National Register Listing

Golf, Gun & Country Club

a.k.a. Manning House

651 Johnson Ave., Fairhope, AL
Lacking the traditional agricultural or industrial sources of revenue, Fairhope depended heavily on vacationers from Mobile and the North. The town's beautiful natural setting, healthfulness and generally .slower pace appealed to harried people everywhere. Local officials aggressively promoted Fairhope's attractions through brochures and magazine articles and constantly sought new ways to enhance the resort environment. By the teens many felt that a good golf course would prove a great attraction. The Courier editorialized, "People would like to come to Fairhope for the winter provided there is a golf course here." Others agreed and in 1916 a 9 hole golf course was laid on Single-Tax land, south of Fairhope Avenue and east of Marshall's Gully. The course was designed by Walter Fovargue of Chicago and plans were also made for a clubhouse. Actual construction on the clubhouse did not begin until 1922. By this time Fairhope was doing well with a population of over 800, city owned water works, light and power plant, telephone, street railway line with one and a half miles of track, bath houses, wharf and public library with four thousand volumes. On New Year's night 1923 the "beautiful new club house" was dedicated.(Courier, 1/5/23) Besides serving as a headquarters for golfers, the new building was the scene of local dances and teas. During the late 1950s the golf course was drawn off into lots and soon covered with houses. The clubhouse was surrounded by apartments and houses and itself became a residential unit. The present owners renovated the building in 1985.
Local significance of the building:
Entertainment/recreation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

entertainment recreation architecture land surveys, land companies, promotional towns
Audiobooks about the history of Alabama.
Alabama is home to several important civil rights landmarks, including the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, which was the site of a deadly bombing in 1963, and the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, which was the site of the "Bloody Sunday" confrontation between civil rights marchers and state troopers in 1965.
Alabama random facts
Baldwin County, AL, located on the Gulf Coast, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Creek, Choctaw, and Chickasaw, who relied on the abundant natural resources of the region for their livelihoods.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area and claimed it as part of their territory. They established settlements and missions, but their presence was short-lived as the French, British, and eventually the United States asserted control over the region. The county is named after Abraham Baldwin, a delegate from Georgia who signed the U.S. Constitution.

During the 19th century, Baldwin County became an important hub for shipping and commerce due to its strategic location and access to waterways. The towns of Daphne, Fairhope, and Bay Minette thrived as trading centers, attracting settlers from various backgrounds and cultures. The county also played a significant role in the Civil War, with some areas supporting the Confederacy and others remaining Unionist.

In the early 20th century, Baldwin County experienced a period of economic growth and development. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the region brought new opportunities, and agriculture, particularly the growth of timber and citrus, continued to be important industries. The county also became a popular tourist destination, known for its pristine beaches and charming towns.

Today, Baldwin County remains a vibrant and growing community. It is one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama, experiencing a boom in residential and commercial development. The county's rich history and natural beauty continue to attract visitors and residents alike, making it a desirable place to live, work, and play.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Baldwin County, Alabama.

  • 1800 - Baldwin County was established on December 21.
  • 1809 - The county seat was established in Blakeley.
  • 1868 - The county seat was moved to Daphne.
  • 1901 - The county seat was moved to Bay Minette.
  • 1907 - The first Baldwin County Courthouse was built in Bay Minette.
  • 2005 - Hurricane Katrina caused significant damage in the county.
  • 2010 - The population of Baldwin County exceeded 180,000 residents.