The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-11-04
An Aesthetic and Inquisitive Stranger
Taken in Charge By an Appeal Re-
porter and Escorted About the City
on a Quiet Search.

how do you live2
trip along Peachtree street in Atlanta,
Canal street in New Orleans, Third and
Fourth streets in Louisville, reveals dis
play OF costly and luxurious homes, to the
like OF which Memphis may not aspire for
years 10 come.
Business and commerce have so crowded
on the residence reserves that a sad mix
ture OF ware. houses and homes constantly
meets the eye.
TnE APPEAL man was particularly in
terested in showing the inquiring stranger
the scattered houses that make up the
sum total Of what may be classed ~ hand
some homes.
A trip out Rayburn avenue, over the
level macadamized road, brought the party
10 the extremity, where Jno. Gaston's for
est-coycred grounds and stately house sit
in elegant repose, while across tbs way
Judge I. J. Latham occupies five or six
acres OF beautiful grounds, in the midst Of
which handsome aud modern house is
built.
Further down, Col. Ensleys home ex-
tends far back from the avenue, with a
lovely lawn and an immense grove Of for
est trees.
There Is every inducement TO make the
avenue into one Of elegant homes, and the
idea If being worked into shape by a num-
Der OF spirited residents.
A hurried spin out Vance street, which
presents two rows OF alternate cottage and
brick residences. The monotony is little
varied until the corner OF Orleans is
reached, and here DIR. Porter has erected
within the last few years one OF those
princely residences that only wealth and
taste can supply. Set in the midst OF n
heavy growth OF oaks, none Of Its size and
effectiveness is lost 10 the passer.by. With
its many gables and wings, II gives the
impression of roomincss and beauty. The
interior is richly furnished, and the genial
owner Is ever ready 10 throw open its
doors 10 friends and visitors.
Out Vance, across into Union avenue,
where tho iirst breeze from the fields
strikes you, aud the explorers found them
selves at the gates Of Col. John Overton.
In a richly wooded spot he has chosen TO
erect one Of those roomy and comfortable
mansions that give stronger impressions
of antc-bcllum wealth and ease than any
other kind.
The stranger In charge Of TnE APPEAL
man had about ceased 90 wonder in re-
gard 81 the location Of tho handsome
homes, he was being slowly convicted.
Across to the north through tho new
made avenues and they halted in front of
the residence Of the late II. A. Mont.
gumcry, model OF beauty, u typical man
sion ~ the Italian renaissance; It's stately
pillari and marbles, crowned withan orna-
mental dome, leave pleasant impression
Of stately beauty. While the beautiful
lawn adds beauty TO effect, IL is the in
terror that most appeals 20 the artistic
sense. Rich with stained glass, polished
wood, tiles and marbles. IL affords every
opportunity for rich furnishing. II Is
possibly the most complete residence in
the city. The stranger had 10 be torn
from the spot 10 inspect further archi.
tcctunl beauties.
The lcaiy shade and baronial aspect Of
tho BFinkley mansion, on the corner of
Manassas and Poplar streoia, struck the
ancestral side OF the visitor. The pure
Cornthian style Of the building, It's solid
aud substantial appearance, make Il nj once
impressive and imposing. Its low-ccilcd
chambers, It's wide aud roomy halls, It's cx-
quisitc ballroom make this one Of the most
attractive interiors In the city.
adams street next attracted attention,
and proved itself 10 he the future iayoritc
residence street Since the completion OF
the Foniaino house formerly owned by
A. Woodruff II has been the attractive
feature In that part Of the street Tall
and perfectly proportioned, II Is one Of the
most striking homes In the city.
Next 10 II stands the fine old mansion
owned hy J. &. Nicely. II has been cot
years pointed out rs one Of the elegant
| homes OF the city. Since IL has come into
/ Al. a.. Ia A.
gone thorough renovation, and for into
nor finish aud beauty IL IL not surpassed
by any Of the homes OF local merchant
princes.
ON the corner Of Third aud Madison Mr.
Napoleon llill las erected within the past
few years NJ extensive aud elegant a HON,
a. the limited space would allow In III,
heart oi the city, u IL handicapped 10
making ~ prctcntious an exhibit as u 1,
were moro alyaniagcously situated.
Ono VI the latest aud most beautiful al.
dilions 10 the residences II the artistic and
beautiful homo Of II. VI. Nicely, ON Adam.
street, nj the head Of laudcfdalc. In IA,
center Of broad lawn, II presents most
imposing appearance. II IN built in ia,
style OF the modern renaissance, " prcssc,
brick amt cdgmnitc facing aud trimming
| ~ - NllA"sA Af'N ~ ~ NANAA NlANAl hilNt
ending In the handsome porte oochcp
on the west side. Three stories and !
tower give a splendid relief 10 this SHAPED,
pile, all Of which entities IL 10 the univef
sal verdict oi being the handsomcsl hous,
In Memphis. IT, Interior IL a. iull Of rich
beauty as the exterior would Indicate. A
large stained glass window on the fir
landing gives ample light 10 the spaciou
halls, which are the chief features Of thu
house. II h finished throughout In liar,
woods. beautifully polished.
frOm the elegant saloons ON tho fin
flopt 10 the finished ball nom In the attic
this residence Ia complete In every detail
and finish. II would he difficult 10 Tel
the exact cost, but that Il represents al
outlay Of not lcss than Sd0,OoO, 'Iwould b,
safe 10 state.
In an interview with one q the lcadinl
architects, hc predicts a healthy growth Il
the architectural adofnmcnis oi the city
Mcfchan Il have hitherto been too busy Il
acquiring the wealth necessary for hand
some homes, but that they are vcoyerlnl
from the strain that has lasted ~ long
they are awakening 10 the necessity an,
advantage Of tasteful aud beautiful homes
Brick aud stone will h.. after all, th,
most acceptable material and twill he hu
short while before II will be- In the rcacl
OF ncn Of moderate means 10 build 10
themselves homes, both ornamental an,
attractive.