Preservation Forsyth

Have you reserved your spot for the Adolphus H. Eller House Tour that will be taking place on Thursday, November 7?

If not, sign up now so you don't miss the chance to explore this beautiful home that was designed by Northup and O'Brien and constructed in 1918. A private residence, the tour is limited to 35 people. The fee is $20.00 for members and $30.00 for non-members. Refreshments will be served.

To learn more and/or to register, please click on the event link in the comments!

Preservation Forsyth - Adolphus H. Eller House Tour in Washington Park Join us on Thursday, November 7, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. for an exploration of the Adolphus H. Eller House (private residence), which is located in the Washington Park NR Historic District in Winston-Salem (129 Cascade Avenue). Designed by Northup and O'Brien and constructed in 1918, the house was "buil...

The cast iron animals that can be seen along the steps of the Edward Belo House in Winston Salem are said to have strayed from their posts a time or two. In speaking about the "Mystery of The Missing Dog of Belo" in a 1942 article in the Winston-Salem Journal, author Nancy Lofton pondered whether or not one of the dogs wandered off (apparently in 1930) "on Halloween eve when all things come to life."

While that would be fun to believe, it seems that in 1930, one of the cast iron dogs left its station at the Belo House and traveled to the Reynolds Auditorium where it was found resting on the front lawn. Years later, in 1969, the cast iron lion traded its spot on the steps for a dorm room at Wake Forest University. Both disappearances were the result of student-led pranks. And, in both instances, the animals were returned to their rightful places.

Rumor has it, however, that the animals actually disappeared several times prior to 1930, but in those instances, no one ever found out where they went or how/when they were returned. Happy Halloween! 🎃

Information from Winston-Salem Journal articles, March 12, 1930; March 8, 1942; June 12, 1969. The image of the Belo House was taken c. 1950, is in the collection of the Forsyth County Public Library, and courtesy of Digital Forsyth - https://www.digitalforsyth.org/photos/7956

: Cast Iron

Cast iron is an iron alloy with a carbon content between 2.2 and 5.0 percent that has been melted and poured (cast) into molds to create specifically shaped objects.

This photograph shows the cast iron lion and dog that can be found along the steps of the Edward Belo House located at 455 South Main Street in Winston-Salem (Old Salem). The image was taken by Frank Jones and appeared in the June 11, 1969, edition of the Winston-Salem Journal.

Definition from Historic Preservation Technology by Robert A. Young, PE. Photograph is in the collection of the Forsyth County Public Library and is courtesy of Digital Forsyth - https://www.digitalforsyth.org/photos/11095

What a great way to spend a Saturday morning! Thank you to Jeff Wermers, President of Frye Properties, and Allie Gorman, Director of New Development, for such an interesting tour of The Lofts at Whitaker Park yesterday. Our friends and members really enjoyed seeing -- and learning about -- the renovations that have taken place in these two historic R. J. Reynolds To***co Buildings.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE for registered attendees of The Lofts at Whitaker Park Tour.

Please meet at the Leasing Office as that is where the tour will begin (see map below for location).

See you tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

"An ornate wrought iron staircase from the 1896 Forsyth County Courthouse [now 50 West Fourth] was preserved as the building was renovated into 58 apartments."

Image taken by David Rolfe in 2015 and information from Winston-Salem Journal article, "Old Forsyth County Courthouse, renovated unto 58 apartments, retains its historic character" - https://journalnow.com/old-forsyth-county-courthouse-renovated-into-58-apartments-retains-its-historic-character/collection_c1789fa6-20fa-11e5-95c1-e7d4ce1668bc.html #4

What are you waiting for? Spaces are still available for The Lofts at Whitaker Park Tour, and we would love for you to join us as we explore this luxury apartment community that was converted from the historic R. J. Reynolds To***co Company Buildings 2-1 (built in 1937) and 2-2 (built in 1955).

The event fee is $30.00 for members and $40.00 for non-members. Refreshments will be provided. To learn more about the tour and/or to register, please visit - https://preservationforsyth.org/event-5884768

Information and photograph from Frye Properties

: Wrought Iron

Wrought iron is an iron alloy with a typical carbon content of less than 0.01 percent that has been heated and hammered (wrought) into tools, hardware, utensils, and ornamental objects.

Photograph shows a modern, historically inspired, wrought iron side gate created by ArtFactory.com. (Photograph has been updated/changed from the original post).

Definition from Historic Preservation Technology by Robert A. Young, PE. Photograph from ArtFactory.com.

Have you reserved your spot for our upcoming Lofts at Whitaker Park Tour (Saturday, October 26 from 9-11 a.m.)?

