The Porter's 1970's House
	Tom Porter liked the construction of this house. He claimed that, with its diagonal tongue-and-groove sheathing, it could roll over in a tornado intact. I always liked the old coal smell in the basement. The fig tree in the back yard produced mountains of preserves, which Sallie advertised on a talk radio show for a ridiculously low price.

Incredibly, this neighborhood which once seemed so 'iffy' is now coming back strong. This is a close in, cheap area for UAB medical students and staff. Even more incredible, can you believe this house is a historical site? Everyone now wants to know that this is the 1910 Tate-Calloway House. Unfortunately, the most memorable feature to me - the cranked jalousy windows on the porch - have been removed.

August 2003 update: Just came across this picture, possibly taken just after the Porters purchased the house in the late 60's. I can't otherwise account for the pieces of paper stuck on the front door.   When arriving for a visit from school late one Friday night, I tapped on the bedroom windows seen at the side of the house. Then I thought to step back a little, just in case Tom let fly with the .38 he kept under his pillow.

	Written by Pete Hughes after our visit on April 12, 1999. If you too have strong memories of these scenes, please mail me at