Körner's Folly

413 South Main Street - Körner's Folly, Construction began in 1878 and was complete in 1880. Built by artist and interior decorator, Jule Gilmer Körner, it contains 22 rooms on 7 levels (which equal about 3 and 1/2 floors) with 15 fireplaces. On the top level is found the first private LIttle Theater in America - "Cupid's Park" - named for the hand painted mural of cupids on the walls.

As the house was being built, the oddness of its appearance excited curious comment which caused it to e dubbed the "Folly" - a name it has borne ever since. The house was used a showcase to display Jule Körner's uniqe decorating talents. As originally built, it served as a stdio and living quarters for the young bachelor with his stables and hay lofts on the right side of the house and an open carriageway going through the center of the edifice. After his marriage in 1886 to Polly Alice Masten of Friedland, the house went through a major renovation. The bachelor quarters were changed to living quarters, the stables were moved out of the house, and the carriageway was converted into a vestibule and dining room. A breakfast room and kitchen were later added to the rear of the house. The house took on an elegant air with silk damask panels, hand laid tile, and magnificent hand painted murals and frescoes done by a German artist, Ceasar Milch.

Jule Körner, third generation of Joseph Kerner, was known for his eccentricity, as can be seen by all who visit this unusal house. He is well known as the originator of the Bull Durham Tobacco outdoor advertising signs, and his decorating talents, through his Reuben Rink Decorating Co., adorn many homes and churches in the Southeast. The preservation of this house is in the hands of the local Körner's Folly Foundation. It is regularly open for tours Wed-Sat. 10-4 and Sun 1-4. For more information, visit www.kornersfolly.org.