When we last left our hero...I mean house...development of what was then called the Perkinson Tract was just getting off the ground. In 1924, the area of development was limited; encompassing only Carolina and College Avenues. It was also the year that the old farmhouse on Carolina had its first new owners in nearly two decades: J. W. and H. J. Keeling.
The Keelings presented me with two invaluable pieces of information regarding the history of the house. One was a building permit, and the other a series of newspaper articles. The building permit, submitted in 1926, listed the addition of a porch with tin roof as well as repairs to the dwelling. Through this building permit (though several years later), I was able to find newspaper articles documenting the sale of the house. One of which stated that the house was "believed to the be the first built in the area" other than the house at 120 College Avenue.
The Keeling Brothers, like J. E. Perkinson, dabbled in real estate. Also like J. E. Perkinson, they seemed to like the area enough to ultimately buy several lots in the neighborhood. Do you know what goes well with the sale of land and property? Insurance. Yep, that's right. They began to sell insurance as well as real estate in the 1920s.
The Keeling's ownership of the house lasted into the Great Depression. In the 1930 census, the house is listed as having seven occupants: J. W. Keeling; his wife, Minnie; two nephews: James Garner and Norman Faylor; his mother, Susan; a nurse/servant, Eula Foster; and a lodger named C. Ashbury Allen. All were employed, however, except Minnie and Susan. J. W. was a real estate agent, James was a salesman, Norman was a filling station attendant, and C. Ashbury Allen was a jewlery engraver.
Perhaps the most amusing thing I saw in my research on the Keelings, however, is that the census referred to the mother as an invalid. She was indeed quite ill, however, as she would die in the home shortly thereafter.
Despite the west end experiencing a housing boom in the late 1920s and early 1930s, the Great Depression still reared it's ugly head. In 1931, the Keelings defaulted on a loan and lost the house they had occupied for the past seven years. I can, obviously, only surmise that it was the Great Depression, but I still hate to think how it felt for a real estate agent to lose his own home.
Of course, as one person leaves, another follows. In short order, a new chapter would begin for the old farmhouse on Carolina Avenue. One that has an interesting twist...
Monday, October 29, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
History of a House: A Few Owners and The Start of a Neighborhood
Note: I'm consolidating three owners into this post. Two owners I have little to no information about, and the third I have significantly more. The third is a pivotal part of my research, but I have so little on the other two that I see no need for a separate entry on them.
Historical research involving people can be incredibly nerve wracking. It's amazing that you can come across a name so many times and even recognize it, but then realize you are so limited in your resources you don't even know why you know them. Moreover, you have to deal with what I have dubbed the junior syndrome. You see a name several times, only to realize that it's someone's son.
Such is the case with the second owners of Ms. Gott's house. I have heard and seen the name F.X. Burton several times throughout my research on her house and through various other ventures in Danville's history. Imagine my surprise when I saw that name and read the deed to verify that it was, indeed, her house! I may not have believed it, had the deed not referenced it as Robinson Market Gardens.
F. X. Burton and his wife, Alice, owned the house for 10 years. Unfortunately for me, I quickly learned that during that 10 years, he died. Deed book entries in Danville that referenced F. X. Burton must have referred to his son. So, I know very little about him. As I recall, however, he was instrumental in the development of Neopolis (North Danville).
In 1904, Alice Burton sold the house to Mollie E. Mays and her husband. I know absolutely nothing about them, but they are worth mentioning as they established a trend with the house: female owners. Like Blanche Robinson, the land was deeded to Mollie, not to Mollie's husband. Between inheritances and purchases, the majority of the owners of that house have been women.
Mollie Mays owned the house for a year, give or take. If I recall, it was just under a year. As interesting as her purchase of the house was, her sale of the house was piece of information that completed my research.
The year was 1905. That area was yet to be annexed by the City of Danville. The Mount Vernon Villa Company had done very little to the area around Virginia Avenue. It was also the year that a purchase was made that would change the shape of the area forever...just not for another 15 or 20 years. The buyer? J. E. Perkinson: the one man upon whom all of my research hinged.
J. E. Perkinson...a man I have never met, and who left no heirs. Yet, by the end of my research, I felt like I knew him. I could picture what I thought he looked like in my head. All these years of researching him (which, somehow, did not feel stalkerish at all) made me feel a connection with him. He worked in the tobacco industry and owned a house on Main Street which no longer exists, but, ironically, he gave to his wife.
As an interesting side-note, before I get into the importance of J. E. Perkinson. His brother, T. R. Perkinson, built the house at 274 Carolina Avenue in 1916. He, however, lived in the area prior to that. He was first listed as living in the vicinity of Virginia Avenue in 1906, and T. R. Perkinson's name is also on the first piece of evidence of prior owners that I ever found in the house.
T. R. Perkinson moved to Danville in 1901, according to his obituary. He was a farmer who moved from Amelia. Where he lived prior to 1906 is unknown, though I imagine it is possible that he may have rented the house, which sparked his brother purchasing it.
Anyway, back to J. E. Perkinson...
J. E. Perkinson is the man who would make the area from Carolina Avenue to Howeland Circle what it is today. He would eventually buy the land up College Avenue, extend Carolina Avenue to Virginia Avenue, develop Howeland Circle and all of the intermediate streets. He built Avondale Drive and named the entire neighborhood Avondale Park.
