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Rural Southwest Alabama: Attractions

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Kemp House at Marion, AL (built ca. 1904; listed on the NRHP; childhood home of Hal Kemp)

Historic Home | Marion in Perry County  

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This home, also referred to as the Dean’s House, was built around 1904 for T. D. and Leila Rush Kemp. The original house was a one-story frame building with additions made to it later. Mr. Kemp, who was an engineer, established the Marion Light and Power Company, which provided the first electricity in Marion. The Kemp’s two sons, T. D. Jr. and James Hal grew up in this house. Hal became focused on music early in life. His musical successes led to a career as a big band leader that earned him national and international recognition. Hal Kemp was among the most popular bandleaders of the 1930s, scoring a long string of dance band hits. He was a rival to Guy Lombardo and Sammy Kaye, among others. In 1992, Hal Kemp was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame.

Judson College purchased the Kemp home in 1955. Since then, it has been the residence for the academic deans of Judson, thus the name “the Dean’s House”. This house is a contributing property to the Judson Historic District that was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 3, 1993. It is located at the intersection of Troupe Street and Bibb Street at Marion, AL (GPS coordinates 32.629606, -87.316923).

This is a private residence – drive by only.

Source: The Perry County Historical Society.

Tags: alabama, black belt, house, marion, perry county

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About This Website

Welcome to rural southwest Alabama. This website is dedicated to twelve counties located in rural southwest Alabama which includes a large portion of Alabama’s Black Belt area. This region is known for its rich and diverse heritage, historic homes and churches, and natural beauty. This website contains details about historic and interesting places that you will find in this area of Alabama.

PLEASE NOTE THAT MOST OF THE HOMES INCLUDED ARE PRIVATE RESIDENCES AND, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ARE DRIVE BY ONLY.

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Dedicated to the memory of Stacy Milstead Henson (1978-2008) & Inez “Sis” Watts (1924-2007).

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