1630 Waughtown Street, House, c.1825

This two-story side-gabled house of timber frame construction (with end chimney) is the oldest house on this tour. In 2004, it had rolled asphalt siding, but is now clad in vinyl siding; and what were the original six-over-six double hung windows are now replacement windows. The stone foundation, front steps, and rear ell with engaged porch are some of the only original details remaining.

The structure’s early ownership is complex, but eventually the house was occupied by Nathaniel and Nancy Vawter Crowder, who were charter members of Waughtown Baptist Church. Around 1920, barber, house painter, and minister Robert R. Crowder, along with his wife Alda and children, rented his parent’s former home which was by then owned by grocery store proprietors Colonel E. and Lillian Jones Stewart. The house has continued as a rental most of its history. 1920 CD: B. R. Crowder, employed at Stewart and Fisher; 1930 CD: Reverend R. R. Crowder (W); 1940 CD: Roy F. Gordon (W), occupant; 1950 CD: Thomas and Fannie Austin (W), a mechanic at R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.

Asbestos siding was used extensively in buildings and homes from the 1930s until the 1970s, when its use was banned. It was used originally because of the fire resistant properties of asbestos. Because asbestos is a mineral and fibrous, adding asbestos to siding materials also increased strength and durability, while providing some insulation and fireproofing to the structure. If asbestos shingles are on your home and are in good condition and left undisturbed, they are usually NOT a serious problem. Get a professional opinion.