The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-06-26

The social and home life of Birmng- hams newly elected chief executive make one of the most interesting phases of his career. Mr and Mrs. Exum have made their home since their marriage a few years ago in one of the most pala- tial houses on Highland avenue. It was in course of construction at the time of their wedding, and while they were enioving a honeymoon tour of Europe the final touches were being added to make f. the perfect setting chosen by Mir Exum for his beautiful bride. The house, large edfice, constructed along broad and massive lines, Is on a high elevation ebove the avenue. The lawns are per- fectly kept and the terrace Is as smooth and solid as the English turf. There IS always the appearance of perfect fresh ness that comes from the carefulness and watchfulness of an expert gardener and the flowers which border the house are the most gorgeous of their kind. on the lawn near the rear of the house and close to the pretty, well-kept cot tages reserved for the family servants was a little striped tent this week which told of the outdoor pleasures Of two little people who fill the house and gar den with happiness. They are represen- tative of Birningham's "beaux and belles of the future"-Culpepper Exum, Jr., and Lestra Kinney Exum. Within the big house are many evidences of their happy child life, and they may be seen almost any afternoon tumbling and romping about on the lawn. Mrs. Exum gives much of her time to their. pleasure and amusement, and in her happy compan- ionship she is the true type of the Amer ican mother.
 The Exum residence is one of the best known on Highland avenue and the at tention of strangers is always directed to it. It is located on one of those many fascinating curves in the beautiful boule- yard, at the Twenty-ninth street corner. The house, a frame one, was built large ly of brown stone and is painted a dark green it's soft, restful shade mingling pleasantly with the brown. A wide vc- randa almost encircles 1t. passing across the broad front and on either side with inviting effect The interior is most im- posing. Luxury and taste combine to
 
 tuous. artistic and home like. Spacious reception rooms, drawing-room and li- brary are decorated with a subdued ele- sance of color effect whose appeal IS em- phasized by interesting curios and speci- mems of the best achievements in modern art. In the midst of these surroundings MT. Culpepper Exum, who was this nom mated Mayor of Greater Birmingham, and his lovely wife, have their home It has been many times the scene of hospitality as generous as it is gentle, for both MT. and Mrs Exum are fond of society and like nothing better than to have their friends about them. Small dinner parties and after-theatre suppers however, have been the principal hospitalities of the past year, with an occasional luncheon given by Mrs. Exum. Their house IS admirably adapted for general entertain ing but both prefer the smaller affairs as bringing their friends closer to them. I. may readily be understood that MT, Exum, who is one of the most geniai men in Birmingham, and one of the most sincere, would be the best of hosts. and his success is heightened by the charm ing influence of Mrs. Exum, one or the most gracious as well as one of the most beautiful young matrons in society She was formerly Miss Lestra Kinney the elder daughter of MT. and Mrs Frank G. Kinney. Her young ladyhood was very brief After ending her studies at a fashionable eastern school she was given a period of travel in Europe as the final preparation for society. After her debut, and during her first season of belleship. society quite raved' over the beautiful Miss Kinney. Her dainty mignonne face, soft brown eyes and grace full little figure became familiar to every one and beauty-loving Birmingham pro nounced her it's most beautiful girl At the close of the season, however, her engagement to Mr. Exum was announced and their marriage followed in the late spring. Her popularity as girl has continued as a young matron.
 MT. Exum has been, ever since his com ing to Birmingham. good many years ago, one of the most conspicuous men in the social world. He was a popular bachelor much longer than he has been a married man, and a smart affair was