This, however, was not until the 1920s. Around this time, Carolina Avenue was officially given its name, and the two houses given their house numbers. It is interesting to note, also, that circa 1920 the taxes on the house at 275 Carolina Avenue was $275 and some change. Maybe it's just coincidence, but I can't think of a better reason for a street to have houses that begin in the 270s rather than 100s.
After 1916, the house was rented. The only known occupant during this time was a local grocer: Frank L. Martin. He and his family lived here around 1920 before moving to Florida. Perhaps I need to do an entry on him as a miscellaneous later...
In 1924, J. E. Perkinson finally put his original purchase on the market. Amidst the selling of bungalows on College Avenue and other houses in the neighborhood, the unique house at 275 Carolina Avenue had it's first new owner in nearly 20 years.
Historical research involving people can be incredibly nerve wracking. It's amazing that you can come across a name so many times and even recognize it, but then realize you are so limited in your resources you don't even know why you know them. Moreover, you have to deal with what I have dubbed the junior syndrome. You see a name several times, only to realize that it's someone's son.
Such is the case with the second owners of Ms. Gott's house. I have heard and seen the name F.X. Burton several times throughout my research on her house and through various other ventures in Danville's history. Imagine my surprise when I saw that name and read the deed to verify that it was, indeed, her house! I may not have believed it, had the deed not referenced it as Robinson Market Gardens.
F. X. Burton and his wife, Alice, owned the house for 10 years. Unfortunately for me, I quickly learned that during that 10 years, he died. Deed book entries in Danville that referenced F. X. Burton must have referred to his son. So, I know very little about him. As I recall, however, he was instrumental in the development of Neopolis (North Danville).
In 1904, Alice Burton sold the house to Mollie E. Mays and her husband. I know absolutely nothing about them, but they are worth mentioning as they established a trend with the house: female owners. Like Blanche Robinson, the land was deeded to Mollie, not to Mollie's husband. Between inheritances and purchases, the majority of the owners of that house have been women.
Mollie Mays owned the house for a year, give or take. If I recall, it was just under a year. As interesting as her purchase of the house was, her sale of the house was piece of information that completed my research.
The year was 1905. That area was yet to be annexed by the City of Danville. The Mount Vernon Villa Company had done very little to the area around Virginia Avenue. It was also the year that a purchase was made that would change the shape of the area forever...just not for another 15 or 20 years. The buyer? J. E. Perkinson: the one man upon whom all of my research hinged.
J. E. Perkinson...a man I have never met, and who left no heirs. Yet, by the end of my research, I felt like I knew him. I could picture what I thought he looked like in my head. All these years of researching him (which, somehow, did not feel stalkerish at all) made me feel a connection with him. He worked in the tobacco industry and owned a house on Main Street which no longer exists, but, ironically, he gave to his wife.
As an interesting side-note, before I get into the importance of J. E. Perkinson. His brother, T. R. Perkinson, built the house at 274 Carolina Avenue in 1916. He, however, lived in the area prior to that. He was first listed as living in the vicinity of Virginia Avenue in 1906, and T. R. Perkinson's name is also on the first piece of evidence of prior owners that I ever found in the house.
T. R. Perkinson moved to Danville in 1901, according to his obituary. He was a farmer who moved from Amelia. Where he lived prior to 1906 is unknown, though I imagine it is possible that he may have rented the house, which sparked his brother purchasing it.
Anyway, back to J. E. Perkinson...
J. E. Perkinson is the man who would make the area from Carolina Avenue to Howeland Circle what it is today. He would eventually buy the land up College Avenue, extend Carolina Avenue to Virginia Avenue, develop Howeland Circle and all of the intermediate streets. He built Avondale Drive and named the entire neighborhood Avondale Park.
This, however, was not until the 1920s. Around this time, Carolina Avenue was officially given its name, and the two houses given their house numbers. It is interesting to note, also, that circa 1920 the taxes on the house at 275 Carolina Avenue was $275 and some change. Maybe it's just coincidence, but I can't think of a better reason for a street to have houses that begin in the 270s rather than 100s.
After 1916, the house was rented. The only known occupant during this time was a local grocer: Frank L. Martin. He and his family lived here around 1920 before moving to Florida. Perhaps I need to do an entry on him as a miscellaneous later...
In 1924, J. E. Perkinson finally put his original purchase on the market. Amidst the selling of bungalows on College Avenue and other houses in the neighborhood, the unique house at 275 Carolina Avenue had it's first new owner in nearly 20 years.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
History of a House: The Not Swiss Family Robinson
What fascinates me most about researching old houses is the people and their stories. Perhaps it is the Psychology major in me, though some say it's the historian in me. Either way, the more I researched, the more I found myself feeling a connection with these people. Long forgotten families who built a life and memories...these are their stories.
As I researched, I spent countless hours searching for deeds. I'd find myself saying "let's find my dear Blanche," or "my friend J. E. Perkinson." While, sadly, they are simply names printed in black and white, I began to feel like I knew them and knew their stories. So, now, I shall present you with the first family of 275 Carolina Avenue: The Robinsons.
