HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 08-25-1997 - C2 V U ',
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ORANGECOUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: August 25, 1997
Agenda Abstract
Item N C2
SUBJECT: HP-1-97 CEDAR GROVE RURAL CROSSROADS HISTORIC DISTRICT
NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: X Yes No
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: Yes X No
ATTACHMENTS: INFORMATION CONTACT:
Donald R. Belk
1) Chronicle of the Cedar Grove National Register Project Preservation Planner/X2594
2) Vicinity Map
3) National Register Fact Sheets
4) Draft National Register Nomination PHONE NUMBERS:
5) Minutes of October 24, 1996 HPC Meeting Hillsborough 732-8181
6) Straw Poll Document Mebane 227-2031
7) Petitions from Area Churches Durham 688-7331
8) Minutes of June 26, 1997 HPC Meeting Chapel Hill 967-9251
9) Letter from Heirs of Thomas and Lela Oliver, 8-4-97
PURPOSE: To receive citizen comment on the nomination of the Cedar Grove Rural
Crossroads Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places.
BACKGROUND: The National Register of Historic Places, established by the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966, is the nation's official list of buildings, structures,
sites, and districts that are worthy of preservation for their significance in
American history, architecture, archeology, and culture. There are over
62,000 listings across the United States and its territories. In North Carolina,
there are approximately 1,900 listings, including some 250 historic districts.
For owners of historic properties, National Register listing is a prestigious
honor, for a property that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
has been deemed important to the Nation's heritage. The listing of a property
in the National Register places no obligation or restriction on the private
landowner using private resources to maintain or alter the property. Owners of
National Register sites may benefit from the availability of federal tax credits
for rehabilitation of income-producing properties, such as rental and
commercial buildings. Eligible private residences within a National Register
district can also qualify for state income tax credits. National Register sites
are given a higher level of review by the state and federal government when
federally funded projects, such as road construction, may adversely affect the
area.
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BACKGROUND: Following is a chronology of significant events in the effort to nominate the
(continued) Cedar Grove Rural Crossroads Historic District to the National Register:
1992-1993 Inventory of Orange County historic architecture;
Cedar Grove identified as potentially eligible for
National Register of Historic Places.
July 1993 Cedar Grove placed on the National Register Study
List by the North Carolina Department of Cultural
Resources.
January-May 1995 Draft National Register Nomination project conducted
by planning intem, Shannon Sexton, as a graduate
student project.
May 1995 Orange County Historic Preservation Commission
(HPC) holds series of community meetings to gather
public comment on the Historic Preservation Element
of the Orange County Comprehensive Plan. Cedar
Grove crossroads area cited by citizens as one of
County's most treasured historic resources.
October 1995 State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) conducts
field trip to Cedar Grove crossroads as pan of annual
historic preservation consultants' workshops.
October 1996 HPC holds monthly meeting at Cedar Grove United
Methodist Church; presents National Register
nomination proposal to area property owners.
November 1996 Orange County Planning Department mails a "straw
poll" form to property owners within the proposed
National Register Historic District to gauge interest in
the nomination. Responses run 2 to 1 in favor of the
National Register listing. Local churches submit
petitions in support of nomination.
April 1997 HPC selects consultant Kaye Graybeal, a rural historic
district specialist, to complete National Register
nomination.
June-July 1997 HPC meetings held at Cedar Grove Methodist and Eno
Presbyterian Church. Kaye Graybeal presents
findings; residents provided information about benefits
of National Register listing.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF CEDAR GROVE
Description.
The Cedar Grove Rural Crossroads Historic District is comprised of
approximately 105 acres and contains 22 contributing primary structures, 5
non-contributing primary structures, and 1 non-contributing site. The most
prominent built resources of the district include two each of historically
significant and architecturally notable Colonial Revival houses, churches and
store buildings. The architectural landscape of the community is one of a rural
vernacular aesthetic, and although the primary barns associated with the
farmsteads have disappeared, sufficient physical vestiges in the form of field
patterns strongly allude to the historical agrarian character of the community.
National Register Eligibility Criteria.
The Cedar Grove Rural Crossroads Historic District is eligible for National
Register listing under Criteria A and C.
Criterion A of the National Register evaluation process states that "property is
associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad
patterns of our history. " Cedar Grove has significance in four areas under
Criterion A:
a) Exploration and Settlement. Cedar Grove exhibits the historical pattern of
development in North Carolina's rural agricultural communities which
manifested in the emergence of commercial and social centers along the
intersections of primary roads. The district embodies the characteristics of
a once-prevalent rural agrarian landscape that evolved as a result of human
activity and use. Of the half-dozen or so rural crossroads communities that
evolved during the nineteenth century in Orange County, Cedar Grove is
among the most intact and least altered examples among this disappearing
genre.
b) Agriculture. The land has been continuously farmed throughout the
nineteenth and twentieth centuries and existing field patterns in the area
deviate little from those evident during the early to mid-twentieth century.
These continuing patterns of cultivation are testimony to the prevalence of
farming over the course of the community's development.
c) Social History. Cedar Grove's physical development represents an era in
North Carolina's history that virtually disappeared after the advent of the
automobile and the construction of the interstate highway system.
d) Ethnic Heritage. Cedar Grove was a mecca for African-American string
band musicians and the square dances they accompanied between the years
of 1930 and 1947.
Criterion C of the National Register evaluation process states that the
"property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method
of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic
values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components
lack individual distinction. " Significant under Criterion C in the area of
Architecture, the community's enduring vitality is exhibited in a notable and
008
varietal collection of late nineteenth and early-twentieth century residential and
commercial buildings which provide the visual framework for a community
that has remained virtually free of modern intrusions. A sense of continuity is
lent in that many descendants of Cedar Grove's early founders reside in the
community today and maintain substantial family homeplaces.
NEXT STEPS IN THE NOMINATION PROCESS
After the public hearing, the Cedar Grove Rural Crossroads National Register
nomination will proceed as follows:
August 27 HPC will vote on a recommendation to forward the
draft nomination to SHPO.
September 16 Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)considers
HPC recommendation. If approved, draft nomination
will be forwarded to SHPO for review and approval.
November 10 SHPO notifies Orange County of acceptance and
approval of nomination; commences 60-day review
period for comment on the nomination.
November 25 HPC holds public hearing on nomination as required
by the Certification Agreement for Local Governments;
forwards recommendation for approval to BOCC.
December 1 BOCC comments on final, state-approved
nomination; forwards recommendation to SHPO.
January 8, 1998 Nomination considered by National Register Advisory
Committee (NRAC)
If approved by the NRAC, the nomination will be considered by the National
Park Service and the Keeper of the National Register. If approved by the
National Park Service, official listing on the National Register of Historic
Places could occur in March, 1998.
RECOMMENDATION:
Administration Recommendation
The Administration recommends the Cedar Grove Rural Crossroads Historic
District National Register nomination be referred to the Historic Preservation
Commission for a recommendation to be returned to the Board of County
Commissioners no sooner than September 16, 1997
A BRIEF CHRONICLE OF THE CEDAR GROVE RURAL CROSSROADS
NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION PROJECT
During an inventory of Orange County historical architecture conducted during 1992-1993,
Cedar Grove was identified as potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic
Places as a Rural Historic District. In July 1993, Cedar Grove was placed on the National
Register Study List by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. Inclusion on
the Study List is the first step toward placement on the National Register.
During 1995 a planning intern from the Department of City and Regional Planning at the
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Shannon Sexton, prepared a draft National
Register nomination document as a student project. Ms. Sexton researched the history of
Cedar Grove, conducted several interviews and site visits, and met with many residents of
the crossroads area. At that time, many Cedar Grove residents expressed an interest in
protecting the close-knit character of the Cedar Grove community.
In May 1995 the Orange County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) held a series of
community meetings to gather public comment on the County's Historic Preservation Plan,
which is an element of the Orange County Comprehensive Plan. (The meeting for northern
Orange was held at Walnut Grove United Methodist Church.) Citizens attending these
meetings were asked to identify places they felt were the most historically significant in
the county. The Cedar Grove crossroads area was consistently cited as one of the
County's most treasured historic resources because of its rural character and sense of
place. In October 1995, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) conducted a field
trip to the Cedar Grove Crossroads area as part of its annual historic preservation
consultants workshops.
The HPC held its October 1996 meeting at the Cedar Grove United Methodist Church. The
Commission presented a proposal to residents to nominate Cedar Grove Crossroads to the
National Register of Historic Places. Cedar Grove residents were provided with information
about the National Register, as well as its meaning for property owners.
In November, the Planning Department mailed a "straw poll" form to property owners
within the proposed National Register Historic District to gauge interest in the nomination.
Eighteen (18) responses were received. Twelve (12) responses were favorable toward the
National Register listing, and six (6) were opposed. Two (2) petitions in favor of the
National Register listing were received from the churches of the district. Based upon the
response of the straw poll, the HPC selected a consultant to complete a National Register
nomination report. The consultant selected was Kaye Graybeal, a historic preservation
specialist with experience in rural historic districts.
The June and July 1997 meetings of the HPC were also held in Cedar Grove, at the Cedar
Grove Methodist and Eno Presbyterian Church, respectively. Kaye Graybeal presented the
findings of her research and fieldwork in the area, and residents were provided additional
information about the benefits of National Register listing.
24
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NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE Oil
1
NATIONAL REGISTER FACT SHEET
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES?
The National Register of Historic Places is the nation's official list of buildings, structures, objects, sites, and
districts worthy of preservation for their significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, and
culture. The National Register was established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.The purpose
of the Act is to ensure that as a matter of public policy,properties significant in national, state, and local history
are considered in the planning of federal undertakings,and to encourage historic preservation initiatives by state
and local governments and the private sector.
What the National Register Means for the Private Property Owner
The listing of a property in the National Register places no obligation or restriction on a private owner using
private resources to maintain or alter the property. Over the years, various federal incentives have been
introduced to assist private preservation initiatives. A private owner of a National Register property becomes
obligated to follow federal preservation standards only if federal funding of licensing is used in work on the
property, or if the owner seeks and receives a special benefit that derives from National Register designation,
such as a grant or a tax credit described below.
National Register listing should not be confused with local historic property and historic district designations.
These designations are made by a local governing board on the recommendation of a local historic
preservation commission. This program of local designations is an option available to local governments
under North Carolina enabling legislation (G.S. 160A-400). Properties and districts listed in the National
Register sometimes also receive local designation in jurisdictions where local preservation commissions have
been established according to the state enabling legislation, but there is no direct correlation between
National Register listing and local designation.
National Register listing means the following:
1. Consideration and Protection in Public Planning:
All properties and districts listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register are considered in the planning
of federal undertakings such as highway construction and Community Development Block Grant projects.
"Federal undertakings" also include activities sponsored by state or local governments or private entities if they
are licensed or partially funded by the federal government. "Federal undertakings"do not include loans made by
banks insured by the FDIC or federal farm subsidies.
National Register listing does not provide absolute protection from federal actions that may affect the property.
It means that if a federal undertaking is in conflict with the preservation of a National Register property, the
North Carolina Historic Preservation Office will negotiate with the responsible federal agency in an effort to
eliminate or minimize the effect on the historic property. This review procedure applies to properties that are
determined eligible for the National Register in the day-today environmental review process as well as those
actually listed in the National Register.
Similarly, North Carolina law (G.S. 121-12a) provides for consideration of National Register properties in
undertakings funded or licensed by the state. Where a state undertaking is in conflict with the preservation of a
National Register property, the North Carolina Historical Commission is given the opportunity to review the
case and make recommendations to the state agency responsible for the undertaking. The commission's
recommendations to the state agency are advisory.
(see other side)
1 � Incentives for the Preservation of National Register Properties: ,National Register Fact Sheet 1, Page 12
Tax Benefits. Under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, a privately-owned building that is listed in the National Register or
is a contributing building in a National Register historic district may be eligible for a 20% federal income investment
tax credit claimed against the costs of a qualified rehabilitation of the building. These credits apply only to income-
producing, depreciable properties, including residential rental properties. The credits do not apply to owner-occupied
residential properties. The cost of the rehabilitation must equal or exceed the adjusted basis of the building (original
cost minus land value, minus previous depreciation, plus previous capital improvements). Plans for the rehabilitation
are reviewed by the North Carolina Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service, and work on the
building must meet federal rehabilitation standards. For more information and applications, contact the Tax Act
Coordinator at the address given below,or telephone(919)733-6547.
Effective January 1, 1994, taxpayers who receive the federal income tax credit for rehabilitating certified historic
structures are allowed to take as a credit against North Carolina income taxes an amount equal to one-fourth of the
federal credit.
The Tax Treatment Extension Act of 1980 provides federal tax deductions for charitable contributions of partial
interests (easements) in historically significant properties for conservation purposes. Interested individuals should
consult legal counsel or the local Internal Revenue Service office for assistance in determining the tax consequences of
the provisions of this act.
Grants and Loans. A limited program of matching grants for the rehabilitation of National Register properties,
including those that are privately owned,was authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966,but has not
been funded to a significant degree since the early 1980s. A loan program authorized by the Act has never been
funded.
In 1993 and 1994, the North Carolina General Assembly passed bills which provided funding to the Department of
Cultural Resources for grants to local historic organizations for fiscal years 1993-94 and 1994-95. The purpose of the
grants is to encourage the protection, preservation, and interpretation of historic assets with local or regional
significance. Priority consideration is given to properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register. The
deadline for grant applications for the second year of funding was October 15, 1994. Continuation of this program in
future years is dependent upon additional funding by the General Assembly.
NOTE: A privately owned property may not be listed in the National Register over the objection of its owner or, in the case of a
property with multiple owners,over the objection of a majority of owners. A district may not be listed in the National Register over the
objection of a majority of owners of private property within the proposed district. For a complete description of procedures for
objecting to a National Register nomination,see National Register Fact Sheet 5: "Procedure for Supporting or Objecting to National
Register Listing."
See also the following numbered National Register Fact Sheets:
2: "National Register Criteria for Evaluation"
3: "How Historic Properties Are Listed in the National Register of Historic Places"
4: "The National Register of Historic Places in North Carolina:Facts and Figures"
See the handout entitled "A Comparison of the National Register of Historic Places with Local Historic Landmark and District
Designations"for a review of the differences between these two programs.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Historic structures and the National Register.Survey and Planning Branch,9191733-6545.
Archaeological sites and the National Register:Office of State Archaeology,919/733-7342.
Preservation tax credits and technical restoration assistance:Restoration Branch,919/733-6547.
Environmental protection and planning:Environmental Review Coordinator,Administration Branch,919!733-4763.
Written inquiries to each of these branches may be sent to the State Historic Preservation Office, N.C. Division of Archives and
History, 109 E.Jones Street,Raleigh,North Carolina 27601-2807.
The National Register program is governed by the following federal and state rules and regulations: 36CFR Part 60 (interim rule),
36CFR Part 61 (final rule),and North Carolina Administrative Code T07:04R.0300.
NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY �J 1
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
NATIONAL REGISTER FACT SHEET 2
NATIONAL REGISTER CRPTERIA FOR EVALUATION
The following criteria are designed to guide the states, federal agencies, and the Secretary of the Inte-
rior in evaluating potential entries for the National Register.
The quality of significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, and culture is present in
districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that possess integrity of location, design, setting,
materials, workmanship,feeling, and association, and:
A. that are associated with events that have made significant contribution to the broad patterns of
our history; or
B. that are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past, or
C. that embody the distinctive characteristics of a type,.period, or method of construction, or that
represent the work of a master, or that possess high.artistic values, or that represent a significant
and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or
D. that have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
Criteria Considerations (Exceptions): Ordinarily cemeteries, birthplaces, or graves of historical fig-
ures, properties owned by religious institutions or used for.religious purposes, structures that have
been moved from their original locations, reconstructed historic buildings, properties primarily com-
memorative in nature, and properties that have achieved signficance within the past SO years shall
not be considered eligible for the National Register. However, such properties will qualify if they are
integral pans of districts that do meet the criteria or if they fall within the following categories:
A. a religious property deriving primary significance from architectural or artistic distinction or his-
torical importance; or
B. a building or structure removed from its original location but which is significant primarily for
architectural value, or which is the surviving structure most importantly associated with a historic
person or evert, or
C. a birthplace or grave of a historical figure of outstanding importance if there is no other
appropriate site or building directly associated with his or her productive life; or
D. a cemetery that derives its primary significance from graves of persons of transcendent impor-
. tance,from age,from distinctive design features, or from association with historic events, or
E. a reconstructed building when accurately executed in a suitable environment and presented in a
dignified manner as pan of a restoration master plan, and when no other building or structure
with the same association has survived or
F. a property primarily commemorative in intent if design, age, tradition, or symbolic value has
invested it with its own historical significance, or
G. a property achieving significance within the past 50 years if it is of exceptional importance.
(see other side)
014
National Register Fact Sheet 2, Page 2
APPLYING THE CRITERIA
The two principal issues to consider in determining eligibility for the National Register are"significance" and"integrity."
