The Glen Iris Neighborhood offers a glimpse into Birmingham’s residential architecture from the early 20th century. Renowned for its magnificent homes and estates, particularly those in Glen Iris Park and around Idlewild Circle, the area boasts properties once owned by influential figures such as Robert Jemison, Sr., W. P. G. Harding, James McAdory Gillespy, and doctors George Morrow and E. Miller Robinson. Development in the area commenced around the turn of the century, with exclusive areas like Glen Iris Park and Idlewild Circle leading the way. T. H. Bradley initially acquired land in Idlewild Circle, which was later purchased by Mayor George Ward for Green Springs Park. Additionally, some residences in Waverly Place also trace their roots back to the early 1900s.
In 1907, attorney Lee C. Bradley commissioned the construction of an impressive Greek Revival-style mansion. Designed by Thomas Walter III in collaboration with Sydney Ullman, the red brick house stands as a testament to architectural grandeur, featuring a striking four-column portico and a spacious wraparound porch supported by fourteen Corinthian columns. Influenced by his wife’s Louisiana heritage, the Bradley’s home exudes timeless elegance.
Lee Carrington Bradley, born in Birmingham on November 12, 1871, hailed from esteemed Alabama families. He graduated from Southern University in Greensboro (now Birmingham Southern College) in 1890 and commenced his law practice in Birmingham in 1892. Holding various legal positions, including assistant county solicitor and county solicitor, Bradley was a prominent figure in Birmingham’s legal community. In 1896, he married Eleanor Lyons, and they were blessed with two children, Lee Carrington Bradley, Jr., and Thomas Lyons Bradley. However, their joy was tempered by tragedy when Thomas passed away at the age of 21, choking on oyster shell shards at the kitchen table. Eleanor, Thomas’s mother, kept a place set for him at the dining table until her death in 1967, continuing to cherish his memory in their home.
In 1904, Lee C. Bradley, alongside John P. Tillman, Judge William I. Grubb, and Hugh Morrow, established the law firm of Tillman, Grubb, Bradley & Morrow. As time progressed, the firm experienced changes in its membership and eventually evolved into Bradley, Baldwin, All & White. Bradley remained an integral part of the firm until his passing.
Bradley’s legal prowess transcended the borders of Alabama. When President Woodrow Wilson sought counsel for the alien property custodian, he turned to Bradley. Bradley’s exceptional work in this role was evident when he addressed the issue of perishable goods held by the custodian that were deteriorating in storage. Bradley proposed to the custodian to seek congressional approval for the sale or disposal of these goods. Taking the initiative, he engaged in discussions with Senator Oscar W. Underwood, the Democratic leader in the Senate. Senator Underwood expeditiously attached an amendment to a bill scheduled for passage that very day, underscoring the urgency of the measure. The amendment swiftly passed the Senate and House without opposition. Bradley served in this capacity without compensation, showcasing his dedication to public service.
Upon his return home, Mr. Bradley resumed his legal practice and received appointment by Judge Grubb of the United States District Court in Birmingham as the receiver for the Birmingham Railway, Light, & Power Company, overseeing street railways, gas, and electric utilities. He played a pivotal role in successfully concluding the receivership and facilitating the formation of the Birmingham Electric Company, which assumed the assets of the Birmingham Railway, Light & Power Company.
In addition to his legal and business endeavors, Mr. Bradley served as a director and member of the executive committee of the Birmingham Savings Bank & Trust Company. He was also actively involved in sports as one of the organizers and a stockholder in the Birmingham baseball club.
Outside of his professional and business pursuits, Mr. Bradley held memberships in various organizations, including the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, the Birmingham, Alabama, and American Bar Associations, the bar of the City of New York, and the Birmingham Country Club.
Lee Carrington Bradley, Sr. passed away on May 31, 1942. His funeral took place at his residence, and he was laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery alongside other members of the Bradley family.
The Bradley-Smith house eventually passed into the ownership of Ollie and Carolyn Smith after the Bradleys. When the Smiths acquired the house, it felt like stepping into a time capsule, with everything remaining intact. Ollie D. Smith, who was once the youngest agent in the Washington, D.C. office of the FBI, later graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1947. He married Carolyn Meadows, and together they raised four children. Carolyn also had a career in teaching, spending several years at both Tarrant High School and Shades Valley High School before devoting her time to the family’s real estate business.
Ollie Smith initially pursued a legal career at Martin, Turner & McWhorter, which later evolved into Balch & Bingham. Later, he transitioned to become the manager of the Land Department for Alabama Power Company and eventually rose to the position of vice president within the company.
Carolyn Smith passed away in 2003, and Ollie Smith continued to reside in the home until his passing in 2016. In 2022, the property transitioned within the family, now held by an LLC.
The 1960s and 1970s marked a significant period of redevelopment in Glen Iris, particularly evident around Idlewild Circle, where numerous apartment and townhouse complexes emerged. While these new multi-family buildings contributed to the neighborhood’s growth, they also altered its landscape. Unfortunately, recent years have seen the demolition of architecturally and historically significant properties in Glen Iris Park.
The ongoing expansion of UAB and the presence of a church within the neighborhood pose threats of incompatible new constructions, non-residential uses, and intrusive parking facilities. Regrettably, Mr. Smith himself played a role in altering the neighborhood’s character by acquiring and demolishing several residences to make way for low-rise apartment buildings.
Another pressing issue is the neglect of properties by absentee owners, leading to their deterioration to the point of virtual demolition by neglect. Glen Iris Park stands as a remarkable resource of city-wide importance that demands protection from redevelopment pressures.
Tragically, the loss of the Bradley-Smith house, a notable landmark, in September 2023, adds to the erosion of the neighborhood’s historic fabric.
Photography By: Leland Kent of Abandoned Southeast