Tom McGehee
Ask McGehee: A “Warehouse District” in Mobile?
While it was not officially called the warehouse district, there was, beginning in the 19th century, a small city of...
Ask McGehee: What ever happened to the Bienville Hotel?
In 1900, it was announced that Mobile would soon have a new hotel on the northwest corner of St. Francis and St....
Ask McGehee: Mobile buildings had a lot more ironwork in years past. What...
In 1839, the popular architect Asher Benjamin recommended cast iron in his book, “The Builder’s Guide.” He noted its low cost...
Ask McGehee: The former Higgins Mortuary
The building had a storied past as both a social club and a mortuary. One of the most well-respected funeral homes, Higgins...
Ask McGehee: How has Santa Claus visited Mobile in the past?
Throughout the 19th century Santa developed from the Dutch tradition of a “jolly old elf” to the robust, bearded man described by...
Ask McGehee: Bankhead Tunnel
Ironically, the tunnel was named for a family that never lived in Mobile. And Tallulah had nothing to do with its construction....
.jpg "Ask McGehee: Was there ever a hotel in Spring Hill?"){kind=small}
Ask McGehee: Was there ever a hotel in Spring Hill?
Actually there were two. Spring Hill got its name from the numerous springs in the area. Between the good water supply and higher...
Ask McGehee: “Dixey” Shipwreck
“Dixey” is the correct spelling. It comes from an ill-fated clipper ship, the Robert H. Dixey, which was launched from Boston...
Ask McGehee: Historic Marker at the southeast corner of Government and Warren streets
From 1907 until 1952, Alabama’s oldest Jewish congregation worshipped in a temple located at the southeast corner of Government and Warren streets. However,...
Ask McGehee: Magnolia Manor
In June 1931, the homeowner, local defense attorney Foster Kirksey Hale Jr., was gunned down by his former mistress in his...