Erskine House

The story

Behind the sketch.

Although associated with Dr. Albert Russel Erskine, this Federal-period house predates him by nearly a decade. Erskine was born in Huntsville in 1827, studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and returned home to practice. He later served as a Confederate surgeon during the Civil War, and became a leader in local medical and public-health organizations. The blue-glass panes in the upstairs windows are among the house's more curious features. Sunlight filtered through blue glass was once believed to ease ailments such as arthritis. Fun fact: it appears the Russel Erskine Hotel was not named for Dr. Albert Russel Erskine, but instead for his nephew Albert Russel Erskine, who became the President of Studebaker.

Neighborhood

Twickenham

Book location

Page 44