On July 17, 1884, W. P. and Blanche Robinson purchased ~11 acres of the former Wimbish property. Their property was bounded by the former Wimbish property line (where the alley is today), the property purchased by E. H. Miller and J. M. Neal (around Westhampton Avenue), the Southern Railroad, and a new road opened where Carolina Avenue is today. The road, however, ended where the alley is and stretched all the way to West Main Street. In fact, if you stand on Carolina Avenue (just in front of 275) at night, you can see the stoplight at West Main and Howeland Circle.
W. P. Robinson was a Civil War Veteran, ran a dry goods store downtown, and held a pivotal role in the 1883 election in the city of Danville. He was a magistrate for the coalition, which had formed several years prior and helped to enable a biracial state government during reconstruction in the state of Virginia. Following the Danville Riots, he expressed concerns that blacks would not be voting and that acting as a magistrate for the election might be pointless.
Immediately following the purchase of their 11 acres, Blanche Robinson purchased an additional 4 acres from E. H. Miller. On the same day, W. P. Robinson transferred all of his possessions to his wife with her brother, Thomas L. Sydnor (a local dentist) as trustee. Blanche became the sole owner of the original 11 acres and the dry goods store he owned on Main Street. Subsequent deeds would list her as the owner, and W. P. as running the store and acting as her agent.
The following year, in 1885, I believe that the Robinsons built their home. Pittsylvania County landbooks indicate a building worth $600 being on the original ~11 acres. Subsequent deeds refer to the land as "Robinson Market Gardens". The deed for the four acres purchased from E. H. Miller referred to it as the "W. P. Robinson Fish Pond."
Many subsquent trust deeds on the property helped me verify that they not only lived on the land, but that the location was correct. At least one deed from Blanche mentions "my home" and they all mention the surrounding property owners: E. H. Miller, J. T. Watson, and E. H. Mitchell (who had purchased the Wimbish home a few years after the subdivision on the land).
Life, however, was not so great for the Robinsons. They took out a handful loans with their home and store as collateral. By 1894, Blanche owed money to a plethora of people for goods in their store, for work, and for loans taken out. That deed, in particular, was hard to read. The deed was about five pages long and listed everyone to whom money was owed and how much. For example, she was indebted to the National Cash Register Company.
In 1894, pursuant to a trust deed from 1890, the ~15 acres owned by Blanche Robinson was auctioned off. By this point, as best I can tell, they had moved from their home and were renting it out as one deed mentions allowing her to "enjoy rents from the use of her property..."
So, in 1894, the land was purchased at auction by F. X. Burton.
As I researched, I spent countless hours searching for deeds. I'd find myself saying "let's find my dear Blanche," or "my friend J. E. Perkinson." While, sadly, they are simply names printed in black and white, I began to feel like I knew them and knew their stories. So, now, I shall present you with the first family of 275 Carolina Avenue: The Robinsons.
On July 17, 1884, W. P. and Blanche Robinson purchased ~11 acres of the former Wimbish property. Their property was bounded by the former Wimbish property line (where the alley is today), the property purchased by E. H. Miller and J. M. Neal (around Westhampton Avenue), the Southern Railroad, and a new road opened where Carolina Avenue is today. The road, however, ended where the alley is and stretched all the way to West Main Street. In fact, if you stand on Carolina Avenue (just in front of 275) at night, you can see the stoplight at West Main and Howeland Circle.
W. P. Robinson was a Civil War Veteran, ran a dry goods store downtown, and held a pivotal role in the 1883 election in the city of Danville. He was a magistrate for the coalition, which had formed several years prior and helped to enable a biracial state government during reconstruction in the state of Virginia. Following the Danville Riots, he expressed concerns that blacks would not be voting and that acting as a magistrate for the election might be pointless.
Immediately following the purchase of their 11 acres, Blanche Robinson purchased an additional 4 acres from E. H. Miller. On the same day, W. P. Robinson transferred all of his possessions to his wife with her brother, Thomas L. Sydnor (a local dentist) as trustee. Blanche became the sole owner of the original 11 acres and the dry goods store he owned on Main Street. Subsequent deeds would list her as the owner, and W. P. as running the store and acting as her agent.
The following year, in 1885, I believe that the Robinsons built their home. Pittsylvania County landbooks indicate a building worth $600 being on the original ~11 acres. Subsequent deeds refer to the land as "Robinson Market Gardens". The deed for the four acres purchased from E. H. Miller referred to it as the "W. P. Robinson Fish Pond."
Many subsquent trust deeds on the property helped me verify that they not only lived on the land, but that the location was correct. At least one deed from Blanche mentions "my home" and they all mention the surrounding property owners: E. H. Miller, J. T. Watson, and E. H. Mitchell (who had purchased the Wimbish home a few years after the subdivision on the land).
Life, however, was not so great for the Robinsons. They took out a handful loans with their home and store as collateral. By 1894, Blanche owed money to a plethora of people for goods in their store, for work, and for loans taken out. That deed, in particular, was hard to read. The deed was about five pages long and listed everyone to whom money was owed and how much. For example, she was indebted to the National Cash Register Company.
In 1894, pursuant to a trust deed from 1890, the ~15 acres owned by Blanche Robinson was auctioned off. By this point, as best I can tell, they had moved from their home and were renting it out as one deed mentions allowing her to "enjoy rents from the use of her property..."
So, in 1894, the land was purchased at auction by F. X. Burton.