A property may have "significance" for association with important events or patterns of history (criterion A); for association with
an important historical figure(criterion B); as an important example of period architecture, landscape, or engineering(criterion C);
or for the information it is likely to yield(criterion D, applied to archaeological sites and districts,and sometimes applied to certain
types of structures). A National Register nomination must demonstrate how a property is significant in at least one of these four
areas. For properties nominated under criterion A, frequently cited areas of significance are agriculture, community planning and
development, social history, commerce, industry, politics and government, education, recreation and culture, and others. For tech-
nical reasons, criterion B(significant person)nominations are rare. Criterion C(architecture)is cited for most,but not all,nomina-
tions of historic buildings. Archaeological sites are always nominated under criterion D,but may also have significance under one
or more of the other three criteria.
Properties are nominated at either a local, state, or national level of significance depending on the geographical range of the impor-
tance of a property and its associations. The level of significance must be justified in the nomination. The majority of properties
(about 70%)are listed at the local level of significance. The level of significance has no effect on the protections or benefits of list-
ing.
Besides meeting one or more of the above criteria, a property must also have "integrity" of"location, design, setting, materials,
workmanship,feeling, and association."This means that the property must retain enough of its historic physical character(or in the
case of archaeological sites, intact archaeological features)to represent its historic period and associations adequately.
All properties change over time,and in some cases past alterations can take on historical significance in their own right.The degree
to which more recent, incompatible, or non-historic alterations are acceptable depends on the type of property, its rarity, and its
period and area of significance. Buildings with certain types of alterations are usually turned down by the National Register
Advisory Committee. For example, 19th and early 20th century wood frame buildings that have been brick veneered in the mid-
20th century are routinely turned down for loss of historic integrity.
Criteria Exceptions
The criteria exclude birthplaces and graves of historical figures, cemeteries, religious properties, moved buildings, reconstructions,
commemorative properties, and properties less than 50 years old, with certain exceptions. The following exceptions are sometimes
encountered:
Historic churches that retain sufficient architectural integrity can usually be successfully nominated under criterion C(architecture),
sometimes together with criterion A for social or religious history.
Cemeteries may sometimes successfully be nominated under criterion C when they retain important examples of historic stone carv-
ing, funerary art, and/or landscaping, and they also may be eligible under criterion A or criterion D. However, both the National
Register Advisory Committee and the National Register have turned down nominations of graves when the historical importance of
the deceased is the sole basis for the nomination. The National Register was created primarily to recognize and protect historic
places and environments that represent how people lived, worked, and built in the historic past. Human burials are recognized and
protected under other laws and programs.
Moved buildings may sometimes be successfully nominated under criterion C for architecture when they remain in their historic
communities and the new setting adequately replicates the original setting. The point to remember is that the program is called the
National Register of Historic Places not Historic Buildings or Historic Things, because significance is embodied in locations and
settings as well as in the structures themselves. Buildings moved great distances, buildings moved into incompatible settings (such
as a farmhouse moved into an urban neighborhood or a downtown residence moved to a suburb), and collections of buildings
moved from various locations to create a pseudo-historic 'village' are routinely turned down. In some cases, the relocation of a his-
toric building to a distant or incompatible setting may be the last and only way to save it, and such an undertaking may be
worthwhile. However, sponsors of such a project must understand that the property subsequently may not be eligible for the
National Register.
If a property is less than 50 years old, it can be nominated only if a strong argument can be made for exceptional significance. For
example, Dorton Arena on the State Fairgrounds was completed in 1953. It was successfully nominated to the National Register in
1973 as one of the most important examples of modernism in post-WWII American architecture.
03/24/95
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NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY 015
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
NA770NAL REGISTER FACT SHEET 3
HOW HISTORIC PROPERTIES ARE LISTED IN
THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Who Administers the National Register Program?
The National Register of Historic Places is a list maintained by the National Park Service of build-
ings, structures, sites, objects, and districts that are significant in American history, architecture,
archaeology, engineering, and culture, and that meet criteria for evaluation established by the
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Nominations to the National Register are submitted from
each of the states by the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO). In North Carolina, the SHPO
is the Director of the Division of Archives and History. The section within the Division that adminis-
ters the National Register and related programs is the Archaeology and Historic Preservation Section,
also called the Historic Preservation Office (HPO). The personnel of the Historic Preservation
Office serve as staff for the SHPO in National Register activities and duties.
In every state, a review board examines potential nominations and makes recommendations to the
SHPO regarding the eligibility of properties and the adequacy of nominations. In North Carolina, the
review board is called the National Register Advisory Committee (NRAC). The NRAC meets
quarterly (January, April, July, October) to consider the eligibility of properties for nomination to the
National Register. Nominations prepared under the supervision of the HPO staff and approved by the
NRAC are forwarded to the Keeper of the National Register in the National Park Service in Washing-
ton, D.C. Final authority to list properties in the National Register resides with the National Park Ser-
vice.
How are Eligible Properties Identified?
Properties and districts that may be eligible for the National Register are usually brought to the atten-
tion of the HPO staff and the NRAC either (1) through a county or community survey of historic
properties co-sponsored by the Historic Preservation Office and a local government or organization;
(2) by interested individuals who provide preliminary information about properties to the HPO staff,
or (3) through historic property surveys conducted as part of the environmental review process.
Persons who seek National Register listing for properties that have not been recorded in survey
projects co-sponsored by the Historic Preservation Office may submit a "Study List Anvlication" to
the HPO. If adequate information and color slides of the property are included with the application,
the NRAC will consider the property at its next quarterly meeting. If in the opinion of the NRAC the
property appears to be potentially eligible for the National Register, it is placed on the Study List.
This action by the NRAC authorizes the HPO staff to work with the owner to coordinate a formal
nomination of the property to the National Register.
The NRAC can best evaluate the eligibility of an individual property within the context of a
community-wide or regional inventory of historic or prehistoric properties. This provides a basis for
comparing the relative significance of similar types of historic or prehistoric properties in a com-
munity or region. In counties or communities where no such inventory has been assembled, the NRAC
will sometimes find it necessary to defer a decision about the eligibility of an individual property until
a comprehensive survey of historic properties has taken place. Likewise, the NRAC may consider
some properties as contributing components within larger districts but not as individually eligible.
Information about grants to local governments for local historic property surveys and nominations is
available from the Historic Preservation Office.
(see other side)
016
National Register Fact Sheet 3, Page 2
What is a National Register Nomination?
A National Register nomination is a scholarly and authoritative document that thoroughly describes
and evaluates a property's setting and physical characteristics, documents its history, assesses its sig-
nificance in terms of its historic context, and demonstrates how it specifically meets National Register
criteria for evaluation. It is supported by professional quality black and white photographs, maps
delineating the property's boundaries, and other materials and information. The nomination must be
prepared according to federal and state guidelines.
Who Prepares National Register Nominations?
Most nominations are prepared by private consultants hired either by individual property owners or by
local governments or organizations. Nominations of archaeological sites are sometimes prepared by
professional archaeologists as part of their on-going research. HPO National Register staff is
responsible for reviewing, editing, and processing nominations prepared in these ways. Due to the
great demand for National Register nominations, the small HPO staff is unable to prepare nominations
as a public service.
An owner of a Study List property who seeks to have it listed in the National Register may hire a pri-
vate consultant to prepare the nomination. A list of qualified consultants is available from the His-
toric Preservation Office. HPO staff cannot quote fees, and fees will vary depending on the consul-
tant and the complexity of the nomination. An owner may expect to pay a professional historian,
architectural historian, or archaeologist the equivalent of 40 to 80 hours of time at a professional
hourly wage.
Some owners are interested in preparing their own nominations and are capable of doing so. A packet
that includes the NPS instruction manual, the supplementary state instruction manual, and sample
nominations may be purchased from the Historic Preservation Office for $10.00. The level of
description, historical documentation, analysis, and writing in every nomination must meet accepted
professional standards. The SHPO will not submit substandard nominations to Washington, and HPO
staff cannot make major revisions or provide detailed critiques of inadequate nominations. Because
documentation of archaeological properties always involves excavation, analysis, and interpretation
requiring specialized training, nominations of archaeological properties are always prepared by profes-
sional archaeologists.
What Happens to the Finished Nomination?
The nomination is reviewed by members of the National Register Advisory Committee at one of the
regular quarterly meetings. If the NRAC recommends that the nomination be submitted to the
National Register, it is signed by the State Historic Preservation Officer and forwarded to the Keeper
of the National Register. At the National Register office, the nomination is reviewed and the decision
to list or not list is made within not less than 15 and not more than 45 days of receipt. If the property
is listed, the HPO will notify the owner and provide a certificate stating that the property has been
listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Owners who desire plaques may order them from
private commercial suppliers. The HPO does not provide plaques or recommend any particular sup-
plier, but a list of manufacturers is available on request.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: National Register Coordinator
Survey and Planning Branch
State Historic Preservation Office
N.C. Division of Archives and History
109 East Jones Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 919/733-6545
Offices of the Survey and Planning Branch are at 515 N. Blount Street in Raleigh. For information about archaeological
sites and the National Register, contact the Office of State Archaeology at the above address or telephone 919/733-7342.
03/08/95
01 —
I
` NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
NATIONAL REGISTER FACT SHEET 4
THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES IN NORTH CAROLINA:
FACTS AND FIGURES
. There are over 62,000 listings of historic buildings, structures, sites, objects, and districts in the
National Register across the United States and its territories.
. The first nominations from North Carolina were submitted in 1969. Today there are approximately
1,900 National Register listings in the state. In recent years the state has submitted an average of
60 new nominations per year to the National Register. Most nominations are prepared by private
consultants working for local governments or for. private property owners. Nominations are
carefully prepared and screened in the review process, and 99% of all nominations from North
Carolina have been successfully listed. A list of all National Register entries in North-Carolina as
of the end of the most recent half-calendar year, arranged alphabetically by county and giving
name, town or vicinity, and date listed, is available from the State Historic Preservation Office for
$5.00.
. Of the 1,900 total listings in North Carolina, about 250 are historic districts, some of which
contain several hundred contributing historic buildings or sites; Types of districts include
residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, prehistoric and historic archaeological districts,
industrial complexes, mill villages, and rural farming districts, Since the first historic district
nominations did not include complete lists of all properties within district boundaries, it is not
possible to determine the precise number of historic properties in North Carolina that are listed in
the National Register. The National Park Service .estimates that approximately 30,000 historic
properties in North.Carolina are listed in the National Register either as individual listings or as
contributing properties within districts. Properties within districts that contribute to the historic
character of the district are eligible for federal environmental protections and benefits to the same
extent as if they were individually listed.
. Of all North Carolina properties listed in the National Register, approximately 85% are privately
owned and 15% publicly owned. About 70% are listed at a local level of significance, 25% at a
statewide level, and 5% at a national level of significance. The level of significance at which a
property or district is listed does not affect its eligibility for benefits or the consideration it receives
in environmental review processes.
. North Carolina's National Register listings reflect the whole spectrum of the state's human
experience through its long history: prehistoric Indian sites; shipwreck sites; modest log houses of
settlers and slaves; houses and outbuildings of ordinary farmers and townspeople; the mansions of
wealthy planters and merchants; churches of all sizes and denominations; courthouses, schools and
other public buildings; commercial buildings of many types; and industrial and transportation
buildings and sites. Listings vary from 10,000-year-old archaeological sites to the 1953 Dorton
Arena at the State Fairgrounds. What all these places have in common is that they reveal in a
tangible way some important aspect of past life in North Carolina and its diverse communities.
. The State Historic Preservation Office reviews over 2,500 federal and state actions annually to
determine their potential effects on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National
Register. Where a federal or state undertaking is in conflict with the preservation of a National
Register property, the State Historic Preservation Office will negotiate with the responsible agency
in an attempt to eliminate or minimize the effect under procedures prescribed by federal law
(Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966) or state law (G.S. 121-12a).
(see other side)
018 National Register Fact Sheet 4,Page 2
. Between 1976 and 1993, 803 National Register properties in North Carolina were rehabilitated
under federal historic preservation tax incentive programs, representing an investment of over
5286,000,000 in National Register properties in the state.
. The Restoration Branch of the State Historic Preservation Office offers technical restoration
consultation services to owners of historic properties, including municipal and county governments,
churches, businesses, and private property owners. Restoration Branch staff provides consultation
services to more than 1,500 historic properties in a typical year. Restoration staff is located in
Raleigh (919/733-6547), Asheville (704/274-6789), and Greenville (919/830-6580).
. Since the mid-1970s three-fifths of North Carolina's 100 counties and scores of municipalities have
participated in survey and planning grant projects co-sponsored with the State Historic Preservation
Office to conduct comprehensive surveys of historic properties and prepare nominations of
properties and districts to the National Register of Historic Places. Many other counties have
participated in regional reconnaissance surveys. The Survey and Planning Branch maintains an
estimated 65,000 survey files with photographs and information about historic structures. The
Office of State Archaeology maintains information concerning the approximately 25,000
prehistoric and historic archaeological sites recorded in the state. Thirty-seven counties and twenty-
five municipalities have published historic architecture survey catalogues, many of which are still
in print and available for purchase from the State Historic Preservation Office.
For information about why the National Register was created and what listing means to a property owner, see NATIONAL
REGISTER FACT SHEET 1, "WHAT IS THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES?-
For an explanation of National Register criteria for evaluation, see NA77ONAL REGISTER FACT SHEET 2, 'NATIONAL
REGISTER CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION."
For information about how properties and districts are listed in the National Register, we NA77ONAL REGISTER FACT
SHEET 3, 'HOW HISTORIC PROPERTIES ARE LISTED IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES.'
See the handout titled "A COMPARISON OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES WITH LOCAL
HISTORIC LANDMARK AND DISTRICT DESIGNATIONS' for an explanation of the differences between. the two
Programs-
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Historic structures and the National Register. Survey and Planning Branch, 919/733-6545.
Archaeological sites and the National Register. Office of State Archaeology,9191733 7342.
Preservation tax credits and technical restoration assistance: Restoration Branch,919/733-6547.
Grants to local governments and organizations for historic property surveys and National Register nominations: Grants
Coordinator, Administration Branch,9i9/733-4763.
Lists of available architectural survey publications: Administrative Assistant, Administration Branch, 9191733-4763.
Address correspondence to the appropriate branch named above at the State Historic Preservation Office, N.C. Division of
Archives and History, 109 E.Jones Street,Raleigh,N.C.27601-2807.
The National Register program is governed by the following federal and state rules and regulations: 36CFR Part 60
(interim rule), 36CFR Part 61 (find rule), and North Carolina Administrative Code T07:04R.0300.
7/15/94
NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY 019
' STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
NATIONAL REGISTER FACT SHEET 5
PROCEDURE FOR SUPPORTING OR OBJECTING TO
NATIONAL REGISTER LISTING
Under federal law a privately owned property may not be listed in the National Register over the objection of its owner
or,in the case of a property with multiple owners,over the objection of a majority of owners. A district may not be listed
in the National Register over the objection of a majority of owners of private property within the proposed district.
Supporting a National Register Nomination:
Private owners who seek National Register listing for their properties are not required to submit statements of
concurrence, though letters of support of the nomination are welcomed and become a permanent part of the nomination
file. Owners who wish to support are nomination are encouraged to submit letters of support to the State Historic
Preservation Officer prior to the National Register Advisory Committee meeting at which the nomination is to be
considered.
Objecting to a National Register Nomination:
Any owner or partial owner of a nominated private property who chooses to object to listing must submit to the State
Historic Preservation Officer a notarized statement certifying that he or she is sole or partial owner of the private
property and objects to the listing. Each owner or partial owner of the property has one vote regardless of what part of
the property or how much property the individual owns. Owners who wish to object are encouraged to submit statements
of objection prior to the meeting of the National Register Advisory Committee at which the nomination is being
considered. However, statements of objection may be submitted and will be counted up until the actual date of listing,
which usually takes place at least 15 days but not more than 45 days after the nomination is mailed to the Keeper of the
National Register following the National Register Advisory Committee meeting.
If a majority of private property owners should object,the property or district will not be listed. However,in such cases
the State Historic Preservation Officer is required to submit the nomination to the Keeper of the National Register for a
determination of eligibility for the National Register. If the property or district is determined eligible for listing,
although not formally listed, it will be treated as a listed property or district for purposes of federal undertakings in the
environmental review process. Such properties are not eligible for federal preservation grants or tax credits until the
objections are withdrawn and the property is listed.
