Gideon Gee House, 253 Monroe Street (moved to 251 Saint Anthony Street), Mobile

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS ALA,49-MOBI,132-. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

Offices Statement of This house is typical of Mobile's mid-nineteenth- Sjgnificance: century brick houses of modest size and treatment. PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION A. Physical History: 1. Date of erection: c. 2. Architect: Unknown 3. Original and subsequent owners: This house was constructed by Gideon Gee, probably soon after he acquired the property in It remained in the hands of his heirs until when it was sold to John O'Donnell, who used it for an electric shop until it was moved in 4. Builder or contractor: Unknown 5. Alterations and additions: The appearance of this house was severely altered when it was reconstructed in A cast- iron veranda has been added to the front, and the kitchen wing has not been reconstructed. B.

Bibliography Mobile Deed Books, Probate Court Record Division, Mobile County Prepared by Linda Carroll Student Historian August 29, and Charles A. Herrington Architectural Historian National Park Service July 20, GIDEON GEE HOUSE HABS No. ALA-825 (Page 2) PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION A. General Statement: 1, Architectural character: This is a fine example of a modest Federal-style house of the mid-nineteenth century. It survived in almost its original state until it was reconstructed in 2. Condition of fabric: The house was in fair condition before it was dismantled and reconstructed, B. Description of Exterior: 1. Over-all dimensions: This house has a two and one-half story rectangular main block with a service wing extending to the rear that was originally detached.

Including the wing, the house measures (three bays) x 2. Foundations: There is a continuous brick foundation wall above grade with cast-iron vents. 3. Wall construction, finish and color: Unpainted brick bearing walls are laid in common bond with seven rows of stretchers between rows of headers. Smooth red brick is employed for the front elevation; rougher common brick is found on the sides and rear. 4. Structural system, framing: There is wooden floor and roof framing. 5. Porches, stoops: Before the house was reconstructed and a cast-iron veranda added to the front, simple modern concrete steps lead directly from the public sidewalk to the entrance door. Nearness to the existing sidewalk suggests that there was never an entry porch, 6. Chimneys: There are no existing chimneys. 7.

Openings: a. Doorways and doors: The entrance doorway has a plain unmoulded frame set in the reveal of the masonry wall. The modern double doors have two panels, the upper being glazed and protected by an iron grille. Over the door is a deep transom with three narrow lights. b. Windows and shutters: All windows are double-hung wooden sash with six-over-six lights. The hardware for GIDEON GEE HOUSE HABS No. ALA-825 (Page 3) non-existant shutters is in place. "" ' . 8. Roof: J3 - a. Shape, covering: The main block has a gabled roof covered with asphalt shingles. The service wing has a shed roof. b. Cornice, eaves; A cornice on the north front consists only of simple brick dentils. There are no eaves. c. Dormers: None C. Description of Interior: 1.

Floor plans: This is a typical side hall plan, with two rooms which were once connected by a double door on the second floor enclosed to form a third room upstairs. The hall extended through the house and connected to a rear porch on the south, to which was attached the one-room service wing. The latter originally had two stories and an exterior stairway. 2* Stairways: The original stairway was a single flight beginning near the front door. This has been altered by the installation of a partition across the lower portion closing off the hall and adding a return flight behind the partition. None of the original balustrade remains in place. Access to the attic was by the way of a trap door in the ceiling in the stairhall. 3. Flooring: Both floors have random-width pine boards. 4.

Wall and ceiling finish: The walls are plastered and painted, being furred on brick walls. 5. Doorways and doors: Doors are four-panel pine with four- light transoms. There is also a door with a louvered upper panel at the end of the hall on the first floor. 6. Special decorative features; trim: None remains. 7. Notable hardware: Door hinges on the first floor have one beveled leaf providing a balance at any position. 8. Mechanical equipment: a. Heating: There are wood-burning fireplaces in each GIDEON GEE HOUSE HABS No. ALA-825 (Page 4) room on both floors on the east wall, and a large M^AIOBJ brick fireplace on the west wall of the service wing. b. Lighting: Modern electric lighting has been installed. D.

General setting and orientation: The house was on the south side of Monroe Street, facing north between Joachim and Jackson Streets, before it was dismantled. It was reconstructed on the southwest corner of St. Anthony and Joachim Streets, facing north, and is now located in the DeTonti Square Historic District. Prepared by Woodrow W. Wilkins Supervising Architect National Park Service August 16, and Charles A. Herrinton Architectural Historian National Park Service July 20, PART III. PROJECT INFORMATION These records were prepared as a cooperative project during the summer of between the Historic American Buildings Survey and various agencies, organizations, and individuals of the City of Mobile. The Historic American Buildings Survey supplied the project supervisor, Woodrow W.

Wilkins, and three draughtsmen, Carl J. Rosenburg (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Michael R. Foil (Auburn University), and Lowell K. West (University of Kentucky). One draughtsman, Elbert L. Coleman (Alabama A was provided by the Mobile Housing Board, which agency administers urban renewal. The services of an additional draughtsman, James Eley, specifically designated as an architectural student from Auburn University, were made possible by contributions from numerous local architects and businessmen. The Historic Mobile Preservation Society, in agreement with the History Department of Springhill College, provided a student historian, Linda Carroll. Office space was supplied by the City of Mobile through the City Planning Commission.

Roy Thigpen, a local photographer, was contracted to supply the photographs. All local arrangements were made by the Mobile Historic Development Commission, Nancy N. Holmes, President. The project was edited during the summer of by Charles A, Herrinton, Architectural Historian, in a cooperative effort between the Historic American Buildings Survey and the Mobile Historic Development Commission.