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Cupola House Will Live On

A national treasure of the Jacobean design, the 250-year-old Cupola House, was in danger of decaying. Located in Edenton, North Carolina, this house was built by Francis Corbin in 1758. Corbin died in 1767, and the house was sold to Dr. Samuel Dickinson. His descendants called it the Cupola House because of the octagon cupola sitting on the roof, and they lived there for 141 years. Corbin's family struggled to hold onto the house until the last of the family line. Miss Tillie Bond finally sold it to the Brooklyn Museum.

Repair Costs

Cupola House was then used as a county library for 45 years. It became a Registered National Historic Landmark in 1971, in dire need of restoration. In 2008, the house was given a $115,000 grant to be matched by another $115,000 from donors. The repair casts were estimated at $300,000.

Water Damage to Home

The town's annual Candlelight Tour had greenery draped everywhere in the house to cover the mold. Heavy rainfalls had ruined plaster walls and ceilings. In 2003, Hurricane Isabel pounded Cupola House, yet the damage went unnoticed. The two huge chimneys on each side of the house were badly damaged, creating more leaks. Water is devastating on wooden structures, but the Cupola House has stood bravely against the elements. Now, the Cupola House Association is finding the donors they need, and even Laura Bush was pleased with the grant.

Outdoors

The land north and south of the house was repurchased to restore the marvelous gardens. Special craftspeople will handle the restoration with love and care.

Old Homes

Water Damage is common in historical landmarks, as they were built so long ago. Water damage has the ability to wreak havoc on older homes, and it's important to hire professionals to restore beautiful, old buildings such as the Cupola House, where there are many precious woodwork pieces, floors and ceilings, and wonderful plaster artwork. America's history is treasured and it's important to make these homes and buildings come alive again in hopes to maintain the memory of significant moments.