The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-07-09

Il
 f A Birmingham home which well rep- resents the rapid growth of Birmingham and the enlargement of the city's area, is that of MT and Mrs. Sterling A. Wood, which nestles in the rear of ten-acre i mark beyond the crest of Red Mountain. | Almost everyone who has lived in Bir- [ rningham a few years can recall the fire which destroyed the first home of MT. ! and Mrs. Wood on this property, and knows that even so short a time ago when. with the coming of dusk, the flames burned against the sky like a torch, it seemed very far away. and almost to- tally inaccessible.
 That first residence had been large navilion in the center of Red Mountain Park" a pleasure resort at which many picnics and summer dances were held. It was converted into a charming and altogether lovable abode for the Woods and was occupied by them until one sum- rner during the family's absence, 1t went up in smoke, despite the fire extingufsh- CTS which were supposed to safeguard ,t The present cottage was built fur ther back from the road which passes over Red Mountain, on site which is not conspicuous nor as pretty as the first. but which was chosen because it has not beneath 1t the 20 feet of iron ore, which will necessitate excavation of the former site at some future time.
 One climbs the hill to the Wood resi- dence. but to one who has known it many years 1t seems to have climbed down to meet him. for whereas it formerly ap- neared almost out of the world, it is now inst over the hill from the last house on Twentieth street. A road winds through tho grounds, built up at one side with the red ore of which the mountain is made. When one reaches the big gate the tin sign which is nailed on one of the posts and which states: Welcome to- day. Do not pull the flowers or tres pass' is noted. "Welcome today means "Welcome every day" for the words are never removed and similar sign is post ed on six other gates. It means just what it says, for, when one visits this inviting place unannounced the most win some greeting is received and if a tele- ohone message announces his coming, there is sure to be some member of the faniiy-maybe a little chap with big black eyes, or Mrs. wood herself, to attend him up the long path. The Erounds are principally rustic, though there is garden of roses and just now there are big fluffy balls If blossoms all pink and bright and red and white and gold which suggest an old-world garden. On the side of the path at some dis tance from the cottage is a tall tree, high in whose branches is little house which was the architectural achievement of one of the small sons of the house. The tree house has sheltered many advocates of . the fresh air cult besides himself. His ! father slept there many times last sum mer and during the period of excessive hospitality among the dwellers at Kill Kare-the camp which overlooks them from the hill above-several campers spent their nights there. The most recent ad- dition to the place. however, is summer rustic house, made of rough logs, and which is entered after leaving the front door of the residence by flight of steps It stands just back of marble sun dial which gives, of course, It's own charming note to the sweet place. There is a tennis court, on which many happy contests were decided last summer-some in the very early morning and followed with a typical country breakfast under the trees-others in the afternoon, when Miss Leila Wood was the hostess, fol- lowing with tea.
 The cottage Is unaffected and charming, like its inmates. One knows it for the abode of cultured. gracious folk. for the comfort of the wide hall and reception rooms, the cases filled with books, the restful, useful quiet furnishings tell of a real love of the refnements of life and an indifference to ostentation. It is an ideal home for a student and yet the surroundings tell that there are no idle dreamers among the five splendid sons of MT. and Mrs. Wood. The Lodge, a four-room cottage at little distance from the house, contains the boys sleep ing rooms. The chickens, which are tended by one of the younger lads; the flowers, which are a result of the efforts of small Basil. the family florist. and the kennels, where several handsome bird dogs and Big Bill" the noble old St Bernard, dwell speak for themselves when question arises as to the tastes and habits of the Wood boys.
 With such a home it is not difficult to imagine why the two older sons of MT. and Mrs. Wood are reflecting much credit on Birmingham this summer Clement Wood, the oldest has just returned after graduating with honors at Yale, and has established himself in his fathers law office. Thursday word came of the suc-