The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-07-18

There is no fairer section of beautiful
city than is Graymont Heights, the homo
of some of the most prominent Of Bir-
minghams citizens and with a natural
beauty which makes the residences that
have been established there the past few
years appeal to the eye of the art loyr
The approach to Graymont is through
quaint old Elyton, about which clings the
history of the Birmingham of pioneer
days. Giant trees shade the long drive
way which leads out from the city and
prepare one for the picturesque charms to
appear later. 1t is In the Elyton set
tlement that the homes of many of the
pioneer settlers and their descendants
were made. The old Joseph R. Smith
place. the residence of Judge Samuel E.
Greene, the R. A. Terrell place became
landmarks in that locality. Recently Col.
Il. o. Smith, who made his home in the
]. r. Smith place, Joined the colony at
Graymount, and has erected one of the
handsomest homes about town. The site
of his former home still indicates its past
beauty in the arrangement of the lawns
and a few remaining flowers but the
separated into two cottages. Nearby is
the Greene estate, and 1t is interesting to
note that the foundation has been laid
for a handsome home to be erected for
Mrs. Robert Greene, Judge Samuel
Greenes mother. Her present home has
been moved aside to give space on the
large lot, which is one of the most
beautiful around the city, with its huge
old trees and level, grassy lawns. The
old-fashioned flowers that have not been
disturbed by the workmen still lend their
rich color to the gardens. Mr.. R. A.
Terrell is also building a handsome home
adjacent to his present one. 1t is to
be far back from the street and ap
preached with a stately walk and a wind
ing driveway, and will suggest, as do all
the homes of that quaint locality, the ease
and comfort of the old SOUTH
1t is after passing these splendid homes
that one enters the picturesque lane lead
ing to Graymount. 1t was named for the
late Lucy Gray Jordan, wife of the first
Mortimer Jordan, who was a pioneer in
this section. and the grandfather of Col.
I. o. Smith and OF the present DR.. Nor
timer Jordan and DR.. William Mudd Jor-
dan. Mortimer Jordan the first and Lucy
Gray Jordan were the parents of the
first Mrs. Joseph r. Smith, Sr, who was
Miss Margaret Harvie Jordan. Gray
mont is a part of the estate of the late
DR.. Joseph r. Smith and is owned-the
greater part of it-by his heirs These are
Mr.. Joseph R. Smith, Mr.. C. j. Smith,
Col 7. o. Smith, Mr.. W. D. Smith, Mrs.
Robert McDavid, nee Irene Smith; Mrs
Ned MoDavid, nee Mittie Owen; Mrs
Dan Greene, nee Jordan Morrow, and Mrs
Richard Browne, nee Mary Lou Smith. A
part of it is also the property of the
Greenes and the Terre1ls.
Graymont Heights is entered through
two ornamental rock pillars, which stand
at either side of the street leading up
to residences which are on an eminence
above the city. On each of these col
umns is drinking fountain above great
stone basins where many a tired animal
has found refreshment. AS one passes
up the street two pretty homes are noted
. on opposite corners. They are the resi-
dences of Mr.. and Mrs. Ned Richard
son McDavid and Mr.. and Mrs. E. J.
Snow, Jr. The McDavid home stands on
an immense lot. AS one approaches tho
steps leading up to the white house a
large lawn is passed. which is the acme
of cool comfort, with its grassy surface
dotted here and there with trees and a
large swing rocking lazly amid the fol-
fage. wide veranda extends across
the front and on one side of the house
and it is on the side that a delightful
summer sitting room with lounging chairs
rugs, swing and a table laden with books
and magazines and a vase of bright flow
ers gives an immediate impression of
home and rest The living room Is fin
ished, as is the remainder of the house,
in soft, rich tones, which continue the
restful and inviting effect The furnish
ings, which correspond to the decorations
are deemed by Mr.. and Mrs. McDavid
Invaluable, because of the historical asso-
Citations which center about them.
massive mahogany book case, which Is a
family heirloom; a quaint buffet devel-
oped in crouch walnut, and an example
of the best of the craftsman's art, made
on the plantation of one of the hostess
kinsmen in ante-bellum days, and re-
Gently given a mahogany finish, so that
1t matches the other pieces in her coy
dining room; rosewood chairs of a grace
full pattern; a superb mahogany bureau
of forgotten type, and mahogany sofa