Monte Sano State Park
In 1931, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a teaming of two wasted resources, the young men and the land, in an effort to save both. In 1935, the CCC was tasked to build a State Park atop Monte Sano, and between August 1935 and December 1940 the original Park facilities were developed and built, including the charming cabins that still exist today. Monte Sano State Park officially opened August 25, 1938, and was dubbed "the Showplace of the Tennessee Valley." Today, there are 14 cabins available for rental in the Park. Your tour is of Cabin Number 1. It is a quaint, stone cottage, built in the Arts and Crafts style, popular at the time of construction. Rustic in its appeal, it has a hand-crafted stone fireplace and the original wood floor. The blanket chest is original, as is some of the other furniture. Step onto the side screen porch to take in the fresh mountain air and breathtaking panoramic view of the natural surroundings.
Photo of CCC Cabin
Fred, Jr. and Lisa Ordway Home
3425 Lookout Drive
When Fred and Lisa Ordway moved back to Huntsville from New Zealand in 1996, they knew they were home when they found this house right next door to the house in which Fred had grown up. Built in 1986, this Cape Cod home has many features that make it appear much older. The main floor of the house has mainly antique heart pine flooring, complimenting family antiques, Persian rugs, and artwork from all over the world. Off the kitchen is the family's "summer den," a lovely screen porch that overlooks the beautiful backyard. Lisa says that almost everything in her house has a story. For instance, you will see a painting of relative John Ordway, of Lewis and Clark fame, hanging over the mantle. An avid seamstress and needle worker, Lisa's work decorates every room. A true family home, the Ordway's even painted their house red and green so it would always be ready for their favorite holiday: Christmas.
Photo of Fred Ordway Jr. Home
Ruth Rothe
The Gardens at
3018 Crescent Circle
The ranch style home was build by Clark Hereford in 1960 for Heinrich (Henry) Rothe, one of the "Paperclip" German rocket scientists. Since then, the living room, which is included on the tour, has been extensively remodeled. A fireplace and deck were added, the roof raised, and the northern and western walls replaced by glass, bringing the natural environment and changing seasons into the room for all to enjoy. From the deck, you may follow a stone path through a charming bluff garden leading to a gravel path that zigzags down the mountainside to Land Trust property. Although the descent is gradual, sturdy walking shoes are recommended. While the path was created by Henry and his eldest brother, Karl, Henry's widow Ruth developed the bluff garden with the help of Judy, the gardener. With a magnificent view of the valley below, the bluff garden abounds with wildflowers, lilies, and a variety of domestic plants. Six American Cranberry shrubs, a gift of Henry's daughter, Barbara, produce red berries which attract the birds. A rock garden, designed by Vita French, has been added this year.
Photo of Rothe Garden
Historic Burritt Mansion
3101 Burritt Drive
The present house is the second one built on the site. The first one, constructed of wood and native stone, burned the day Dr. Burritt moved in on June 6, 1936. During its reconstruction, concrete and concrete-fiber-reinforced shingles replaced much of the wood used in the original design. Fronted by a large two-story portico, the entranceway features large Doric columns of concrete which were cast by hand on site. The ornamentation of the house combines many different architectural styles including classical revival, federal, and art deco. Unique to both houses was the use of 2200 bales of wheat straw as insulation.
Photo of Burritt Mansion
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