The Drish House - Tuscaloosa, AL

If you would like to use the images seen, please contact me: bethanieblackdesign@gmail.com

History:

The history is long with this one, so I will try my best to keep this one short! 

Built in 1837 by John Drish’s slaves who were craftsmen, carpenters, and artisans who were able to shape the way it looked. It is a beautiful mansion with Greek revival and Italianate features that make the building architecturally significant. Dr. Drish himself was not only a physician, but also someone who’s interest lied real estate and the slave trade. With these many ventures he was able to garner a lot of money. With a lot of money came issues with drinking and gambling. These claims of heavy drinking and gambling come with no documented proof other than word of mouth, but one thing recorded was that by the time John had passed tragically from falling down his staircase, there was little to nothing to give to his wife Sarah. She was able to keep the mansion for about 15 years until she sold it then passed away in a family home. 

The estate changed hands after Sarah’s death. Eventually in 1906, it became one of the area's first public schools called the “Jemison School”. They had converted some of the rooms into classrooms and refurnished so kids couldn’t go into the tower. The school eventually got its own building and was renamed to something else in the area.

In the 1930s it was turned into an auto parts warehouse for the Tuscaloosa Wrecking Company. A famous photographer was able to capture the building in this era and it encapsulated the hardships and struggles of the American people during the Great Depression. 

In the 1940s the Drish house was purchased by Southside Baptist Church and served the community for 50 years. The Church renovated and added to the location with school rooms and the opening of the main hall. Historically this is the last people who had dwelled there before it was purchased in 2014 and it was renovated again as an event venue to honor the historic building.

Haunted Claims:

Before we learn about the ghosts and paranormal claims of this home I want to honor the family members of all those who have passed away and lived in the home. The legacy from the Drish’s and the slaves that built the home. These are people who once had heart beats, hardships, and accomplishments. Let us be respectful.

The claims are quite humbling for this one and not very extensive. There are 2, maybe 3 total who are said to roam the building.

Dr. Drish, in his sad moments in life, can be heard walking the halls with his cries.

Mrs. Drish is said to light candles in the tower and even set off fire alarms. It is said that her spirit lies unrested due to her request to have the same candles she lit for John’s funeral be lit for hers and her wishes were not granted. In Kathryn’s book, 13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey, the tower has even been seen to be on fire.