History of a House: Our Story Begins...
Author's Note: Though I have officially finished my research on the house, I decided to write out a detailed history of the 275 Carolina Avenue/The Cottage/Robinson Market Gardens. Rather than one extremely long blog entry, I'm going to write one for each person. Well, some may be joined as I have very little information on them. But anyway...
The main part of my research may be done, but, as with an old house, there will always be little things to do. I'm sure I will continue to "accidentally" dig things up, unearth treasures, and it's quite possible that one day I'll be locked in the crawl space and be forced to tunnel out. So at least there is potential for more learning.
No story would be complete without a beginning. True, you could make a beginning out of any part of a story, but it really wouldn't make sense if you picked some arbitrary point. That being said, I think the best starting point is the subdivision of the land on which the house was built. From there, I can regale you with stories of the people who have owned/inhabited the home for the past 127 years.
To truly begin the history of 275 Carolina Avenue, though, we have to start with a completely different house: 120 College Avenue -- formerly 413 West Main Street. The yellow gothic cottage situated on a tiny parcel of land on College Avenue used to be a farm house located in Pittsylvania County.
Built around 1871 by William P. Graham, the house originally faced West Main Street and rested on roughly 83 acres of land. In 1874, William P. Graham sold the house to his cousin, Abram Wimbish. The 83 acres of land contained all of the area from the current Virginia Avenue to Carolina Avenue, then at a diagonal to South Main Street at the Southern Railroad. From there, it followed the railroad to the outer edge of Howeland Circle and to West Main Street. Beers' 1877 Map of Danville and Pittsylvania County show the property containing a natural spring, a large and small orchard, and even a proposed half-mile race course.
Around 1877, Abram Wimbish sold a portion of his land to the City of Danville "to afford it room enough to lay its water pipes and reach the city reservoir." At this time, the City Reservoir was located on Virginia Avenue. Wimbish reserved a 30 foot right of way for himself around the reservoir, which may still exist in part today.
In 1884, shortly after the death of Abram Wimbish, the vast acreage was subdivided. Abram had left his wife, Fannie, with a fair amount of debt, and in order to settle those debts and allow Mrs. Wimbish to keep her house and outhouse -- yes, the deed actually specified that there was a lien on the house AND outhouse. The majority of the land was purchased by J. M. Neal and E. H. Miller. They purchased everything from roughly Westhampton Avenue to Howeland Circle. J. T. Watson bought the triangular parcel from the intersection of Virginia and Carolina to South Main and back to Virginia. The last parcel, facing a newly opened street (now known as Carolina Avenue) contained 11 acres of land. This parcel, stretching from the alley down Carolina Avenue to Westhampton and back to the railroad, was purchased by W. P. Robinson.
Well, that's it for now. My next entry will begin to delve into the true history of the house and the people. To be honest, my research didn't go much into Wimbishes. Most of what I got comes from Victorian Danville Fifty-Two Landmarks: Their Architecture & History. Except the house and outhouse thing. I actually did read that for myself at the Pittsylvania County Courthouse.
The main part of my research may be done, but, as with an old house, there will always be little things to do. I'm sure I will continue to "accidentally" dig things up, unearth treasures, and it's quite possible that one day I'll be locked in the crawl space and be forced to tunnel out. So at least there is potential for more learning.
No story would be complete without a beginning. True, you could make a beginning out of any part of a story, but it really wouldn't make sense if you picked some arbitrary point. That being said, I think the best starting point is the subdivision of the land on which the house was built. From there, I can regale you with stories of the people who have owned/inhabited the home for the past 127 years.
To truly begin the history of 275 Carolina Avenue, though, we have to start with a completely different house: 120 College Avenue -- formerly 413 West Main Street. The yellow gothic cottage situated on a tiny parcel of land on College Avenue used to be a farm house located in Pittsylvania County.
Built around 1871 by William P. Graham, the house originally faced West Main Street and rested on roughly 83 acres of land. In 1874, William P. Graham sold the house to his cousin, Abram Wimbish. The 83 acres of land contained all of the area from the current Virginia Avenue to Carolina Avenue, then at a diagonal to South Main Street at the Southern Railroad. From there, it followed the railroad to the outer edge of Howeland Circle and to West Main Street. Beers' 1877 Map of Danville and Pittsylvania County show the property containing a natural spring, a large and small orchard, and even a proposed half-mile race course.
Around 1877, Abram Wimbish sold a portion of his land to the City of Danville "to afford it room enough to lay its water pipes and reach the city reservoir." At this time, the City Reservoir was located on Virginia Avenue. Wimbish reserved a 30 foot right of way for himself around the reservoir, which may still exist in part today.
In 1884, shortly after the death of Abram Wimbish, the vast acreage was subdivided. Abram had left his wife, Fannie, with a fair amount of debt, and in order to settle those debts and allow Mrs. Wimbish to keep her house and outhouse -- yes, the deed actually specified that there was a lien on the house AND outhouse. The majority of the land was purchased by J. M. Neal and E. H. Miller. They purchased everything from roughly Westhampton Avenue to Howeland Circle. J. T. Watson bought the triangular parcel from the intersection of Virginia and Carolina to South Main and back to Virginia. The last parcel, facing a newly opened street (now known as Carolina Avenue) contained 11 acres of land. This parcel, stretching from the alley down Carolina Avenue to Westhampton and back to the railroad, was purchased by W. P. Robinson.
