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Seth H. Edwards200 tickets sold for Saturday's spring homes tour, 100 remain
By: Brandia Deatherage ( More Entries )
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The Washington Area Historic Foundation's preservation efforts are sure to pay off in real dollars this weekend from ticket sales to the foundation's Springtime Homes and Gardens Tour, happening this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Washington's historic district.
There will be 18 stops on the tour, dating from the 18th to the 21st centuries: 15 homes, two gardens and one business serving refreshments. Tour-goers may start the tour at any point and visit the tour sites in any order.
It will be the first spring homes tour in Washington since the 2005 tour, which was limited to homes on West 2nd Street, said WAHF member and active tour-organizer Dee Congleton in a telephone interview today.
"There's a home and decorating scheme for everyone's interest," said Congleton. "And May is preservation month, so it's an excellent time to highlight our historic homes that are a valuable part of our history."
The exclusivity of the tour has been noted, and already, 200 of the 300 printed tickets have been sold, at $15 apiece. If there are any tickets remaining on the day of the tour, which is not necessarily expected, according to Congleton, they will be sold for $20 each.
Today and Friday, tickets can be purchased at the Beaufort County Arts Council, Washington Visitor Center, Washington/Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce and Pamlico River Antiques in Washington; and at the Late Bloomer gift shop in New Bern. On Saturday, the day of the tour, those hoping to score a last-minute ticket should go to the Washington Visitor Center at or after 9 a.m.
Proceeds from the tour will benefit the foundation, which uses its funds to maintain and nurture Washington's raison d'être, its primary claim to fame--the centuries-old historic district that stretches alongside the Pamlico River. Most recently, the foundation gave $1000 to the City of Washington to be applied toward the expenses associated with the landscaping of downtown's eminent Festival Park.
The current weather forecast for Saturday is agreeable, with temperatures in the 70's and a 10-percent chance of some rain.
Photos and descriptions of each of the stops were graciously provided to Beaufort County Now by WAHF member Rebecca Clark and have been published below:
This Colonial Revival has a hip roof, original French doors and an entrance with sidelights and original rectangular transom. Original heart pine floors begin on the stairway and extend throughout the second floor. Other original elements include walnut flooring downstairs, crown molding and high baseboards. Two fireplaces with detailed Georgian inspired mantels adorn the living and dining rooms. Antiques from the 18th and 19th century passed down from the couple's ancestry are showcased in their home.
Owners: Jonathan and Elizabeth Jones
The "Henry Bridgeman" house was restored in 2008-9 to its original 1915 architecture. This home features original moldings, floors and wooden countertop in the butler's pantry. The open hallway from front to back has many pieces of furniture that represent what people at the time would have used. Upstairs has three beautifully restored bedrooms. Many of the pieces of furniture, including the bench, were built by the owners and represent furniture from the 18th century.
Owners: Jerry and Sue Creech
The old Sam Williams homestead is a pre-Civil War, one and a half story Colonial Revival style structure with square fluted porch columns, 9 x 9 sash windows, pedimented dormers and plain trim. It is believed to be built by James H. Williams (1824-1872). His son, Samuel Hodges Williams (1853-1872), a local Washington merchant, owned it during his lifetime. It then passed to his 5 children who lived there until the mid-1900's. The home boasts four fireplaces and original fluted moldings. Some of the pine floors are original. The remodeled kitchen was once a detached building but became "attached" via the "piano room" pass through. The current owner has an early 1820-30 corner "barrel" cabinet made of heart pine and a wood sideboard ,circa 1700's, that are local to Beaufort County.
Owner: Judith T. Hickson
This home is an excellent example of regional architecture of the early 20th century. Family antiques compliment the carefully restored floors and original molding. The wide central hall is a welcoming feature of this beautifully restored home. The murals in the home are attributed to a local artist.
Owners: Wayne and Karen Melton
Sheared evergreen hedges enclose three intimate garden rooms. Brick pavers and liriope form a parterre with boxwood balls at each corner. The brick path continues under a pergola draped with climbing roses and bearded irises at the feet. A rustic trellis provides support for espaliered pear trees. Trees, fences and hedges create a sense of privacy and seclusion in the midst of the city.
