Highland Park in Birmingham in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Thompson House

2848 Highland Avenue

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 11, 2023

1. Thompson House Marker

Inscription. Stephen E. Thompson was a native of Oberlin, Ohio who came to Birmingham in 1889 and became an active investor in real estate and land development. When he was ready to build his house on Highland Avenue, he chose an Oberlin architect, Daniel Reamer, to design It. Daniel Reamer and his brother Robert practiced architecture in Birmingham for several years in the early 20th century and designed a number of houses throughout this district. The firm also designed the famous Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone Park.

Begun in 1908 and taking two years to complete, this Craftsman house reflects the rustic style and bold use of materials for which the Reamers are well known. It remained in Mr. Thompson's family for most of the 20th century, passing down through his daughter Helen Thompson Haughton and then her daughter Anne Hettrick Powell. The house finally left the Thompson family in 1997.

The Thompson House and its neighbors on the 2800 block of Highland constitute the most intact of the Avenue's historic houses. It is part of the Rhodes Park-Highland Park Historic District, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

Erected by Alabama Historical Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture.

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In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.

Location. 33° 30.376′ N, 86° 46.932′ W. Marker is in Birmingham, Alabama, in Jefferson County. It is in Highland Park. It is at the intersection of Highland Avenue and 29th Street South, on the right when traveling west on Highland Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2848 Highland Ave, Birmingham AL 35205, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Donnelly House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Altamont Apartments (within shouting distance of this marker); Jordan Home (within shouting distance of this marker); The Coe House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A.B. Loveman House (about 500 feet away); Independent Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Little Theater Clark Memorial Theatre Virginia Samford Theatre (approx. 0.3 miles away); Site of the First Alabama - Auburn Football Game (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birmingham.

Also see . . . Rhodes Park/Highland Avenue Historic District (PDF). National Register of Historic Places nomination form for the district, which includes the Thompson House. (National Archives)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 11, 2023

2. Thompson House Marker

(Submitted on February 12, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Thompson House image. Click for full size.

Davis Advertising & Sales Company via Birmingham Public Library (Public Domain), 1910

3. Thompson House

The house as seen in 1910, shortly after it was built.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,046 times since then and 81 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 12, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.