Birmingham -- Massey Garden

The Massey estate, which included a 20-room, Beaux-Arts style mansion and elaborate gardens, was the home of businessman Richard W. Massy in Birmingham, Alabama beginning around 1905. The gardens were designed and overseen by men hired by Massey from Europe. On the east side of the estate were elaborate Italian-inspired gardens with fountains and imported statuary. Behind the house a terraced garden surrounded by a seat-height wall was planted with aromatic plants surrounding a large marble fountain. The gardens could be accessed from the house through glass doors leading onto the terrace, which was draped with wisteria. The Massey family hosted many large parties, dances, and small gatherings in the manicured gardens considered by many to be one of the city's loveliest locations. The estate later housed the Birmingham College of Music and was then home to Dr. and Mrs. James Crenshaw, until it was finally razed in the 1960s to make way for the construction of an expressway through the city. Persons associated include: Richard W. Massey (former owner), Joseph Clifford Turner (architect, 1904), Birmingham College of Music (former owner), Dr. and Mrs. James Crenshaw (former owner).

Postcard published by Post Card Exchange, Publishers, Birmingham, ALA. The design for the Alabama state seal on verso suggests the postcard was manufactured prior to 1939.