Owner: Sandy Ratcliff
Lauded in an 1857 edition of Harper's Weekly magazine as one of the South's most distinguished homes, "Elmwood" was built by Col. Joshua Tayloe. It is one of the few homes in Washington not destroyed in the Civil War. It was moved in 1910 from its original site at the end of West Main. The original façade was in the Tidewater VA. Style with a two story center section and one story wings. Later modifications incorporated Italianate details and extension of a full second floor and attic.
Owners: Dr. Frank and Alice Stallings
The "Rodman House" is a Greek revival house It was owned by John Grist, and his family until his death in a duel in 1860. Previously the home was owned by a free Black man, Mr. Hull Anderson, a shipbuilder. During the Civil War the house was occupied by Union Officers. After the war it was purchased by Colonel William Blount Rodman, whose family occupied the home through four generations. Members of the Rodman family have served as attorneys and mayor of Washington. Additionally, two family members served on the North Carolina Supreme Court.
Owners: Robert and Vicki Murphy
The "John B. Fowle House" was originally built by W.H. Willard in the Federal style. During the War Between the States the house served as a hospital and later a hotel and a boys school before being purchased by John B. and Elizabeth Fowle in October of 1888. At this time the house was moved back from the street and transformed into the house you see today. The original hand carved staircase rises to three floors of living space. The house has ten working fireplaces and the original light fixtures.
Owner: Kim Melk
Entering through the garden, Dr. Young's hobby of gardening is evident. This home built by Mr. Bridgeman, a former President of Bank of Washington, was once a larger home consisting of what are now 142 and 144 East Main. The house was split in 1918 and kept the L shaped porches. Oak floors, 12 foot ceilings and local artwork convey elegant simplicity. Recent renovations include the kitchen, master bathroom and a "Marilyn Monroe" laundry room.
Owners: Dr. Richard and Judy Young
This house was built by John Bragaw (who worked at the Bragaw Insurance Agency) between 1908 and 1910. The original house is a classic four square with four rooms of equal size on each floor. When the house was built it had a cooking porch at the rear with a servants' stairway leading up to the second floor. The current owners have made substantial improvements to the rear of the home adding decks and a screened porch. They converted the old enclosed porches into a new kitchen and great room. The rear of the property is extensively landscaped with roses and perennials.
Owners: Ross and Chris Hamory
The first floor dates to the early 1850's. A second story and the Tudor look were added to the home sometime between 1901 and 1930. The home has the original fireplaces and floors. A small barn was removed from the rear of the home and replaced with the new carriage house/garage in 2009. Current resident is Barbara Hardy.
Owners: Don and Debbie Morrisey
A pathway of slate leads one to a gate and into a small courtyard embellished with terra cotta pots brimming with pansies, mint, and snapdragons. A brick pathway leads to dogwood, mix and match of shrubs, perennials and biennials. While enjoying the garden one can steal a glance of the Pamlico River from afar.
Owner: Annette Jefferson
The "Potts-Bragaw House" was built by Samuel Potts. The house was later owned by Judge Steven Bragaw. The house was then passed down to Dr. Frank Duke, a local dentist. The interior of the home reflects its neoclassical exterior. There are 21 rooms, a grand staircase, and six fireplaces. Heavy ornamentation, inlaid floors, and gold leaf work prevail throughout the house which is accented by period pieces.
Owner: Don Stroud
"Marsh House" is one of the oldest houses in Washington. This Federal period Georgian style house was built by Daniel G. Marsh, brother of the owner of the Palmer-Marsh house in Bath. The house has not been altered from its original central hall plan. It retains many of its original architectural details such as moldings, paneled wainscoting, Federal style mantels, heart pine flooring, and is furnished with period antiques.
