Pollock Estate in Mobile, Alabama, 1850-1952 History

Frances Benjamin Johnston captured this vintage photograph of a building in Mobile, Alabama, created between 1864 and 1952. This structure, known as the Pollock Estate, was constructed from 1850 to 1852 by John Waldron. The design features an exterior of brick masonry, while the interior includes wood and plaster elements. The top floor served as a residence, and the street-level floor functioned as a dry goods store, showcasing the mixed-use nature of architecture during this period.

The Pollock Estate is significant within the context of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to document the diverse architectural heritage of the region. This survey represents a vital historical record, capturing the evolution of building styles and usages in the Southern United States.

This photograph not only serves as a visual document of Mobiles architectural history but also highlights the cultural and economic activities that shaped the community in the 19th century.