Massey-Clark House
Restoration Begins
The Matthews
Historical Foundation has begun the long awaited Massey-Clark House
Restoration. Located at 232 North Trade Street, the 1450 square foot
house is one of the oldest residences in downtown Matthews. Built in
the early 1880s for Dr. Henry V. Massey, a physician and Civil War
veteran, it was originally constructed as a four-square with wooden
interior walls and ceiling, heart of pine flooring and a central
hall. Over the years, the house received two room additions that were
located on the back side, the central hall was changed to allow a
closet and bathroom and a wrap-a-round porch was added to the front.
In 2009, the
Foundation made the decision to go forward with a total restoration.
It was their hope the original wooden walls and ceilings would be
found under the dry wall added during a previous remodel. When SQ
Construction, the contractor for the project, began to remove the dry
wall, the original wood was still in place and in very good
condition. The pine flooring was still under the carpets and other
flooring. During this restoration, the walls and ceilings will be
restored, the heart of pine floors will be refinished and the hallway
will again become central to the house. The Foundation’s goal is to
return the original four rooms to their original state.
The Massey-Clark House is an important
historical example of houses that populated many small North Carolina
towns by the turn of the 20th century. The Foundation is
asking the public to help them restore the Massey-Clark House. They
have begun a fundraising campaign which includes room naming pledges
and selling personalized
bricks to be used in a walkway. Contributors
will be recognized either by a plaque in the house, plaques
designating room donors or a book listing all contributors. The
Matthews Historical Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization. All contributions are gratefully accepted and are tax
deductible to the donor.
PLEASE HELP US RESTORE AND RETURN
THE MASSEY-CLARK HOUSE TO HAPPIER DAYS
Commemorative Brick Order Form
Renovation Photos
Massey-Clark House History
Renovation Plans
Front
Rear
