Mistletoe Villa

Last updated
Mistletoe Villa
Mistletoe Villa circa 1895.jpg
USA North Carolina location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Usa edcp location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Location144 E. Young Avenue, Henderson, North Carolina
Coordinates 36°19′14″N78°24′33″W / 36.32056°N 78.40917°W / 36.32056; -78.40917
Area2.46 acres (1.00 ha)
Built1855 (foundation); 1883-1885 current structure
Architect Samuel Sloan
Architectural style Queen Anne
NRHP reference No. 78001974 [1]
Added to NRHPSeptember 10, 1978

The Hughes-Young House, most commonly known as Mistletoe Villa, is a historic house in Henderson, North Carolina. The house is often cited for its ornate Victorian detail and architectural elements. [2] [3] [4] [5] The first house on the site was built for William H. Hughes and completed in 1855. From 1883 to 1885 the house was significantly redesigned and overbuilt on the previous foundation for Ike J. Young, Civil War Colonel and four-term mayor of Henderson. The design of the current house is attributed to the famed architect Samuel Sloan [1] [2] but that fact has not been officially documented. [4] [6]

Contents

History

In 1853 Demetrius Ellis Young sold two acres of land to William H. Hughes, which was claimed to be the highest point between Weldon, North Carolina and Raleigh, North Carolina. [4] This land had previously been set aside for an all-male educational academy that had been operating for the last decade. It would instead be used as the site of the Hughes house, a Greek Revival style dwelling [6] which was completed in 1855. In the years following the Civil War Hughes experienced a number of financial problems and became unable to continue repayment of his debt for the land. An extended court battle ensued between the Hughes and Young families and ultimately the land was returned to the Youngs in 1883. The heir to the land, Colonel Ike J. Young, began working on plans for a significant redesign and rebuilding of the Hughes house. [4]

It is widely speculated that well-known Philadelphia-based architect Samuel Sloan was commissioned to dramatically redesign the Hughes house. Sloan was working in North Carolina on another prominent structures in 1883, including the North Carolina Executive Mansion in Raleigh. Distinct similarities between the completed Mistletoe Villa and the Executive mansion, down to the final color scheme, are often cited by historians as evidence of Sloan's involvement in the design. [2] Unfortunately Sloan died in Raleigh in 1884 before either project was completed. [7] As construction was nearing completion in 1885 Colonel Young made a trip to New York City in search of furnishings for the new home where suffered a stroke and died, never having the opportunity to claim the house as a home. [4]

The newly over-built house extends beyond the original stone foundation of the Hughes house, which is still visible. A number of indoor elements, including floor boards, doors, lock hardware, mantels and others items were preserved and repurposed in the house. The completed house is an example of Queen Anne Style Victorian architecture and features multi-faceted detail woodwork. [8] The house was originally lighted by carbide light fixtures which were fueled by gas generated on the property in a small brick building and piped into the house. Although unusual for the era, the house was equipped with indoor plumbing which was supplied and pressurized by a large reservoir in the attic which functioned similarly to a simple water tower. The house also contained other innovative elements for the time including a "speak tube" which would allow people in the dining room to communicate with servants in the kitchen on the floor below. [5] A button was also integrated into the floor of the dining room which, when pressed, would alert servants downstairs that assistance was desired upstairs. [3]

During World War II a 30-foot square iron widow's walk on the roof was donated to the U.S. Government, which was looking for scrap metal from civilians to aide in the war effort. [3] During that same period trains transporting U.S. troops would pass the house and deliver German prisoners of war to a factory next door to work. Children growing up in the house described having conversations with German prisoners with the assistance of a translator as well as playing games of catch with them. [9]

It is unknown exactly when the house was given its distinctive name but it has been attributed to "all the mistletoe that just drooled from the trees." [4]

Restoration efforts

Mistletoe Villa was abandoned in 1964 [4] and would remain unoccupied for more than a decade. Near the end of the 1970s the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places and was sold to the NC Historic Preservation Fund to search for a new owners. [2] In 1979 a couple from Washington, D.C. bought the house after seeing it featured in an advertisement in a history-related publication. The couple would complete a 500-mile round trip every other-weekend to make repairs [5] and would own the house until 1991. [9] In addition to using the house as a weekend retreat and project they opened the house to the public and allowed for catered events and parties, a trend that would continue through some future owners as well. Future owners, Anthony & Janey Brown of Henderson NC, bought the property in 2004, and renovated it to its original splendor. Adding a water fountain, new roof, multiple foundation upgrades, multiple flower beds and splendid floral gardens, the property was used as an event space, hosting many weddings, receptions. proms, dances, state dinners and parties. The home was recently purchased by another local North Carolina couple who hope to continue the never ending work of bringing it back to its glory days. [3]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Carolina State University</span> Public university in Raleigh, North Carolina, US

