Port Republic Road Historic District
317 Port Republic Rd
Chavis House, Ca. 1920
FrameContributes to the historic character of the district
Did you know?Sanborn's surveyors counted the town each time
From the National Register nomination
Two-story T-shaped single-family dwelling of vinyl-sided frame construction on a parged masonry foundation, with brick interior flues, an asphalt-shingled cross-gable roof, and an integral two-story ell. Other features include a single-leaf paneled wood and glass door, 1/1 double-hung windows with vinyl sash, and a one-story, three-bay porch with turned wood posts. The house's interior features an elaborate turned-baluster staircase with two runs and square newels; plaster walls; tall baseboards; plain door and window moldings with rondels at upper corners; a mantel in the front room with paired brackets, incised pilasters, and a curvilinear friezeboard. Additions are limited to two small rear rooms. The back yard is accessed via the alley, a small gravel parking area is located in the front yard, and the entire property is fenced. Dr. Chavis's office was located in his house, which is said to have had the first indoor bathroom in the neighborhood. Chavis later moved to Chicago. The house was occupied by Sam Byrd in 1935. An S. W. Chavis was among the purchasers of the lot on which Abraham Hall was built. (Clark et al, "Waynesboro's Black Community," 3; Augusta County Deed Book 202, p. 345)
Date based on Sanborn fire-insurance maps.
People
- Dr. Chavis owner (Dr. Chavis's office was located in his house, which is said to have had the first indoor bathroom in the neighborhood. Chavis later moved to Chicago.)
- Sam Byrd lived here in 1935 (The house was occupied by Sam Byrd in 1935.)
- S. W. Chavis owner (An S. W. Chavis was among the purchasers of the lot on which Abraham Hall was built.)
- Abraham Hall associated (Abraham Hall was built on the lot purchased by S. W. Chavis.)
- Clark et al associated ((Clark et al, "Waynesboro's Black Community," 3; Augusta County Deed Book 202, p. 345))
- Augusta County Deed Book 202 associated ((Clark et al, "Waynesboro's Black Community," 3; Augusta County Deed Book 202, p. 345))
Memories
Know this house?
If you lived here, worked on it, or have old photographs, the story isn’t complete without you. Everything is reviewed before it appears.