This image shows the large facility built as a home for orphans and displaced children by the state Methodist church organization. It is no longer in operation as a facility, having closed in 2010, but the building still stands and the Methodist Childrens mission is still active.

The description states:
METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME
Selma, Alabama
“A bright spot in many a youngster’s life.”
–The facility closed when there were only 16 children remaining in the large building, and it was decided to place these in other locations and families to allow for better centralized services. At the time of closure it was hoped the facility and grounds could be sold for preservation.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows the front and side entrance to the Sturdivant Home in Selma, Alabama, now known as Sturdivant Hall.

The description states:
STURDIVANT HOME MUSEUM
Selma, Alabama
Built in 1850 by Col. Edward m. Watts, it remains one of the most classic examples of ante-bellum mansions in existence. It was designed by a cousin of R. E. Lee and furnished with imported French furnishings. It has tall columns in the front and is supported by a cupola. (Many know this as the Gilman Home.)
–The Sturdivant name comes from a major donor to the acquisition of the property, which was for the longest time in the possession of the Gilman family before being acquired as a museum.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows the front and main entrance to the former home of the Tuscaloosa, Alabama public library. It is now a historic home, named the Jemison-Van de Graff Mansion.

The description states:
FRIEDMAN MEMORIAL LIBRARY – Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
This home was constructed before the Civil War and is one of the many beautiful colonial homes to be found in Tuscaloosa.
–The building was used as a library from 1955 until 1979, and continued in private hands until acquired in 1991 as a historical landmark and museum.
This image likely dates from the 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.