Mystery Photo - 03.11.10

Any hints or clues? Relative location? East or West Durham?

G Wolf

No clue, unfortunately. I'm guessing rural northern Durham based on the apparent age of the house, but that's only a wild guess.

GK

The house in the background looks to be 1910's-1920's vintage, so it made it that far into the 20th century. Someone living has seen it. This is a substantial 19th century house, not one to typically disappear in a rural area without economic pressure, especially considering its maintained condition. I agree with you Gary, I suspect nothern Durham, but other guesses could be Orange/Person Counties

Ok, this is really scratchin' for something...

1) The photograph appears to have been shot in winter-time (or very early spring), based on the lack of foliage on the deciduous trees.

2) The sun is reflected off an attic window, so it must have been fairly low in the sky. Assuming it was shot in the afternoon, which seem more likely than the morning, the camera would appear to be facing in a southeasterly direction. (The sun would’ve been setting in the southwest in the winter.) If so, then the houses in the photograph were on an east-west road.

3) The house was quite substantial originally, and then had at least two additions built: a 1-story on the back, and a 2-story out the side facing the camera. The latter addition is VERY narrow, isn’t it?

And that’s about all I can come up with!

The addition that is mentioned in Toby's response is rather narrow. Odd by today's standards, but probably nice by 19th century standards considering the abundance of windows. The addition looks to have been constructed as a step-down from the main structure based on the lower placement of the window and sill. This house would be a landmark in its area. Reminiscent of Fairntosh. Does anyone have insight on what is on the porch next door? Or is it something connected to the building (barn?) further beyond? This is a tough one, not much context.

It is a toughie. I'm guessing that the picture was taken in the 1940s, given the vintage of many of Wyatt Dixon's other photos. The little house beyond it is interesting, given that it appears to be later infill, and thus implies that it is somewhere that had some population interest. Does anyone have strong South Lowell/Bahama/Rougemont knowledge that can weigh in on ever or never having seen this before?

The house is definitely an early nineteenth century one, likely 1820s or 1830s (the original section of the house, I mean).

The lil' house next door looks like an early twentieth century mill or factory-type house.

That's my current two cents!

Hey Gary seems to me that a house that size, even without the additions ,general doesn't have other houses that close to it . Especially if it's out somewhere north. I live in Bahama but don't recognize it. I will ask some older folks around if they know it. Thanks for the posts and comments.

This old house appears well maintained for its age;100+ years based on the circa 1940's photo. The siding is straight, wood is clear, no apparent repairs, windows in good shape. I have been following this post daily. Hopefully someone comes up with an answer! It has got me interested. Maybe stumbling blocks like this should be featured in the newspaper.

Here's a place in the heart of old Hayti that must be close by. The sign says the 1st block of Branch?

See:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30080835@N07/

Any news on this mystery house yet? Pretty significant and a shame we don't have a handle on it.

I am agreeing with Steve's comment that it is an early nineteenth century construction date; 1820s or 1830s. This house is similar to Fairntosh in style. I am starting to think this place may be out of the area a bit, but I hope not. I am hanging onto the hope someone will know! One of the more interesting posts.

Still hoping for a hit on this one, but after a year and a half+, I am getting less inclined to think one will happen.  I think this should be a front-page inclusion on the website for a fresh eye.