Decatur in Morgan County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Schaudies - Banks Cottage

Photographed by Tim Carr, February 20, 2010

1. Schaudies - Banks Cottage Marker

Inscription. During the 1870s, Samuel Schaudies and Abbie Robinson Schaudies moved to this site from Huntsville and purchased this five-room cottage in 1881 for $800.00. The deed lists this site as part of Lot 84, “Old Town” Decatur. In 1875, their daughter, Tulie Ophelia, was born and, in 1898, she married H. J. Banks in the parlor. He was a descendant of a pioneer Decatur family, notary public, businessman, and son of a city alderman. Their daughter, Athelyne Celest, was born and lived in this cottage for ninety-eight years. She was a tireless church worker, educator, and philanthropist. An academy, city park, and elementary school were named in her honor.

Erected 2006 by Alabama Historical Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.

Location. 34° 36.971′ N, 86° 59.094′ W. Marker is in Decatur, Alabama, in Morgan County. It is on Sycamore Street Northwest north of Wilson Street Northeast (U.S. 72), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Decatur AL 35601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Alabama.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. 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 original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: “a place of importance” - Union Leadership at Decatur (within shouting distance of this marker); Burleson House (circa 1836) (within shouting distance of this marker); Dancy-Polk House (circa 1829) (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Daisy Nolan (about 600 feet away); Two Bridges Across The Tennessee River (about 600 feet away); Parker-Hayes Boarding House and Tourist Home (about 600 feet away); Confederate Leadership at Decatur - McCartney Hotel Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old State Bank Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Decatur.

Additional commentary.
1. The Cottage
The Cottage has been torn down but the marker still stands...for now.

— Submitted June 15, 2025, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia.

Photographed by Tim Carr, February 20, 2010

2. Schaudies - Banks Cottage Marker

Schaudies - Banks Cottage image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Carr, February 20, 2010

3. Schaudies - Banks Cottage

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, September 21, 2025

4. Schaudies - Banks Cottage Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,823 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 20, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. 2, 3. submitted on February 21, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. 4. submitted on September 22, 2025, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.