Fritz's Eye on the World: Salisbury's 36th October Tour 2011

10-8-2011 "For the past 35 years, Salisbury has set aside the second weekend of October for a tour of eight to ten historic properties. Meticulously planned and organized by the Historic Salisbury Foundation, OctoberTour stands among the elite historic home tours of North Carolina. It is a short course in architecture, history, restoration and antiques. It has also provided the foundation with funds that helped save or protect some 100 older homes from demolition." From : http://www.historicsalisbury.org/octobertour.htm Once again its time for Salisburys October Tour. With several new places to explore I set out on this beautiful Fall Saturday to check out a little bit of hsitory in Slisbury NC. Below is some of the pictures I took while waundering through the tour. Hall House

The second picture was taken from the balcony of the Hall house's second floor. "The Dr. Josephus Hall House today sits in a park like setting, reminiscent of a long ago era when life was very different. Purchased by Historic Salisbury Foundation in 1972, it was the Foundation's first project and helped galvanize Salisbury's fledgling historic preservation efforts. Individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this handsome house was built as a school in 1820. It became a residence in 1825 when local businessman Maxwell Chambers and his half-sister Rebecca Troy purchased the house and made it their home. Successful medical doctor and businessman, Josephus Hall purchased the house in 1859 and began work to make it the showplace it is today. This house remained a home to three generations of the Hall family. Historic Salisbury Foundation purchased the house and furnishings from Dr. Hall's great granddaughter. With the Hall's china, silver and furniture, the house casts a magical spell over visitors. Since it's purchase, the house has been maintained by the Historic Salisbury Foundation and is open as a house museum." From: http://www.historicsalisbury.org/hallhouse.htm

The out building (Hall house slave kitchen) was very cool. Out in front was a triage area for wounded Confederate Soliders (a bloodly dummy lays on a table in front). The right entrance led to a civil war doctor and his equipment and medicines from the civil war era. The left side had the original kitchen set up with cast iron pots and pans for hearth cooking and a kind gentleman who gave a nice talk on how this building supported the house and grounds.

Out front is a very neat civil war era cannon. I also caught a photo of a local artist painting the Hall house.

One of the other houses that really caught my eye was the Charles Torrence House on 428 West Bank Street. What I really liked was the superb sculptures in the back yard. Below are some of these great works of art.

Walking down the streets and snapped a few more photos including a house that wasnt on the tour but I thought was very beautiful.

I was soon headed to the east across the tracks and on to Grimes Mill. Here are some photos I took along the way.

Soon I was at Grimes Mill, a place I have always wanted to take a look inside. "This Second Empire style Victorian roller mill, built in 1896, contains five floors of early mill machinery. This unique property was purchased by the Foundation in late 1982. The mill, site of the Foundation sponsored Rowan's Largest Indoor Yard Sale and the Bargains, BBQ and Beer party held each May and October, is the only roller mill museum in the state of North Carolina. Tours by appointment only. " From http://www.historicsalisbury.org/mill.htm