Well, that's it for now. My next entry will begin to delve into the true history of the house and the people. To be honest, my research didn't go much into Wimbishes. Most of what I got comes from Victorian Danville Fifty-Two Landmarks: Their Architecture & History. Except the house and outhouse thing. I actually did read that for myself at the Pittsylvania County Courthouse.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Researching an Old House: Finally Completed
It's taken me years, but the origins of the house at 275 Carolina Avenue have finally been discovered. While mysteries of the house still exist, a build date and chain of title have finally been completed. Does this mean I intend to quit writing in my blog? Hardly, as Danville still has many stories left to be retold. But for now, let's focus on today's discoveries.
I've hit so many brick walls in my research that I started to feel like the Kool-Aid man. Every path I took, forward or backwards led me to dead ends or cul-de-sacs regarding the history of the house, the street, and the neighborhood.
Week before last, I had planned a day of research, but ultimately ended up with two. Day one left with me with the same information I had before. But my second day of research was spontaneous, and provided me with new information.
You see, one of the trust deeds on the property was incredibly daunting to read. W. P. Robinson and his wife Blanche -- who actually controlled the personal property and store they owned -- had accrued massive amounts of debts. In this particular trust deed, it listed every single person to whom money was owed and how much. Because of this, I tended to skip over that information because I really didn't care how much they owed to National Cash Register. This time, however, I looked closely enough to notice that the house and land were not included as there was a previous trust deed taken out on the property.
Because of this, I was led to a new name: F. X. Burton.
Unfortunately, I was unable to pursue it anymore. But I knew that the name F. X. Burton had to be my key. After a week at my parents house, I finally got to investigate.
Now we're back to today. I decided that since almost everything pertaining to the house was replicated in Danville, I would just go downtown and get the information I needed there. Unfortunately, after a couple of hours of circular research and dead ends I found nothing. At about 3:00, I decided to head to Chatham. It was pouring down rain when I left the courthouse, but the sun was shining. I took this as a good sign. In any event, it certainly made me happy.
When I got to Chatham, I immediately got to work searching for land that F. X. Burton may have sold around the time he purchased the land which contains Ms. Gott's house, but found nothing.
I had thought to look at land records while in Danville, so I KNEW that J. E. Perkinson had acquired the land by 1906, so I looked him up in the index and found a deed from Molly Mays in 1905. From there, I found that she bought the house from Alice Burton, the widow of F. X. Burton, in 1904.
Re-reading the county landbooks show that in 1885, a building worth $600 was listed on the property. The same value is listed in subsequent landbooks in both Pittsylvania County and Danville.
Thus, the chain of title was completed:
Robinson -> Burton -> Mays -> Perkinson -> Keeling -> Grasty -> Breeden -> Gott
It's interesting, to me, that J. E. Perkinson bought the land the year before his brother was listed as living in the area and 11 years before he would buy the land across Carolina Avenue and sell it to his brother for $10.
My next entry will deal more with the people of the house, how they came to get it and how they came to lose it. For now, though, I shall leave it with this. I've decided that a reward is in order...and I want ice cream! :)
I've hit so many brick walls in my research that I started to feel like the Kool-Aid man. Every path I took, forward or backwards led me to dead ends or cul-de-sacs regarding the history of the house, the street, and the neighborhood.
Week before last, I had planned a day of research, but ultimately ended up with two. Day one left with me with the same information I had before. But my second day of research was spontaneous, and provided me with new information.
You see, one of the trust deeds on the property was incredibly daunting to read. W. P. Robinson and his wife Blanche -- who actually controlled the personal property and store they owned -- had accrued massive amounts of debts. In this particular trust deed, it listed every single person to whom money was owed and how much. Because of this, I tended to skip over that information because I really didn't care how much they owed to National Cash Register. This time, however, I looked closely enough to notice that the house and land were not included as there was a previous trust deed taken out on the property.
Because of this, I was led to a new name: F. X. Burton.
Unfortunately, I was unable to pursue it anymore. But I knew that the name F. X. Burton had to be my key. After a week at my parents house, I finally got to investigate.
Now we're back to today. I decided that since almost everything pertaining to the house was replicated in Danville, I would just go downtown and get the information I needed there. Unfortunately, after a couple of hours of circular research and dead ends I found nothing. At about 3:00, I decided to head to Chatham. It was pouring down rain when I left the courthouse, but the sun was shining. I took this as a good sign. In any event, it certainly made me happy.
When I got to Chatham, I immediately got to work searching for land that F. X. Burton may have sold around the time he purchased the land which contains Ms. Gott's house, but found nothing.
I had thought to look at land records while in Danville, so I KNEW that J. E. Perkinson had acquired the land by 1906, so I looked him up in the index and found a deed from Molly Mays in 1905. From there, I found that she bought the house from Alice Burton, the widow of F. X. Burton, in 1904.
Re-reading the county landbooks show that in 1885, a building worth $600 was listed on the property. The same value is listed in subsequent landbooks in both Pittsylvania County and Danville.