To learn more, or to register, please visit - https://preservationforsyth.org/event-5884768

Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot soon!

Images from C. A. Harrison Companies, LLC

Continuing the discussion on Tudor-style homes (see last Tuesday's post), the windows of these homes were "often diamond pattern and, instead of the more typical single or double-hung construction, embraced crank-out style casement design." Stained glass is also seen in these style homes "as a nod to medieval architecture."

The William S. Shepherd House, a Tudor-style home that is located at 903 West End Boulevard (West End Historic District) in Winston-Salem, was built c. 1915 and features casement windows with diamond muntins.

Information from Veranda.com - https://www.veranda.com/home-decorators/a62558200/tudor-style-house-explainer/ and historicwestend.org - http://historicwestend.org/inventory/387-william-s-shepherd-house-fy-977/

Photograph from zillow.com.

: Tudor-Style (or Tudor Revival)

Tudor-style homes feature a steeply pitched roof, often with multiple overlapping, front-facing gables of varying heights. The majority of Tudor-style homes are brick, but they're accented (often in the triangular gables) with decorative half-timbering: essentially a mock frame of thin boards filled in with stucco or stone.

"Tudor-style houses began to appear in the United States in the mid-19th century and continued to grow in popularity until World War II. The Tudor-style movement is technically a revival of “English domestic architecture, specifically medieval and post-medieval styles from 1600 to 1700,” says Peter Pennoyer, FAIA, of Peter Pennoyer Architects."

Definition and information from House Beautiful - https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a24516941/tudor-style-house/

The photograph, courtesy of Zillow, shows an example of a 1922 Tudor-style house that is located at 1900 Buena Vista Road in Winston-Salem - https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1900-Buena-Vista-Rd-Winston-Salem-NC-27104/5755937_zpid/

The Lofts at Whitaker Park Tour is now open to non-members!

To learn more about the tour and/or to register, please visit - https://preservationforsyth.org/event-5884768

The Penry-Austin House is another example of a pebble dash bungalow (see last Tuesday's post) that can be found in the West End Historic District. Located at 825 West Sixth Street in Winston-Salem, the house was constructed c. 1911.

Information from http://historicwestend.org/inventory/204-penry-austin-house-fy-1665/ and photo from redfin.com

Don't miss the chance to nominate your favorite "beautiful" place in Winston-Salem or Forsyth County for a 2025 Community Appearance Award.

: Pebble Dash

Pebble Dash is a finish treatment for stucco in which pebbles are thrown or troweled into the wet stucco finish coat.

The Rawlings-Lupo House, which is a pebble dash stucco bungalow, was constructed c. 1924, and is located at 1413 Brookstown Avenue in Winston-Salem (West End Historic District).

Definition from Historic Preservation Technology by Robert A. Young, PE; information about Rawlings-Lupo House from http://historicwestend.org/inventory/310-rawlings-lupo-house-fy-950/ and photo of house from redfin.com.

Will you be joining us at our upcoming Lofts at Whitaker Park Tour?

Preservation Forsyth is excited to offer its members a tour of The Lofts at Whitaker Park; a luxury apartment community that was converted from the historic R. J. Reynolds To***co Company Buildings 2-1 (constructed in 1937) and 2-2 (built in 1955).

The tour, which will take place on Saturday, October 26 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. will be led by Frye Properties who manage the property and is overseeing the renovations. Attendees will learn about the history and use of each building, their later modifications, and current use. They will get to see historic elements of the buildings, such as the brick walls and steel sash windows that are being retained and repaired; and they'll also learn why the area that the buildings are located in is referred to as "Tiretown."

The two buildings "were integral to the growth of R. J. Reynolds" and are "recognized for their contributions to the industrial and economic development of Winston-Salem and have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to their architectural and historical importance." Don't miss your chance to explore them!

The event is open to members of Preservation Forsyth and the fee is $30.00 per person. Refreshments will be provided. Space is limited, so be sure to register soon at- https://preservationforsyth.org/event-5884768

Information and photograph from Frye Properties

Preservation Forsyth - The Lofts at Whitaker Park Tour

: Lintel

Lintels can be defined as horizontal structural members placed above openings in buildings to support the load of the structure and ensure its stability. They act as load-bearing beams that carry the weight of the masonry or other construction materials above them, allowing for the creation of openings without compromising the structural integrity of the building.

"Sliding corrugated-metal-clad doors enclose wide door openings spanned by three-header-course lintels" in the former R. J. Reynolds To***co Company Buildings at Whitaker Park.