Address letters of support or objection to:
State Historic Preservation Officer
N.C.Division of Archives and History
109 E.Jones Street
Raleigh,North Carolina 27601-2807
National Register Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public. Meetings normally are held the second
Thursday of January,April,July,and October in room 211 of the Archives and History Building, 109 E. Jones
St.,Raleigh. For more information,call 919/733-6545.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Historic structures and the National Register:Survey and Planning Branch,919/733-6545.
Archaeological sites and the National Register.Office of State Archaeology,919!733-7342.
Prescrvation tax credits and technical restoration assistance:Restoration Branch,919/733-6547.
The National Register program is governed by the following federal and state rules and regulations: 36CFR Part 60 (interim rule),
36CFR Part 61 (final rule),and North Carolina Administrative Code T07:04R.0300.
O ti
� � f
Unit-ad States Department of the Interior 021
National Park Service DRAFT
National Register of Historic Places
L:-egistration Form
This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the
National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or
by entering the information requested. It an item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "NIA" for"not applicable:' For functions,
architectural classification, materials. and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. Place additional
entries and narrative items on continuation sheets(NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items.
1 Name of Property - - -
historic name Cedar Grove Rural Crossroads Historic D;s . i .t
other names/site number
2. Location
street & number Rural village centered around intersections of Efland- ❑ not for publication
Cedar Grove Rd. and Carr Store Rd.
city or town Cear Grove ❑ vicinity
state North Carolina code NC county Orange code 135 zip code 27231
3. State/Federal Agency Certification
As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, I hereby certify that this ❑ nomination
❑ request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of
Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property
❑ meets ❑ does not meet the National Register criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant
❑ nationally ❑ statewide ❑ locally. (❑ See continuation sheet for additional comments.)
Signature of certifying official/ Title Date
State of Federal agency and bureau
In my opinion, the property ❑ meets ❑ does not meet the National Register criteria.(❑ See continuation sheet for additional
comments.)
Signature of commenting officials itle Date
State or Federal agency and bureau
4. National Park Service Certification
I hereby certify that the property is: Signature of the Keeper Date of Action
❑ entered in the National Register.
❑ See continuation sheet.
Cl determined eligible for the
National Register
❑ See continuation sheet.
❑ determined not eligible for the
National Register.
❑ removed from the National
_, Register.
UGG
CEDAR GROVE RURAL CROSSROADS ORANGE COUNTY, NC
Name of Property County and State
S. Classification
Ownership of Property Category of Property Number of Resources within Property
(Check as many boxes as apply) (Check only one box) (Do not include previously listed resources in the count.)
® private ❑ building(s) Contributing Noncontributing
❑ public-local ® district 47 9 buildings
❑ public-State C3 site
❑ public-Federal ❑ structure 2 sites
❑ object I structures
objects
5 0 9 Total
Name of related multiple property listing Number of contributing resources previously listed
(Enter"N/A" if property is not pert of a multiple property listing.) In the National Register
WiA N/A
6. Function or Use
Historic Functions Current Functions
(Enter categories from instructions) (Enter categories from instructions)
DGMES1 LC/U I I AGE S I TE MMF-,T I C/V 11.1.AGF 4 1 TF
DOMETSTIC/SINGLE DWELLING DOMESTIC/SINGLE DWELLING
RELIGION/RELIGIOUS FACILITY
RELIGION/CHURCH-RELATED RESIDENCE FUNERARY/CEMETARY
FUNERARY/CEMETARY COMMERCE/TRADE/DEPARTMENT STORE
rnMMERCE/TRADE/DEPARTMENT STORE COMMERCE/TRADE/SPECIALTY STORE
GOVERNMENT/POST OFFICE VACANT/NOT IN USE
7. Description
Architectural Classification Materials
(Enter categories from instructions) (Enter categories from instructions)
MID-19TH CENTURY foundation BRICK, STONE
LATE VICTORIAN walls WEATHERBOARD, BRICK, STONE, VINYL
COLONIAL REVIVAL
GREEK REVIVAL roof METAL,ASPHALT
COMMERCIAL STYLE
BUNGALOW/CRAFTSMAN other
Narrative Description
(Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.)
CEDAR GROVE RURAL CROSSROADS ORANGE COUNTY. NC A23
Name of Property County and State
10 Geographical Data
Acreage of Property 105 ACRES
UTM References
(Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet.)
111 ,71 1616 ,418 ,0101 141010, 414, 0101 3 L.1J 1616141918101 {41 01 01 41 21 61 01
Zone Easting Northing Zone Easting Northing
21 ' 171 j6161419,8,0I 14,010,414, 0101 4 11171 161614{91010{ 14, 010,412, 6101
d See continuation sheet
Verbal Boundary Description
(Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet.)
Boundary Justification
(Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.)
11. Form Prepared By
namettitle KAYE CRAYBEAL h SHANNON SEXTON (ORANGE COLINTY PI ANNI Nn F nEVEI nPMFNT)
organizationDSATLANTI C CORPORATION date
street & number 7820 NORTH POINT BOULEVARD, SUITE 200 telephone (.,n) 759_74no
city or town WINSTON-SALEM state NC zip code 77106
Additional Documentation
Submit the following items with the completed form:
Continuation Sheets
Maps
A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location.
A Sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources.
Photographs
Representative black and white photographs of the property.
Additional items
(Check with the SHPO or FPO for any add'diortal items)
Property Owner
(Complete this item at the request of SHPO or FPO.)
name
street & number telephone
city or town state zip code
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate
properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing,to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain
a benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended(16 U.S.C.470 of seq.).
Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including time for reviewing
instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect
of this form to the Chief, Administrative Services pivision, National Park Service. P.O. Box 37127,Washington,DC 200137127;and the Office of
Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Projects(1024.0018),Washington, DC 20503.
US GovLV u2n PttINTING OFFICE 1993 O - 350-416 QL 3
CEDAR GROVE RURAL CROSSROADS (]Rnt�cE COUNTY, N6
Name of Property County and State
8. Statement of Significance
Applicable National Register Criteria Areas of Significance
(Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property (Enter categories from instructions)
for National Register listing.)
AGRICULTURE
[k A Property is associated with events that have made
a significant contribution to the broad patterns of ARCHITECTURE
our history. ETHNIC HERITAGE/BLACK
❑ B Property is associated with the lives of persons EXPLORATION/SETTLEMENT
significant in our past.
SOCIAL MISIOKT
C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics
of a type, period, or method of construction or
represents the work of a master, or possesses
high artistic values, or represents a significant and
distinguishable entity whose components lack Period of Significance
individual distinction. l R.8n_1947
❑ D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield.
information important in prehistory'or history.
Criteria Considerations Significant Dates
(Mark"x" in all the boxes that apply.) 1 880
Property is:
❑ A owned by a religious institution or used for
religious purposes.
Significant Person
❑ B removed from its original location. (Complete N it Criterion a is marked above)
❑ C a birthplace or grave.
Cultural Affiliation
❑ D a cemetery. N/A
❑ E a reconstructed building, object, or structure. ,
❑ F a commemorative property.
❑ G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance ArchitecUBuilder
within the past 50 years.
HENRY LYON ; JIM HAYES; COLEMAN BURCH;
CHARLIE McDADE : JOHN FINLEY
Narrative Statement of Significance
(Explain the significance of the property on one or rtwre continuation sheets.)
9. Major Bibliographical References
Bibliography
(Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.)
Previous documentation on file (NPS): Primary location of additional data:
❑ preliminary determination of individual listing (36 121 State Historic Preservation Office
CFR 67) has been requested ❑ Other State agency
❑ previously listed in the National Register ❑ Federal agency
❑ previously determined eligible by the National ❑ Local government
Register ❑ University
❑ designated a National Historic Landmark ❑ Other
• recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey Name of repository:
# ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT
• recorded by Historic American Engineering
Record #
025
August 18, 1997 Interim Draft
CEDAR GROVE RURAL CROSSROADS COMMUNITY NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION
SECTION 7-DESCRIPTION
Located in the northwest corner of Orange County,Cedar Grove is an unincorporated rural crossroads
community originating at the intersection of Carr Store Road and Efland-Cedar Grove Road. It is situated
within a rural landscape approximately 11 miles northwest of Hillsborough,the county seat. The community
retains a variety of once typical crossroads building types and uses, including two store buildings,two
churches,a post office,and residences all providing a physical framework that contributes to a sense of
ongoing vitality. For the most part,the non-domestic structures are clustered at the crossroads while the
residences emanate from the intersection for a one-mile stretch along the two main roads. The built
resources punctuate expanses of pasture and cultivated land framed by woodlands. Thus,the natural and
agrarian countryside overlaid with the built environment constitutes a significant cultural landscape which
embodies the essential character of the once-typical rural crossroads community.
The Cedar Grove Rural Crossroads Community Historic District is comprised of approximately 105 acres
and contains 22 contributing primary structures, 5 non-contributing primary structures,and I non-
contributing site. These non-contributing structures are unobtrusive in scale and are compatibly sited;
therefore,they do not infringe upon the overall integrity of the district.
The most prominent built resources of the community include two each of historically significant and
architecturally notable Colonial Revival houses,churches and store buildings. With the exception of one of
the houses and one of the churches,these resources are concentrated at the crossroads. Most of the built
resources are houses that lack significance individually,but as a group possess intrinsic value as components
of the crossroads community pattern of development. The architectural landscape of the community is one
of a rural vernacular aesthetic,and although the primary barns associated with the farmsteads have
disappeared,sufficient physical vestiges in the form of field patterns strongly allude to the historical agrarian
character of the community.
The Pender-Oliver Store(18)which has remained in business since the 1880s is flanked on the north and
south sides by ca. 1940s buildings,the Cedar Grove Post Office(19)the C.C.Oliver Auto and Tractor Repair
026
Shop(17). The repair shop stands on the former site of the late 1800s Oliver's blacksmith shop. The
Benjamin C. Patton and Allen A. Ellis General Stores(13)are two notable rural vernacular renditions of
commercial store buildings which have historically contributed to the perception of the community as a
veritable destination point in the rural county. To the south of the Allen A. Ellis Store on Carr Store Road
(SR 1004),a plaque commemorates the historic location of the Cedar Grove well,where according to local
history, nineteenth-century stagecoaches customarily made water stops. To the south of the well site is the
ca. 1880 Allen A. Ellis House(14). Three examples of typical rural vernacular late nineteenth-century 1-
story I-houses,the Hayes-Hall(9),the Coleman Burch(8)and the Hughes-Greene(7)Houses are situated on
the south side facing the former roadbed of Carr Store Road. To the west of the crossroads several notable
houses survive including the ca. 1890 John Paisley Hughes House(1)and the 1912 Colonial Revival Dr.
Claude M. Hughes(10)and John Tolar(4)Houses,all owned by family descendants. The John Paisley
Hughes House,a vernacular style farmhouse,and associated open land anchors the west end of the district.
Two architecturally distinctive church buildings have served as gathering places for community; the Cedar
Grove Methodist (22)erected in 1939 and the Eno Presbyterian (28)erected between 1897 and 1899. The
rusticly handsome Cedar Grove United Methodist Church,a 2-story cross-gabled stone structure, is sited a
short distance to the north of the crossroads. The cemetery,possessing stones dating to as early as the 1880s
radiates from the north side of the church building and lends to the picturesque setting. Beyond the church to
the north,the landscape becomes more residential in character with a variety of vernacularly interpreted
architectural styles. The Eno Presbyterian Church,a brick veneered cross-gabled structure of which the
original portion dates to 1899,anchors the northernmost end of the district. At the southernmost end of the
district is the Hughes-Lindsay House and Farm(15)within its original context surrounded by cultivated
fields fronting the west side of Efland-Cedar Grove Road. Thus,the built resources of the community
represent a layering of periods and styles with an underlying continuity of ownership.
027
SECTION 8-STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
Summary Paragraph
The Cedar Grove Rural Crossroads Historic District, located in northwest Orange County, is eligible for
National Register listing under Criteria A and C. Significant in the area of Exploration and Settlement under
Criteria A,the district exhibits the historic pattern of development in North Carolina's rural agricultural
communities which manifested in the emergence of commercial and social centers along intersections of
primary roads. The resources comprising the district embody the characteristics of a once prevalent rural
agrarian landscape that evolved as a result of human activity and use. The landscape characteristics coalesce
the natural,the cultivated and the built environment in a manner unique to the rural crossroads community as
an outgrowth of its agrarian roots. Of the half-dozen or so rural crossroads communities that evolved during
the nineteenth century in Orange County,Cedar Grove is among the most intact and least altered examples
among this disappearing genre. Many rural community businesses have suffered economic demise as a
result of the advance of the automobile and improved roads which have facilitated travel to larger retail
businesses in urban areas. However,Cedar Grove survives as a community which retains a distinct identity
reflected in its physicality as well as its historic culture. Significant under Criterion C in the area of
Architecture, the community's enduring vitality is exhibited in a notable and varietal collection of late
nineteenth and early-twentieth century residential and commercial buildings which provide the visual
framework for a community that has remained virtually free of modern intrusions. A sense of continuity is
tent in that many descendants of Cedar Grove's early founders reside in the community and maintain
substantial family homeplaces.
The community is eligible under Criterion A also in the area of Agriculture. The land has been continuously
farmed throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and existing field patterns deviate little from those
evident during the early to mid-twentieth century. These continuing patterns of cultivation are testimony to
the prevalence of farming over the course of the community's development.
The community of Cedar Grove is additionally significant under Criterion A in the area of Social History.
The physical development characteristics of the Cedar Grove community along with the inherent form of
social interaction borne out those characteristics represents a disappearing genre in North Carolina given that
the rural crossroads community became increasingly rare after the advent of the automobile and road
o28
improvement trends. The community is furthermore significant in the area of Social History as well as that
of Ethnic Heritage for its role as a mecca for Black string band musicians and the square dances they
accompanied between the years of 1930 and 1947.
The overall period of significance for the community lies between the years of 1880 and 1947. The earliest
physical vestige of building activity in the community,other than the crossroads itself, is represented by the
ca. 1880 John Paisley Hughes House()and Hughes-Greene House(). The other activities which have
justified additional areas of significance for the community, including those agricultural and social,were
occurring as late as 1947,the year which marks the National Register criteria for events to have occurred
fifty years ago in order to have achieved historic significance.
Criterion A: Orange County Exploration and Settlement--Late Nineteenth-Century Rural
Crossroads Communities
Throughout the nineteenth and into the early twentieth century,Cedar Grove served as a commercial, social,
and educational center for surrounding agrarian families. It was one of about a half-dozen such rural
crossroads communities that evolved in Orange County during this period. In addition to Cedar Grove,the
communities of Caldwell,Oaks and White Cross emerged at this time. Most of the crossroads communities
established in the nineteenth century that remain extant in rural Orange County exhibit a repletion of
insidious modern intrusions which have diluted the original fabric resulting in a loss of community identity
and definition. Thus,most of these crossroads have suffered a loss of commercial as well as social viability
and no longer function as true communities. The community of Cedar Grove,along with that of Caldwell in
the Little River Township in the northeastern county,are the most intact examples of the rural crossroads
community in the county. The function of these small rural communities was rooted more in social
interaction than in economic objectives. For example,farmers during the ante-bellum period typically
purchased major goods in Hillsborough,the economic center and county seat of Orange County;however,
they continued to patronize the local general store not only to conveniently purchase staple goods but to
interact with neighbors. Thus,the way of life in these rural communities was centered around the
interactions and gatherings of family and neighbors rather than economic trade. These social gatherings took
place in the general stores,but in school buildings and churches which were typically the more prominent
buildings in the community (Johnson 1937,pp.98-9).
i
0 :219
Criterion A: Agricultural Trends in Orange County--Post-Bellum to Post-World War II
Post-Bellum to the Late Nineteenth Century
Orange County was among those areas that did not experience the physical devastation effected by the Civil
War; however, the county did experience the social and economic transformation that proliferated throughout
the South as a result of the abolition of slavery, lingering wartime poverty,and the depletion of capital.
These circumstances slowed agricultural production and necessitated a reorganization of the ante-bellum
social and economic systems(Mattson 1996, p. 35). During the ten years immediately following the Civil
War in Orange County, farm value decreased by half and the average size fell from 285 acres to 198 acres
(U.S. Census, 1860 and 1870).
Ante-bellum Orange County maintained 6,000 slaves--one-third of the total population. Farmers contended
with the adjustments necessary to deal with the labor shortage as many African American families migrated
to urban areas in pursuit of job opportunities. As a result,a variety of methods were utilized to tenure the
land in Orange County after the Civil War. Landowners either employed and supervised farm laborers or
divided holdings into smaller plots. As major landholdings were parceled out,the overall number of farms
increased and the rise in production of cash crops as a means of livelihood in a cash-poor economy resulted
in the erosion of the traditional self-sufficient family farm(Mattson 1996,p.36-37). Tenant farming and
share cropping became prevalent and in 1890,well over half of the county's farmers were either renters,
sharecroppers,or laborers. More than a third of white farmers did not own land and over 20 percent were
sharecroppers. Most Black farmers remained as field hands,a third were sharecroppers,and only a tenth
became landowners. The average size of their farms was less than half that of farms operated by Whites. By
the late 1800s almost 40 percent of all farmers in Orange County were sharecroppers and worked on average
20 to 60 acres of land. In the Cedar Grove Township,the typical amount of improved or tilled land per farm
was 20 to 40 acres,while unimproved land or woodlands constituted anywhere from 20 to 150 acres(U.S.
