history, including difficult chapters like slavery and neglect, alongside stories of restoration and community effort. For historians, the Drish home provides a rich case study in architectural evolution, social history, and preservation challenges. It invites ongoing research and engagement, ensuring that its stories remain part of the public consciousness. Years Owner / Status 1837–1869 Dr. John R. Drish 1869–1884 E.A. Powell (with Sarah Drish life estate) 1884–1902 Tuscaloosa Coal, Iron & Land Co. / William G. Cochrane 1902–1903 Rev. David Clay Lilly 1903–1906 Rev. James G. Snedecor 1906–1925 City of Tuscaloosa (school) 1925–1930s Charles Turner / Tuscaloosa Wrecking Co. (leased) 1930s–1940 Tuscaloosa Board of Education 1940–1990s Southside Baptist Church 1990s–2006 Heritage Commission of Tuscaloosa County 2014-present Nika and Matt McCool

Tuscaloosa Curb Market - The Digest Tuscaloosa Curb Market 1927 - Bulletin board of prices at the Tuscaloosa curb market while a vendor sells jellies, candies, vegetables, and plants Tuscaloosa Curb Market 1938

Historic Tuscaloosa has been preserving and promoting Tuscaloosa County’s historic resources since 1966. A non-profit organization, the society's mission is to develop an awareness and appreciation of the historical and cultural heritage of our community Welcome to historic tuscaloosa Welcome Historic Tuscaloosa hopes you will find this site both useful and entertaining. It is designed to serve as a guide for visitors to Tuscaloosa County, as an introduction to discovering the county's history, and as an educational tool and resource center. We invite you to learn more about our colorful past and discover what makes Tuscaloosa County a special place. Read More Who We Are Who we are Historic Tuscaloosa is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the Tuscaloosa area's heritage. Founded in 1966, our mission is to foster awareness and appreciation of our community's historical and cultural legacy. We operate and maintain five historic landmarks: The Old Tavern Battle-Friedman House Jemison- Van de Graaff Mansion McGuire-Strickland House Murphy-Collins House (home of the Murphy African-American Museum) Learn More What we do Preserve Tuscaloosa Saving Tuscaloosa's history for future generations, one building at a time. Protecting, preserving, and reviving our city's historic sites is one of our core missions. Read More Educate Citizens From school tours to local lecture series, we're focused on bringing the past back-to-life in fun and interesting ways for both today's and tomorrow's leaders. Read More Keep History Alive We’re more than record-keepers and archivists—we’re storytellers. We preserve more than just buildings. Visit our archive library in person or explore our collaborative virtual archive. Read More Local Involvement From annual open houses and graveyard tours to regional sightseeing trips, we stay active and connected with our members and the broader community. Read More Private Events Our historic buildings are perfect venues for your next event! Support our mission and help keep these historic sites alive by booking one of our unique venues. We offer three beautiful properties for rent: The Old Tavern is a quaint venue, perfect for small groups or intimate gatherings. The Battle–Friedman House and Gardens are ideal for weddings, luncheons, meetings, and networking events. The Jemison–Van de Graaff Mansion is our largest and most versatile venue—perfect for all types of events. We’d love to be part of your celebration! Historic Tuscaloosa is a non-profit organization. All funds from event rentals go directly toward maintaining and preserving these historic landmarks. Thank you for supporting not just your vision, but ours. Learn More

Historic Tuscaloosa, a non-profit preservation organization, operates & maintains three historic properties in Tuscaloosa that are available to rent for events & weddings. The funds acquired from event rentals are returned to these aging structures. Choose from three historic Tuscaloosa venues: the Old Tavern, the Battle-Friedman House, or the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. Event, wedding, and micro-wedding packages are available in Tuscaloosa. Venues Our Click on a venue below to get started Getting Started Packet Rental Calendar Submit an Inquiry The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion A grand, historic venue with 150 years of stories. Learn More The Battle-Friedman Home Elegant and welcoming, ideal for gatherings. Learn More The Old Tavern Built in 1827, a quaint, intimate space full of history. Learn More Submit an Inquiry Getting Started Packet Getting Started Packet Event & Wedding Calendar Rental Calendar Submit an Inquiry Come Celebrate with Us First name I am inquiring information on the behalf of someone else Email Phone Type of Event Please check which of the following applies to this event * Required Specific. I have a specific date I am having this event on Flexible. I have alternative dates for this event Specific Date List Alternate Dates / Month I am interested in having my event / wedding at * Required The Old Tavern The Battle-Friedman House & Gardens The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion Not Sure Estimated Guest Count Choose an option Additional information How did you find out about us? Select an option Submit Inquiry Thanks for your interest with us! We'll get back to you soon. Be sure to to check your follow up email!

Since 1966, Historic Tuscaloosa has collected and preserved centuries of history and continues to document Tuscaloosa’s unique contribution to our national narrative. Historic Tuscaloosa keeps and preserves significant collections of artifacts, documents, and properties. It supports, generates, and collects knowledge on the history of Tuscaloosa County and its place in American history. Resource Center Since 1966, Historic Tuscaloosa has collected and preserved centuries of history and continues to document Tuscaloosa’s unique contribution to our national narrative. Historic Tuscaloosa keeps and preserves significant collections of artifacts, documents, and properties. It supports, generates, and collects knowledge on the history of Tuscaloosa County and its place in American history. Historic Tuscaloosa also develops and delivers a variety of educational programs — exhibits, tours, lectures, publications, and other formats — to convey information and open dialogs with the public about our history. What is a historic resource? A historic resource is any resource (a building, structure, object, or site) that has importance to the past for association with important history, culture, or design. These places can be individually recognized, or could be a concentration of places known as an "Historic District." Buildings and other resources that help tell the story of an historic district are considered "contributing" to that district and are integral pieces of the larger historic story. Resources for Research Visit our Blog A Historical Sketch of Tuscaloosa, Alabama Tuscaloosa Public Library State Archives Gorgas House Museum Alabama Historical Commission Tuscaloosa Virtual Museum Greater Downtown Tuscaloosa Historic Resources Tuscaloosa Memories 1887 Map Project January 4 Historic Tuscaloosa: 1887 Interactive Map Guide Historic Preservation Commission https://www.tuscaloosa.com/hpc Welcome to Capitol Park Tuscaloosa Curb Market PDF Tuscaloosa Curb Market - The Digest Greater Downtown Tuscaloosa Historic Resource