Owners: Dallas and Dee Congleton
The "Meyers House" is the oldest building in Washington. The Meyers family were merchants and shipbuilders with a shipyard located adjacent to the house. The home was once said to have tunnels in the cellar leading to the Pamlico. Double shouldered chimneys, Flemish-bond brickwork, and molded weatherboards exemplify this Federal Period structure. The smokehouse in the backyard is one of only three in Washington. Gaskins and Gaskins PA. is now located here.
Owners: Herman and Debra Gaskins
Photo currently unavailable.
This home is a new construction townhouse built to complement the late 19th century architecture of the surrounding area. The hand hewn wood floors, extra wide baseboards, crown molding and two custom fireplaces are reminiscent of an earlier time. The owners have decorated the home with antique furniture and fixtures from around the world. The modern art in this house creates a bond between old and new. Sunset and sunrise views are appreciated from the front and double back porches.
Owners: Bill and Rebecca Clark
The "Bowen House" is believed to be a Sears kit bungalow built in the arts and crafts style in 1924 by Walter and Hilda Bowen. Wide eaves with triangular brackets, exposed roof rafters, stucco siding and a wide front porch with tapered columns characterize the one and half story bungalow. Original inside features of the house include wide trim and molding, honey pine wood floors, a Chicago style fireplace, and a butler's pantry. Unique characteristics of the house include four "secret" unfinished rooms in the cross gabled roof. The backyard also features a heart shaped pond (now an herb garden) and birdbath.,hand built by Mr. Walter for Ms. Hilda in the 1930's.
Owners: Ray and D.J. Midget
This Greek Revival style building boasts a brick lined roof. It survived the threat of two massive fires in 1864 and 1900. At one time, the Bank of Washington ranked with the foremost in the state. It currently houses "I Can't Believe It's a Bookstore". Refreshments will be served here compliments of Gary A Ceres and Richard A Snow, owners of the bookstore.
Owner: Marie Tomasulo
There will be 18 stops on the tour, dating from the 18th to the 21st centuries: 15 homes, two gardens and one business serving refreshments. Tour-goers may start the tour at any point and visit the tour sites in any order.
It will be the first spring homes tour in Washington since the 2005 tour, which was limited to homes on West 2nd Street, said WAHF member and active tour-organizer Dee Congleton in a telephone interview today.
"There's a home and decorating scheme for everyone's interest," said Congleton. "And May is preservation month, so it's an excellent time to highlight our historic homes that are a valuable part of our history."
The exclusivity of the tour has been noted, and already, 200 of the 300 printed tickets have been sold, at $15 apiece. If there are any tickets remaining on the day of the tour, which is not necessarily expected, according to Congleton, they will be sold for $20 each.
Today and Friday, tickets can be purchased at the Beaufort County Arts Council, Washington Visitor Center, Washington/Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce and Pamlico River Antiques in Washington; and at the Late Bloomer gift shop in New Bern. On Saturday, the day of the tour, those hoping to score a last-minute ticket should go to the Washington Visitor Center at or after 9 a.m.
Proceeds from the tour will benefit the foundation, which uses its funds to maintain and nurture Washington's raison d'être, its primary claim to fame--the centuries-old historic district that stretches alongside the Pamlico River. Most recently, the foundation gave $1000 to the City of Washington to be applied toward the expenses associated with the landscaping of downtown's eminent Festival Park.
The current weather forecast for Saturday is agreeable, with temperatures in the 70's and a 10-percent chance of some rain.
Photos and descriptions of each of the stops were graciously provided to Beaufort County Now by WAHF member Rebecca Clark and have been published below:
#1 524 West 2nd Street c.1896
This Colonial Revival has a hip roof, original French doors and an entrance with sidelights and original rectangular transom. Original heart pine floors begin on the stairway and extend throughout the second floor. Other original elements include walnut flooring downstairs, crown molding and high baseboards. Two fireplaces with detailed Georgian inspired mantels adorn the living and dining rooms. Antiques from the 18th and 19th century passed down from the couple's ancestry are showcased in their home.
