Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com
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| 51 N. Bayview |
BAYFRONT HISTORIC DISTRICT
Renovations have begun to the Slosson/Stapleton house at 51 N. Bayview Avenue in the city's Bayfront Historic District. Remodeling includes removing the porch and adding a bedroom and a "bonus" room; also a detached garage with a second floor studio are planned, according to permits.
This is site 78 in the BHD; an American Foursquare design, according to the latest historic district survey (2015).
From Wikipedia: "The American Foursquare is an American house vernacular under the Arts and Crafts style popular from the mid-1890s to the late 1930s. A reaction to the ornate and mass produced elements of the Victorian and other Revival styles popular throughout the last half of the 19th
century, the American Foursquare was plain, often incorporating
handcrafted "honest" woodwork. This architectural vernacular incorporates elements of the Prairie School and the Craftsman styles. It is also sometimes called Transitional Period."
An American Foursquare is Key features include a low-pitched hip or pyramidal roof, a large central dormer, and a wide front porch. Inside, the layout is divided into four rooms on each floor, with a central staircase."
NEW OWNERS
Current owner is Chadrick Williams of Sumrall, MS. according to county land records; Patricia Stapleton was the owner for many years before, until March 2025.
SLOSSON ORIGINAL OWNER
Edwin Slosson was the original owner, according to historical documents; his family moved to Fairhope from Silverhill in 1910. His brother Eugene lived nearby; they operated a machinist workshop in back, on the property.
Edwin fought for the Union in one of the last battles of the Civil War in the Mobile area; and was wounded here. He moved his family to Silverhill in the 1880s from Illinois.
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| 2015 photo. |
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| Original Slosson family. |
Comments
Look forward to seeing new trees and landscaping around this iconic home!
When the work began, we initially believed that only a few trees would need to be removed because during the purchase of the house the seller’s made us aware the water had to be turned off due to burst pipes. Unfortunately, once the contractors started digging, they discovered extensive root damage around the house plumbing lines. We were devastated when they explained that far more trees than expected would have to come down to address the damage and protect the home.
In addition, many of the trees along the sides of the property were either invasive or diseased, which had been requested for removal by both neighbors on each side of us because of the berries/limbs continually falling into their yard. Since the work was already underway, those were also addressed at the same time.
Please know that one of the main reasons we fell in love with this home was the beautiful canopy of trees surrounding it, so the loss has been upsetting to us as well. We are committed to replanting with appropriate species and restoring as much of that natural beauty as possible so the property continues to complement the neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Chad and Heather Williams