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By Jere Hough Meteorologist / Feature Reporter

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Published: Wed, September 05, 2007 - 4:05 pm
Last Updated: Wed, September 05, 2007 - 4:50 pm

Jere Hough

Thirty years before the Civil War, Mobile had a sizeable population of "Free People of Color," including two industrious ladies who built themselves a house! It was large, very well constructed, and in a prime neighborhood...it still stands today near downtown Mobile. It is named for Bishop Portier, Mobile's first Bishop, who bought the house in 1834 from the two seamstresses who built it.
The floors and most of the woodwork throughout the house are original and in very good shape. A construction crew is in the process of making some repairs. Cleaning, refinishing, and painting will follow. A major undertaking, but with good reason.
Monsignor Michael Farmer explains, "First and foremost, just to preserve it because of its historical significance in the City's history and in our Catholic heritage."
Also, the house has many unique features: a beautiful winding stair case...with two extra steps built in at the turn! The railing is supported by iron arrows. Each of the four bedroom upstairs is large...and has it's own wood burning fireplace...with well-crafted mantles.
Ryan Park in Mobile is named for Father Abraham Ryan, widely known as the Priest-Poet of the South. Monsignor says he has a connection to the house.
"He lived in the front room of the second floor of the Portier House when he was living here and helping out at the Cathedral."
Bishop Portier paid $7000 for the house; it served as the residence for Bishops until 1906. For most of the 1900s the house was rented to various groups and individuals. In the fall of 2007, the house will become something of a museum, available for tours and also as venue for private parties and receptions.
Meteorologist Jere Hough stands in the bend of the staircase, right below a window. He explains, "The staircase is very unique. It has two extra steps, built by the two women so they could look out and see if the ships were coming into the harbor." He climbs up and looks out the window, the view totally blocked now by an adjacent buidling. "Well, you can't see the water anymore, but still, a wonderful part of the long history of the Portier House. On County Road 5 in Mobile, I'm Jere Hough, News 5.

Portier House on Conti Street faces Cathedral Square. For information about the house and its availability for receptions and parties, call (251) 434-1585.

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