Pollock-Stephens Institute

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The Pollock-Stephens Institute was a private day and boarding school for girls operated by Charles Holmes and his wife at 423 19th Street North, at the corner of 5th Avenue North. The school was founded in September 1890 and formally chartered in February 1893. Mary Scott Taliaferro served as principal in 1903. That building was later demolished and the site currently serves as an accessible parking lot for Regions Bank customers.

By 1908 the school had relocated to 718-720 20th Street North, facing Capitol Park. The institute continued to operate as late as 1909, but later that year the Birmingham YWCA purchased the former school building. Three years later they commissioned architect David O. Whilldin to design a major expansion, including a gymnasium, swimming pool and dormitory wing. The YWCA relocated to the former Dixie-Carlton Hotel in 1948 to allow for construction of the present Birmingham City Hall.

Notable alumni

References