Census 1890-1900 as stated in Mattson 1996,p.38).
With the decline of the self-sufficient farm and the growth in tenancy came the increased importance of the
country crossroads store where a variety of goods could be conveniently purchased that were previously
produced on the family farm. Another outgrowth of farm tenancy was new crop lien laws which benefited
the owners of these general stores. Lien laws permitted merchants to accept unplanted crops as collateral in
the purchase of seeds,fertilizer, and other supplies. In a post-war cash-poor economy,merchants took on a
030
powerful role in the rural Piedmont as general stores became the principal sources for loans and credit.
Merchants, as creditors, required repayment of loans with crops such as tobacco and cotton,which could be
sold for cash. Thus, farmers became caught in a cycle of dependency,compelled to raise more and more
cash crops to pay for staple items that had traditionally been produced on their own farms. Although tenancy
enabled the sharecropper to buy land,the agricultural credit extended them caused many to fall into chronic
debt. In addition to crop liens, farmers faced mounting taxes that were imposed during the late nineteenth
century to pay for the building of railways and county roads(Ayers,as stated in Mattson 1996,p.38).
Land tenancy, crop liens,higher taxes,and fence laws all colluded to lure the small farmer toward cash-crop
agriculture and away from traditional self-sufficiency. The shift to the growing of cash crops was also
encouraged given that their transport to market was facilitated by the introduction of the North Carolina
Railroad which ran from Goldsboro to Charlotte via Hillsborough. Although semi-subsistent farming
practices continued into the early twentieth century, farmers pursued the cultivation of bright-leaf tobacco as
a cash crop. Corn,oats and wheat were important crops in the county throughout the nineteenth century;
however, in the latter half of the century cotton became a significant cash crop in the southern county while
most tobacco was produced in the northern county in which Cedar Grove is located(U.S. Census 1850-
1880). However,as more farmers entered the cash crop market,the competition caused the price of these
crops to drastically drop. This fall in cash return was compounded by the 1890s national depression.
Additionally,the relentless planting of these cash without rotation resulted in soil depletion and thus reduced
per-acre crop production(Powell 1968,p.417). A loss of independence and mounting indebtedness
characterized the plight of the county's farmers. Burdened by uncertainty and debt, farm laborers
increasingly began to migrate to factories and cities.
Early Twentieth Century to Post World War I
With the arrival of the twentieth century,crop prices began to rise steadily and continued to do so throughout
World War 1. While the traditional rural communities remained intact,the fruits of commercial farming
were becoming clearly evident in the improvements made in the built environment. Gristmills and saw mills
increased in number as well as product output,and cotton gins emerged along Cane Creek south of the
railroad and Hillsborough(Branson 1889; Lefler and Wager 1953, pp.301-302).
031
Blacks were also influenced by this atmosphere of prosperity. Although the majority African American
farmers remained as laborers or sharecroppers,one-fourth were able to purchase farms by 1910.
Countywide, rural Black communities expanded around new churches at the fringes of white hamlets.
Examples of these communities include that near Carr which erected White Oak Grove Baptist Church above
the crossroads in 1914 and on the outskirts of Cedar Grove where Lee's Chapel Baptist Church was erected
in 1918 (Lefler and Wager 1953,pp. 305-306).
After World War I significant improvements in transportation were both the product and cause of
transitioning agricultural conditions. Improved roads and bridges coupled with the introduction of the
automobile yielded unprecedented mobility. However,farmers continued to encounter impassable roads for
months out of each year when traveling farm-to-market routes well into the 1950s. These circumstances
perpetuated the ongoing importance of the local community store(Lefler and Wager 1953,pp.230-250).
1920s to Post-World War II
The post-World War I period of prosperity was fleeting at the-turn-of-the-century and falling crop returns
plummeted still further during the Great Depression. Tobacco and cotton prices dropped by more than half
between the late 1920s and the early 1930s. The devastating effects of the Depression along with the plague
of the boll weevil during the 1920s and 1930s drastically decreased cotton production. By the 1940s,
however, more options became open to farmers and many turned to dairy farming and livestock production
in the southern county,while still others continued the migration that had begun in the late 1800s to nearby
urban areas to labor in cotton mills. Also, bright leaf tobacco prices began to rise and stabilize and tobacco
remained the preferred cash crop in northern Orange County where the Cedar Grove Township is located
(Bell as stated in Mattson 1996,p.43). Although the prevalence of tobacco farms necessitated small land
tracts,dairying and livestock production,which had become commonplace in the southeast county,required
larger tracts. In the late 1940s and early 1950s,there were about 18 farms in Orange County that averaged
765 acres in size,even though the median farm size had declined by this time to an average of only 63 acres.
Though modest farms still dotted the landscape,small land tenancy declined as advances in agricultural
technology took hold in the mid-twentieth century(Lefler and Wager 1953, pp. 230-250). Thus,as an
outgrowth of the new trends in agriculture during the 1940s,new patterns of land use began to emerge in
Orange County--the affects of which are apparent in the present-day landscape.
032
033
Criterion C. Architecture in Rural Orange County—Post Civil War to Post World War II
Architecture of the Late Nineteenth- and Early Twentieth-Centuries
The architectural landscape of rural Orange County is characterized by vernacular interpretations rather than
high-style examples. Stylistic influences are more apparent in Orange County's post-bellum, late nineteenth-
and early twentieth-century houses than in pre-Civil War examples. The availability of manufactured
architectural components including brackets,doors,sheathing,gable detailing,balustrades and mantels
resulted in a proliferation of architectural embellishment just prior to the nineteenth century in Orange
County as throughout North Carolina(Bisher 1990,293-295). Most common are frame center hall-plan
houses. Many of these are I-houses which typically date from 1870 to 1910 and are characterized by a 2-
story height and a single-room depth with either a hall-and-parlor or center-hall plan. The I-house variation
known as the triple-A is also prevalent in Orange County. This house form is characterized by a side-gable
roof with a third gable centered on the front facade. The T.L Oliver House(22),the Hayes-Hall House(8)
and the Burch-Mallon House(7)in the Cedar Grove community are examples of this house form.
Many rural dwellings in Orange County are late nineteenth-and early twentieth-century farmsteads which
retain much of their historic acreage. These farmsteads constitute one of the most character-defining
property-types in the county and manifest the pockets of intact rural quality found throughout the county.
While many of the main houses of these farm complexes are not distinctive,the collection of the farm
buildings as a whole, including their spatial relationship to each other, is of greater significance.
The late nineteenth century witnessed growing opportunities for new types of domestic design fostered by
innovative framing methods,the mass production of brick,nails,and milled lumber,and the emergence of
rail transportation. Frame and brick houses became faster,easier,and cheaper to construct. At the same
time, architectural catalogs offered an unprecedented array of stylish and affordable sawn ornaments,
moldings,and mantelpieces,fashioned at steam-powered factories and delivered to customers by rail.
Builder's widespread use of the light balloon frame,which consisted entirely of small framing members
nailed in place, coincided with the rise of the national picturesque movement. Picturesque architecture,
including such styles as the Gothic Revival and Italianate,and culminating in the flamboyant Queen Anne,
promoted a freedom of design not permitted by strictures of neoclassicism. But even as the appeal of the
034
picturesque stirred up ornamentation along porches and roof lines in rural Orange County,the conservative
culture held on to traditional building practices and house-types well into the 1900s(Mattson 1996, p.47).
With the availability of milled lumber, frame houses conforming to familiar shapes and layouts proliferated
the landscape. Versions of the gable-roofed,one-room deep,symmetrical dwelling,with a front porch and
rear kitchen ell, remained popular among Orange County farmers until at least 1910. Both one-story and
two-story models, usually with simple shed porches and open plans,were built for tenants.
Land owners also continued to select the rectangular symmetrical form for their own houses,usually with a
formal central passage. Decoration and scale varied according to taste and means. The standard two-story
model was repeated throughout Orange County from the late 1860s to about 1910. Testifying to the deeply
rooted conservatism of this agrarian society,the picturesque movement introduced very few new house types
to rural Orange County(Mattson 1996,p.48).
Architecture of the 1910s to Post-Civil War
The availability of materials made possible by the advent of the railroad in the twentieth century yielded an
introduction of several house-types to Orange County. These included the Colonial Revival American four-
square(2-story double-pile with four rooms on each floor)and the Craftsman-influenced bungalow(1 or 1
1/2-story with several irregular floor plan variations)(Mattson 1996,p.52).
Colonial Revival was the preferred style among Orange County land owners by the 1910s as its classical and
more sophisticated design appealed to the prosperous middle-class farmer(Mattson 1996,p. 52). Builders
integrated Colonial Revival motifs and detailing into traditional house types as well as applied it to the two-
story four-square form. A fine example of Colonial Revival architecture in the Cedar Grove Historic District
is the Dr. Claude M. Hughes House(9). Built in 1912,this handsome frame house is executed in a two-story
four-square form which is covered by a high hip roof with smaller cross gables. A projecting cutaway bay,
wrap-around verandah, and decorative sawnwork in the gables allude to the transition from the Queen Anne
style. The cubic symmetry,Doric porch columns,and pedimented entry bay exemplify the domestic
Colonial Revival style.
O35
The John Tolar House(4) is also exemplary of Colonial Revival farmhouses built in the 1910s. The 2- 1/2-
story frame house has a hipped roof form with a central dormer, symmetrically placed single and paired
windows, and a center-hall plan. The style is also exemplified in the boxed cornices of the dormers and
porch gable, the Palladianesque dormer window, and the classic columns supporting a wrap-around porch
roof.
A"Revival" style that was nationally popular in ecclesiastical architecture was that of the Gothic Revival,
which was reflected often in the church buildings of rural Orange County. An outstanding example of this
style is seen in the Cedar Grove United Methodist Church(20). Constructed in 1939, it is the largest and
most exemplary of the rural county churches built before World War II. The well-executed Gothic Revival
design includes an L-shaped configuration with a crenelated tower that defines the entrance at the apex of the
two wings. The church features a veneer of native fieldstone and wood-frame casement windows crowned
by stone jack arches.
While the Revival styles were inspired by precedents,fresh architectural trends emerged during the World
War I era that emphasized a pleasing simplicity achieved primarily by employing practical forms and fine
craftsmanship. A nationally popular expression of this trend towards uncomplicated and functional
architecture was the Craftsman style,featured in pattern books for bungalows that catered to the middle and
working classes. There are innumerable vernacular interpretations,but the essential features of the style
typically include a height of 1-1/2 stories,a low-pitched gabled roof with a wide unenclosed eave overhang,
roof dormers,exposed rafter ends and decorative eave brackets,a wide porch with battered posts supported
by brick piers, and vertically divided windows(McAlester 1984,p.453). These stylistic features often
manifested in additions or"updates"to existing houses,especially when related to the modifications and
expansions necessitated by a conversion to dairy farming. Therefore,the style appears to be more prevalent
in the southern townships where dairy farming was more prevalent(Mattson 1996,p. 54). Only two
examples of the Craftsman influence are apparent in the Cedar Grove Historic District. The McDade-Pender
House(23)exhibits bracketed eaves at the gabled ends and central dormer. The engaged full-facade porch
roof is supported by battered posts on brick piers,features typically referred to as"bungaloid." The Eno
Presbyterian Manse(3)exhibits a front-gabled form with bracketed eaves and wrap-around porch,the roof of
which like the McDade-Pender House, is supported by battered posts on brick piers.
Commercial Architecture
Country stores were focal points of rural community life into the twentieth century, extending credit,selling
and trading merchandise,and serving as casual meeting places. However,with the coming of the automobile
and greater access to urban centers,their eminence faded and many stores were abandoned and later
disappeared. But some remained open for business, filling a more modest commercial niche as local
groceries and gas stations. The Allison-Oliver-Pender Store(16)at Cedar Grove is one of the best examples
of these survivors. This two-story weatherboard building dates to the and befitting its early prominence,the
store has a dignified classical facade, featuring heavily molded cornice returns and flush boards in the front-
facing gable. A hip-roofed porch with original chamfered posts covers the center doorway and the large sash
windows on either side. Like the exterior,the inside is remarkably intact,with wooden shelving and glass
display cases arranged along the side walls.
The Alan A. Ellis Store(12) is another fine example of the crossroads country store with its flat roof,
bracketed cornice and large triple-grouped display windows flanking a central entrance.
Historical Background and Criterion A: Social History and Ethnic Heritage
Cedar Grove's existence as a rural community can be traced to around 1828,when the community's first post
office was established with Joseph Allison its Postmaster(Powell 1968, p.96&Councilman 1981).
Throughout the nineteenth century it served as a commercial, social,and educational center for agricultural
families in the vicinity. By 1850 Cedar Grove was a thriving community,and not only supported a private
academy; but also a tanner,a coachmaker,a doctor, and three businesses including a drygoods store,a
hardware store,and a grocer(Manufacturing Census 1850). Later in the nineteenth century,the community
boasted a general store,a sawmill,a grist mill,a plug tobacco factory,two churches,a post office,a
physician's office,a blacksmith,a coachmaker and several stylish residences(Carter and Peck 1993, p. 122
&Branson 1889, p.499&Manufacturing Census 1850).
Many of the currently standing homes or portions of them were erected in the late 1800s such as the T.L.
Oliver House(22)and the John Tolar House(4)and the early wings of the John Paisley Hughes House(1),
the Dr. Claude M. Hughes House(9),the McDade-Pender House(23),the Allen A. Ellis House(12),and the
037
Hughes-Greene House 96). The Eno Presbyterian Church(26)had been completed before the turn-of-the-
century as well as had the Arthur Finley House(21).
During the 1930s,the only post office in Orange County north of Hillsborough was in the community of
Cedar Grove which was considered an important trade center for the northern county(Vukan 1948,p. 61).
The two general stores,then known as Ellis' (12)and Oliver's(16),served the community in addition a
physician's office,a drugstore,a blacksmith and two still vital churches established in the early t900s:
Cedar Grove Methodist (20)and Eno Presbyterian(26). It was a fairly self-sufficient community and thus
its ongoing vitality was perpetuated. Few residents owned cars and only Efland-Cedar Grove Road was
paved. The community's population,though it included Blacks as well as Whites,was quite homogeneous in
its occupation--that of a tobacco farmer. Only 1 out of every 4 residents worked in non-farm jobs(Vukan
1948, p. 85).
Cedar Grove conformed to the prototypical concept of a"folk society"as defined in a 1947 American
Journal of Sociology publication(Redfield as cited in Lomeli 1976,p. 56). It was small, isolated,relatively
self-contained and homogeneous in population. Such a society is,according to a 1953 American
Anthropologist article,"relatively immobile,"and a community where"change is slow"(Foster as cited in
Lomeli 1976, p. 57 p. 57).
Criterion A: Black String Band Music in Cedar Grove from 1930 to 1947
As blues and jazz artists were enjoying commercial popularity in the south,the community of Cedar Grove
became a mecca for a different genre of music,that of the Black string band. Additionally,Cedar Grove was
the center for Black square dancing in northern Orange County(Lomeli 1976,p.28).
According to the 1940 Census,Orange County consisted of 21,171 residents,only a third of the population of
the nearby city of Durham. The county's ratio of Whites to Blacks was about two-to-one-- 14,269 Whites to
6,904 Blacks. The ratio in the Cedar Grove Township was an exception to the rest of Orange County: the
breakdown was 1,753 Blacks and 1,671 Whites or essentially a racial equilibrium. More Blacks resided in
JS
the Cedar Grove Township than in any other in the county,with the exception of the densely populated
Chapel Hill vicinity in which the Black population totaled 2,629(U.S.Census 1941, p. 53).
The relatively large 1940s Black population in the Cedar Grove Township was heavily involved in
agriculture. Overall in Orange County there were 503 Black-owned farms and nearly half were located in the
Cedar Grove Township. There were also 267 White-operated farms in the township which was only about
20%of all White-operated farms in Orange County but nonetheless a significant number. Nearly three-
fourths of the Cedar Grove Township population was described by the 1940 Census as"rural farm.
population." The percentage of Black tenant farmers was higher there than in any other township in Orange
County which listed a county-wide average of 27.2%. The percentage of White tenant farmers in the
township was also high, 57.3%,compared to a county-wide average of 39.3%(U.S.Census 1941, p.53).)
