New Wooden Porch Gives Nod to the Past

Site Director Melissa Beasley reports work is well underway on the wooden south porch, including columns modeled after the originals.

"A concrete porch built in 1949 was present when the home was donated to the Alabama Historical Commission in 1994," says Beasley. "This 2011 wooden porch is being constructed to replace the house's original porch."

Beasley says that by referencing old photographs and studying some original surviving columns, the restored porch will look like the one General Wheeler used.

The updated handicap accessible porch should function better and last longer thanks to its underground drainage system and new brick footings.

"I'm looking forward to having a place to sit, talk, and greet our guests on the porch," says Beasley.