Winter Place: A Glimpse into Montgomery's Past

Winter Place stands as a testament to Montgomery's rich history and architectural evolution during the mid-19th century. This unique complex comprises two conjoined houses, the North House and the South House, each representing distinct architectural styles and reflecting the changing tastes of the Winter family who resided there.The story of Winter Place begins with Colonel Joseph Samuel Winter, a prominent businessman and community figure in Montgomery. In the 1850s, Winter commissioned the construction of the North House, an Italianate-style residence that served as the primary family home. Following the Civil War, in the 1870s, Winter added the South House to the complex. Architectural historians believe that Samuel Sloan, a renowned Philadelphia architect who designed Winter's first home in Montgomery in 1851, also designed Winter Place.Beyond its architectural significance, Winter Place holds a unique place in Montgomery's social and cultural history. According to family lore, the South House was the site of a tea party where F. Scott Fitzgerald first met his future wife, Zelda Sayre. In the mid-20th century, the complex was converted into apartments. After decades of neglect, Winter Place was added to the Alabama Historical Commission's Places in Peril list in 2004. Recent restoration efforts promise to bring new life to this historic landmark, ensuring that its story continues to be told for years to come.