Tag: 1950s

This image is of the elaborate Italianate style house built for Charles and Caroline Richards in 1845. It is more commonly known today as the Richards-DAR house.

The description states:
HISTORIC RICHARDS HOUSE, MOBILE, ALA.
…Built in 1845, is one of Mobile’s architectural masterpieces, combining a delicate iron lacework exterior with a lavish interior of white Carrara marble mantels, bronze chandeliers, etched Venetian glass, and silver-plated doorknobs. The figures in the iron-work portray the four seasons of the year. Located at 256 North Joachim Street.
–This image likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows one of the numerous paths and walkways around the Bellingrath Gardens, this featuring a Christmas time theme with poinsettias adorning the flower beds.

The description states:
BELLINGRATH GARDENS, MOBILE, ALABAMA
…Seasonal flowers decorate the many flower beds in the “Charm Spot of the Deep South.” In this scene poinsettias can be seen under moss-draped old live oaks during the Christmas season.
–Along with the extensive gardens, there is the main estate building and many other outbuildings, as well as a boardwalk above the gulf waters along the shoreline that the estate occupies.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows the footpath and bridge across the body of water known as Mirror Lake, one of the natural features of the Bellingrath estate in Mobile, Alabama.

The description states:
BELLINGRATH GARDENS, MOBILE, ALABAMA
…The rustic bridge across Mirror Lake in the “Charm Spot of the Deep South” provides a photogenic spot for all camera enthusiasts. The graceful swans are always willing subjects.
–The extent of the gardens can be seen on this map. The estate was established in 1935.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows the layout and floral pattern of the rose garden section of Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile, Alabama. The picture is likely taken from the front of the conservatory building, which forms the northern boundary of the rose garden section.

The description states:
BELLINGRATH GARDENS, MOBILE, ALABAMA
…The rose garden with its scores of varieties of roses is a favorite of summer visitors to the “Charm Spot of the Deep South.” Mr. Bellingrath was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Mobile and had the rose garden laid out in the design of the Rotary wheel emblem.
–The gardens are part of a much larger estate with a family building, lakes and a Japanese garden among other features.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows the largest natural bridge formation in Alabama, located in Natural Bridge Park, a privately operated nature park.

The description states:
Natural Bridge of Alabama located in Winston County, Alabama, called the “Free State of Winston,” 10 miles south of Haleysville. Highway #5. Picnic grounds, Artesian water. Souvenirs. Visited by tourists from all 50 states and many foreign countries. Open year ’round.
–For liability reasons, the current owners do not allow visitors to walk across the bridge. Viewing is restricted to the paths below.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows a typical natural scene of the location once known as the Dismal Wonder Gardens. It was an attraction operated privately until it was converted to a National Landmark, and renamed Dismals Canyon.

The description states:
DISMALS WONDER GARDENS
Phil Campbell, Alabama
Truly a nature lover’s Shangri-La, the name Dismals comes from the Dismalites – tiny phosphorescent worms that twinkle like the stars on the rocks on summer nights. One of the South’s oldest undisturbed forests, the Dismals is also noted for its variety of ferns, herbs and mosses. See the “Trail of the Talking Trees”.
–The canyon is in a relatively remote part of northwestern Alabama.
This card likely dates from the 1950’s.

This image concludes the selection of views of Long Gardens in Mobile, Alabama. This last one features a more natural setting, less cultivated and manicured, but still featuring bright floral displays.

The card has the same description as the previous ones:
LONG GARDENS
Azaleas – Camellias
Tuthill Lane, Springhill
Mobile, Alabama
One of themes beautiful private gardens in the world
In this natural setting of pine-needled knolls and beautifully landscaped ravines, exquisite beauty has deepened through the years. It blooms forth in azaleas and camellias now, rendering to you one of the most beautiful private gardens in the world… and truly the novelist spot on Mobile’s famous Azalea Trail.
— A review of the site shows that the gardens no longer exist, and the area has been converted to residences. This card likely dates from the 1950s.

The series now moves on to present a view of another part of the Long Gardens in Mobile, Alabama. This image shows the azaleas in full bloom along the pathway leading to a small elevated meadow.

Apparently the card publisher did not get enough information for the various cards to create different descriptions, as this one is the same as all the others:
LONG GARDENS
Azaleas – Camellias
Tuthill Lane, Springhill
Mobile, Alabama
One of themes beautiful private gardens in the world
In this natural setting of pine-needled knolls and beautifully landscaped ravines, exquisite beauty has deepened through the years. It blooms forth in azaleas and camellias now, rendering to you one of the most beautiful private gardens in the world… and truly the novelist spot on Mobile’s famous Azalea Trail.
–This card likely dates from the 1950s as well.

This short series continues with a view of the pool at the bottom of the bowl shaped gardens behind the iron patio table and chairs.

The description is the same as the previous two cards:
LONG GARDENS
Azaleas – Camellias
Tuthill Lane, Springhill
Mobile, Alabama
One of themes beautiful private gardens in the world
In this natural setting of pine-needled knolls and beautifully landscaped ravines, exquisite beauty has deepened through the years. It blooms forth in azaleas and camellias now, rendering to you one of the most beautiful private gardens in the world… and truly the novelist spot on Mobile’s famous Azalea Trail.
–This picture likely dates from the 1950s.

We now see the same gardens from ground level, losing along a pebbled walkway towards the small pool in the center of the Long Gardens.

The description is the same as the previous card:
LONG GARDENS
Azaleas – Camellias
Tuthill Lane, Springhill
Mobile, Alabama
One of themes beautiful private gardens in the world
In this natural setting of pine-needled knolls and beautifully landscaped ravines, exquisite beauty has deepened through the years. It blooms forth in azaleas and camellias now, rendering to you one of the most beautiful private gardens in the world… and truly the novelist spot on Mobile’s famous Azalea Trail.
–This card likely dates from the 1950s.