Reviewed by: Audrey Johnson
McThornmor Acres district gets new historic marker
Huntsville’s long and storied history can be seen in numerous spots around the city, and thanks to the preservation efforts from city leaders, many of Huntsville’s historic places have been given their proper recognition.
This past week, the McThornmor Acres Historic District received its much-awaited historic marker to signify its place in Huntsville’s rich history.
Recognition for McThornmor Acres
The new historic marker comes nearly two years after the neighborhood joined the U.S. Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places.
Historic Huntsville Foundation Executive Director Donna Castellano initially identified McThornmor Acres for possible inclusion on the NRHP and David Schneider of Schneider Historic Preservation, LLC, surveyed the neighborhood in 2018.
“The addition of McThornmor Acres to the National Register of Historic Places is an exciting announcement for all our citizens. We have so much residential growth and development happening in all corners of our City, but this honor reminds us we need to recognize and protect our existing historic neighborhoods as well.”
Mayor Tommy Battle
The collaborative effort by Castellano, neighborhood resident Diane Walls and former City Preservation Planner Jessica White opened the door to the survey of eight other mid-century neighborhoods, including Edmonton Heights, Blossomwood, Medical District, Mayfair, Magnolia Terrace, Terry Heights and Whitesburg Estates.
More about this historic neighborhood
McThornmor Acres is named for the men who incorporated the neighborhood through a creative morphing of their names:
- Vance J. Thornton
- S. O. McDonald
- James D. Thornton
- Carl A. Morring Jr.
- Allen M. Northington
Platted in 1956 and completed in 1969, it was the largest subdivision west of Huntsville to be annexed into the City at that time. The neighborhood was also the first area developed following that annexation.
Huntsville’s District 4 City Council Member Bill Kling said though older neighborhoods are “reminders of a simpler time,” they continue to thrive as new generations of residents discover their charms.
“Homes in established neighborhoods are popular with young families because they are well-built and they have yards where children can play. They also have walkable sidewalks and, best of all, engaged neighbors who have pride in their community.”
Bill Kling, Huntsville City Council, District 4
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