Madison Public Library
A Madison Mystery Solved! Built by D.S. Brandon
Sunday, November 5, 2023 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Beneath the name of "Humphrey Brothers" engraved into the datestone of Main Street's Humphrey Bros. building, there is text that reads, "Built by D. S. Brandon". Have you ever wondered about the identity of D.S. Brandon? The Historic Huntsville Foundation (HHF) and their "Brick by Brick: The Legacy of Henderson and Daniel Brandon" exhibition and program uncovers this mystery on Sunday, November 5 at 2:00 pm presented by HHF Executive Director Donna Castellano.
D.S. Brandon is Daniel Shadrach Brandon, the son of Henderson Brandon, a talented brick mason who made the journey from enslaved to entrepreneur. The Brandons founded the masonry firm Henderson Brandon & Son, which became Huntsville-Madison County's most successful Black-owned business. The Brandons constructed numerous structures in Huntsville-Madison County, all of which are showcased in HHF's "Brick by Brick" exhibition.
After his father's death in 1901, Daniel Brandon continued the family business. He also constructed the Harrison Brothers building (1902) and the First Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur (1921).
The Madison Public Library will host Historic Huntsville Foundation's "Brick by Brick: The Legacy of Henderson and Daniel Brandon" history exhibition from November 5 - November 30. The National Park Service recognized the "Brick by Brick" exhibition for its outstanding contribution to our understanding of Reconstruction Era History.