Thus, the chain of title was completed:
Robinson -> Burton -> Mays -> Perkinson -> Keeling -> Grasty -> Breeden -> Gott
It's interesting, to me, that J. E. Perkinson bought the land the year before his brother was listed as living in the area and 11 years before he would buy the land across Carolina Avenue and sell it to his brother for $10.
My next entry will deal more with the people of the house, how they came to get it and how they came to lose it. For now, though, I shall leave it with this. I've decided that a reward is in order...and I want ice cream! :)
 |
| And then I threw two weeks of notes into the air and scared the crap out of my orange cat, Trio. |
Monday, June 18, 2012
Research: Making Connections with Other Historians
I have a million thoughts swirling through my head tonight...or I should say, a million more than usual.
Yesterday, a dear friend of mine read my blog entry about Galileo. She said it was incredibly well written and asked me " are you sure that you don't want to go on to study history/become a historian?" I had to concede that I have toyed with the idea. I chuckled a little, given that she was a fellow Psychology major. More importantly, though, we met through a writing lab senior year. I must give credit where credit is due: if it hadn't been for Dr. Silvia, I don't think my writing would be as good as it is now. Granted, I've always been a good writer, but it was his class that transitioned me from academic writing to professional-esque writing. You'll probably never see this, but thanks Dr. Silvia!
Last weekend, thanks to Micah Robinson, I was able to meet one of, if not Danville's most prominent historian: Gary Grant. Micah mentioned that I had been researching his house for him, and then Gary and I started talking. We talked about the house, the information I had, and the abstract Mary Cahill had written on 1021 Main Street that didn't make it into Victorian Danville: Fifty-two Landmarks: Their Architecture & History. He said he would drop off a copy of the abstract with Micah so I could read it next time I was in town.
As we talked, I mentioned my use of the Sanborn Fire Insurance Company maps, and come to find out that there are only two copies available in Danville. While I have access to all the maps (though without color coding), he hasn't been able to access them. Gary expressed interest in seeing them, and I said I would look into printing out hard copies of each map.
I also mentioned that the Southern Historical Collection at UNC has a copy of a ledger from the Mount Vernon Villa Company that I have been wanting to check out. This seemed to really intrigue him, and he gave me a little more insight into the Mount Vernon Villa Company. Apparently, they were the movers and shakers of the early 20th century. I knew that they were one of the main sources of westward expansion in Danville, but never knew that they had their hands in so many pockets: the power company, the street car company.
It turns out, as well, that Gary is the first person with whom I've spoken who is aware that Ms. Gott's house is the second oldest in that neighborhood. While most people immediately assume the house across the street is, he had absolutely no surprise when I reported that a newspaper article had listed her house as such.
The most important thing he said to me was that he would be very interesting in sharing information if I can get information from the Mount Vernon Villa Company ledger. In fact, this excited me so much that I immediately starting formulating ways I could get a chance to get to Wilson Library to check it out.
Given that I'm required to take a mandatory 30 days off from work -- the joys of being a temp -- I thought that would be a good time to see what I could find. So, I decided I would ask my coworker and my boss if, perhaps, I came down one day during my break around lunch if my coworker could drop me off at the library on his way back out onto campus. It would save the money from parking, and my sister said she'd be willing to pick me up when she gets off of work.
When I broached the idea with my coworker, he was fine with it. I figured my boss would be okay with it, but I felt it better to ask. I must say, I really do have an awesome boss! He didn't even hesitate and said it would be fine. I'm sure he knows if I'm there while Bryan is unloading the truck, I'll certainly help. Not necessarily to expedite the process of getting to the library, but to thank them both for helping me. Now, all that's left, is more me to figure out when would be best for me to come back to Chapel Hill from Danville and spend an afternoon reading a 100 year old ledger.
The ledger should prove to hold key information on the westward expansion of Danville, and if at all useful, might give me reason to document and perhaps write a book based on that and the knowledge I've already gained from newspaper archives.
A more pertinent blog entry should be soon following. Next Monday I fully intend to spend an entire day research deeds and building permits on Ms. Gott's house and on 1021 Main Street. Hopefully, having all an entire day and making some detailed notes of what I need to research will allow me to get some answers on Ms. Gott's house. Until then, however, I will be living with excitement and anticipation of what comes next.
Yesterday, a dear friend of mine read my blog entry about Galileo. She said it was incredibly well written and asked me " are you sure that you don't want to go on to study history/become a historian?" I had to concede that I have toyed with the idea. I chuckled a little, given that she was a fellow Psychology major. More importantly, though, we met through a writing lab senior year. I must give credit where credit is due: if it hadn't been for Dr. Silvia, I don't think my writing would be as good as it is now. Granted, I've always been a good writer, but it was his class that transitioned me from academic writing to professional-esque writing. You'll probably never see this, but thanks Dr. Silvia!
Last weekend, thanks to Micah Robinson, I was able to meet one of, if not Danville's most prominent historian: Gary Grant. Micah mentioned that I had been researching his house for him, and then Gary and I started talking. We talked about the house, the information I had, and the abstract Mary Cahill had written on 1021 Main Street that didn't make it into Victorian Danville: Fifty-two Landmarks: Their Architecture & History. He said he would drop off a copy of the abstract with Micah so I could read it next time I was in town.