Race relations,however,were relaxed in Cedar Grove and the blatant racism which generally characterized
the South was not evident given that the institutions that were traditionally segregated in the South—
restaurants, public bathrooms,bus depots,and theaters did not exist in the community. Blacks were legally
prevented from attending White schools and social conventions kept the churches and dances segregated;
however, on occasion White and Black musicians gathered at dances. Blacks and Whites also collaborated
on farming efforts and White merchants were willing to extend credit to Blacks(Lomeli 1976,p.47).
This was the social and economic context in which Black musicians were performing secular music in the
Cedar Grove community from the late 1930s until the late 1940s. Fiddles and banjos were the principal
instruments of these musicians. Many musicians from nearby communities traveled to Cedar Grove to
accompany dances known asset dances,square dances,or most commonly,barn dances. Interviews with
senior residents of the community reveal that these dances were occurring as early as the 1880s and as late as
the 1940s(Lomeli interview with Joe Thompson,May 15, 1976 and Graybeal interview with Lois Hughes,
July 10, 1997).
The occurrence of these square dances was related to the agrarian cycle in Cedar Grove. The dances were
held in celebration of the completion of harvesting in the fall and the recreational season was ushered in by a
"corn shucking"dance between mid-October and November. Some dances attracted as many as 75 to 100
people, many of whom traveled from distant parts of the county and neighboring counties(Lomeli interview
3 3
with Buck Turo, May 8, 1976). The dances were held for two or three months in succession, until the arrival
of spring necessitated that farm work resume. "Chopping time,"when wood was cut and fed to tobacco-
curing fires, represented winter's end(Lomeli interview with Joe Thompson, May 15, 1976).
In the Cedar Grove community,the Black population was and interrelated and relatively stable. This
stability and the fact that tunes were passed down from older musicians rendered the musical repertoire fairly
limited and almost universally known within this community network. The repertoire of Cedar Grove's
Black string band musicians stems from two primary sources: that of medicine and minstrel shows,and the
indigenous White instrumental tradition. The medicine and minstrel shows provided entertainment in the
form of music,comedy skits, short plays and story telling. Medicine shows were commonplace by 1900 and
perhaps evolved from the minstrel shows which were most popular in the South between 1850 and 1870,and
continued to be enjoyed until the late 1920s(Vukan 1948; Redfield as cited in Lomeli 1976,p. 36).
Perhaps a more important source for many of the tunes performed by Cedar Grove Black musicians was the
indigenous White instrumental tradition. This instrumental tradition originated the British Isles and remains
vital in the Southern Appalachian mountains. This music was and is currently performed utilizing the
stringed instruments of the fiddle,the banjo,and more recently the guitar(Davidson and Newman,as cited in
Lomeli 1976, p. 39).
Largely due to the relatively isolated nature of the community,the square dances were enabled to continue in
Cedar Grove through the 1940s. Limited diversity of recreational activities and restricted travel during the
1930s compelled residents to support the dances as a celebratory and social activity. The dances provided
entertainment as well as an opportunity for congregating with neighbors. The square dance tradition thrived
until the 1950s when radios and television became relatively commonplace in the community. Additionally,
residents began leaving the farms for manufacturing jobs in the nearby towns of Mebane and Hillsborough.
By the early 1950s the square dances had ceased(Lomeli 1976, p. 61).
� (1
,� ..
041
NO PROPERTY NAME C NC TYPE LOCATION ADDRESS
01 Hughes,John Paisley House C bldg. S side SR 1004 aPpx.2000 ft.W of jct w/SR 2000 Carr Store Road
1357
DESCRIPTION
The earliest portion of this house is the oldest surviving structure in the Cedar Grove community. This one-story timber-frame section was
constructed in the early 1800s and consisted of a kitchen room and two other rooms. The south-facing house fronted the stagecoach route from
Cedar Grove to Greensboro(Carter and Peck 1993). A stone chimney with brick stack is located on the west end of the house. A two-story,
two-bay-deep east-facing house was erected adjoining the east side of the one-story structure ca. 1892 by a local builder,John Finley.
Intersecting this addition is a two-story I-house that extends from the front or east side forming an L-plan.The I-house appears to be
contemporary with the addition or built shortly thereafter. The I-house has two brick exterior end-chimneys,a brick exterior rear chimney,and
2/2 double-hung windows. The two structures are sheathed in weatherboard siding,rest on a stone foundation,and are covered in a v-crimp
metal roof. The house was originally the centerpiece of a farmstead and has several outbuildings associated with it.These include three sheds,
a corn crib,a barn,two log tobacco barns,and a tenant house. The log tobacco barns and the tenant house are located across Can-Store Road to
the northwest of the main house. At the west end of the side-gabled tenant house is a large stone chimney. The occupants of the early 18009
house are not known;however, the first occupant of the 2-story addition was John Paisley Hughes. He moved into the house upon his marriage
to Lena McDade in 1892(Orange County Marriages 1752-1911).
Ola Wood shed C bldg. S side SR 1004 appx.2000 ft W of jct w/SR
1357
DESCRIPTION
early 1900s frame shed-roofed open-sided
01 b Barn C bldg. S side SR 1004 appx.2000 ft.W of jct w/SR
1357
DESCRIPTION
small frame front-gable
O1 c Equipment shed C bldg. S side SR 1004 appx.2000 ft W of jet w/SR
1357
DESCRIPTION
1940s frame open-front
Old Well house C struc. S side SR 1004 appx.2000 ft W of jct w/SR
1357
DESCRIPTION
early 1900s open frame,pyramidal roof
042
NO PROPERTY NAME C NC TYPE LOCATION ADDRESS
Ole Corn crib C bldg. S side SR 1004 aPpx.2000[t W of jct w/SR
1357
DESCRIPTION
early 1900s horizontal board and screen
01 f Cultivated field C site N side SR 1004 beginning appx.900 ft W of jct
w/SR 1357
DESCRIPTION
This cultivated field remains within the original John Paisley Hughes land tract. The land has historically yielded corn and wheat. These crops
were replaced by tobacco during the 1960s and rotated with alfalfa.
Olg Loafing shed det. strut. N side SR 1004 appx.2000 R W of jct w/SR
1357
DESCRIPTION
open-sided frame structure with flat tin roof
Olh Tenant house det. bldg. N side SR 1004 appx.2000 ft W of jct w/SR
1357
DESCRIPTION
I-story log side-gabled
Oli Tobacco barn det. bldg. N side SR 2000 ft W of jct w/SR 1357
DESCRIPTION
1-1/2-story 1930s-40s log front-gable
01 j Tobacco barn det. bldg. N side SR 1004 appx.2000 ft W of jet w/SR
1357
DESCRIPTION
1-1/2-story 1930s-40s log front-gable
O 1 k Pasture C site S side SR 1004 appx. 1500 ft W of jct w/SR
1357
DESCRIPTION
This pasture land remains within the original John Paisley Hughes land tract. The land has historically been and is currently utilized as pasture
land(Graybeal interview with Lois Hughes,July 23, 1997).
0 .13
NO PROPERTY NAME C NC TYPE LOCATION ADDRESS
02 Hughes,Robert House mod. bldg. S side SR 1004 appx. 1400 ft W of jet w/ SR 1900 Carr Store Road
1357
DESCRIPTION
1970s brick veneer ranch house.
02a Garage mod. bldg.
DESCRIPTION
front-gable brick veneer
03 Eno Presbyterian Manse C bldg. N side SR 1004 appx.800 ft W of jct w/SR 1815 Carr Store Road
1357
DESCRIPTION
The Craftsman bungalow house was built in 1925 by the Eno and Fairfield Presbyterian Churches as a parsonage. The front-gabled roof is
crossed by a gabled dormer over each side facade-each dormer having paired windows. The weatherboarded structure features two interior
brick chimneys and paired 4/1 double-hung windows. The front door is flanked by multi-paned side lights. The wrap-around porch roof is
supported by battered columns on brick piers. A weatherboarded garage of the period is located to the rear northeast of the structure.
Reverend C.D.Whitely,pastor of the Eno Presbyterian Church from 1921-1926,was the first pastor to reside here. Before this manse was
built,pastors resided in Caldwell,a crossroads community located a few miles east of Cedar Grove(Ellis and Ellis 1933).
03a Garage C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
ca. 1925 frame front-gable with exposed rafters
04 Tolar,John House C site W side SR 1357 appx. 1300 ft N of jct w/SR 1816 Carr Store Road
1004
DESCRIPTION
The house was built in 1891 for John H.Tolar,a teacher,and his wife,Netts.Hughes(Carter and Peck 1993). The Tolars resided here until
their deaths in 1924 and 1931 respectively. This 2- 1/2-story four-square frame house exhibits a hipped roof and a large projecting central roof
dormer with gable returns.Two interior brick corbelled chimneys pierce the roof. The entry door possesses one large light over vertical panels
and is flanked by sidelights.The windows are paired 1/1 double-hungs. The wrap-around porch with central gabled projection is covered by a
hipped roof which is punctuated by a central front gable and supported by Doric columns.The structure rests on a brick foundation. A rear ell is
lit with 6/6 double-hung windows. A brick pumphouse is the only surviving outbuilding.
04a Pumphouse C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
1930s brick front-gable
044
NO PROPERTY NAME C NC TYPE LOCATION ADDRESS
05 Hughes,Annie L.House C bldg. N side SR 1004 appx.700 R W of jet w/ SR
1357
DESCRIPTION
The 1-1/2-story side-gabled frame house was built in 1915 by J.Henry Lyon for Annie L.Hughes who lived there until her death ca. 1932. It
features a central dormer with returned gables,paired 6/6 double-hung windows,and an interior brick chimney. A 1920s garage has a gabled
roof and central dormer. In 1901,Annie L.Hughes acquired Cedar Grove Academy which was located on the site to the adjacent east of the
Lyon-McDade House(10)and resided on the second floor until the county bought the Academy ca. 1914. The Annie L.Hughes House was built
on the former site of the Cedar Grove Public School which was begun in the late 1900s.This school building was moved to another part of the
county in 1915. Annie L.Hughes bequeathed the house to her niece Annie H.Hughes who resided there until her death in 1960 (Graybeal
interview with Lois Hughes July 14, 1997).
05a Garage C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
1920s frame front-gable
05b Shed C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
1920s small frame
06 Hughes-Greene House C bldg. S side SR 1004 appx.600 ft W ofjet w/SR
1357
DESCRIPTION
The mid-to late nineteenth-century I-story frame house is characterized by Greek Revival features including a sidelit,two-paneled entry door
with a heavily molded surround,and 6/6 windows,some with original shutters. The weatherboarded house is covered by a v-crimp metal roof
and rests on stone piers. Two additions including a side and rear ell adjoin the house. The western addition of the house,added ca. 1912, was
originally part of the mid-nineteenth-century Thomas Cox Ellis House once located on the Dr.Claude M.Hughes House(9)site and now
demolished. A building which once housed a detached frame kitchen with a large stone chimney and brick stack are also extant. The first-
known occupant of the house was Thomas Harvey Hughes. Mary Hughes Greene bought the house from Hughes upon the death of her husband,
Anderson Green,who was the minister of Hawfields and Crossroads Presbyterian Churches(Graybeal interview with Lois Hughes,July 16.
1997).
06a Kitchen C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
The late nineteenth-century detached frame kitchen building is situated to the north of the house. The I-story gabled-roof structure has 4/4 and
6/6 light-windows and a stone and brick end-chimney.
06b Wood shed C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
early 1900s frame shed-roofed open-sided
X045
NO PROPERTY NAME C NC TYPE LOCATION ADDRESS
06e Manufactured house mod. struc.. S side SR 1004 appx.700 ft.W of jct w/SR
1357
DESCRIPTION
Manufactured house
07 Burch-Mallone House C bldg. S side SR 1004 appx. 500 ft W of jct w/SR
1357
DESCRIPTION
Coleman Burch constructed the 1-story triple-A frame house in the 1880s. The hall-and-parlor-plan structure is sheathed in weatherboard. The
original entry doors are lit with paired pains above three panels and are covered with spindled and bracketed screen doors. The cornices are
returned at the gable diamond-shaped attic vents pierce all three gables. The house is also characterized by a central ridgeline brick chimney
and a three-quarter length porch with chamfered posts and sawnwork. A rear ell exhibits an exterior brick end chimney,a projecting gable-
roofed entry,and two entry doors on each facade. The Burches boarded female students of Cedar Grove Academy. About 1904,Mary(known
as Mollie)Malone,the widow of John Malone,bought the house and lived there until her death in 1929(Sexton interview with Griffen&
Haley,February 25, 1995). The family eventually gave the property to the Cedar Grove United Methodist Church(Graybeal interview with
Lois Hughes,July 23, 1997).
08 Hayes-Hall House C bldg. S side SR 1004 appx.600 ft W of jet w/SR
1357
DESCRIPTION
Jim Hayes built this I-story triple-A frame house in the 1980s. The house is sheathed in weatherboard and features 2/2 double-hung windows,
chamfered porch posts,and a star-motif attic vent located on the front gable. Hayes and his wife Maggie Taylor originally occupied the house.
The Hall family inherited the house during the early 1910s and boarded Cedar Grove Academy students here. Simeon J.Hall was Chairman of
the Board of Trustees for the Academy in 1892 and 1893(Graybeal interview with Lois Hughes,July 23, 1997/Sexton interview with Estelle
Haley and Lois Hughes,February 1995).
�) 4h
NO PROPERTY NAME C NC TYPE LOCATION ADDRESS
09 Hughes,Dr. Claude M. C bldg. N side SR 1004 approx.300 ft. W of jct wit h 1717 Carr Store Road
SR 1357
DESCRIPTION
Dr.Claude Murray Hughes built this center hall,2-story,double-pile Colonial Revival house in 1912(Carter and Peck, 1993). The substantial
residence is characterized by a hipped,v-crimp metal-sheathed roof,a projecting gable entry way, 1/1 double-hung windows,and decorative
corbelling on the two interior chimneys. The gables projecting over the front and side facades feature decorative sawnwork. Doric columns
support the wrap-around porch roof. On the interior,a parlor and former bedroom(now a kitchen)are to the west of the center hall and the
dining room and another bedroom are to the east. There are four fireplaces on the first floor. The fireplaces in the center hall,dining room,and
former parlor on the east side of the plan share a chimney. The mantelpieces feature mirrored overmantels and surrounds of ceramic tile bricks.
The two-tiered hall mantel is flanked by colonettes on plinths and the shelf is supported by heavy brackets. Many of the original five-panel
doors in fluted surrounds with bull's eye corner blocks remain. The stair was originally semi-enclosed but was fully enclosed in 1956(Graybeal
interview with Lois Hughes,July 10, 1997). The turned balustrade terminates in a fluted square newel]. A vertical beaded board wainscot lines
the staircase,while the second-level walls are sheathed in horizontal beaded board. The second-level ceiling is also sheathed in bead
board. A mid-nineteenth-century I-story frame kitchen ell with a stone chimney with brick stack was destroyed by a hurricane in
1996. The vertical board door leading from the main house dining room to the former ell remains.The structure was originally the home of
Thomas Cox Ellis who died in 1890. Thomas Ellis'daughter,Elizabeth Mary Ellis,married Dr.Claude Murray Hughes. In 1912,Dr.Hughes
had the larger house built to the south of the Ellis House which became the kitchen ell. Dr.Hughes was the son of Samuel Hughes who
operated the Cedar Grove Academy between the 1850s and 1884.The Academy was considered one of the best in the county during that period
(Blackwelder 1961,pp. 124-5).
Dr.Hughes' medical practice operated out of the pharmacy that was located between the house and the current site of the C.C.Oliver Auto and
Tractor Repair Shop(15)was moved to this location ca.1913-14 so that a flour mill could be built on the site(Graybeal interview with Lois
Hughes,July 23, 1997). Dr.Hughes,who was known as the"beloved physician,"was very popular among residents of Cedar Grove. He
resided in the house until his death in 1927(Sexton interview with Griffin and Haley interview,February 25, 1995). Dr.Hughes'remains are
interred in the Eno Presbyterian Church Cemetery. His stone reads,"He saved others,himself he could not save."
09a Garage C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
1920s 2-car frame front-gable with shed-roof extension on west side
09b Storage building C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
1910s frame weatherboarded front-gable with exposed rafters
09c Corn crib C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
1910s frame shed
09d Well house C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
1910s small frame front-gable
047
NO PROPERTY NAME C NC TYPE LOCATION ADDRESS
10 Rogers-McDade House C bldg. S side SR 1004 appx.400 ft W of jet w/SR 1716 Carr Store Road
1357
DESCRIPTION
The Rogers-McDade House was built in 1920 for William Rogers by Henry Lyon. The frame house has a gambrel roof, 12/1 double-hung
windows and a bungaloid porch with square brick piers and battered columns.Cedar Grove Academy students boarded here.The Reverend
Samuel Freeman Nicks bought the house in the 1930s for his daughter,Katherine McDade. Nicks was pastor of the Cedar Grove United
Methodist Church(20)from 1933 to 1940 and was the first minister to serve in the current church building(Graybeal interview with Lois
Hughes,July 23, 1997/Sexton interview with Katherine McDade,January 28, 1995).
