10.05.2014

If These Walls Could Talk

I've always had a curiosity and appreciation for things of the past. Antiques, homes, stories. As soon as we found this property we wanted to know everything. Who lived here? What was the property used for? Over 100 years in age. You know it has a few stories to tell.

We quickly fell in love with the aesthetic of the city, as well. The first time we decided to take a drive down Main Street we were in a nostalgic paradise. Antique trolley rides and a BBQ cook off were well under way as families bustled through local shops with handmade milkshakes in tow. "Come for the history, stay for the shopping" boasts the city's website. Were we in Pleasantville? It honestly reminded me so much of my hometown and we loved every bit of it. It was that small town feeling that we'd been looking for.

Main Street, Columbiana AL
When we went to closing, we tried to gather as much information as we could from the previous owner. Her parent's had owned the home for quite some time and were well known and respected members of the community. It's such a close knit town that even the closing attorney had stories to tell about the home! We've been able to trace back about four generations of owners, including a local doctor and a few local families, but it looks like we'll have to do some research into the deed records to find the rest.

The seller gifted us an incredible house warming gift. The first known photograph of the home and the family who lived here. I'd love to find out their surname and uncover their story. We know that the corn crib was relocated from directly behind the house to further back on on the property where it sits now. Also, you can see that the porch was later extended around the side of the home. The foundation supports were enclosed, windows were added to the entryway and the attic space was finished out. Almost everything else is the same. It's surreal to think that I can stand in the front yard and take a photo of the home as it sits now knowing that this family once stood in the same spot taking a photo of their own.

1905
2014

The Shelby County Historical Society Museum & Archives is located in the center of town in what used to be the Old Shelby County Courthouse building, built in 1854. It has quite a history of it's own as it's been utilized in many ways ranging from a boarding school to a funeral home. "A Genealogist and Historian Paradise" according to their pamphlet. We recently visited and had the best time looking at all the neat artifacts and photos. We're hoping to stop by again soon and spend some more time looking into the property. The building itself is beautiful and it's an incredible resource to have! The curators and historic society members truly have a passion for preservation and the museum certainly showcases that.








- Exploring the City -


Bernie's on Main. Super yummy eatery with the charming facade we love!



City of Columbiana Courthouse 




 We have several projects we're working on right now. We're trying to empty out the storage container, repair the corn crib so that it's functional, transition Baker to a "bigger" boy room upstairs, build a fire pit/pergola/outdoor retreat, and the list goes on. But most importantly we're focusing on enjoying the beautiful fall weather and making this House our Home. Slowly, but surely! Family and friends, visit soon! We'd love to show you around!

With Love  -L


15 comments :

  1. I love homes with a history, and I ask myself the same questions! SO good to know other people appreciate that, too. :) There's a restaurant here in LA, and it was once an old house that belonged to an actress. It was abandoned for a while I believe, and then it was turned into a restaurant. It's the cutest place, and has the coolest history to it. I even had to pull out my phone to look it up because I was so curious. haha

    - MeYouAndHayleyLarue.com

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    1. Right?! Everyone & everything has a story to tell. I love peeling back the layers. Thanks for reading!

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  2. Oh my what a dream of a house...I'm new to this site so I will have to explore and see if there are pictures of the interior [or perhaps on the Southern Hospitality blog post..

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    1. Hi, Jonell! I'm so glad you found your way here! Thanks for reading. We've only been in the home for a year. You will find lots of photos here on the blog and on my Instagram page! I post there daily! You can find me on Instagram @mrslaurenash

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  3. I am new to your blog, but when I saw the Columbiana Historical Society museum, I knew exactly where you were. My ancestors are from Shelby Co and I have made many trips to that place! It is so nice and the workers are so helpful with geneological research. Your house is beautiful! Looking forward to following your progress!

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    1. Thank you so much for your message! We really enjoy having that resource and we love our town. We're blessed to call it home! Thanks so much for reading and for your kind words.

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  4. Thank you for loving Columbiana as much as I do. A friend at work told me about your blog so I came creeping! I love what you have done with the beautiful farmhouse on the hill. I hope one day soon we can meet, I am a lifelong resident of Columbiana and would love to borrow some of your crafting ideas! Kim King

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    1. Hi, Kim! Thanks so much for stopping by to say hello! I love hearing from new local friends. Columbiana is a very special place. I'd love for you to stop by sometime, but you'll have to excuse all of our renovation mess! ;)

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  5. What a beautiful home you have! Such wonderful history! My mother passed away in 2010 and I became interested in genealogy and started going through all her boxes of photos and history to discover so much about my grandmother's family who were early some of the early pioneers of Alabama and Shelby and Jefferson County. I'm very familiar with photos of Columbiana and the Shelby Museum. In fact, I spoke to a woman on the phone and she encouraged my husband and I to come down because they have lots of history there on My Acton, Lee, Bailey and Duke genealogy. My grandmother was an Acton. So much history and beauty. In fact your farmhouse resembles one of the homes my grandmother lived in. They have roads churches and all kinds of things named after them. Many lived in the Cahaba Valley. I would love to visit that area one day. I've heard it has changed so much over the years.

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    1. I just love diving into the history and learning! If you ever visit the museum you'll have to drive by and give us a honk and a wave. :) We're just a few miles past the building at the round-about!

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