Oaklawn, Greek Revival residence in Huntsville, United States.
Oaklawn is a Greek Revival house with a five-bay main block flanked by two one-story wings, an unusual layout for Alabama at the time. A portico spans the center three bays, carried by four smooth Doric columns with a plain entablature and pediment. The main block has a gable roof and four interior chimneys; the wings have flat roofs with deep cornices forming parapets. Double entry doors have multi-pane sidelights and a transom.
Built in 1844 by John Robinson, a revenue commissioner in Madison County, the house reflects the architectural taste of its prosperous era. It later served as quarters for Union officers during the Civil War and functioned as an army camp and hospital during the Spanish-American War.
Oaklawn's name comes from the oak grove that surrounded the house when John Robinson built it in 1844. The property is also known as the John Robinson House and the Robinson-Dilworth House, names that trace the families who owned it. The Dilworth family bought the house in 1919 and restored it, and it was later owned by merchant Max Luther.
Oaklawn is a private residence, so there is no interior access or guided tour; the house is best seen from the public street. From there the five-bay main block, the two flat-roofed wings and the four-column portico are all visible, and the 1920s wing extensions and 1940s rear kitchen can be picked out as later additions.
Oaklawn's five-bay main block with two attached side wings was an unusual layout for Alabama at the time. The wings have flat roofs with deep cornices forming parapets, while the main block carries a gable roof and four interior chimneys.
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