Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
B. Historic Value of Existing Structures <br />A small building cluster survives in the eastern portion of the site, along a high elevation <br />point, near the stream, and in the vicinity of future lots 12 -16. Dating from the late <br />nineteenth to early twentieth century period, the homestead consists of five buildings: a <br />house; large multi -pen drive - through barn; large, frame, barn; low open shed (pole barn); <br />privy; and one other small deteriorated structure (Attachment 3). Most of these buildings <br />are in relatively poor repair. <br />The house was constructed in stages. The front block is a one and one -half story log <br />structure; the rear wing, which contains the kitchen and large screened porch, is a low one - <br />story frame unit. This rear portion was probably added around the 1940s and is in very <br />poor repair. The log portion of the house retains a large fireplace, enclosed corner stair and <br />exposed ceiling joists in the living room, which provides a certain "rustic charm." The <br />wallboard and updated flooring, however, indicate that it was updated over the years, <br />probably to match the later kitchen wing. Other details, such as the board doors, three - <br />over -one window sash, and the simple door and window surround, point to the early <br />twentieth century construction date. <br />The most interesting structure in the complex, from an architectural standpoint, is the large <br />multi -pen log barn. This facility probably served a number of different uses. The drive - <br />through design provided a covered area to off -load a wagon while the large (un- chinked) <br />log pens, provided a ventilated space for animal lodging or feed storage (corn crib) and as <br />indicated by the stack of feed sacks. <br />The complex provides a glimpse of early twentieth century rural life in Orange <br />County and should be documented with photos prior to destruction. ERCD staff <br />has taken initial photographs as part of this review. A more formal <br />documentation process should take place prior to demolition through the <br />County's Quick Response Team (QRT). The team will be notified, automatically, <br />as part of the demolition permit process. <br />Let us know if you have any questions or would like to discuss these findings. <br />cc: David Stand <br />Lori Taft <br />Environment and Resource Conservation <br />PO Box 8181 / 306 -A Revere Road <br />Hillsborough, NC 27278 <br />(919) 245 -2590 <br />22 <br />