Jackson County AlArchives Photo Place.....House Of Happiness, Scottsboro, Alabama 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Elhura Kenady Smith elhura@scottsboro.org March 6, 2010, 11:01 pm

Source:             From A Local Historical Collection
Photo can be seen at:
http://www.usgwarchives.net/al/jackson/photos/houseofh10589gph.jpg
Image file size: 199.0 Kb

The House of Happiness, a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, was
founded in Scottsboro, Alabama in 1923.  Two years later it moved to Sauta
Bottom a few miles west of Scottsboro and remained a viable social service
program in that area until 1953.  After humble beginnings in a mere shack at the
foot of July Mountain in Sauta Bottom, a one and one-half story log edifice was
built part way up the mountain above Birdsong Spring.  Providing help to the
sick and impoverished, offering educational opportunties for the entire
community, and - at times - residential care for orphaned or children otherwise
in need, the work of the House of Happiness was vast.  

With the support of many from afar as well as help from those in the community,
the house itself underwent various renovations.  Over the years, an enclosed sun
porch and a worker's addition were part of the south end changes that can be
seen in this photograph.  The front of the house faced west, overlooking
Birdsong Spring and the original roadway that is now called Happiness Drive. 
Total property encompassed 160 acres, including other buildings, Birdsong Spring
and a privately-owned cemetery. An accidental fire in the 1960's claimed the
house, but its stone chimneys still stand (in 2010).

Additional Comments:
A summary of the history of the House of Happiness can be found under "History"
on the US Gen Web site for Jackson County, Alabama.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/jackson/photos/houseofh10589gph.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/alfiles/

File size: 2.1 Kb