May I introduce a fine, strong lady--117 or 111(the address and spelling of the street changed over the years) Moulton or Molton Street, Montgomery, Alabama. Built 1827 in the early days of the town by the river. I've experienced many of my predecessors only through writings, pictures, stories. Not Moulton Street. I actually and personally knew her well. We met when I was fresh into this world and she was weary from it. Yet, she spoke clearly and allowed my finest memories to form around and in her presence.
The photo shows the Bibb home in the 1912 snowstorm in Montgomery. It's hard to distinguish the house from the magnolias that dominated the landscape, but the antebellum house preferred its tucked away style, especially as she aged.
Following is an excerpt from a description written by my grandmother, Mattie Gilmer Bibb Edmondson in 1948:
"The house in its original appearance had more claim to architectural beauty than it showed after alterations in the early 1870. Showing the influence of early days, the kitchen, the servant quarters, town smoke house, stable, etc., were of handmade brick, whereas the house itself is of fine timber still held together with some of the original wooden pegs. The flower garden was laid out in a pattern much like the premises at Mt. Vernon with intricate beds bordered by clipped box hedges and flower plantings typical of this section and climate. Some of the shrubbery still stands. The large vegetable garden in the rear was also formally planned, with grape arbor covering the central walk and butter bean arbor to the side. Every vegetable possible was grown, including water cress and mint for the juleps."
Moulton Street is as essential in this pilgrimage through the ages as any other character. Her walls held the family together for generations. She betrayed no one and cradled many. I'll have more on her in another post since she may be the central character in the book. How I loved the magic she wore regally and as sensually as her banana shrubs and magnolias.
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