North Carolina State University is a public land-grant research university in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. Founded in 1887 and part of the University of North Carolina system, it is the largest university in the Carolinas. The university forms one of the corners of the Research Triangle together with Duke University in Durham and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Henderson, North Carolina</span> City in North Carolina, United States

Henderson is a city and the county seat of Vance County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 15,060 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mebane, North Carolina</span> City in North Carolina, United States

Mebane is a city located mostly in Alamance County, North Carolina, United States, and partly in Orange County. The town was named for Alexander Mebane, an American Revolutionary War general and member of the U.S. Congress. It was incorporated as "Mebanesville" in 1881, and in 1883 the name was changed to "Mebane". It was incorporated as a city in 1987. The population as of the 2020 census was 17,768. Mebane is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in North Carolina. Mebane straddles the Research Triangle and Piedmont Triad Regions of North Carolina. The bulk of the city is in Alamance County, which comprises the Burlington Metropolitan Statistical Area, itself a component of the Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point Combined Statistical Area. Two slivers in the eastern portion of the city are in Orange County, which is part of the Durham-Chapel Hill Metropolitan Statistical Area, itself a component of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Combined Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carter–Finley Stadium</span> Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina

Wayne Day Family Field at Carter–Finley Stadium is home to the NC State Wolfpack football team. It was opened in 1966 and has grown to a seating capacity of 56,919 seats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Carolina State Capitol</span> State capitol building of the U.S. state of North Carolina

The North Carolina State Capitol is the former seat of the legislature of the U.S. state of North Carolina which housed all of the state's government until 1888. The Supreme Court and State Library moved into a separate building in 1888, and the General Assembly moved into the State Legislative Building in 1963. Today, the governor and his immediate staff occupy offices on the first floor of the Capitol.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John W. Harrelson</span>

John William Harrelson was the sixth chief executive of North Carolina State College from 1934 to 1953. An artillery officer in the U.S. Army Reserve, he was the first N.C. State alumnus to lead the institution and the first leader of the university to hold the title of Chancellor.

North Carolina State University was founded by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1887 as a land-grant college under the name North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. As a land-grant college, NC State would provide a "liberal and practical education" while focusing on military tactics, agriculture and the mechanical arts without excluding classical studies. Since its founding, the university has maintained these objectives while building on them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samuel Sloan (architect)</span> American architect

Samuel Sloan was a Philadelphia-based architect and best-selling author of architecture books in the mid-19th century. He specialized in Italianate villas and country houses, churches, and institutional buildings. His most famous building—the octagonal mansion "Longwood" in Natchez, Mississippi—is unfinished; construction was abandoned during the American Civil War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NC State Wolfpack men's basketball</span> NCAA Division I basketball program representing North Carolina State University

The NC State Wolfpack men's basketball team represents North Carolina State University in NCAA Division I men's basketball competition. N.C. State is one of the seven founding members of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Prior to joining the ACC in 1954, the Wolfpack was a member of the Southern Conference, where they won seven conference championships. As a member of the ACC, the Wolfpack has won ten conference championships, as well as two national championships in 1974 and 1983. State's unexpected 1983 title was one of the most memorable in NCAA history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Main Campus of North Carolina State University</span> University campus in Raleigh, North Carolina, US

The Main Campus is the primary campus of North Carolina State University, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, US, inside the Beltline. Notable features of Main Campus include the Bell Tower and D. H. Hill Library. The campus is known for its distinctive red brick buildings, sidewalks, plazas, and sculptures; some are dotted with decorative brick mosaics. University Plaza is nicknamed "The Brickyard" because it is mostly a flat, open, bricked area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hillsborough Street</span>

Hillsborough Street is a business and cultural thoroughfare through Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. The street serves as a center for social life among North Carolina State University and Meredith College students.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Carolina Executive Mansion</span> Historic house in North Carolina, United States

