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Hills & Heights

Must-See RVA! — Archibald Freeland House

A look into the history of Richmond places that are still part of our landscape.

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March 2020
  • 1015 Bainbridge Street
    Built, circa 1770

A grand Colonial house in the heart of Old Manchester, and one of the oldest in the city.

(The Valentine) — John Murchie, a founding father of Manchester — oil on canvas, John Durand — 1780s

(The Valentine) — John Murchie, a founding father of Manchester — oil on canvas, John Durand — 1780s

Whether this handsome house was built by Archibald Freeland or before he owned the property, it is thus far impossible to say. We know that he bought the lot, then numbered 133, from John Murchie in or before 1805, but the deed was in the records of the Richmond District Court, which were burned in the Evacuation Fire. That the house was by no means new in 1805 is evident from the first insurance policy, taken out by Freeland in that year. The four buildings-house, kitchen, stable, and smokehouse—are valued at $8900, a depreciation of $500 being allowed, which would suggest that they were at least five years old.

(Library of Congress) — Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Richmond (1886) — Plate 33 — showing property in 1886, including a Shanty, an Old Shanty, and Well

(Library of Congress) — Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Richmond (1886) — Plate 33 — showing property in 1886, including a Shanty, an Old Shanty, and Well

Archibald Freeland, ancestor of many Virginians of today, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1757. Emigrating to Virginia about 1780, he owned tobacco warehouses at Warwick, one of which was burned by Benedict Arnold. He was in the tobacco exporting business and also invested heavily in lands both in Chesterfield County and in Kentucky. His affairs became involved, and in 1819 he mortgaged his house to his son-in-law, James Scott, of whom we shall hear again in connection with the house he built long afterwards on Fifth Street. Meanwhile Scott lived in the Freeland or Murchie house.

(Elks History Project) — 1907 postcard for the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks

(Elks History Project) — 1907 postcard for the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks

In 1853 he sold it to the trustee for Mrs. S. S. Walke. It was owned by the Walkes down to 1889. In 1907 it was purchased by Manchester Lodge Number 843 of the B. P. O. E. and was an Elks’ Club for nearly thirty years. In 1938 its present owner acquired for $3100 the only mansion still standing in Richmond on the south side of the James River.

March 2020

March 2020

An exterior view of this house is deceptive, since it has been spoiled by the long veranda and by the large panes of glass in the windows. The outbuildings are all gone; so is the balustrade around the top. Its location on an eminence and the proportions are all that suggest how handsome it could easily be made.

March 2020 — showing curious keystones

March 2020 — showing curious keystones

The windows on the Eleventh Street side have curious keystones, made of bricks set in relief and not covered with plaster. Inside, one is much more immediately impressed. The staircase is a very unusual one, with a low-swung curve quite different from the long curve of the Wickham house stair, but no less beautiful, though the balusters and newel post seem to have been changed in Victorian times. The small room to the right of the door seems an afterthought also.

(Google Arts & Culture) — Archibald Freeland House, between 1910 - 1930 — Cook Photograph Collection, The Valentine

(Google Arts & Culture) — Archibald Freeland House, between 1910 – 1930 — Cook Photograph Collection, The Valentine

The most magnificent feature is the paneling in the rooms to the left of the entrance, which extends across that end of the building and can be compared only with that of the Marshall house. The back room originally extended all the way across the back of the house. A graceful arch between the two halves has recently been filled in. All the doors, practically, are of the six-panel “witches’ door” type. The mantels are varied and interesting, three having a curious pattern that looks like the “shelf-paper” formerly used for kitchens and pantries. In spite of some alterations necessary to make it into a two-family dwelling, the interior on the whole is well preserved and in fairly good condition. [HOR]

March 2020 — showing veranda detail

March 2020 — showing veranda detail

Today the house still sits on the same sun-drenched corner, right next to the old Baptist church. It’s looking a little old in spots, but so would you if you were 250 years old.

