Goldsmith-Schiffman House | Athens AL

The Goldsmith–Schiffman House is one of Huntsville, Alabama’s finest examples of early 20th-century residential architecture and is notable both for its design and for its connection to one of the city’s most prominent families. It sits along McClung Avenue, near downtown, and is a carefully preserved piece of Huntsville’s cultural fabric.

Historical Background

The home was built in 1900–1901 for Oscar Goldsmith, a member of the influential Goldsmith family, who were among Huntsville’s leading merchants and philanthropists.

Designed in the Neoclassical Revival style, the house became a symbol of prestige in Huntsville at the turn of the century, a time when the city was transitioning from its post-Civil War struggles toward economic renewal.

The property passed into the Schiffman family through marriage. Both families were pillars of Huntsville’s business, civic, and charitable life, and their home reflects the stability and influence they brought to the community.

In 1978, the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural and historical importance.

Architecture and Layout

Style: The Goldsmith–Schiffman House is a textbook Neoclassical Revival residence, echoing Greek and Roman traditions that symbolized grandeur and permanence.

Exterior:

Dominated by a two-story portico supported by Ionic columns.

Balanced, symmetrical façade with wide steps leading to the main entry.

Brick construction with fine detailing that conveys both elegance and durability.

Interior:

High ceilings, hardwood floors, and decorative woodwork.

Formal rooms designed for entertaining, including a large parlor, dining room, and library.

Private family quarters upstairs, along with servant spaces reflecting the domestic arrangements of its time.

Grounds: The property once included expansive gardens, carriage facilities, and service areas, though today the immediate lot is smaller due to surrounding development.

Cultural and Social Significance

The house reflects Huntsville’s economic growth at the dawn of the 20th century, when merchant families like the Goldsmiths were central to the city’s prosperity.

It has been closely tied to Jewish heritage in Huntsville, as the Goldsmith and Schiffman families were part of the Jewish community that contributed significantly to local commerce, banking, and civic affairs.

Beyond its family connections, the home is an enduring example of how national architectural movements-like Neoclassical Revival-shaped Southern cities during a period of modernization.

Preservation

The Goldsmith–Schiffman House remains one of the best-preserved residential landmarks in Huntsville, carefully maintained to retain its architectural integrity.

Its placement on the National Register ensures its continued recognition and protection as part of Alabama’s historic built environment.

While not regularly open as a public museum, the house is occasionally included in historic tours and preservation initiatives in Huntsville.

Visitor Notes

The house is located near Huntsville’s historic districts, making it a fitting stop on walking or driving tours that include other landmarks such as Twickenham Historic District and Maple Hill Cemetery.

Its exterior is easily viewable from the street, where its monumental portico stands out as one of the most impressive private residences in the city.

Those interested in Huntsville’s architectural history often include it in explorations of Neoclassical and Victorian homes that flourished during the city’s late 19th- and early 20th-century revival.

The Goldsmith–Schiffman House is a landmark not only for its stately Neoclassical architecture but also for the story it tells about Huntsville’s social, cultural, and economic transformation at the dawn of the modern era. It remains a touchstone for the city’s heritage, tied to families whose legacy continues to shape Huntsville today.