The North Carolina Executive Mansion is the official residence of the governor of North Carolina and their family. Building began in the year 1883 and it was designed by architects Samuel Sloan and A.G. Bauer. The first occupants, Governor Daniel G. Fowle and his daughter, Helen Whitaker Fowle, moved into the unfinished building in January 1891. It is an example of Queen Anne style architecture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sir Walter Hotel</span> United States historic place

The Sir Walter Hotel is the oldest surviving hotel building in Raleigh, North Carolina. Constructed between 1923 and 1924 on Fayetteville Street and named after Sir Walter Raleigh, the hotel was nicknamed North Carolina's "third house of government", due to its location and being a focal point for state political activity until the 1960s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James H. Young</span> American politician

James Hunter Young was an American soldier and politician from North Carolina. He was a colonel in the Third North Carolina Regiment during the Spanish–American War and served in the North Carolina House of Representatives. He was a Republican.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Broughton Hospital</span> Historic district in North Carolina, United States

Broughton Hospital is a psychiatric hospital located in Morganton, North Carolina. It is administered by North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services.

Adolphus Gustavus Bauer (1858–1898) was an architect in North Carolina. He worked with the more famous architect Samuel Sloan and helped him build the Executive Mansion in Raleigh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andrews-Duncan House</span> Historic house in North Carolina, United States

The Andrews-Duncan House is a historic building located at 407 North Blount Street in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. Built in 1874 for a prominent businessman, the Italianate style home was designed by architect George S. H. Appleget. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1972 and is currently owned by the state government. A large tree named after a presidential candidate once stood behind the house and is commemorated with a historical marker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Carolina State University Memorial Belltower</span> Clock tower in Raleigh, N.C.

The North Carolina State University Memorial Belltower is a 115-foot-tall (35 m) free-standing bell tower on the Main Campus of North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina Conceived as a war memorial to honor university alumni killed in World War I and the university's overall participation in the conflict, the Belltower now serves as a perpetual memorial for N.C. State students and alumni who gave their lives in the service of the nation. A prominent university symbol, the tower is a popular rallying point for the campus community.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Green Hill (Hillsborough, North Carolina)</span> Plantation house in Hillsborough, North Carolina

Green Hill, or Greenhill, is a Federal style plantation house in Hillsborough, North Carolina. The house originally sat on a plantation near Turkey Farm Road, which was given in a land grant by George II of Great Britain to Charles Wilson Johnston. The house was moved to a new location in the late 1960s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gregg Museum of Art & Design</span> Art Museum in Hillsborough Street Raleigh, NC

The Gregg Museum of Art & Design is the art museum of North Carolina State University and is located near NC State's main campus in Raleigh, North Carolina. To current NC State chancellor Randy Woodson, the Gregg is "an opportunity to not only celebrate the arts and design at NC State, but to welcome the community onto our campus in a new way." The Gregg holds exhibitions, lectures, workshops, film screenings, and other educational activities; admission to the Gregg is free.

References

  1. 1 2 "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places . National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Works of the North Carolina Preservation Fund, Inc. (June 1979). "This Private Agency Stays Busy Rescuing Valuable Old Structures". We the People of North Carolina. XXXVII (6).
  3. 1 2 3 4 Wheless, Al (2000-01-02). "Doors of Mistletoe Villa swing open to third century". Henderson Daily Dispatch.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Seifert, Laura (October 1985). "Historic home filled with special touches". MidAtlantic Antiques Magazine. II (10).
  5. 1 2 3 Seifert, Laura (1985-09-12). "This old house has found a fountain of youth". Henderson Daily Dispatch. pp. 9A.
  6. 1 2 The NCSU Libraries. "Sloan, Samuel (1815-1884) : NC Architects & Builders : NCSU Libraries" . Retrieved 2011-01-22.
  7. ↑ "Death of Mr. Samuel Sloan". No. 56. Raleigh News & Observer. 1884-07-20.
  8. ↑ Buck, Tara (October 1985). "Knowing your North Carolina architecture / Queen Anne and Eastlake". MidAtlantic Antiques Magazine. II (10).
  9. 1 2 Ragland, Scott (1991-07-06). "Henderson Time Machine Now On Sale". Henderson Daily Dispatch. pp. 1A, 9A.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.