Old Dauphin Way Association

Historic Highlights from Old Dauphin Way (page three)

Brown Street

Originally named Bienville Street, this was opened just after the turn of the century and ran west

from Ann Street to Lafayette. The portion west of Lafayette was originally called Iberville Street

and was opened about 15 years later.

Monterey Place

This subdivision is one of the city's unique streets with a large planted median. Anchoring the block at Catherine Street is the Shepherd House, a fanciful Queen Anne constructed in 1897. The remainder of the street has a good collection of classically detailed American Foursquares and bungalows.

Above 1552, 1556 and 1557 Monterey Place

North Monterey Street & Fearnway

These are separate subdivisions of Fearn Realty, both developed in the first decade of the 20th-century. Houses on North Monterey are primarily American Foursquares which are classically detailed. Curved and divided to slow traffic and planted with lovely oaks dripping Spanish moss, charming Fearnway features more Bungalows. Originating in California in the early years of the 20th century, the Bungalow quickly became popular throughout the nation, and Mobile was no exception. The style, in a diluted form, continued to be built in Mobile through the 1930s.

Reed Avenue

Subdivided in 1911, this streetscape developed over a narrow period of time resulting in a concentration of Bungalows on the street. The Bungalows are, however, decorated in a variety of styles including Classical Revival and Arts and Crafts that produce visual variety style on the street.

Springhill Avenue

Located at 1664 Springhill, the Vincent House, circa 1826, is Mobile's oldest residential estate on its original site. It was the country home of Benjamin Vincent, owner of a steamboat that ran between Coden and New Orleans. It originally had an open first floor and a staircase on the west side that gave access to the second floor through the gallery, a feature typical of early cottages. Numerous alterations over the years have resulted in the removal of the staircase and enclosure of the first floor for additional living space. Presently the Vincent House serves as headquarters for Mobile's tricenntennial activities.

Thanks to Devereaux Bemis and Anne Crutcher of the Mobile Historic Development Commission for the historic highlights.