Perdue Hill-Claiborne Foundation

01/21/2026

Be sure to pick up a copy of the Monroe Journal this week!

A big thank-you to Lee Peacock for the wonderful feature on the Foundations newest addition to our historical properties!

01/19/2026

01/19/2026

🎉🎉I’m excited to share some great news — we’ve added a new historic building to the Perdue Hill–Claiborne Historical Foundation’s collection of properties - The Howard House!

This modest 600-square-foot dog-trot cottage (plus 300 square feet of porch) on Perdue Hill in Monroe County, Alabama—originally built in the 1850s as a summer retreat that evolved into a year-round family home. Though lacking electricity, indoor plumbing, and featuring two damaged chimneys today, its design includes a central hall formed by enclosing the original open dog-trot, a small semi-detached rear kitchen (still existing in the 1930s) connected by a covered passage, and a simple picket-fenced yard that framed everyday Southern life.

According to Perdue Hill native Mabel Moore Bedsole Hall (1898–1988), her grandfather's sister Mary (Moore) Howard and her husband Thomas Howard joined a group of Monroe County and South Alabama families who traveled to Brazil after the Civil War in hopes of recreating the "Old South." For the Howards, like many in that movement, the experiment proved disastrous; they eventually returned to Perdue Hill and, as Mrs. Hall recalled, lived out the rest of their lives in this little house, "much poorer, but much wiser."

Over the decades, the cottage was home to a succession of residents, including Lawrence and Corinne Locklin as newlyweds in the 1890s, Mrs. Anna (Moore) Tolin and her daughter's family, and the Howards' son, William L. "Master Billy" Howard (1852–1930). The Howard House stood directly across from the home of Emma (Agee) Broughton (1863–1916), a diarist whose writings frequently mentioned the cottage and its occupants, offering a rare firsthand glimpse into everyday life on Perdue Hill. The property passed through the Locklin family from the 1890s to the 1950s before being purchased by the Broughton family in the mid-20th century, further weaving it into the fabric of local family histories. Although its exact builder remains unknown, the Howard House reflects the architectural and social character of its time.

In December 2025, the building was gifted to the Foundation by board members Ann Broughton Magee and Agee Stallworth Broughton III. The Foundation plans to preserve it as a historic site.

📸 Photos: Melanie Dees Andress Jackson Knight

Ann Broughton Magee

12/03/2025

In Memory of Ann Bedsole, 1930 – 2025

The Perdue Hill–Claiborne Foundation mourns the passing of Ann Bedsole, an influential public servant, philanthropist, and one of the Foundation’s founding members. Ann’s life was defined by her commitment to civic leadership, historic preservation, and advancing the quality of life across Alabama.

As both a founding member and a dedicated board member for more than 25 years, Mrs. Bedsole played an integral role in shaping the Foundation’s mission and guiding its work. Her leadership, generosity, and unwavering belief in the importance of preserving local history left an indelible mark on our organization.

Throughout her distinguished career, Mrs. Bedsole dedicated herself to preserving the heritage and character of Mobile, Monroe County, and our state.

In 1985, she and her husband, Palmer Bedsole, relocated and restored the historic William Travis House, a two-room cottage built circa 1820 in Claiborne, and donated it to the Foundation—an enduring example of their shared vision for preservation and community stewardship.

We were honored to have Mrs. Bedsole participate in our 250th Anniversary Celebration in April 2025, joining the carriage procession as one of our distinguished founders.

Beyond her many achievements, Mrs. Bedsole will be remembered for her wit, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the people and history of this region. Her legacy will continue to inspire the work of the Foundation and all who cherish Alabama’s rich past.

(Photo: Melanie Dees Andress )

11/16/2025

Be sure to pick up the Fall 2025 edition of *Discover Monroe County Outdoors!*

This free publication is available at the Monroeville/Monroe County Chamber of Commerce office and from the kiosks on the downtown square.

A big thank-you to Lee Peacock for the wonderful feature on our celebration of the 200th Anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette’s historic visit!

07/22/2025

Thank you to Board of Trustee member Thomas McGehee for writing this wonderful piece about Alabama’s Masonic Lodge No. 3—an enduring symbol of Monroe County’s rich heritage!

From a public lottery in 1824 to a visit from the Marquis de Lafayette, this historic building has served as a courthouse, church, school, and now a vibrant community space. It has hosted legal legends, future governors, and continues to bring people together nearly 200 years later.

Swipe to learn more about the oldest building in Monroe County and its fascinating journey through Alabama history! 🏛️✨

07/15/2025

We are thrilled to debut this stunning video—a tribute to the historic structures managed by the Perdue Hill Claiborne Foundation.

Special thanks to Hunter Nichols for beautifully capturing the spirit and beauty of these irreplaceable landmarks.

Thank you for supporting our mission to enhance, maintain, and preserve the historic buildings and sites in Perdue Hill and Claiborne, Alabama. We hope you enjoy!

06/21/2025

04/22/2025

04/16/2025

📣 BICENTENNIAL LAFAYETTE COINS AVAILABLE! 🎉
We have a handful of commemorative Bicentennial Coins from our Farewell to Lafayette event.

For just $15 each, you can own a souvenir keepsake that celebrates celebrate Lafayette’s enduring legacy and can be passed down for generations. A timeless tribute to the 200th anniversary celebration of his historic visit to Claiborne!

Local pickup available:
-- Monroe County Public Library (Venmo)
--Broughton Store-Chevron, Perdue Hill (Venmo, credit card-invoiced via email, cash & check)

We can also ship them to you (+$6). Direct message us today to reserve yours before they’re all gone!