By Ki | Travel Made Personal – Alabama Road Trip #2
If you’re hunting for a hauntingly beautiful stop in Alabama, look no further than the J.D. Holman House on Broad Street in Ozark. With its sweeping porch and red-brick façade, this turn-of-the-century mansion doesn’t just catch the eye—it captures the imagination. It’s the kind of place that seems to remember everything that’s ever happened inside its walls. And trust me, it’s seen a lot.
Whether you’re chasing down haunted legends, drawn to the slow grace of Southern architecture, or just wandering small towns with stories in their bones, the Holman House delivers a little of everything. History. Hospitality. And maybe… a few ghosts.
📍 Quick Facts: J.D. Holman House, Ozark, Alabama
- Location: 315 Broad Street, Ozark, AL
- Built: 1912
- Size: 8,000 square feet (2 stories + basement)
- Claim to Fame: Historic architecture, community events, and haunted lore
- Ownership: Now owned by the City of Ozark and lovingly restored
Who Was J.D. Holman?
John Daniel Holman was more than a businessman—he was Ozark’s homegrown titan of industry and heart. In the early 1900s, Holman made his mark through farming, commerce, and philanthropy. He funded community projects, gave generously, and built this house in 1912 not just as a family residence—but as a legacy.
With towering columns and rooms meant for entertaining, the house quickly became a social hub. Elegant events, quiet conversations, and big decisions alike happened here. The Holman name became synonymous with influence—and so did the house.
Through the Years: From Family Home to City Treasure
Time, of course, took its toll. The Holmans lived in the mansion for decades, but as years passed, the home faced the usual battles: aging bones, storms, and the tug-of-war between preservation and progress.
Then came a turning point. The City of Ozark stepped in, purchasing the property and sparking a meticulous restoration effort. Step by step, craftspeople peeled back the years—restoring ornate mantels, uncovering vintage floors, and reviving the woodwork that gave the house its character.
Today, the Holman House stands not just as a memory—but as a living, breathing piece of local heritage.
👻 The Ghosts of Broad Street: Haunted Holman House
It wouldn’t be a Travel Made Personal stop without a little chill up the spine, would it?
The stories surrounding the Holman House are whispered more than shouted. Workers restoring the home have reported cold spots where there shouldn’t be any. Doors opening on their own. Footsteps when the hallways are empty. And then there’s him—the little boy in old-fashioned clothes, said to appear at the top of the grand staircase.
One tale comes from a family descendant who swears a maid once rushed him into the rain as a baby—the first May rain, she said, would grant him a long life. He’s still alive today, well into his 80s.
And then there are the photos. The blurry, bone-chilling images visitors claim show a child’s figure near the banister or a strange reflection in the mirror. If the walls could talk, I imagine they’d do it in whispers after sundown.
Why Visit the J.D. Holman House?
Even if you’re a skeptic, this house has something for you. The wraparound porch invites you to sit a while. The towering staircase dares you to climb. The rooms—some still furnished with original pieces—seem to echo with soft voices of the past.
Thanks to the restoration, the mansion is open for public tours during select events and festivals. Whether you come in October for a ghost tour or attend a historical reception in spring, it’s an experience that lingers.
🕰️ When to Visit
- Best Seasons: Fall for the eerie vibes, spring for the gardens
- Tours: Offered during festivals and city events—check with the City of Ozark for current details
- Accessibility: The home’s age presents some limitations, but the main spaces are generally accessible
- Events: The house hosts receptions, art exhibits, and yes—ghost tours that sell out fast come Halloween
Nearby Adventures in Ozark
- 📚 Ozark-Dale County Public Library: Local history exhibits and small-town charm
- 🎨 Dowling Museum / Ann Rudd Art Center: A rotating showcase of regional talent
- 🌲 Ed Lisenby Lake: Peaceful picnics, fishing, and fresh air just a short drive away
Questions People Ask About the Holman House
Is the Holman House really haunted?
Well, let’s just say the stories go back generations—and no one’s managed to disprove them yet.
Can I go inside?
Yes, during special events and tours! Always check the latest info before visiting.
Is it kid-friendly?
Absolutely—especially during the day. Just be ready to answer a few questions if they spot something… odd.
Can I take photos?
Yes! Bring your camera—you never know what might show up in the frame.
Where can I learn more about the Holmans?
Start at the local library or museum, and keep an ear out for community lectures and exhibits.
🪞 Personal Take: My Visit to the Holman House
We didn’t expect to get inside. We’d heard the J.D. Holman House was gorgeous—and maybe haunted—but figured we’d just admire it from the sidewalk. Lucky for us, fate (or Murph, clearly off duty) gave us a break. A quilting event was underway, and the doors were open. Quilts lined the rooms like stitched stories, each one softening the mansion’s more ghostly edges. We voted for the one that best reflected the area, chatted with locals, and soaked in the unexpected charm of it all.
It was beautiful. Faded grandeur kind of beautiful. The kind that holds onto its age with pride, not polish.
We swung by the nearby Stiegel House next—still wrapped in scaffolding—and then drove past a mossy oak tree and a field full of cotton. Dusty couldn’t resist. She hopped out and plucked a few tufts for our memory vases. “Sorry, sir,” she said to the field. “We’re just taking a little.” (You had plenty.)
It wasn’t even 3pm when we made it back to the hotel, and I was beat. But that’s when the weather report hit. Yet another Category 3 hurricane was headed toward home—the second in just a few weeks—and our kids were right in its path.
That’s the thing about travel. One moment, you’re wandering through antique hallways beneath stained-glass windows, breathing in stories and quiet. The next, your chest is tight, your phone’s lighting up, and the storm is real again.
Still, I think about that peaceful hour inside the Holman House—a rare day when Murph took a nap and the past gave us a bit of shelter from the present. That kind of stillness doesn’t last long. But when it shows up, you hold on to it.
See More from the Holman House
Fifty photos couldn’t fit into one blog post, but you can explore them all in my Facebook album—everything from the mansion’s ornate details and colorful quilts to the moment a complete stranger demanded I take his picture (and tried to hug me… nope). Click here to wander through the full set and see what caught my eye inside Ozark’s most talked-about historic home: 📸 View the Album
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