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Home built by Rodah Horton in 1843 on the Meridian Pike near Huntsville, Alabama. The Greek Revival portico was added around the time of the Civil War. View full size. 1934 photograph for the Historic American Buildings Survey.
The Hortons aren't the O'Haras but very close to the Finches in "To Kill a Mockingbird." Harper Lee was asked repeatedly if the story was based on Judge Horton's family -- though this was not the family home (which was moved from Athens to Greenbriar after the Scottsboro Boys trial). The Hortons are one of the truly great families of Alabama -- fighting for truth and justice because it was the right thing to do.
Greenlawn is a different house, which still stands. On the northeast side of Memorial Parkway past Bennett's Nursery traveling north. Now as clubhouse or landmark of another sudden subdivision.
According to my mom, the Horton house was owned by the same Horton family (not sure of the exact kinship) of Athens & Greenbriar. Judge Horton was my granddaddy's law partner in Athens, prior to becoming a judge -- later very famous as the good judge in the Scottsboro Trial (he acquitted the men, but later it was overturned again). Mother believes the Rodah Horton house is the same family. I can find out more, if anyone wants to know. Mom is still close to the Hortons -- friends for 80+ years & multi-generations across Northern Alabama.
(Irene) Nolen Clark
Huntsville
Looks like it could be the same house. Caption details here vs. story on website don't mesh exactly, but it seems it's the right family.
I've had this photo as my desktop picture since it was first posted on Shorpy.
Looks like the Hortons were trying to keep up with the O'Haras when they added that portico. It pretty much obscures the view from two of the upstairs windows.
I have an old house like that. Maintenance nightmare.
Is that house still standing? I live outside Huntsville. Would love to go see it.
I'd LOVE to have that old house!!
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