Fendall Hall among South’s ‘Great Homes’

By Tiffiny Woo

Published: August 1, 2008

Dr. Laurie Ossman and photographer Steven Brooke have seen it all, but the pair was astounded when they rolled into Eufaula last week.
“This is the best we’ve seen,” said Ossman, commenting on the historic atmosphere and architectural preservation in Eufaula.
Ossman and Brooke are currently working on a book tentatively titled “Great Homes of the South” to be released in the winter of 2009. They’ve selected three or four homes from each state in the South to feature in their book, and Fendall Hall was one of three historical sites chosen in Alabama.
“I’ve photographed all over the world,” said Brooke, “and I can tell you, Eufaula is something special.”
A world-renowned photographer, Brooke has photographed historic sites in Jerusalem, Venice and Rome. He has been recognized both nationally and internationally as a leader in architectural and landscape photography.
An avid champion of historical preservation, Brooke used his talent in photography to support preservation of the Miami Art Deco district in the 1980’s. His book “Deco Delights” is still considered an authority on the district.
Brooke met Dr. Ossman while photographing the Viscayan Museum and Gardens in Miami. Ossman was, until recently, the deputy director for the historic site. She now serves as director of Woodlawn Plantation and Pope-Leighey House, National Trust Historic Site, in Mt. Vernon, Va.
Ossman holds a doctorate and a master’s degree from the University of Virginia in American Architectural History. She has shown an avid interest in the preservation of historical structures, particularly in the southern states.
Ossman says they chose Fendall Hall for their book because of the murals and time period of the house that make it unique.
Travelling around the South has been an adventure for Ossman and Brooke.
“It’s interesting to see how history and architecture have been preserved in different areas, not just metropolitan areas like Atlanta, but in communities like Eufaula as well,” said Ossman.
Fendall Hall Director Deborah Casey said being featured in the book will give Fendall Hall and Eufaula international exposure.
The purpose of the book, said Ossman, is to feature both big-name and little-known historical houses in the South.
Fendall Hall will get a four or five-page spread in the publication. The book will come out next December, at which time Ossman and Brooke plan to return to Fendall Hall for a book signing.