Architecture Richmond has a nice write-up on this house with additional history and pictures. Not to be missed!

(Archibald Freeland House is part of the Atlas RVA! Project)


Print Sources

  • [HOR] Houses of Old Richmond. Mary Wingfield Scott. 1941.

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Community

Tacos, Tattoos, and Beer

I doubt any spots are left but you can still swing by and get some killer tacos on Tuesday.

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From TBT Gallo

Love tattoos? Love free tacos?

We’re celebrating our 2 year anniversary with a block party @true_tattoo_rva where if you get a TBT or Taco related flash piece you’ll get free tacos from us for life

We’ll drop the flash sheet on Tuesday (3/14)

Just show us your dope ink when you purchase two tacos, and we’ll give you the third one for free

On Tuesday, March 14th, we’ll start booking slots, and we’ll have walk-ins the day of the event. Call @true_tattoo_rva to book appointments

We’ll be on-site slinging tacos and vibes with our amigos @capsoulbrewing pouring up suds.

We’ll have raffles and prizes available from our amigos as well!

Will you help support independent, local journalism?

We need your help. RVAHub is a small, independent publication, and we depend on our readers to help us provide a vital community service. If you enjoy our content, would you consider a donation as small as $5? We would be immensely grateful! Interested in advertising your business, organization, or event? Get the details here.

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Community

Lane Closures – Hioaks Road and Jahnke Road

This work is scheduled for Friday, March 10 from 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. and will close the right lanes of each road.

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WHO: City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (https://twitter.com/DPUStreetNews)

WHAT: Lane Closures

WHEN: Friday, March 10, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Hioaks Road and Jahnke Road, 4th Council District
IMPACTS: This work is scheduled for Friday, March 10 from 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. and will close the right lanes of each road.

PROJECT SCOPE: Stormwater drop inlet cleaning. Traffic signage will be in place, along with police presence for safety.

Will you help support independent, local journalism?

We need your help. RVAHub is a small, independent publication, and we depend on our readers to help us provide a vital community service. If you enjoy our content, would you consider a donation as small as $5? We would be immensely grateful! Interested in advertising your business, organization, or event? Get the details here.

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Community

Reserve Tickets Now for Dominion Energy Family Easter

The Easter Bunny is hopping over to Maymont on April 8th.

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Grab an Easter basket and bring the whole family to Maymont on Saturday, April 8, for Dominion Energy Family Easter, one of Richmond’s favorite spring traditions! This year’s “eggs-travaganza” is bigger than ever and packed with games, activities and crafts for the whole family, especially the younger ones.

  • Snap a photo with the Easter Bunny
  • Try out the Hop-stacle course or the life-size Candy Adventure game
  • Learn about pollinators at the Planting Station
  • Join in the Golden Egg Hunt presented by CoStar Group Builds, solving riddles to find 5 golden eggs hidden around the grounds and enter a prize drawing
  • Visit the Maymont Mansion and The Robins Nature Center

With 100 acres in full bloom to “eggs-plore,” why not make a day of it? Pick up a picnic from on-site food trucks, enjoy live entertainment on three stages, and meet RVA helpers and heroes in the expanded Community Zone, with firefighters, EMTs, educators and sports mascots, plus local family-friendly businesses and nonprofit organizations!

Admission is just $5 per person, which includes 3 activity tickets for the most popular games and activities. For each activity ticket you redeem, you will receive one Easter egg, and some activities earn “eggs-tra” prizes. Stock up on extra $2 activity tickets on the Carriage House Lawn.

GET TICKETS

Advance reservations* are recommended, with a limited number of admissions for the morning (9am–12pm) or afternoon (12–3pm) session to ensure there are enough eggs and fun for everyone!

Will you help support independent, local journalism?

We need your help. RVAHub is a small, independent publication, and we depend on our readers to help us provide a vital community service. If you enjoy our content, would you consider a donation as small as $5? We would be immensely grateful! Interested in advertising your business, organization, or event? Get the details here.

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