The Selma Dallas County Historic Preservation Society and the City of Selma are proud to once again showcase our beautiful City. At 202 years old, Selma is home to the largest contiguous historic district in Alabama; where a special blend of southern hospitality, Spanish moss, heirloom blooms, wrought-iron fences and intricate architecture enchant locals and visitors alike.
We will begin Friday evening from 6 to 9:00 p.m. in Orrville, at the Ben Ellis-Dunaway House. Tour this majestic Greek Revival home built in 1850 as a boys’ academy. In 1880 it was converted to a home.
Historian Cartledge “Cart” Blackwell will be presenting a wonderful program on the Architecture of Selma and Dallas County. Cart was raised in Selma and has a master’s degree in architectural history from the University of Virginia. He is presently the Curator at the Mobile Carnival Museum. He is one of the most knowledgeable persons on the architecture and history of the Black Belt of Alabama. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served along with beer, wine, and other beverages. A shuttle from Bloch Park in Selma will be provided.
Saturday will showcase historic homes, museums, a church, businesses, and art from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The day will end with a tour through Old Live Oak Cemetery from 4:30 – 7:00.
Tickets will be sold at the Vaughan Smitherman Museum.beginning at 8:30. This Greek Revival building, built in 1847 by Selma’s Masonic Lodge #27 is one of Selma’s most historic treasures. Originally built as a school for orphans and children of Masons; it has served as a Confederate hospital, the Dallas County Courthouse, a military school, and the Vaughan Memorial Hospital through the years.
Look, an upscale consignment and vintage resale shop, will be serving a lite breakfast from 9 to 11:00 a.m. and open until 4. Owner Ann Murray finds, restores, and resells furniture and other décor in her quaint shop with the brightly-painted front door. Murray also works with local vendors to sell new items including art, pottery, candles, and jewelry.
Queen City Market is a locally-owned shop in the historical 1931 Kress building. The store sells women’s apparel, jewelry, furniture, home accessories, and more. Owner Mandy Henry will welcome visitors to her boutique until 4 p.m. and will be serving Mimosas from 9 to 11 am.
The Tour of Homes begins at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday; all homes are open until 4:00 p.m. The tour features the Harrison-Hunter-Harper-Fuller House also known as The Oaks. Built in 1849 for Kirkland Harrison, it is a magnificent Greek Revival home with six columns. The present owners, Dr. Cecil and Ann Fuller, have spent over 20 years renovating the palatial home which they enjoy sharing with family and friends.
The Platt-Lewis-Gayle-Linden House, built in 1849, is a two-story Italianate style house that was purchased by Charles Lewis in 1856. He saved it from burning and looting during the Battle of Selma. The present owner, Shannon Linden, has decorated her home with beautiful antiques that showcase her exceptional silver collection.
The Shanks-Newton House, built in 1906 as a wedding gift for some of Selma’s prominent merchants, is truly one of a kind. This Colonial Revival with Georgian symmetry and ionic columns, has great architectural features including inlaid parquet floors in glorious patterns that are each unique. Laurel wreaths and swags adorn fireplace mantels and door facings in this spacious southern estate. It was purchased by the newly wed Drs. Wylie and Monica Newton in 2003 who lovingly continued the restoration and still own it today.
The McPhillips House is a Colonial Revival house built around 1907. It features a one-story entry porch with fluted Ionic columns, a turret with a conical roof and a polygonal bay with hipped roof. The interior has beautiful parquet floors and an intricate coffered ceiling in the dining room. The owners, Drs. Glenn and Tomeko McPhillips, raised their three children in this warm and inviting home.
The Atkins-Ratcliffe-Gray House was built around 1916 by A.J.M. Atkins. It is a two-story brick home with a covered front gallery framed by arches with red tile flooring. Jasmine grows along the brick columns, which gives the home a warm and inviting feeling. The present owners, Devon and Shawn Gray, are raising their two young sons in this lovely home.
Sturdivant Hall, c. 1856, offers opulence and hospitality inside and out. This magnificent mansion with its six front Corinthian columns, imported Italian marble, and quiet Southern grace is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the epitome of the South’s Golden Age. The grand house personifies elegance and is an immediate indicator of the affluence of its past owners. Grand. Magnificent. Elegant.
Church Street United Methodist Church was built in 1902. The Methodists were the first denomination to organize in Selma and the only church remaining on the original plot of ground assigned to by the Selma Land Company. The current building is a Romanesque Revival style structure with a four-story corner tower that is topped with a conical copper roof.
Heritage Village is the site of several 1800’s structures that were donated to the Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society and moved to this site. The buildings include the Calhoun Law Office, the McKinnon-Riggs Doctors Office, Siegel Servants Quarters, the Pigeon Cote, Gillis House and Miss Minnie Sue’s Cottage.
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Selma Art Guild. It began in 1972 as a cooperative for artists in the area. Selma has always been a center for the arts and the Art Guild displays works in a variety of media. This year the Art Guild will showcase art works from the last 50 years. Many of these artists were founding members of the Selma Art Guild. Works from current artists will be for sale.
Stroll through the serene and peaceful Old Live Oak Cemetery with huge Live Oaks draped with Spanish moss. Several famous state and federal politicians are interred there, including a vice president of the United States. Various “ghosts” will visit on Saturday evening from 4:30 until 7:00. Visitors will be captivated by the stories of humor, perseverance, and tragedy as history comes alive.
This 46th Historic Selma Tour of Homes offers visitors a chance to experience hands-on history through guided tours.