As we talked, I mentioned my use of the Sanborn Fire Insurance Company maps, and come to find out that there are only two copies available in Danville. While I have access to all the maps (though without color coding), he hasn't been able to access them. Gary expressed interest in seeing them, and I said I would look into printing out hard copies of each map.
I also mentioned that the Southern Historical Collection at UNC has a copy of a ledger from the Mount Vernon Villa Company that I have been wanting to check out. This seemed to really intrigue him, and he gave me a little more insight into the Mount Vernon Villa Company. Apparently, they were the movers and shakers of the early 20th century. I knew that they were one of the main sources of westward expansion in Danville, but never knew that they had their hands in so many pockets: the power company, the street car company.
It turns out, as well, that Gary is the first person with whom I've spoken who is aware that Ms. Gott's house is the second oldest in that neighborhood. While most people immediately assume the house across the street is, he had absolutely no surprise when I reported that a newspaper article had listed her house as such.
The most important thing he said to me was that he would be very interesting in sharing information if I can get information from the Mount Vernon Villa Company ledger. In fact, this excited me so much that I immediately starting formulating ways I could get a chance to get to Wilson Library to check it out.
Given that I'm required to take a mandatory 30 days off from work -- the joys of being a temp -- I thought that would be a good time to see what I could find. So, I decided I would ask my coworker and my boss if, perhaps, I came down one day during my break around lunch if my coworker could drop me off at the library on his way back out onto campus. It would save the money from parking, and my sister said she'd be willing to pick me up when she gets off of work.
When I broached the idea with my coworker, he was fine with it. I figured my boss would be okay with it, but I felt it better to ask. I must say, I really do have an awesome boss! He didn't even hesitate and said it would be fine. I'm sure he knows if I'm there while Bryan is unloading the truck, I'll certainly help. Not necessarily to expedite the process of getting to the library, but to thank them both for helping me. Now, all that's left, is more me to figure out when would be best for me to come back to Chapel Hill from Danville and spend an afternoon reading a 100 year old ledger.
The ledger should prove to hold key information on the westward expansion of Danville, and if at all useful, might give me reason to document and perhaps write a book based on that and the knowledge I've already gained from newspaper archives.
A more pertinent blog entry should be soon following. Next Monday I fully intend to spend an entire day research deeds and building permits on Ms. Gott's house and on 1021 Main Street. Hopefully, having all an entire day and making some detailed notes of what I need to research will allow me to get some answers on Ms. Gott's house. Until then, however, I will be living with excitement and anticipation of what comes next.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
From School to School to Sears to School: A History of Galileo Magnet High School and the corner lot at Ridge and Loyal Streets
(Author's Note: I suppose this could be considered my tribute to the 10 year anniversary of my high school: Galileo Magnet High School. As well as a tribute to the teachers, the staff, Mr. Lawrence, and the friends that helped make it three of the best years of my life.)
Geeks, nerds, dorks....whatever you wanted to call us, we embraced it. In fact, which of three we were was once of great debate as we gathered on the pews of the Common Area and cafeteria, and amidst echoes of Bohemian Rhapsody in the hallways. Later, it became a long running inside joke amongst a rag-tag group of misfits who found their place within the walls of a former department store.
Galileo was a unique entity where the stereotypically popular people were outcasts; set aside within their own clique. And the outcasts? Well, they were the cool kids...the ones at the top of the hierarchy of high school socialization. What most of us had common, and what made us unique, was that we were all a bit strange, and we embraced it.
The site on which Galileo now stands is no stranger to education. Some 120 years prior to the school's inaugural year, on that very lot, stood Danville's very first public school. In 1880, on the site of Stratford College's first campus, a four story brick building was erected to educate all of Danville's youngsters. A total of 49 students attended the "Loyal Street School" that first year, from elementary through high school. The high school being confined to the second floor with it's own principal.
For 87 years, the young people of Danville were limited to private schools and home education. It was a legislative act in 1870 that finally brought free public education to Danville. Yet it was another 10 years before the city could get a grant and community support to build the school.
Robert E. Lee Elementary spent it's beginning years rather quietly. In 1925, there were complaints about stagnant water in the branch (or ravine) noted above creating an unpleasant odor. Promises were made that by the beginning of the school year the situation would be remedied.
Geeks, nerds, dorks....whatever you wanted to call us, we embraced it. In fact, which of three we were was once of great debate as we gathered on the pews of the Common Area and cafeteria, and amidst echoes of Bohemian Rhapsody in the hallways. Later, it became a long running inside joke amongst a rag-tag group of misfits who found their place within the walls of a former department store.
Galileo was a unique entity where the stereotypically popular people were outcasts; set aside within their own clique. And the outcasts? Well, they were the cool kids...the ones at the top of the hierarchy of high school socialization. What most of us had common, and what made us unique, was that we were all a bit strange, and we embraced it.
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| People like this guy. |
The site on which Galileo now stands is no stranger to education. Some 120 years prior to the school's inaugural year, on that very lot, stood Danville's very first public school. In 1880, on the site of Stratford College's first campus, a four story brick building was erected to educate all of Danville's youngsters. A total of 49 students attended the "Loyal Street School" that first year, from elementary through high school. The high school being confined to the second floor with it's own principal.
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| The original Loyal Street School. I wish I had brought my printer/scanner with me. |
For 87 years, the young people of Danville were limited to private schools and home education. It was a legislative act in 1870 that finally brought free public education to Danville. Yet it was another 10 years before the city could get a grant and community support to build the school.