Definition from alwepo.com; photo information from National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form (R. J. Reynolds To***co Company Buildings 2-1 and 2-2); and image from C. A. Harrison Company (The Lofts at Whitaker Park).

On September 29, 1974, the Zevely House, which was originally located at 734 Oak Street in Winston-Salem, was moved to its current location within the West End Historic District (901 West Fourth Street).

Built in 1815, the house is a "two-story Flemish bond brick structure of simple design with a gable roof, interior end chimneys, a slightly asymmetrical three-bay façade, and a three-room plan."

The house was wrapped with cables, put on steel beams that were supported by heavy-duty axles, and transported by a diesel truck. Unfortunately, when the house reached the corner of Seventh and Trade streets, the clutch in the diesel truck burned out and another one had to be brought in. In all, the move took about seven hours. To learn more about the move, click on the information link; and, to see additional photographs, please visit Digital Forsyth and search "Zevely House."

Information from Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission Local Landmark fact sheet - https://www.cityofws.org/DocumentCenter/View/3801/013---Zevely-House-PDF?bidId= and the article "Zevely House Moved Intact" by Monte Plott that appeared in the September 30, 1974, edition of the Winston-Salem Journal. Images from Digital Forsyth - https://www.digitalforsyth.org/photos/?q=Zevely+House&b=r&o=a&s=advanced&dv=true

Constructed in 1927, the First Reformed Church (now known as the First United Church of Christ), at 1912 Waughtown Street in Winston-Salem, was designed by ecclesiastical architects Charles Bolton and Son of Philadelphia.

A brick 2 ½ story Romanesque Revival church, the building features a cross-gable roof (see last Tuesday's post) and corner towers that are topped by crenellated parapets (one tall, one short). The main entrance features a steeply pitched front gable with a centered circular window and entry arcade. Several windows have round-head arches, some with a double arch and small rosette pattern. The interior features hammer beam exposed trusses and heavy timber brackets with intricate stained glass, and original pendant cluster light fixtures.

To learn more, visit - https://pocketsights.com/tours/place/1912-Waughtown-Street-First-Reformed-Church-c1927-50885:5935

: Cross Gable Roof

A cross gable roof consists of two or more gable rooflines that intersect at an angle, most often with the two ridges placed perpendicular to one another. Buildings with this design will often have a more complex layout due to the change in shape a cross-gable roof will have on the building's structure. For example, a building with a cross-gable roof extension may have separate wings, a larger porch, or an attached garage.

Information from civiconcepts.com and image from homedesignersoftware.com

If you are looking for an opportunity to support a local restoration project, look no more! Historic Bethabara Park will be selling "Raise the Roof" raffle tickets at their upcoming Apple Festival on Saturday, Sept. 28. Funds will support the restoration of the Buttner Brewer's House roof. Built in 1803, the Buttner Brewer's House is "the oldest distiller's house still standing in the United States." Tickets can also be purchased online.

Have you had an opportunity to purchase a Raise the Roof raffle ticket yet? If not, and you would like to support our efforts to restore the roof of the Buttner Brewer's House (and have a chance to win a great prize too!) just look for the Raise the Roof tent at this year's Apple Festival (Saturday, Sept. 28) where you can purchase a ticket -- or two!

If you can't make the event, tickets are also available online at - https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/f7946445-3822-48a2-82bb-27be15ddab89

Thank you for your support!

: Rainbow Roof

A rainbow roof is a pitched roof that has slight convex curves to the top surfaces. Depending on the amount of curve and the ratio of width to height they can range from almost a semicircle to a Gothic arch. This type of roof is also referred to as a barrel vault roof.

The Reed-McKaughan House at 115 Cascade Avenue in Winston-Salem is a frame shingled house with a hipped-roof; three corbelled brick interior chimneys; and a one-bay porch with a "rainbow roof" supported by large brackets. The house was built in 1912 or 1913.

Image from realtor.com. Learn more about the house at - https://pocketsights.com/tours/place/115-Cascade-Avenue-Reed-McKaughan-House-1913-66493:7215

Here's a few more photographs to enjoy from our Restored UNCSA Homes Tour last Thursday!

What a treat! Thank you to Jim DeCristo, Chief of Staff, Office of the Chancellor; Lissy Garrison, Vice Chancellor of Advancement; Cindy Liberty, Executive Director of the UNCSA Foundation; and Rich Whittington, Associate Vice Chancellor of Advancement; for a wonderful tour of the restored University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) homes (Fishel and Spaugh houses) on Main Street in Winston-Salem. Our members and friends enjoyed the top to bottom exploration of the houses, and the surprises that were found in-between. It was a lovely, and educational, evening.