The Richards -DAR house is listed on the National Register as it was built in 1860. This home is one of the best examples of Italianate architecture in the city. It has become famous for the cast iron fasade that depicts the four seasons. This interesting home tells the story of the city of Mobile during the antebellum period. The home was owned by Steamboat Captain Charles G. Richards and his wife, Caroline Elizabeth Steele. A cement company bought the property in 1946 from the original descendents. They gave it to the city of Mobile in 1973 and the six chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution or DAR leased the home. They are the ones that have furnished and administer to it as a Period Museum.
There are carved Carrara marble mantels within the home, double parlors, and a reception hall with enormous brass and bronze chandeliers with mythological figures holding etched and crenellated glass globes. Visitors to the home will see ruby colored Bohemian glass framing the door way. There are still silver bell pulls for calling servants in every room and the front gallery floor is gray and white marble. The large crystal chandelier in the home reflects off a French mirror hanging over one of the mantels. Furnishings in the home date back to before 1870. Each guest is invited to enjoy tea and cookies after their tour.
Richards-DAR House Museum is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Central Time. Admission is five dollars for adults and two dollars for children. The address is 256 N. Joachim St, Mobile, AL 36603. There is a gift shop in the museum that features a cookbook and miniatures crafted by Sheila Thompson. She designs all of her miniatures with a skeleton key to identify them as her original design.
For the holidays the Richards-DAR House Museum is decorated with fresh greenery, handmade ornaments on the Christmas trees and fresh baked goodies. The children's rooms are filled with bears, toys and other delights. The docents are dressed in costumes and offer wassail and cookies to all guests. At different times throughout the holidays music and choral groups perform.
Hotels in the Mobile area include: The Battle House, a Renaissance Hotel and Spa, Hampton Inn and Suites, Renaissance Riverview Hotel, Melaga Inn, Holiday Inn, Radisson Admiral Semmes Hotel, Ramada Inn, Budget Inn and Economy Inn. Visitors can also stay at Baymont Inn and suites, Wingate by Windham, Homewood Suites, Drury Inn, Courtyard, Econo Lodge, Red Roof Inn, Fairfield Inn, and TownePlace Suites.
Dining in Mobile is varied with Mama's on Dauphin, Dick Russell's Bar-b-q, Jerusalem Caf,, Foosackly's, Spot of Tea, Original Oyster House, Bangkok Thai Cuisine, Carrabba's Italian Grill, China Doll Restaurant, Osman's Restaurant, Wintzell's Oyster House, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Island Thyme Eats and Arts, Butch Cassidy's Caf,, Fuego, Picklefish, The Best New Orleans French Market Caf,, and The Trellis Room.
