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The R. J. Walker House (1915)

This unique 3BR/2.5 BA historic home has been masterfully restored and as such offers charm with comfort on a turn-key level.

HISTORY
In November 1914, George Howard et al deeded property to Arthur F. Baker for $600. This new deed, for a 64' x 140' lot on the east side of St. Patrick Street adjoining the properties of W.D. Bryan and E. Miller, replaced the original deed which had been misplaced. In July 1915 Robert J. Walker acquired the property from Arthur Baker and his wife Lillian. The Walkers and their son Robert Walker Jr. enjoyed the home through the 1920's. By the 1930 census, Robert Jr., his wife, son Robert, and daughter Martha occupied the home. The home would remain in the Walker family until February 1951 when Maybelle Moore Walker, as a widow, sold the property to Leslie G. Rucker and his wife Myrtle for $7500. The Ruckers would possess the home until it was inherited by Ellen Dolsen, who sold it in 1988 to a family member.

CONDITION
Structural restoration included foundation stabilization and rebuilt brick perimeter wall, new roof with rafters replaced as needed, plaster repairs to walls and ceilings throughout, new electrical and plumbing systems, updated HVAC systems, insulation installed in attic, under floors and all exposed walls and ceilings.

Exterior restoration included vinyl siding removal, uncovered original gable shingle detail, addition of screened rear porch and adjoining deck. Existing paint was stripped, the entire house and detached workshop painted, front porch rebuilt, period columns installed, trim replaced, weather-stripping installed, new glass and siding repairs made where necessary. New gutters were installed. Detached workshop painted.

Interior improvements included restored wainscoting in center hall and livingroom, creation of a deluxe kitchen with fireplace, granite counter-tops and stainless appliances, master bedroom with tiled bath, claw-foot tub, large walk-in closet, guest bedroom with private bath, addition of a laundry room, addition of a powder room half-bath, two existing baths remodeled, tub and tile work restored, as well as wood floors repaired and refinished.

COMMUNITY
In Tarboro, nestled in a bend of the Tar River with its population of less than 11,000, a front porch is more than part of a house. It symbolizes a tranquil way of life that's easy, open, and relaxed--yet casually elegant. A tranquil way of life which lends itself to a safe, relaxed and enjoyable small-town lifestyle, perfect for retirement or raising a family. A tranquil way of life which, outside of Tarboro, has become increasingly rare.

Rich in history and steeped in tradition, Tarboro is one of North Carolina’s most significant and intact Colonial towns. Chartered in 1760 with its original Town Common, a 15-acre park canopied by tall oaks, Tarboro, one of North Carolina's oldest towns, also has one of the state’s oldest and largest protected historic districts, a 45-block Historic District and renovated Downtown, all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town's revitalized historic downtown has been recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation "Main Street Program". A Historic District National Recreation Trail guides visitors through the scenic older neighborhoods of the town. Guided walking tours of the Historic District, led by a local town historian and author, are held on Saturdays throughout late Spring through early Fall.

Although it is generally agreed that the area around Tarboro was settled by 1733, Mosley's map of that year shows only Tuscarora Indians. Tarrburg, as the town was called on maps of 1770-75, was chartered November 30, 1760 as Tarborough by the General Assembly. In September of the same year, Joseph and Ester Howell deeded 150 acres of their property to the Reverend James Moir, Lawrence Toole (a merchant), Captains Aquilla Sugg and Elisha Battle, and Benjamin Hart, Esquire, for five shillings and one peppercorn. As commissioners, these men were to lay out a town with lots of not more than 1/2 acre and streets not wider than 80 feet, with 12 lots and a 50-acre "common" set aside for public use. Lots were to be sold for two pounds, with the proceeds to be turned over to the Howells.