Owners: Jonathan and Elizabeth Jones
#2 527 West 2nd Street c. 1915
The "Henry Bridgeman" house was restored in 2008-9 to its original 1915 architecture. This home features original moldings, floors and wooden countertop in the butler's pantry. The open hallway from front to back has many pieces of furniture that represent what people at the time would have used. Upstairs has three beautifully restored bedrooms. Many of the pieces of furniture, including the bench, were built by the owners and represent furniture from the 18th century.
Owners: Jerry and Sue Creech
#3 627 West 2nd Street c. 1857
The old Sam Williams homestead is a pre-Civil War, one and a half story Colonial Revival style structure with square fluted porch columns, 9 x 9 sash windows, pedimented dormers and plain trim. It is believed to be built by James H. Williams (1824-1872). His son, Samuel Hodges Williams (1853-1872), a local Washington merchant, owned it during his lifetime. It then passed to his 5 children who lived there until the mid-1900's. The home boasts four fireplaces and original fluted moldings. Some of the pine floors are original. The remodeled kitchen was once a detached building but became "attached" via the "piano room" pass through. The current owner has an early 1820-30 corner "barrel" cabinet made of heart pine and a wood sideboard ,circa 1700's, that are local to Beaufort County.
Owner: Judith T. Hickson
#4 729 West 2nd Street c. 1901
This home is an excellent example of regional architecture of the early 20th century. Family antiques compliment the carefully restored floors and original molding. The wide central hall is a welcoming feature of this beautifully restored home. The murals in the home are attributed to a local artist.
Owners: Wayne and Karen Melton
#5 740 West Main Street Garden
Sheared evergreen hedges enclose three intimate garden rooms. Brick pavers and liriope form a parterre with boxwood balls at each corner. The brick path continues under a pergola draped with climbing roses and bearded irises at the feet. A rustic trellis provides support for espaliered pear trees. Trees, fences and hedges create a sense of privacy and seclusion in the midst of the city.
Owner: Sandy Ratcliff
#6 731 West Main Street c. 1820
Lauded in an 1857 edition of Harper's Weekly magazine as one of the South's most distinguished homes, "Elmwood" was built by Col. Joshua Tayloe. It is one of the few homes in Washington not destroyed in the Civil War. It was moved in 1910 from its original site at the end of West Main. The original façade was in the Tidewater VA. Style with a two story center section and one story wings. Later modifications incorporated Italianate details and extension of a full second floor and attic.
Owners: Dr. Frank and Alice Stallings
#7 520 West Main Street c. 1848
The "Rodman House" is a Greek revival house It was owned by John Grist, and his family until his death in a duel in 1860. Previously the home was owned by a free Black man, Mr. Hull Anderson, a shipbuilder. During the Civil War the house was occupied by Union Officers. After the war it was purchased by Colonel William Blount Rodman, whose family occupied the home through four generations. Members of the Rodman family have served as attorneys and mayor of Washington. Additionally, two family members served on the North Carolina Supreme Court.
Owners: Robert and Vicki Murphy
#8 412 West Main Street c. 1816
The "John B. Fowle House" was originally built by W.H. Willard in the Federal style. During the War Between the States the house served as a hospital and later a hotel and a boys school before being purchased by John B. and Elizabeth Fowle in October of 1888. At this time the house was moved back from the street and transformed into the house you see today. The original hand carved staircase rises to three floors of living space. The house has ten working fireplaces and the original light fixtures.
Owner: Kim Melk
#9 142 East Main Street c.1880
Entering through the garden, Dr. Young's hobby of gardening is evident. This home built by Mr. Bridgeman, a former President of Bank of Washington, was once a larger home consisting of what are now 142 and 144 East Main. The house was split in 1918 and kept the L shaped porches. Oak floors, 12 foot ceilings and local artwork convey elegant simplicity. Recent renovations include the kitchen, master bathroom and a "Marilyn Monroe" laundry room.