10a Garage C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
1920s frame front-gabled with shed roof shelter on east side
I 1 Patton,Benjamin C. Store C bldg. S side SR 1004 appx.200 ft W of jet w/SR
1357
DESCRIPTION
The I-story,5-bay-wide timber frame building dating to the second half of the 19th century,was used originally as a school building and later as
a general store and post office(Sexton interview with Katherine McDade,January 28, 1995). The asymmetrical facade of the side-gabled form
is crossed by a front-gabled bay at the north end and is lit with 6/6 double-hung windows. The structure is building is sheathed in
weatherboard,covered by v-crimp metal sheathed roof,and rests on a stone foundation. It possesses both interior and exterior brick chimneys
and both a rear ell and shed addition. Benjamin C.Patton taught private school in this building until he became principal of Cedar Grove
Academy(on the now vacant lot to the adjacent west of the store)in the I 980(Branson 1889,p.499/Pender 1983,p.97). He also operated a
general store out of the building in partnership with his son-in-law,Allen A.Ellis. Patton was a member of the first Board of Education in 1885
and was appointed county superintendent of schools in 1889. He also served as postmaster for the community as the post office was housed in
his store building until 1922. Upon Patton's death in 1922,Ellis erected a store and post office building(12)in 1923 at the southwest corner of
the crossroads,a few yards east of the Patton Store(Pender 1983,p. 104).
12 Ellis,Allen A.Store C bldg. W side SR 1004 at SW corner of jet w/SR 1352
DESCRIPTION
b
The store building built by Allen A.Ellis in 1923 is an excellent example of a typical early 20th-century rural crossroads store building. This 2-
story,3-bay-wide weatherboarded structure features a comice supported by paired brackets below a flat roof. The symmetrical facade at the
lower-level is lit by triple-grouped, 1/1 fixed windows flanking the central entrance,while 2/2 double-hung windows light the upper level.
Entrance to the building is gained through a 3-door opening. Beyond the entry doors is a windowed vestibule and a set of interior entry doors.
Both the front and the back porches have hipped roofs supported by square posts. Ellis operated both a general store and a post office here after
the Patton Store building(11),located a few yards west,closed ca. 1923.
13 Ellis,Allen A.House C bldg. W side SR 1004 appx.200 ft S of jct w/SR 5132 Efland-Cedar Grove Ro
1352
DESCRIPTION
This I-story hipped roof center-hall cottage was erected in ca. 1880. The symmetrical 3-bay facade is lit with 6/6 double-hung windows
flanking a central sidelit entrance. The hipped porch roof is supported by chamfered posts with sawn brackets. Allen A.Ellis operated the Ellis
Store(12)which he built by in 1923 on the property to the adjacent north.
U4
NO PROPERTY NAME C NC TYPE LOCATION ADDRESS
13a Storage building mod. bldg.
DESCRIPTION
late 20th-century front-gabled corrugated tin
13b Garage mod. bldg.
DESCRIPTION
late 20th-century front-gabled corrugated tin
13b Garage mod. bldg.
DESCRIPTION
late 20th-century front-gabled corrugated tin
Be Shed mod. bldg.
DESCRIPTION
late 20th-century shed-roofed corrugated tin
13d Gazebo mod. strue.
DESCRIPTION
late 20th-century frame
13d Shed C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
mid-20th-century board-and-batten shed roof
13e Well house mod. strue.
DESCRIPTION
late 20th-century open-sided frame structure with pyramidal shingled roof
V 4 �
No PROPERTY NAME C NC TYPE LOCATION ADDRESS
14 Finley,Mildred House mod. bldg. E side SR 1004 S ofjct w/SR 1352 1611 Carr Store Road
DESCRIPTION
The ca. 19609 1-story side-gabled brick ranch house is now owned by William Hall. The property was the location of the now demolished 1910
Finley House(Graybeal interview w/Virginia Boland,July 10, 1997). One of the first post offices in Cedar Grove was located on this site,
probably in the Finley house. The existence of Cedar Grove as a rural community can be traced to around 1828,when the community's first
post office was established with Joseph Allison as its postmaster(Powell 1968&Postmasters of Cedar Grove 1981). Some of the original
English cedar trees for which the community is named are located in the front yard of this house. Community historians relate that a
Revolutionary War colonel by the name of Allison had the trees planted on each side of the crossroads for a one-mile distance each direction.
14a Garage mod. bldg.
DESCRIPTION
ca. 1960 side-gabled brick
15 Oliver,C.C.Auto&Tractor Repair C bldg. N side SR 1004 W of jet w/SR 1357
Shop
DESCRIPTION
The 1-story concrete block garage building with a stepped parapet was built in 1946 by Charles Crisp Oliver. T.L.Oliver,the father of Charles
Crisp,operated a blacksmith shop on this site in the early 1900s.
15a Storage building mod. bldg.
DESCRIPTION
late 20th-century corrugated metal front-gabled
16 Allison-Oliver-Pender Store C bldg. W side SR 1357 appx. 100 ft N of jet w/SR
1004
DESCRIPTION
The frame weatherboarded building is 3-bays wide with a front-gable roof sheathed in v-crimp metal and with returned cornice. The main
facade is lit with 6/6 double-hung windows and is fronted by a hipped porch roof supported by chamfered posts. A small 1-story side addition,
which formerly housed a post office,is lit with 6/6 and 4/4 double-hung windows.The interior of the store retains the original fixtures,glass
display cases and hardwood floors. The structure was erected in the 1880s by the Allison family and has been in continuous operation to the
present day. The Oliver family acquired the store in October 1907 and C.H.Pender and his wife Irene Oliver acquired the store in the 19609
(Graybeal interview with Irene Oliver Pender,July 16, 1997 and Stephen Finley,August 14,1997).
16a Shed C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
mid-20th-century small frame open-front
}j �� 17
NO PROPERTY NAME C NC TYPE LOCATION ADDRESS
17 Cedar Grove Post Office C bldg. W side SR 1357 appx.300 fl N of jct w/SR
1004
DESCRIPTION
The ca. 1940s 1-story structure is of concrete block. It was constructed by Robert Oliver between 1951 and 1952(Graybeal interview with
Robert Oliver,July 23, 1997). Throughout the history of the community,the post office was located in various buildings surrounding the
crossroads including the now demolished Finley House on the site of the current Mildred Finley House(14),the Patton Store(11), the Ellis
Store(12)and the Allison-Oliver-Pender Store(16). During the 1930s,the only post office in Orange County north of Hillsborough was
located in Cedar Grove(Vukan 1948,p.61).
18 Vacant Land NE Corner of alter. site NE corner SR 1357 dt SR 1004
Crossroads
DESCRIPTION
This now vacant land was the site of a blacksmith shop and a wheelwright shop operated by the Finley family in the late 1940s(Graybeal
interview with Stephen Finley,August 14, 1997).
19 Ligon Commercial Building mod. bldg. E side SR 1357 appx.200 It N of jot w/SR 5211 Efland-Cedar Grove Ro
1352
DESCRIPTION
The 1960s 1-story gable-front commercial building is brick veneered with a central entrance flanked by picture windows. This site was
originally the site of a 1-story front-gabled pharmacy building with a shed-roof porch during the early 1900s. The pharmacy building was moved
ca. 1913 to the site on the adjacent east of the Dr.Claude M.Hughes House(9). A 3-story frame flour mill was then erected in the original
location of the pharmacy. The flour mill was destroyed by fire ca. 1931.
20 Cedar Grove United Church C bldg. W side SR 1357 appx.400 It N of jct w/SR
1004
DESCRIPTION
Completed in 1939,the Cedar Grove United Methodist Church is a 2-story cross gable stone structure with a nave plan interior which seats
200. The paired casement windows are transomed and are headed by keystoned lintels. A tower with an embattled crown,louvered lantern,
and a double-entry doorway with an arched transom light,articulated the Gothic Revival style. The interior features wooden pews,a paneled
chair rail,and around stained glass window above the altar. A cemetery to the adjacent north of the church dates to the mid-1800s.
The congregation organized on July 23,9, 1832 as the Cedar Grove Methodist Episcopal Church. The church was given land by both Joseph
Allison,one of the original settlers of Cedar Grove and its first Postmaster,and John Kelly. The first church building,erected in 1834,was a
small frame sanctuary and faced east fronting the now Cedar Grove-Efland Road. In 1876,the small church was enlarged by an addition to the
south side(Pender and McDade 1982,p. 15).
20a U.M.C.Cemetery C site
DESCRIPTION
Markers are of granite,fieldstone,marble obelisks,tablets,stelles,monoliths. The earliest dates to 1870s and covers one acre to north of
church. The entrance to the cemetery is designated with an iron archway supported by fieldstone pillars on the south side.
05
NO PROPERTY NAME C NC TYPE LOCATION ADDRESS
20b U.M.C. Cemetery Gate C strue.
DESCRIPTION
The iron archway supported by fieldstone pillars designates the entrance to Cedar Grove UMC cemetery which lies northeast of the church. The
church name is incorporated into the arch. The archway,located on the south side of the cemetery,appears to be contemporary with the church
building.
21 Arthur Finley House C bldg. E side SR 1357 appx. 1000 ft N of jct w/SR
1352
DESCRIPTION
John Finley built this 2-story frame I-house ca. 1917. Arthur Finley,John's brother resided in the house in the 1920s(Graybeal interview with
William Finley,July 10, 1997). The house is characterized by an interior center chimney punctuating a v-crimped metal-sheathed gable roof.
The hipped porch roof is supported by chamfered posts with sawn brackets). The Finley family has owned acreage on both sides of Cedar
Grove-Efland Road,including the land on which the Eno Presbyterian Church is presently located(Orange County Deed Books,21-3100).
21a Shed mod. bldg.
DESCRIPTION
1950s frame open-front
21b Barn C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
1946 frame front-gabled
21c Tobacco barn C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
1910s log front-gabled
21d Pasture land C site E side SR 1357 beginning appx. 500 ft.N of jet
w/SR 1352
DESCRIPTION
The adjacent pasture land associated with the Arthur Finley House was historically cultivated predominately for wheat and corn—grains having
been the traditional crop grown in the community since its establishment. In the mid-to late 20th century,the land has been utilized for pasture.
A pond was built in the northeast comer by 1947 by Arthur Finley(Graybeal interview with Stephen Finley,August 14,1997).
21e Equipment mod. entr.E side SR 1357 appx.900 ft.N of jet w/
shed SR 1352; appx.300 ft.east
DESCRIPTION
late 20th-century corrugated metal shed-roofed
NO PROPERTY NAME C NC TYPE LOCATION ADDRESS
21f Equipment mod. entr. E side SR 1357 appx.900 ft.N ofjct w/
shed SR 1352; appx.600 ft.east®end of dirt road
DESCRIPTION
late 20th-century corrugated metal shed-roofed
22 Oliver,T.L.House C bldg. W side SR 1357 aPpx.800 ft N of jct w/SR 5308 Efland-Cedar Grove Ro
1004
DESCRIPTION
Built ca. 1906 by T.L. Oliver,the weatherboarded house is a 2-story,triple-A structure covered by a v-crimp metal roof. The house features 1/1
double-hung windows,two interior chimneys and a wrap-around Doric porch. Two ells extend from the rear, Decorative features include attic
vents located in the side gables and a small window with colored glass panes. Several weatherboarded outbuildings including a garage,privy,
shed,and well are located to the rear of the main house. T.L.Oliver built this house after the family's previous house located on the site was
destroyed by fire. His blacksmith shop was located on the site on which the C.C.Oliver Auto and Tractor and Repair Shop(15)is currently
located. In 1925,T.L.Oliver became an ordained deacon in the Eno Presbyterian Church.
22a Garage C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
1920s-40s frame front-gable with side shed addition
22b Shed C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
1920s-40s small front-gabled frame
22e Shed C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
1920s-40s frame
22d Well house C strut.
DESCRIPTION
1920s4Os small front-gabled frame
23 McDade-Pender House C bldg. W side SR 1357 appx.900 ft N of jct w/SR 5314 Efland-Cedar Grove Ro
1004
DESCRIPTION
The house was built in 1882 by Charlie McDade according to community historians. The Pender family later acquired the house. The 1-1/2-
story house was originally two stories. It is covered by a side-gabled roof with bracketed cornice and a bracketed dormer with 6/6 windows.
Brick piers and battered columns characterize the bungaloid porch.
053
NO PROPERTY NAME C NC TYPE LOCATION ADDRESS
23a Garage C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
1930s frame front-gabled
23b Garage mod. bldg.
DESCRIPTION
late 20th-century frame front-gabled
23c Well house C struc.
DESCRIPTION
1930s frame front-gabled
23d Milk house C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
1930s low brick shed-roofed
23e Guest house C mod. bldg.
DESCRIPTION
late-20th-century frame side-gabled
24 Ligon,L.A.House mod. bldg. W side SR 1357 appx. 1200 R N of}ct w/SR
1004
DESCRIPTION
The 1-story brick ranch house was built in the 1960s.The home of Dr.Terrell,the community's second physician who practiced at least as early
as 1891,was once located on this site(George Tate Map of Cedar Grove, 1891).
24a Garage mod. bldg.
DESCRIPTION
1960s brick front-gabled
0 � 4
NO PROPERTY NAME C NC TYPE LOCATION ADDRESS -I
25 Robeson-Frazier House C bldg. W side SR 1357 appx. 1300 ft.N of jct w/SR
1004
DESCRIPTION
This early 20th-century 1-story triple-A house was built in 1909 for a widow,Mrs.Robeson,according to community historians. Mrs.Robeson
was the sister of Dr.Terrell,a community physician whose home site was located on the adjacent south lot during the late 1800s.Frazier family
occupied the house ca. 1920s. The structure has a v-crimp metal roof,is sheathed in weatherboard and is supported by brick piers. The house
features several decorative elements,including chamfered posts,sawnwork,and a colored glass window pane in the front gable. The house has
a centrally located interior ridgeline brick chimney and a rear gabled ell with a small shed addition. Outbuildings include a well house.
25a Garage C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
1930s-1940s frame front-gabled
25b Well house C bldg.
DESCRIPTION
1930s-1940s frame front-gabled
26 Eno Presbyterian Church C bldg. E side SR 1357 appx. 1300 ft N of jct w/SR 5409 Efland-Cedar Grove Ro
1004
DESCRIPTION
This brick veneered cross-gabled church with belfry was built between 1897-1899. The congregation,organized in 1755, had previously
gathered in a series of structures(the first was log)located about two miles southeast of the Cedar Grove community on the banks of the Eno
River. After the third church building(erected in 1878)was destroyed by a forest fire in 1893,the congregation erected the present-day church
building 112 mile north of the Cedar Grove crossroads. The communion table,pulpit and Bible were salvaged from the previously destroyed
building. On November 26, 1899,the first meeting was held in the present church building under the mverendship of H.S.Bradshaw(Ellis&
Ellis 1933).
The 1-story structure is lit by stained glass windows(installed in 1961)within segmental arched openings on all facades of the main block. A
breezeway leads from the main block to a 1952 brick fellowship hall addition which is a front gabled structure with an exterior end chimney and
8/8 double-hung windows. Both the church building and the fellowship hall have asphalt shingle roofs. A set of 5-paneled doors lead into the
vestibule and at the rear center of the sanctuary is a small apse. The nave-plan interior,heavily remodeled in 1925,seats 300 people(Lefler
1953, p.295). The interment in the cemetery was Robert W.Anderson on January 30, 1898(Ellis and Ellis 1933).
26a Eno Presbyterian Cemetery C site
DESCRIPTION
Markers are of granite,fieldstone,marble obelisks,tablets,steles,monoliths,the earliest dates to 1870s and covers I acre to north of church
entrance
5
' �i40 PROPERTY NAME C NC TYPE LOCATION ADDRESS
278 Miller's House C bldg. W side SR 1357 appx. 1400 ft N of jet w/SR 5800 Efland-Cedar Grove Ro
1004
DESCRIPTION
This house was built for the village miller and originally consisted of four rooms located in the back of the house. The front block was
constructed in the early 1920s. This-1-story,triple-A structure is covered in vinyl siding;the windows are 1/1 double-hung,and the front door
contains two panels and a screen door. The first miller to occupy the house was Hastings Gentry. Coy Whitaker is believed to be the third and
last miller to occupy the house. During his tenure in the 1930s,the flour mill,located on the current site of the Ligon Commercial Building(19)
was destroyed by fire. The Cudes then bought the house and added the ell. Eber Cude taught at the Aycock school and later became principal.
