To get to 515 Franklin:

Continue down Franklin Street and stop in front of the Alexander Erskine Home at 515 Franklin Street.

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This noteworthy house is the Monroe House, built in 1819. It was once the home of Dr. Alexander Erskine, a physician whose father-in-law was Revolutionary War soldier Albert Russel.

Many successive generations of this family have an Albert Russel Erskine. One of those Huntsville descendants was the millionaire President of Studebaker Automobile and he lived in South Bend, Indiana. His mansion in South Bend was named Twyckenham, spelled with a y instead of an i.

During the early days of the depression, Russel Erskine was able to bring the company through the difficulty. But in 1933 the company went into receivership and Erskine lost his personal fortune as well. He committed suicide in the bedroom of his mansion and left a note that said, "Nervous system shattered. Cannot go on." It was believed that he killed himself one day before his insurance policy was due to lapse, and therefore his death provided money for his family to live on.

The Russel Erskine Hotel in downtown Huntsville was built before his death. Legend says the investors ran short of funds and asked him to help out. Erskine agreed to help if they would change the name from the General Joe Wheeler, the intended name, to the Russel Erskine Hotel. The once magnificent hotel is now an apartment complex for senior citizens.

This home was built as a Federal half house. Rooms were added to the north side for symmetry and the Greek Revival porches were added later. The brick walkway is original.

More Information

• Russel Erskine

• HJAC Exterior 1972

• HJAC Exterior 1997

• Russel Erskine Hotel

• Audio History

Huntsville History Tour