Owners: Dr. Richard and Judy Young
#10 226 East Main Street c.1908
This house was built by John Bragaw (who worked at the Bragaw Insurance Agency) between 1908 and 1910. The original house is a classic four square with four rooms of equal size on each floor. When the house was built it had a cooking porch at the rear with a servants' stairway leading up to the second floor. The current owners have made substantial improvements to the rear of the home adding decks and a screened porch. They converted the old enclosed porches into a new kitchen and great room. The rear of the property is extensively landscaped with roses and perennials.
Owners: Ross and Chris Hamory
#11 228 East Main Street c.1850 -1930
The first floor dates to the early 1850's. A second story and the Tudor look were added to the home sometime between 1901 and 1930. The home has the original fireplaces and floors. A small barn was removed from the rear of the home and replaced with the new carriage house/garage in 2009. Current resident is Barbara Hardy.
Owners: Don and Debbie Morrisey
#12 323 East Main Street Garden
A pathway of slate leads one to a gate and into a small courtyard embellished with terra cotta pots brimming with pansies, mint, and snapdragons. A brick pathway leads to dogwood, mix and match of shrubs, perennials and biennials. While enjoying the garden one can steal a glance of the Pamlico River from afar.
Owner: Annette Jefferson
#13 127 East Main Street c.1870
The "Potts-Bragaw House" was built by Samuel Potts. The house was later owned by Judge Steven Bragaw. The house was then passed down to Dr. Frank Duke, a local dentist. The interior of the home reflects its neoclassical exterior. There are 21 rooms, a grand staircase, and six fireplaces. Heavy ornamentation, inlaid floors, and gold leaf work prevail throughout the house which is accented by period pieces.
Owner: Don Stroud
#14 210 E. Water Street c.1795
"Marsh House" is one of the oldest houses in Washington. This Federal period Georgian style house was built by Daniel G. Marsh, brother of the owner of the Palmer-Marsh house in Bath. The house has not been altered from its original central hall plan. It retains many of its original architectural details such as moldings, paneled wainscoting, Federal style mantels, heart pine flooring, and is furnished with period antiques.
Owners: Dallas and Dee Congleton
#15 214 E. Water Street c.1780
The "Meyers House" is the oldest building in Washington. The Meyers family were merchants and shipbuilders with a shipyard located adjacent to the house. The home was once said to have tunnels in the cellar leading to the Pamlico. Double shouldered chimneys, Flemish-bond brickwork, and molded weatherboards exemplify this Federal Period structure. The smokehouse in the backyard is one of only three in Washington. Gaskins and Gaskins PA. is now located here.
Owners: Herman and Debra Gaskins
Photo currently unavailable.
#16 203 South Academy Street c.2008
This home is a new construction townhouse built to complement the late 19th century architecture of the surrounding area. The hand hewn wood floors, extra wide baseboards, crown molding and two custom fireplaces are reminiscent of an earlier time. The owners have decorated the home with antique furniture and fixtures from around the world. The modern art in this house creates a bond between old and new. Sunset and sunrise views are appreciated from the front and double back porches.
Owners: Bill and Rebecca Clark
#17 108 Simmons Street c.1924
The "Bowen House" is believed to be a Sears kit bungalow built in the arts and crafts style in 1924 by Walter and Hilda Bowen. Wide eaves with triangular brackets, exposed roof rafters, stucco siding and a wide front porch with tapered columns characterize the one and half story bungalow. Original inside features of the house include wide trim and molding, honey pine wood floors, a Chicago style fireplace, and a butler's pantry. Unique characteristics of the house include four "secret" unfinished rooms in the cross gabled roof. The backyard also features a heart shaped pond (now an herb garden) and birdbath.,hand built by Mr. Walter for Ms. Hilda in the 1930's.
Owners: Ray and D.J. Midget
#18 216 West Main Street c.1852
This Greek Revival style building boasts a brick lined roof. It survived the threat of two massive fires in 1864 and 1900. At one time, the Bank of Washington ranked with the foremost in the state. It currently houses "I Can't Believe It's a Bookstore". Refreshments will be served here compliments of Gary A Ceres and Richard A Snow, owners of the bookstore.
Owner: Marie Tomasulo
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