Jack Orr Boyte

 

August 8, 2001

 

Memo to: Dan Morrill and Bryan Turner

 

Re: Historic Rae House, Rae Road At Colony

 

The Federal Period Rae House is, in my opinion, among the most significant examples of preserved dwelling house ar­chitecture in Mecklenburg County. Apparently the house was occupied by the Rae family for most of its history, which is obviously more than two centuries. It’s a rare example of one family's heritage connected for so many generations to a single dwelling whose architecture is nearly as signifi­cant as the family's history. The family cared for their house. Few changes were made in the original, and those are of such interest they contribute measurably to the story. For example, the grand, transom lighted, double door front entrance was screened off during early years and a single entrance door cut into the original dining room front wall. This is a curious change, since the entrance hall includes hand crafted raised panel wainscoating and a prime example of stair design of the time. The stair balustrade and wave and scroll stringer brackets are equal to the finest found in other manor houses of the time, including Holly Bend or Cedar Grove, acknowledged County historic landmark houses. The house was one room deep originally, evidenced by transom lights above a rear door from the Entrance Hall and from the Dining Room.  Typically, there was a shed wing addition erected during the early years of the nineteenth century which likely provided a warming kitchen and office. This addition was expanded during the mid 1800s and included a first floor Great Room and addi­tional Bed Chambers upstairs. The second stair which was built with this expansion includes a delicate hand crafted balustrade. While the end gable chimneys appear to have been lain in Flemish Bond coursing, the third chimney at the rear of added rear wing is large hand made brick laid in American bond (a header course with each five or six stretcher courses). This is a mid‑to‑late nineteenth century brick pattern, and probably dates the wing just prior to the Civil War. Its an important segment of the architecture of the Rae House, yet significantly less than the original house. Relocation should include this wing. Gable end chimneys will require special care, but should be moved intact. The small kitchen wing at the far rear is not easily dated, yet holds little historic value. It can be demolished with impunity and need not be moved with the house. The house should have at least a brief architectural investiga­tion prepared before it is moved. Foundation and roof elements might be recorded, or photographed, before they are disturbed.

 

Jack Orr Boyte