R.K. SHAW-EMBRY HOUSE

R.K. SHAW-EMBRY HOUSE

Beautifully restored Queen Anne style house built in 1895.

Sited at a bend on the northwest corner of Sharon and Adams Streets this house remains among the most picturesque in town. Certainly the most eclectic, it is a Queen Anne exhibiting characteristics of both the Spindlework and Free Classic Styles in its gable detailing, roof brackets, dentil molding, paneling and classic columns. There is also a nod to the Shingle Style; the turret and roof are intricately clad in patterned shingles. Built in 1895 by Roderick K. Shaw, this house was later purchased by the E.B. Embry family. Both businessmen were involved in Gadsden’s shade tobacco industry; Shaw is co-credited for introducing slat tobacco shade and Embry established the Embry Tobacco Company, later part of the King Edward Tobacco Company. Interestingly this house was one of the first to install a telephone in 1898 after Shaw discovered the business advantages of Bell’s invention.