Malik discloses dynamic role of Skyline Acres in Madison history

MADISON – At its August meeting, members of Madison History Association learned about the origin and importance of one of the city’s longstanding neighborhoods.

Dave Malik presented his research about Skyline Acres subdivision to the history association at its Aug. 20 meeting at Madison Public Library. Malik, a longtime resident of Skyline Acres, discussed the evolution of the properties on Slaughter Road’s western edge, just north of Old Madison Pike.

“Beginning in the early 1960s, Madison became the town of choice for many newly arriving engineers working for NASA and the Army on Redstone Arsenal,” Malik said. “Skyline Acres was one of the early, new master-planned communities offering building lots and new homes.”

Skyline Acres is near Redstone Arsenal, Gate 9, and its proximity to Huntsville was attractive to newcomers. “Being near Madison, those living in Skyline Acres considered themselves Madison residents. These new, arriving young families brought much to Madison,” Malik said.

“They were active in civic organizations and became friends of the long-time Madison residents,” Malik said. “Many of us have early memories of Skyline Acres and especially our friends there from the 1960s and 1970s.”

The property that eventually became Skyline Acres was part of a land sale of Madison County in 1818 to an East Coast speculator, James Gordon. In 1873, Thomas Binford bought the parcel for $3,000 from the estate of the late James Gordon.

In 1905, R.E. Camper bought the land from Binford for $1894.35. The sell/purchase agreement continued until 1954 when real estate developer R.L. Spragins sold the current size of Skyline Acres to Exavier Brooks High. High and Harold Gill collaborated to develop the land and sell Skyline Acres to new families moving to Madison County.

Road names in Skyline Acres are namesakes from early owners. Stella Drive was named for E.B. High’s first wife. That family also was remembered with High Drive. Recognizing the Gill family, “Patricia Drive” and “Nancy Drive” recognize the oldest daughter and the wife, respectively, of Harold Gill.

A realtor’s advertising flier for Skyline Acres’ opening stated “three-bedroom brick homes with 1.5 baths, carport storge and other features” selling for $13,950. The tagline for the neighborhood was “Where the city meets the country.”

Madison History Association is dedicated to preserving Madison, Ala. history . . . Leaving our legacy and heritage for future generations.

For more information, visit Facebook/Skyline Acres Historical Society or Facebook/Madison History Association.