27a Garage mod. bldg.
DESCRIPTION
late 20th-century frame front-gabled
28 Woodland C site W side SR 1357 beginning appx.800 ft.N of
jct w/SR 1004
DESCRIPTION
This 8.5 acre tract of land has historically been woodland according to 1938 United State Department of Agriculture aerial view maps(located
at the NC Division of Archives and History,Raleigh,NC)and long-time residents of Cedar Grove. The configuration of the treeline contributes
to the delineation of the historic field patterns of adjacent cultivated fields. The tract of land has historically belonged to the Hughes family of
Cedar Grove(interview with Virginia Hughes Boland August 18, 1997).
056
057
SECTION 9: BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bishir, Catherine W. 1990. North Carolina Architecture. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina
Press.
Blackwelder, Ruth. 1961. The Age of Orange: Political and Intellectual Leadership in North Carolina, 1752-
1861. Charlotte: William Loftin.
Boland, Virginia. Interview by Sharon Sexton,28 January 1995, Eno Presbyterian Church, Cedar Grove,
North Carolina. Transcript. Orange County Planning Department,Hillsborough,North Carolina.
Branson, Levi,ed. 1889. Branson's North Carolina Business Directory. Raleigh: Branson House.
Carter,Jody and Todd Peck. 1993. Historic Resources of Orange County. Unpublished manuscript.Orange
County Planning and Development Department,Hillsborough,NC.
Councilman, David H. 1981. Postmaster of Cedar Grove,North Carolina.
Ellis, Mrs. A.A. and T.C. 1933. History of Eno Presbyterian Church,Cedar Grove,North Carolina.Updated
by Annie L. Hughes in 1955 and Mrs. R.W. Isley in 1980.
Griffin, Francis and Estelle Haley. Interview by Shannon Sexton,25 February 1995,Cedar Grove North
Carolina. Transcript. Orange County Planning Department,Hillsborough,North Carolina.
Hughes, Lois Interview by Shannon Sexton,20 February 1995,C.M. Hughes House,Cedar Grove,North
Carolina. Transcript. Orange County Planning Department,Hillsborough,North Carolina.
Johnson,Guion Griffis. 1937.Antebellum North Carolina: A Social History. Chapel Hill: The University
of North Carolina Press.
Lefler,Hugh and Paul Wager. 1953.Orange County 1752-1952. Chapel Hill: The Orange Printshop.
LornelI, Christopher. 1976. A Study of the Sociological Reasons Why Blacks Sing Blues:An Examinations of
the Secular Black Music Found in Two North Carolina Communities.Unpublished master's thesis.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Mattson, Rick L. 1996. History and Architecture of Orange County,N.C.Unpublished manuscript located at
Orange County Planning and Development Department,Hillsborough;NC.
McDade, Katherine. Interview by Shannon Sexton,28 January 1995,Katherine McDade House,Cedar
Grove,North Carolina. Transcript. Orange County Planning Department,Hillsborough,North
Carolina.
Orange County Record of Deeds. Hillsborough,NC.
Pender,Irene O. and Katherine N. McDade. 1982.Cedar Grove United Methodist Church: Celebrating 150
Years of Christian Service 1832-1982. Hillsborough: Shanklin's Press.
056
Pender, Irene Oliver. 1983. A History of Orange County Schools: 1732-1983. Hillsborough: Shanklin's
Press.
Powell, William S. 1968. The North Carolina Gazatteer. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press.
National Trust for Historic Preservation. 1976. A Guide for Delineating Edges of Historic Districts.
Washington DC: National Trust for Historic Preservation Press.
Tate,George W. 1981. Map of Orange County,North Carolina.
U.S. Census. 1850-1880.Agricultural Schedules. Department of Agriculture,Statistics Division.
Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
U.S. Census. 1930. Farm Census Report, Orange County Summaries by Township. Washington,D.C.: U.S.
Government Printing Office.
U.S. Census. 1941.Population: Characteristics of the Population, North Carolina 1940. Washington,D.C.:
U.S. Government Printing Office, p. 53.
Vukan,George. 1948. Geographical Survey of Orange County. (Chapel Hill: Institute for Research in Social
Science),p.61.
05 ;j
DRAFT
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
October 24, 1996
Members Present: Norma White, Chair
Tom Allison,Vice Chair
Jean Anderson
Todd Dickinson
Carl Lloyd
Robert Rich
Members Absent: Cynthia Satterfield
Staff Present: Don Belk
Kay Evans
Guests: Jo McDade Westbrook
Elizabeth Collins
Glenn Flynn
Marie Vargo-Flynn
Pauline Pope
Patsy Hall
AGENDA ITEM#1: CALL TO ORDER
White called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
AGENDA ITEM#2: CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
White stated that she has one item, but would add it to next month's agenda. This item refers to
the St. Mary's Road petition.
AGENDA ITEM#3: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. August 28, 1996
Anderson stated that the word"elude" should be"allude"; page three, last paragraph.
MOTION: Anderson moved to approve the minutes of the September 25, 1996 meeting.
Seconded by Lloyd.
VOTE: Unanimous.
1
660
csl
DRAFT
AGENDA ITEM 94: CHAIR COMMENTS
White then welcomed the. guests, thanking them for coming. White also thanked Reverend Ira
Smith for allowing the Commission to use the meeting room in the Cedar Grove United
Methodist Church. White then thanked Shannon Sexton, who developed the initial manuscript
for her masters thesis which is based on the Cedar Grove Crossroads. White thanked Mrs.
Virginia Boland, Mrs. Lois Hughes, Mrs. Catherine McDade, Mrs. Frances Griffin, Mrs. Estelle
Haley and the members of the Eno Presbyterian Ladies quilting group, who were kind enough to
allow Shannon to have interviews with them and Shannon was able to get a lot of the wonderful
history of this community. It is all recorded in Shannon's master's thesis, which is the UNC
Planning Department Master's Degree thesis. The Commission members then introduced
themselves.
AGENDA ITEM#5: SPECIAL PRESENTATION: PROPOSAL TO PLACE THE
CEDAR GROVE CROSSROADS AREA ON THE
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
a. Your Historic Preservation Commission-It Mission,Goals and Objectives
White gave a general overview of what the Commission is doing, what it has done and what it's
goals are and its mission statement so the guests will know how the Commission evolved.
Orange County has had an inventory of natural sites, wildlife sites, watersheds and this type of
thing for many years, but they did not have any kind of architectural/archeological inventory. No
one knew what was out there. With the challenge to growth that Orange County has been facing
over the last few years, the County Commissioners thought that we should at least know what is
out there. Five and one-half years ago the County Commissioners passed an Orange County
Historic Preservation Ordinance which then gave birth to this Commission to do a variety of
duties. Some of those duties include an inventory of all the properties 50 years old or older of
historical architectural, cultural and archeological interest. Another of the Commission's duties
is to recommend those properties that are significant and are such that they can be designated
historic districts or landmarks. That whole process is to be part of an on-going government
process to protect and secure the treasures of Orange County. The Commissioners are not tuned-
in to the needs of the community at-large in terms of the historic property. The Historic
Preservation Commission is charged with educating the public about what we do, what is out
there for the Orange County citizens and to be of some technical service in terms of restoration.
The final duty that the Commission had was to prepare a Preservation Element. This is a book of
"how to do it", how to preserve these sites technically and legally; what the procedures are that
have to be followed,the guidelines that are needed in order to effectively produce preservation as
an item in Orange County. With the help of many consultants,the Historic Preservation Element
was prepared, which is an element of the Orange County Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Together, the County Commissioners and the Planning Staff have now the tools by which they
can preserve that part of the inventory that is significant.
2
DRAFT
White stated that five years ago there was an inventory of the unincorporated parts of Chapel Hill
Township. The Commission started there because that area was so threatened with development
and whole-scale housing. This would be a good place to start to at least identify those properties
that were there so that if they were lost, it would be known what it was that was being lost. In
1992 the remainder of Orange County, the other townships, were surveyed. The inventory for
the unincorporated part of Chapel Hill Township yielded 160 significant structures. For the
remainder of Orange County,there were 507 that were identified. In that same year Cedar Grove
was put on the docket to be noted as a potential rural historic district. In 1993 there was an
archeological survey done of Orange County based on a model, not an actual survey. This was a
predictive model of where these sites might be located. This model identified 456 potential
archeological sites. That same year, Cedar Grove Crossroads was put on the National Register
Study List. So Cedar Grove has been coming along with the Commission because it was
recognized early on to be such an important area. In 1994 and 1995 the Commission developed
the Preservation Element. That same year Shannon Sexton interviewed residents of the
community and prepared a draft nomination for Cedar Grove Crossroads for National Register
nomination. This year, 1996, the Commission is in the process of working on a manuscript to
detail the historical architecture of Orange County. Also on the Commission's agenda for 1996
is to meet with the residents of Cedar Grove for discussion of the National Register status. This
gives a brief overview of what this Commission's order of business is and what it has done to get
this far.
White then turned the meeting over to Don Belk.
b. Cedar Grove-A Special Place in Orange County
Belk thanked the guests for coming tonight showing them the map of historic sites of
significance that were identified during the various inventories and the map representing the
Preservation Plan showing historic crossroads where there is a concentration of significant
historic architectural resources and sites that are on the National Register Study List.
Belk stated that Historic Preservation is important to Orange County because it maintains our
cultural heritage and gives us a sense of who we are and from whence we came. The founding
families of Orange County are represented by many of the important historic sites that remain.
In Cedar Grove, the names of the buildings reflect the heritage of many of its founding families,
names such as Ellis,Hall,Hughes, Oliver,Pender, Patton, Finley, Tolar and Lindsay.
Belk stated that the history of Orange County is tied to its present landscape, and the beauty of
that rural landscape evokes strong feelings within all of us who are residents of Orange County.
It is a meaningful component of our modern-day lives.
Belk then gave a slide presentation of the Cedar Grove Crossroads district.
3
DRAFT G-- 6 3
c. Why Cedar Grove belongs on the National Register
Belk stated that the community includes structures and farmsteads which date from the 1800s
through the 1940s. The historic structures represent a variety of activities that took place at
Cedar Grove, such as churches, a cemetery, stores, a post office, and academy, medical offices,
and other businesses, as well as several homes. The district contains significant examples of late
19th and early 20th century vernacular and stylish architecture. Among these are domestic
buildings and two extremely rare, virtually intact, frame crossroads stores.
Belk stated that the Cedar Grove Crossroads and environs contain suitable contributing
characteristics to qualify as a rural historic district. Cedar Grove exhibits elements of a historic
cultural landscape, a landscape that has evolved through uses by persons whose activities and
occupancies have modified the physical environment. Cedar Grove possesses a significant
concentration of land uses, buildings and structures, roads, and natural features that would
qualify it as a National Register Rural Historic District.
Belk stated that the crossroads community of Cedar Grove represents a pattern of social
interaction that was once common in rural agricultural areas of North Carolina. After the advent
of the automobile, crossroads communities with viable business activities have become relatively
rare. Fortunately, this pattern still survives in at least one corner of Orange County. As such,
Cedar Grove is worthy of listing with the National Register of Historic Places.
d. What is the National Register?
Belk then explained that the National Register is the Nation's official list of sites that are deemed
important to the heritage of the United States. Listing a site on the National Register of Historic
Places is an honorary designation. Although the National Register's primary purpose is to
recognize properties of historic and cultural significance, listing also ensures such properties will
undergo an environmental review when federally-funded projects, such as highway construction
and urban renewal, are undertaken in their vicinity.
e. What will National Register Listing mean for Cedar Grove?
Belk stated that for income-producing properties within the district, such as commercial
buildings and rental properties, there would be both federal and state tax credits available for
building rehabilitation. In addition, some measure of protection would be secured. All
properties in districts that are listed on the National Register must be provided consideration in
the planning of federal projects. National Register designation does not guarantee protection
from federal projects that might affect the property such as a road project from DOT, however,
when there appears to be a conflict from such a project the State Historic Preservation Office will
work to minimize the impact on the historic property or district by negotiating with the
responsible federal agency. For example, if Cedar Grove was listed on the National Register,
and some sort of road project was then proposed that would impact Cedar Grove, there would be
a considerable outpouring of public support to protect Cedar Grove whether by changing the
4
064 DRAFT
project or rerouting it some way. So it would garner a lot of additional support for the unique
qualities of this community.
Belk stated that listing a district or individual property on the National Register of Historic
Places does not confer any obligations or restriction upon the private property owner; unless they
receive the 20%tax credit for building rehabilitations. If a property within Cedar Grove is listed
on the National Register the owner is still free to do as he or she wishes with that property; alter
it in any way; demolish it;there are no restrictions. It is strictly an honorary designation.
Belk stated that no district is listed on the National Register without the consent of the people
that live in the district. If a majority of property owners within Cedar Grove object to listing on
the National Register, then the nomination will not go forward. Before proceeding, the
Commission will need the consent from a majority of the property owners in the community.
E Your Questions and Concerns
White asked if the Cedar Grove group were interested in pursuing the designation, then what is
the next step? Is the County ready to proceed?
Belk replied that this is correct. The County is ready to go. And that is the next step. He will be
sending a letter to each property owner asking if they think Cedar Grove should be on the
National Register, yea or nay. The property owners will check it and send it back in; sort of a
"straw poll". Later, there is a formal process where a letter from the County will be sent for
individual property owners' comments, but the Historic Preservation Commission needs to know
whether the property owners want this before spending County money to go through the formal
process.
Marie Vargo-Flynn stated that in speaking with Mrs. Pender, Mrs. Pender had expressed concern
if this would tell you what you could do with your property, if there would be restrictions placed
on the property. Ms. Vargo-Flynn expressed that she thinks it is a good idea.
Patsy Hall stated that Mrs. Hughes is 95 years old and would be a good person to talk to about
the history of Cedar Grove.
Anderson asked if Cedar Grove were to be put on the National Register, would there be any
physical evidence for travelers as they are entering a National Register district?
Belk replied that there could be. The Commission could ask the County to provide some type of
recognition through a plaque or attractive sign.
Anderson asked what is normally done nationally?
Belk replied that it varies with the local jurisdiction. Some do rather ornate signage, others little
if anything.
5
065
Vargo-Flynn asked when the next community meeting would be?
Belk replied that it would probably be in the first quarter of 1997. If consent is received from the
neighborhood, the Commission would send out a request to a list of qualified historic
preservation consultants. The consultants would then send the Commission a proposal as to how
much they could complete the work for. The Commission would then review the consultants
that responded and make a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners. The earliest that
this would be done would be the first of December. If the Board of Commissioners acted on this
recommendation in January, the Historic Preservation Commission would proceed with hiring a
consult. So the first meeting in Cedar Grove with the consultant would probably be February or
March 1997.
White stated that Cedar Grove would be the first rural crossroads district in the County. There
are two others of interest,The Oaks crossroads, and the Ray-Kenion farming area.
AGENDA ITEM#6: INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
a. Land Use Plan and Overlay Zoning Plan -The Oaks
b. Application for 1997 CLG Grant Funds
c. Hurricane Fran: Info for Historic Property Owners
d. 1996 CLG Triennial Review
e. Notes from the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training
E Letter from SHPO re: Review of NCDOT bridge replacement project
AGENDA ITEM#7: ADJOURNMENT
White called for a motion for adjournment.
MOTION: Anderson moved to adjourn. Seconded by Rich.
VOTE: Unanimous.
White adjourned the meeting at 8:16 p.m.
6
U66
r
067
A POLL OF
CEDAR GROVE PROPERTY OWNERS
conducted by the
ORANGE COUNTY
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SHOULD THE CEDAR GROVE CROSSROADS AREA BE LISTED
ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES?
Background.
During an inventory of Orange County historical architecture conducted during 1992-1993, Cedar
Grove Crossroads was identified as potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
as a Rural Historic District. In July 1993, Cedar Grove was placed on the National Register Study
List by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, which is the first step toward
placement on the National Register. In 1995, a planning intern from the Department of City and
Regional Planning at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Shannon Sexton, prepared a
draft National Register nomination document as a student project. In October 1996, the Historic
Preservation Commission provided information to Cedar Grove property owners about the
National Register. The Commission's monthly meeting was held on October 24 at the Cedar
Grove United Methodist Church.
Please indicate your response in the appropriate box:
--------------------------------------------------------------
(detach and mail)
Yes. Cedar Grove Crossroads should
be listed on the National Register.
No. Cedar Grove Crossroads should not
be listed on the National Register.
Please return this response form by December 2, 1996 A pre-addressed,postage paid envelope is provided for
your convenience. Please call Don Belk at 732-8181, extension 2594 if you have questions.
�� os� � .
061
THE ENO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CEDAR GROVE WOULD LIKE
TO SEE THE CEDAR GROVE CROSSROADS PLACED ON THE NATIONAL
REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES .
SIGN ??ELOW:
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THE CEDAR GROVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF CEDAR GROVE
WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE CEDAR GROVE CROSSROADS PLACED ON
THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES.
SIGN BELOWs
m C,�7 r-nl-475
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MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
June 26, 1997
Members Present: Tom Allison, Chair
Jean Anderson
Todd Dickinson
Robert Rich
Cynthia Satterfield,Vice Chair
Members Absent: Carl Lloyd
Staff Present: Don Belk
Guests Present: Lizabeth Collins
Marie Vargo-Flynn
Patsy Hall
Suzanne Finley
Gordon Liner
Pauline Pope
Virginia Boland
Patsy Finley
AGENDA ITEM#1: CALL TO ORDER
Allison called the meeting to order at approximately 7:00 p.m.
AGENDA ITEM#2: CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
Allison stated that Dickinson has added item#6j, information on the battle of Lindley's Mill and
6k, comments from Dickinson of Ms. Earnhardt's property in Chapel Hill Township.
Belk added item#5c,discussion of the first draft of the Design Guidelines.
AGENDA ITEM#3: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. May 28, 1997
Allison stated that his title should be changed from Vice-Chair to Chair.
MOTION: Dickinson moved to approve the minutes of May 28, 1996. Seconded by Rich.
VOTE: Unanimous.
1
072
AGENDA ITEM #4: CHAIR COMMENTS
Allison welcomed the citizens of the Cedar Grove Community, thanking the Community and the
Methodist Church for having them tonight. Allison welcomed Kaye Graybeal, who will be
giving the presentation tonight on her research and designation of Cedar Grove for the National
Register Nomination. Allison welcomed Patricia Samford, the newest member of the Historic
Preservation Commission.
Allison then gave some background of the nomination process of the Cedar Grove Community
stating that the focus of the meeting tonight is Cedar Grove and its special importance to the
history and community preservation of Orange County. In 1992-93 Orange County undertook a
survey of history districts/sites throughout the County. At the time it was recognized that the
village/community of Cedar Grove had a special significance. Later there was a series of public
hearings throughout the County with Cedar Grove referred to a number of times about the
importance of preserving this village/community. At that time it was recognized that the
community was probably eligible for the National Register and was placed on the National
Register study list by the State Historic Preservation Office. In 1995 Shannon Sexton was an
intern for the Orange County Planning Department, and for her student project for the Planning
School at UNC-CH, spent some time in the community interviewing a number of people and
completing an initial survey and history of the Community. Sexton then presented that study at a
state-wide preservation conference that was held in Orange County. That conference included a
visit to Cedar Grove and a walk-through. At that time, it was decided that the Commission
needed to move forward on this nomination. In 1995 this was identified as one of the Historic
Preservation Commission's goals, to start a nomination for a rural historic district for Cedar
Grove. The Commission looked to the Planning Department for funding to get that done after
being turned down by the State for a number of grants due to the number of grants received in
the past. Fortunately the Board of County Commissioners and the Planning Department had the
money that the Historic Preservation Commission needed to hire a consultant. In October of
1996 the Commission met with the Community in Cedar Grove. The Planning Department sent
letters to the property owners in Cedar Grove to gauge the level of interest of a National Register
Nomination and Designation for the Community and got large support, both in the mailing and
petitions that were generated here at the Cedar Grove Methodist Church and the Eno
Presbyterian Church. The Commission took that as a good sign that it was something that the
Community wanted and the Commission then advertised for proposals for generating that
nomination. The proposal that Kaye Graybeal submitted was overwhelmingly the best. She was
awarded the contract to do the work and has been working the past several weeks with the
Community.
Allison stated that we are lucky to have Ms. Graybeal do this work. She is employed as a
Historic Resource Specialist with D. S. Atlantic, an architecture engineering firm in Winston-
Salem. She has done a number of historic district nominations, as well as a local, rural historic
district nomination, which is Oak Ridge in northern Guilford County. That has a direct bearing
on the work here in Cedar Grove. She also was awarded the prestigious Gertrude Carraway
2
07 ;3
Award of Merit from Preservation of North Carolina for her work in developing that nomination
for a historic district. She received her bachelors and masters degrees from LTNC-Greensboro.
Allison then introduced the Historic Preservation Commission members stating that they are all
Orange County residents with a keen interest in preserving what is here in the County.
At this point Allison turned the meeting over to Ms. Graybeal.
AGENDA ITEM#5: ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR DECISION
a. Presentation by Kaye Graybeal: Cedar Grove National Register Nomination
Ms. Graybeal addressed the Commission and Community stating that she has done surveys in
Guilford, Randolph, and Forsythe Counties and feels that the Cedar Grove Community is a rare
gem of a community. She feels that the Community is taking the right steps in having it
documented, as it is something to be proud of.
Ms. Graybeal stated that the National Register provides criteria for evaluating significance and
Cedar Grove is significant in history and architecture. There may not be specific buildings that
are particularly outstanding in a district, but the parts of the whole and all the fabric in between
makes it significant. Ms. Graybeal explained that in her research, she has worked with these two
categories; History and Architecture.
Ms. Graybeal stated that under History there is a category of exploration and settlement of
communities. The reason Cedar Grove is significant here, is it was one of maybe six rural
communities that were established in Orange County in the 19th Century. It looks to be the most
intact of all of them. It still has its social and commercial center at the Community crossroads,
with the general store, and the churches and residences emanating out from that.
Another area of significance is Agriculture. This is the reason that Cedar Grove is here. After
the Civil War all of the large farms were broken up, tenant farms and smaller farms across the
county were connected by crossroads. It was at these crossroads where the communities
developed. This shows a historical pattern of development that was typical in the County, but
there is not much physical evidence of those types of communities left.. So this is another reason
Cedar Grove is significant.
Ms. Graybeal also found something that was surprising to her in the area of social history. It was
a mecca for African-American string band players in the 1930's-1950's. They would come from
all parts of the County gathering here for barn dances or square dances and play mostly banjo or
guitar folk music. In the 1940's the Cedar Grove Township population was approximately 50
percent white and 50 percent black. That was a very high ratio for the County. Apparently,
blacks and whites worked together in getting the farming work done. So this is an important
piece of social history and needs to documented.
3
w4
Ms. Graybeal stated that this district automatically falls into the category of Architecture because
of the distinguishable entity as a whole. The collection of buildings, the way they are situated on
the land and the way they developed makes the district significant under Architecture. Again,
this is not speaking to each individual building, but the buildings as well as the landscape, the
fields, and the woodlands. There are the built resources, the natural resources and the cultivated
fields that all come together to create the identity of Cedar Grove. It is a visual continuity that
has been intact, pretty much unchanged, at least from the 1930's.
Ms. Graybeal then showed a few slides of some of the vistas in Cedar Grove.
Ms. Graybeal then turned the meeting back over to Allison.
Allison opened the floor for discussion and questions.
Belk explained that the Historic Preservation Commission will meet here again in Cedar Grove
next month at the Eno Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, July 23rd at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Graybeal
will present her final report to the Community. After that, the Historic Preservation Commission
will make its recommendation to the Orange County Board of Commissioners. It is expected
that this recommendation will be to place the Cedar Grove District on the National Register.
There will be a public hearing held on that question that is scheduled for August 25. At that
time, the Commissioners would like to hear from the residents as to how they feel about this
nomination. After the Board of Commissioners accepts comments from the public, the questions
will once again come back to the Historic Preservation Commission for recommendation. Then
the Board of Commissioners will vote to send forward the proposed nomination. At that time,
they will take into account all of the comments heard from the public. The nomination will then
be forwarded to the State Historic Preservation Office who will hold a meeting in Cedar Grove in
September. In January, there will be a National Register Advisory Committee meeting to decide
if Cedar Grove meets all of the qualifications for National Register listing. It is very important,
at that point, that they are aware of the interest of the Community in the listing. The National
Register Advisory Committee will not send forward a nomination if a majority of the property
owners oppose it. So if you are in favor of the nomination or if you oppose the nomination, it is
very important that you make your preference known in writing to both the Orange County
Board of Commissioners and to the National Register Advisory Committee. Belk will be
sending the property owners all of the information that they will need to send their comments
forward.
Belk stated that if the Community is in favor of the nomination and if the National Register
Advisory Committee finds that the Community meets the criteria, the nomination will be sent to
the National Parks Service, Department of the Interior. The announcement of the request to
place Cedar Grove on the National Register of Historic Places will be published in the Federal
Register, and there will be a period for comment. Then later, probably in March of 1998, the
National Park Service will make its final determination. At that point, the Cedar Grove Historic
District would be listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Federal Government
will present the County with the certificate.
4
U �5
Belk stated that in addition to the sign-up sheet tonight, there is literature for the guests to take.
There is a series of National Register fact sheets there too. The National Register Fact Sheet #5
lists the procedure for supporting or objecting to the National Register Listing.
Belk asked for everyone to take a copy of the Senate bill recently signed into law by Governor
Hunt to allow a State income tax credit for expenditures to rehabilitate historic structures. This
could have significance for all owners of contributing properties within the historic district. The
National Register listing would make these properties eligible for State income tax credits. In
addition, owners of rental properties or commercial buildings within the Cedar Grove Historic
District would also be eligible for a Federal income tax credit. The State Historic Preservation
Office has specialists that would be happy to answer all of the Community's questions and do the
actual certification necessary to receive these tax credits.
Allison asked for any comments or questions.
Seeing none, a short break was taken.
b. Discussion on the draft report: Preserving the Orange Tradition: A Landmark
Designation Program for Orange County
Belk stated that this has not been sent to the citizens yet. At this stage, it is for internal review.
Belk stated that this report deals with individual buildings only. This document does not deal
with historic districts. That is a separate undertaking that the Commission will start talking about
in detail after the National Register process is completed,because it is quite complex. This is
dealing with landmarks, i.e., individual houses peppered throughout the County; specifically the
first National Register sites. This has been sent out to the County Staff, Preservation North
Carolina and the Staff of the Historic Preservation Office. Melinda Coleman, Claudia Brown
and Mitch Wilds at SHPO have reviewed this and sent back their comments,which are
extensive. Belk will address the Commission's comments directly, then do the fine tuning that
SHPO recommends along with any comments from the staff attorney and other County staff.
Belk stated that the complexity of this matter has caused changes in the schedule. This is still
scheduled to go the public hearing in August,however, Belk will not be doing a full-blown
report on this matter to the Board of Commissioners. The Historic Preservation Commission
will ask the Board of Commissioners to take this to the public hearing and the request will be
made on August 4th. At that point,the Board of Commissioners may want to go ahead and take
it to the public hearing for citizen comment, or they could request a full-blown report from the
Historic Preservation Commission to be taken to the November public hearing. So with this
schedule, Belk stated that the Historic Preservation Commission members do not need to attend
the June 30, 1997 Board of Commissioners meeting.
Belk asked for comments on this report.
5
OWN
Satterfield asked when talking about the generation of more jobs and the investment of new
construction and how it benefits the economy for the-final project, will there be specific figures
for this?
Belk replied that he hopes to have figures from Preservation North Carolina from the study done
by Donovan Rypkema.
Allison asked how the budget discussions of the Board of Commissioners will impact the
landmark designation program. Will the Commission have to wait for another budget cycle?
Belk replied no. In the 1997-98 budget, a request has been made for$10,000 for designations.
That money will be used to make designations on properties that do not have the level of
research that the National Register sites have.
Belk stated that ultimately the Commission will have a set of design guidelines that can be
amended and revised over time. There will be a package that the Commission can give to the
locally-designated property owners that spells out the process. So this has a relatively short shelf
life and will probably transform into some type of information package when all is said and
done. This is just a document that speaks to how the program will be laid out and what some of
the benefits are.
Allison suggested that with the inclusion of the new legislation, erase the"draft"and put it out.
Belk stated that the Commission's Ordinance and Rules of Procedure already give the process, so
this is just a lot of amplifying information for the benefit of the public.
Referring to #8 on page 16: "Significant archeological resources affected by a project shall be
protected and preserved. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures shall be
undertaken. Are these that are already listed with the State?
Belk replied that yes, the OSA's maps have just been obtained to use in the subdivision review
process. That would be the database and these would be sites that are already on the OSA's
maps. This would pertain to archeological resources that are designated as well as archeological
resources that may be present on the ground of designated sites. The Commission would have to
designate any archeological resource before it would be afforded the protection of the
Commission review.
The question was asked, if a property owner of a house that is on the local register decided to put
in a swimming pool,would there be any sort of measures?
Belk replied yes, this would fall under the Commission's review. When these ordinances are
sent forward, it specifies house and grounds, so if someone owns a locally designated landmark
and there is a large oak tree that they want to cut down, that is going to dramatically alter the
exterior appearance of the property. That would come under review. If someone wanted to plant
shrubs, as long as they do not obscure anything, this would probably not come under the
6
07.!
Commission's purview. If they want to cut down a pine tree out back that cannot be seen, it
probably will not be reviewed. But if that oak tree is a healthy tree, it is an important part of the
facade of that house and is something that the Commission would want to know about.
c. First Draft of Design Guidelines
Belk stated that these would be general guidelines for the County. If a local district designation
is pursued, guidelines tailored to the district would be needed. This would be a separate
document.
Rich expressed concern that the citizens do not need to know the specifics of technical data that
this document contains, but get a feel of what their project will involve. A brief version should
be produced.
Allison stated that the property will already be worth of designation so it would be easy to give
the property owner an overview. The Commission wants the property owner to keep the
property basically in the condition that it was in when it was designated. If the property owner
wants to do something specific, they should come to the Commission to find out what they can
do.
Belk suggested using the Wake County Guidelines as a model. He will send copies to the
Commission members.
Belk asked for a subcommittee to be appointed to edit the Orange County Design Guidelines and
trim it down in size. There are procedural items that can be deleted because they are already in
the Commission's ordinance. A good, solid draft should be ready by August 4, 1997. This is
when everything must be ready to go to the Board of Commissioners' meeting where the Notice
of Public Hearing will be approved. This is when the documents will be available for public
view.
Satterfield and Dickinson volunteered to serve on the subcommittee.
7
07"5
AGENDA ITEM #6: INFORMATIONAL ITEMS*
a. Planning Department Calendar.
b. Appointment Letter for Patricia M. Samford
c. Updated HPC Roster
d. Announcement from Myrick Howard, Executive Director,Preservation/NC
e. Memorandum from the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions
f. "The National Historic Preservation Act - What a Developer Needs to Know"; article
from Land Development,Spring/Summer 1997. Dealing with Section 106.
g. The Preservation Commission Reporter,June 1997. SHPO's occasional newsletter.
h. Letter from Planning Department re: Bluebird Farm,3017 Frank Perry Road.
I. Letter from David Brook, SHPO re: Meadowmont.
j. Battle of Lindley's Mill.
Dickinson reported that John Braxton and his wife are historians in Alamance County and are
both on the Preservation Commission in Alamance County. Several years ago Alamance County
hired a local professor to write a pamphlet on the Battle of Lindley's Mill. This battle was to try
to stop Burke from being kidnapped by Fanning and taken off to Wilmington. It was
unsuccessful so as a result, it was left off the history books. This was quite a battle and lasted
longer than almost any Revolutionary battle that was held. The Commission should obtain a
copy of this pamphlet as Alamance County was originally part of Orange County.
k. Comments of Ms. Earnhardt's property,Chapel Hill Township.
Dickinson reported that Ms. Earnhardt asked Dickinson to look at a little house that she owns on
some of her property to see it has any value to save or move. This is a little end gable house It
has a center door and two windows with a center chimney. It was built in 1890-1910 as a tenant
house, very lightly framed with 2x4 studs 2 '/: feet apart. There is a loft upstairs and a gable rear
"L" that has had all of the siding removed already. There is a heart pine floor for the rear "L"
that is mostly eaten by termites. The house had electricity but no running water. Someone had
been living in the house for years and had the electricity taken out, but they moved out after
hurricane Fran.
Dickinson made the determination that this house was not valuable enough for the Commission
to strenuously ask Ms. Earnhardt to move this subdivision out and around it. The house was
going to sit right where a cul-de-sac is proposed. It is not a house that could be used now. It is
very flimsily built and in rough shape.
AGENDA ITEM#7: ADJOURNMENT
Allison then adjourned the meeting.
8
August 4, 1997
Ate - 51997
To the Orange County Commission:
We, the undersigned, wish to advise you that each of the undersigned is opposed to our
Cedar Grove property being listed in the National Historical Register.
Heirs of Thomas and Lela Oliver:
.�o�� ale,
allie Mae Ligon`
Irene Pender
Pauline Lloyd
Robert Oliver
IIlese Nickles
al
� L.0 --
Crisp C. Oliver /`%� r_ �'yJ 9
�f V-
We all vote to oppose our property in Cedar Grove being in the listing for the National
Historical Register.
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Gnu