Tarboro, the head of navigation on the Tar and a riverport town during colonial times, has been the county seat of Edgecombe County since the county was established in 1741. The North Carolina State Legislature met here once in 1787 and again in 1987, and Tarboro has continued to maintain a position of importance in eastern North Carolina. Many citizens ventured early into manufacturing, though agriculture has long been the major industry. The area prospered, and by 1850 was widely known as "Tawboro", a name attributed to "Taw", the Indian word for "river of health".

Tarboro's cultural center is the Blount-Bridgers House, the early 19th century plantation house "The Grove" of Thomas Blount, an important figure in North Carolina's history. He, along with numerous Edgecombe County residents, served as officers in the Continental Army. Blount (1759-1812), a very young officer spent time in England as a prisoner of war, but returned to participate in one of the largest merchant/shipping companies in late eighteenth century America. Here, at the Blount-Bridgers House, artifacts and antiques tell the story of Edgecombe County, while the Hobson Pittman Collection of 20th century art, located in the same building, recalls the career of one of North Carolina's most celebrated artists. Along with the Blount-Bridgers House Gallery, the Edgecombe County Military Veteran's Museum also provides cultural insight into the local historical character of the community.

The Town Common is the venue for many town activities such as an annual Spring concert held by the North Carolina Symphony, the "Happening on the Commons," a regional outdoor fair held on the commons in May, the Cantaloupe Festival held in June, and History Days in September complete with civil war reenactors camping out on the Town Common and in the yards of area historic homes. There are usually two historic home tours sponsored by the town annually - one during the summer and another at Christmas time.

Edgecombe Community College and North Carolina Wesleyan College can provide great opportunities for adult degree programs as well as a variety of engaging educational courses that are stimulating and thought provoking. Both schools have state of the art auditoriums where concerts, plays and various other programs are presented regularly.

Tarboro has a great mix of small shops, restaurants and business opportunities. On the Square Wine Bar and Restaurant, run and operated by young chef/sommelier Stephen Ribustello and his wife Inez, former Beverage Director at Windows on the World in New York City, provides an exquisite food and beverage experience. Main Street Cafe´ is a popular gathering spot along with Cotton's Grill for morning tales and enjoyable conversation. Other goods and services and quality housing of varying styles and prices provide local residents with an array of attractive options.

Residents can also enjoy the many recreational facilities the town offers its citizens: a 15-acre Town Common, three recreation Centers (including a state-of-the-art senior citizens center), a community pool complex, 10 tennis courts, three major parks and several neighborhood parks, two boat ramps accessing the Tar River, and Indian Lake, a 52-acre natural park. From golf and tennis and to hunting and fishing, there are numerous venues, including The Links at Cotton Valley, an 18-hole course, the Tarboro Softball Complex which houses five regulation fields, shad and herring fishing on the Tar River, an abundance of turkeys and deer during hunting season, and a bike trail throughout the town.

Centrally located for those who enjoy the excitement of North Carolina's cities and the relaxation of its coast, Tarboro is strategically positioned between the Piedmont and the Outer Banks. Located in the Northern Coastal Plain, only 20 miles east of I-95 and on US 64, the main route to North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Tarboro is an easy drive during the summer months to the Atlantic coast with its many beaches, and a convenient drive of less than 30 miles to larger cities, such as Rocky Mount, Greenville and Wilson, each with their liberal arts universities. The state capital, Raleigh, is only an hour's drive, and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, an additional quarter hour.

Only 22 miles southeast, via a four lane highway, East Carolina University, home of East Carolina Medical School, is recognized as having one of the top cardio vascular programs in the country. The local Heritage Hospital is affiliated with the East Carolina Medical School through the University Health System of Eastern North Carolina. Locally, the Fountains at the Albemarle, a local upscale retirement complex, offers five levels of living from independent to Alzheimer's care.

For a comprehensive online information guide to locating and living in Historic Tarboro, please visit www.NestleInTarboro.com.

Best of all, this beautiful home situated in the heart of the 45-block Tarboro Historic District is offered at only...

Listed by: Bruce Goodenough at NANCY LIIPFERT ASSOCIATES, INC.	Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed