By Meg Hibbert
Contributing Writer
At Monday night’s work session, Salem City Councilmembers discussed the possible acquisition of Salem’s oldest home with representatives of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.
In January, members of the board of the Salem Historical Society approached Council with the idea of the city taking over Preston Place, the historic two-story brick home built in 1821 and located on West Main Street across from WalMart.
The house and nine acres were given to the Historical Society in by members of the family of the late Dr. Ester Brown, Salem’s first doctor who was a woman.
The historical society make extensive repairs over the years to the house including a new roof before leasing it first to White Oak Tea Tavern until that business closed during COVID, and currently, to GLOW Healing Arts.
Historical Society Board members approached the city to take over Preston Place because the keeping up the building has become too much for the membership.
At the March 24 work session, Department of Historic Resources representative Brad McDonald answered Council questions about what the city could do with the property.
City leaders wanted clarification from McDonald – who participated remotely as did Councilman Randy Foley – what can and cannot be done if the city does acquire the building and grounds, because Preston Place is on the state historic register.
Mayor Renee Turk told McDonald, “We wanted to be sure we have all the facts before we make a decision” about taking over the house.
Mike Pulice from DHR was at the work session to answer questions. In answer to a question, Pulice said the Historical Society could do something with the property’s side lot.
Councilman Hunter Holliday said, “We want to be able to draw people into Salem, and make the property an attraction.” The society is considering a two-story barn-type structure that could be used for a visitors’ center.
McDonald said, “That is something you could absolutely do.”
In January when Historical Society representatives approached Council, Board Member Tom Copenhaver said, “Managing the property out there has gotten to be too much for the society. He mentioned the age of society members, only two paid staff, and multiple responsibilities and expenses for the museum’s home, the Williams-Brown House.
“The museum’s green roof has leaked from Day 1,” he said, “and needs replacing.”
Copenhaver mentioned potential uses the Preston Place property might provide, including possible walking trails, and enhancement for West Main Street.
Incoming Society President Jim Laub said “Maybe something could be put there to welcome people into Salem, coming off I-81 by Wildwood Road.”
He noted the Brown family is aware of the society’s plans to have someone else take over the house. The family has to option to buy the house, he said. “The other option is to publicly offer the house for sale.”
Directors said the Brown family is happy with the idea Preston Place might go to Salem. Copenhaver added the property is valuable, with a tax assessment of $280,000.
In January, Salem Councilman Randy Foley questioned if “Giving you $300,000 solves the immediate problem, but not long term?”
Laub said, “I think Preston Place is just too big for us,” adding that leadership can manage the museum building expenses, with $750,000 in endowments.
Preston Place is one of the earliest homes in the Roanoke Valley. Local blacksmith John Cole built a cabin on the site in the 1790s, and opened his home to travelers passing through on the Great Road. Guests were said to have included Davy Crockett and Lois Philippe, future king of France.
According to the home’s history, Cole sold the property to John Johnston, who built the current brick house and used some beams and other materials from Cole’s cabin. Charles Isaac Preston for whom the house is named bought the property for $600.
He was a farmer, a Confederate War veteran and the Town of Salem Sheriff. Dr. Brown and her family inherited the house. Her family donated the house and property to the Salem Museum and Historical Society after her death in 2010.
