The Larimore Home at Mars Hill

The Larimore Home, a magnificent Victorian-era mansion nestled in the heart of Mars Hill (Florence), Alabama was built in 1870 by Theophilus Brown "TB" Larimore and his wife, Julia Esther Gresham, the home was a stunning example of architectural craftsmanship. The home was situated on 27 acres of land inherited by Esther from her late father, Philemon Gresham.

The Larimore Home Legacy

The Larimore family's legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of Mars Hill. TB Larimore, a prominent figure in the Christian Church movement, and his wife, Esther, played a vital role in the community's development. The two-story, 12 room Larimore Home served as their family residence and a gathering place for friends and neighbors.

The Larimore Home may have initially served as a classroom for the newly established academy. However, the growing student body soon necessitated the construction of a separate school building adjacent to the home. Commencement exercises were held in the nearby Wright & Rice Foundry and Machine Shop. The school, originally named Mars Hill Academy, later evolved into Mars Hill College. While initially a co-educational institution, Mars Hill College gradually focused on training ministers for the Christian Church/Church of Christ. The school remained operational from 1871 until 1887, when Larimore, whose preaching ministry was in high demand, decided to close it and dedicate himself full-time to his pastoral duties.

The Larimore Home: A Historic Landmark

The home's architectural features were truly remarkable. Constructed with high-quality materials, including virgin oak, elm, beech, and hickory, the Larimore Home boasted a classic Victorian design. The two-story structure featured intricate details, such as hand-carved mantels and antique furnishings.

In addition to its architectural beauty, the Larimore Home was filled with historical significance. The home served as a gathering place for the Larimore family and their associates, including prominent figures in the Christian Church movement. It also housed a collection of valuable family heirlooms and historical artifacts. Among the priceless family heirlooms was a communion set presented to T.B. Larimore in 1878 by Selina Campbell.

A Tragic Loss of the Larimore Home

Unfortunately, the Larimore Home was destroyed by fire in July 2018. The loss of this historic landmark was a devastating blow to the community and the historical preservation world. The destruction of the home was a significant loss for the community, particularly for members of Larimore's brotherhood of churches, residents of the Shoals region, and those dedicated to preserving the area's historical heritage.

Following the closure of Mars Hill College, the Larimore Home remained vacant for several decades. In 1947, the Lauderdale County Bible School, later renamed Mars Hill Bible School, was established and began using the home for classes. Recognizing the historical significance of the Larimore Home, the Associated Women's Organization of Mars Hill undertook a meticulous restoration project in 1971. Their efforts were successful, and the home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. For over four decades, the AWO rented out the Larimore Home for various events, including luncheons, showers, and teas.