State

Nine Oaks This historic old man¬ sion in Vance C ounty was once regarded as the center of the social anil political life of North Carolina and was con¬ sidered one of the most handsome homes of its day and time. By HARRY T. TUCKER FKW people of North ('nrolinn ■re familiar with the early mansions of tin* old Colony Hays. That these homes, many «if them, were mansions in every sense of the word, we need not doubt; for there is ample documentary evidence, written by both foreigners and Americans, which chronicles the Iteauty and pretentious¬ ness of many «if the early homes «if the Obi North State. Though only a few «if the colonial mansions are standing today. North Carolina has had many great houses. Many of those fine old homes, built of heart pine, fell victims to the ravages of fire, others «•rumbled down from neglect and want of repair, while a great many others were ruth¬ lessly torn down, ami without a semblance of regret. But a few still remain. Built ty Major Ridley In all the far reaches «if North Carolina, there is scarcely to be fouiul an old mansion embracing as many good points as is «•шЬо<Н«ч| in lieauti- ful "Nine Oaks.” in Vance County. Situated on the colonial road lending from Petersburg to Fayetteville, this fine old home, built before the Revolutionary War. was the «lieatu of Major Bromfiehl Kidlev. a Conti¬ nental soldier, prominent early law¬ yer. an«l Attorney (Jenernl of North Carolina. Major Ridley, a very wealthy man, built Nine Oaks for his bride. It took taste, culture and large The exterior of Nine Oaks is rather plain and simple: it is when one steps into the large hall that the beauties of workmanship appear. financial means to build such a house in those days as Nine Oaks. There are not many homes in the State that embrace as many goo«l points. And, even when considered from today's viewpoint, ii would still be regarde«l as a well-arranged anil beautifully built home. Built of the finest materials avail¬ able. ill Colonial days, Nine Oaks would be considered a good -sized home even when com parol with some of the large honii'S to Ih* foil ml in North Carolina today. Of special in¬ terest are the massive chimneys — four of them- -at either end of the dwelling. Beautiful Interior The exterior of the house might be regarded as being rather plain: it is when one st«*|»s upon the porch and enters the large and inviting hall, with Colonial lights on either sid«- and above, that the visitor really ap¬ preciates the beauty <«f the place. A spacious and haudsome stairway leads to the rooms on the second tloor. On either side «if the main hall are the drawing room, dining room and library. Delicately carve» 1 woodwork, doors and wainscoting immediately attract one's attention ami admira¬ tion. The high black mantels. Hash with the walls, perpetuate something «if the elegance and studied finesse of the architectural skill in Colonial «lavs, in the old drawing room the delicately wrought patterns in the frescoed ceiling are indeed a Work of art. The Italian artist who executed the intricate and elaborate designs upon the ceiling of this great room at Nine Oaks was considered one of the greatest in his «lay ami time. It i« doubtful whether a finer display of carving, s«> far as good taste am) benutv are concerned, can Ih* found anywhere in the State. Mammoth Chandelier From the center of the ceiling in the «Irawing room still hangs the ancient chandelier, resplendent with |H‘n«lant prisms, which once shed a brilliance over tin* fair Indies and gal¬ lant men of Revolutionary days. In those «lavs of long ago. Nine Oaks was eonsiderel a place of social and political importance. Here* were held parties and dances that were at¬ tended by the socially elite of Vir¬ ginia and North Candina. Her.*, too, were held many important con¬ ference» on military and political affairs. Although Nine Oaks has U>«*«>me -oincwhat shabby in appearance, with a little effort ami a little money it undoubtedly could be restored to it* original magnificence. This historic ••Id mansion then woiihl possibly rank secoiul t" Orton Mansion on the Cape I'ear, which has been kept in such an excellent state of repair during all these years.