The first embodiment of Loyal Street School lasted for 31 years. The building, as was written in the Danville Bee, "continued in use for some years despite
a number of small fires – (mostly attributed to youthful
incendiaries) – and as a measure of precaution, fire escapes were
added.” (Any part of that quote sound familiar Galileans? :-p) At the turn of the century, it was the only school for whites in Danville, whereas there were two small schools for African-Americans.
By all written accounts (at least that I could find), Loyal Street School existed as one building for 31 years. It appears, however, that isn't so. On the Sanborn Fire Insurance Company map from May, 1894, there exists two buildings on that lot. One listed as "Old Public School" and the other listed as "New Public School." The latter, it appears, is the one pictured above.
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| Note the ravine in front of the two houses (where the compass arrow is pointing, actually). It will come up later. |
By 1910, Loyal Street's final year, the old building had disappeared. Between make shift fire escapes and changing times, the school board decided it was time for a new building. In 1911, the school was razed to make way for a nice, new building. Only this time, it had a new name: Robert E. Lee Elementary.
Robert E. Lee Elementary spent it's beginning years rather quietly. In 1925, there were complaints about stagnant water in the branch (or ravine) noted above creating an unpleasant odor. Promises were made that by the beginning of the school year the situation would be remedied.
The following year, the area surrounding the school began to change. Seeing a need for an expanded business district, enterprising landowners J. T. Watson, Grasty Crews, and Henry Lee began preparations for a Loyal Street business district. If you've been following my blog, two of those names should be vaguely familiar. J. T. Watson, for whom Watson Street is named, owned and operated a brick yard near the train tracks just off of Watson Street. Grasty Crews is one of the former owners of Ms. Gott's house.
Within two years, Robert E. Lee started to face the burdens an expanding business district, as well as an expanding town. In 1928, parents, especially those in the West End, began to worry about sending their kids to school so near the business due to increased traffic. Enrollment dropped, as parents removed their children in favor of John L. Berekely School on Grove Street.
Parents and townspeople began suggesting that the school should be closed, and the building re-purposed for the growing business district. As the city was in dire need of an armory and public auditorium, it was suggested that the location would be ideal. It was also suggested that the building/land be used as a city market, due to easy accessibility and it would be "emminently suitable for Danville
housewives."
Parents were also requesting that a new school be built on the west end. Three lots were considered for this: one on Howeland Circle, one off of Randolph Street, and a third situated between Averett College and Forest Hills. I think we can safely guess which location was ultimately chosen.
For the next two years, school superintendent G. L. H. Johnson would push for the sale of the school to the city. Ultimately, despite the city sending a letter to inquire the price of the property, the would ultimately chose the corner of Spring Street as the location for the city armory and auditorium.
Despite dwindling enrollment, Robert E. Lee Elementary chugged along. It should be noted, however, that for some reason no newspaper articles appeared for the 1940s. I'll go back later and investigate this.
By 1955, Robert E. Lee had run its course. Grove Park School was in the process of being built, and the decision was made to finally close down the old school on the corner of Loyal and Ridge. In January of 1956, Robert E. Lee students were sent to the new Grove Park School to finish out the school year before being dispersed to other schools. By February, the demolition of the old school had already begun.
The land at the corner of Loyal and Ridge was sold to the Danville Housing Authority for the sum of $175,000 following a 1954 proposal. Danville Housing Authority had plans to clear out slums that existed around the school, and plans were set in motion for the building of a new street, improving existing ones, and updating electricity and utility lines to the area.
A few months later, Danville Housing Authority sold the land to Sears, Roebuck, and Co. for $275,000 for them to build a (then) modern store on the lot. The store was to be a big change from the former location on Main Street: it boasted a ~200 car parking lot, a full automotive service center, and garden center. Construction was completed in October, 1956, and the building we now know opened it's doors on October 17th.
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| Not too dissimilar from what they built, no? Photo taken from the Danville Bee. |
Sears was one of the first department stores to break away from Main Street. Conversely, it was the last to leave. Sears remained in business on that lot until 1993, when it moved to the then 9 year old Piedmont Mall. Many in my generation remember visiting the store with their parents.
The old building sat mostly empty for nine years. People who worked for the city used the parking lot, at one point RCATT occupied part of the building.
Then, in 2002 with the aid of an 8 million dollar grant, the old building was brought back to life as a high school. Walls were built, Gateway computers and laptops were bought, and students recruited. Students who would take history, math, and astronomy in the old Auto Center; history and drama in the now walled former outdoor garden center.
Was it small? Certainly. Was it awkward? No more than we were. Was I the only one that once or twice zoned out in class and thought about the washer and dryer set that was probably once on display where I was sitting? Probably not. Was Mr. Lawrence the best principal of all time? No doubt. Was the boys bathroom locked too many times? Definitely.
The point is, the memories were just as important as the education we received. That, and everything came full-circle. What started out as Danville's ONLY school, expanded and grew, became a department store for a few decades, and then returned to its original purpose: developing the minds of Danville's youth.
Loyal Street School may be forgotten, and Robert E. Lee may be but a memory to some, but both were just as pivotal to Danville's educational advancement as Galileo.
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