van antwerp building, mobile's first skyscraper

Van Antwerp Building, Mobile, AL

Pictured here are two photos of the Van Antwerp building in Mobile, Alabama. Just 11 stories high, the building was completed in 1907 and was considered the city's first skyscraper. The building, which has lovely details, is currently being renovated. My husband and I once ate in the restaurant on its first floor. In it, one can see signs of a pharmacy that once occupied the place. Back in the day, professionals revealed their clout if they had an office in this building. I am thinking of using these images in a "Meet the Students" video, which will be shortly visible on this site. As the students will learn in Gunther Barth's City People, the first text before us, by the time this building was constructed many Americans were already fleeing the decay seen in cities. The affordability of automobiles in the early 20th century made it possible for many individuals to move to less congested areas. The tensions between the city and quieter places that might be described as either the suburbs or the countryside are always before us. For example, during this class's first meeting this past Wednesday, we introduced ourselves by announcing our names, where we were from and whether we thought our birthplace could be described best as the city or country. Depending on how we answered, we then had to name something "uncountry" or "uncity" about ourselves. It was interesting to hear how we dealt with stereotypes concerning either space. As we continue probing such ideas, we are witnessing enthusiastic

Detail of Van Antwerp building, Mobile, AL

interest and support from many among them, Professor Jeremy Butler from UA's College of Communication & Information Sciences; Telecommunication & Film, who made me aware of a Library Congress link featuring archival photos of nineteenth century Tuscaloosa buildings. As mentioned in a previous blog entry, UA Research Librarian Brett Spencer kindly added this link on a digital Library Guide to which the students have access. In addition to Dr. Richard Megraw, who, as also mentioned, will share his expertise on the linkages between baseball and nineteenth century American cities, as a guest speaker, Sarah Riches, who has a Masters in Architecture, will also join us as a guest speaker. Riches will help the students understand how old buildings have stories to tell. Susan Reynolds, Associate Editor of Alabama Heritage, another guest speaker, will share her memories of working in the Kilgore House, which was recently demolished. Next week, Emily Jamison of UA's Special Events will give the students a tour of the President's Mansion. That same day, the students will visit Hoole Library where postdoctoral fellow Dr. Amy Chen will introduce them to resources that will help them complete their first essay on a local building. Ian Crawford, House Manager of the Jemison Mansion, has also offered to aid the students with their research and invited them to tour that mansion. We look forward to sharing what we learn along the way. Stay tuned.