The city’s oldest home will soon be able to hold outdoor weddings and other large gatherings at Preston Place, after Salem City Council approved on first reading a special exception to allow an accessory structure and outdoor gatherings.
Dave Robbins, president of The Preston Place Preservation Foundation Inc., explained at the Aug. 10 Council meeting the board would like to offer the historic home and grounds at 1936 W. Main St. for weddings and other large gatherings.
The foundation has plans for additional parking, Robbins said, including improving the 14 spaces it has now and adding 17 additional spaces, with the possibility of parking another 36 vehicles on grass between Preston Place and the GoMart station next door.
Salem’s Economic Development Authority has authorized a $50,000 grant to build parking, Robbins said.
Council also approved the idea of an open wooden shelter that Robbins said would be near the house’s osage orange – the third largest osage orange tree in Virginia – and behind the historic two-story brick house that dates back to 1821.
Council’s vote to allow total occupancy for special events of 500 people or fewer was 4-1, with Councilman Randy Foley voting against it.
According to the new Preston Place brochure Robbins distributed to Council, Preston Place was built in 1821 on the site of John Cole’s 18th-century homestead and cabin. Some of those materials were used in the current building.
In 1879 the property was purchased by Charles Isaac Preston, a local farmer and sheriff. The Preston family owned and lived in the house for decades.
Dr. Esther Brown, one of Preston’s descendants and Salem’s first female physician, inherited the property.
Her family deeded the home and grounds to the Salem Historical Society and Museum. More recently The Preston Place Foundation Inc. received the property and now has plans to expand the offerings of history, culture and community for future generations, according to the new brochure.
Salem City Council meetings are now being livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@CityOfSalem-CityHall.
