Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1937-04-03
Huge Old North Carolina
Estates Will Be Divided
Into Small Farms In East

Raleigh, April "a rich historical
background is connected with the i'm
mense old North Carolina estates in
tne area now being acquired bv the
aeeselliement administration for q
1armstead project in Washington and
1yrrell counties, according to infor-
inaAon compiled by the Federal Writ
ers Project Of the WPA. The State
mas been combed by workers on the
writers project for material to be
included in the forthcoming North
Carolina Guide.
Although no funds are yet available
lot construction, under the proposed
development plans for the Resettle-
ment project, designated as Scupper-
nong Farms, with Headquarters at
columbia, N. c., large area around
Lake Phelps would be improved and
divided into small individual farms
Tor families qualifying under the Re-
sentiment program. The Resettlement
families would have the opportunity
OF acquiring these farms under terms
within their reach.
The following background material
on the area was prepared by the writ
ers' project:
1T is an interesting circumstance
that this region, once owned by a few
wealthy planters, is now to be divid-
ed into small, independent farms.
With an extensive system of drainage
established it is believed that the area
will sustain hundreds Of families. he
cause of the unusual fertility of the
soil.
prior to the War Between the
States the shores of Lake Phelps con-
tanned number of great plantations,
known far and near for the wealth
and affluence Of their owners. The
house on the old Magnolia Plantation
built by Ebenezer Pettigrew, is among
those the Resettlement Administra-
ton is planning to restore. Another of
these plantations was the Bonarva,
whose name means rich fields The
house is gone but the old family
the original slave quarters
and barn are still standing. This es-
tate was originally that of the Rev.
Pettigrew.
"In a letter written in 1779 he thus
describes the location: I write you
from Bonarva, name [ have given
my sitpation on the Lake. I sit under
the shade of three beautiful Hollys.
The surrounding scene is truly ro-
mantle. On the one side the prospect
towards the water is truly beautiful
and extensive, while the gentle
breezes play over the surface of the
crystal fluid. Two heavy crosses 1
have, are a poor crazy constitution,
and a miserable clump of an over
seer whom I am OBLIGED to oversee
"The Pettigrew cemetery, terraced
above the surrounding ground, con-
tains, among others, the grave of
Johnston ]. Pettigrew, who made a
brilliant record in the War Between
the States A dormitory at the Univer-
sity is named in his honor This whole
passed into the hands of
the University by escheat, from whom
it was acquired in 1885 by the Re
Administration.
"The Collins House, now a lodge for
on the Somerset Planta-
ton, is likewise on the shore of the
lake. It was built in 1904 by Josiah
Collins, an Englishman. The planta-
ton was one of the greatest feudal
estates in North Carolina. Collins
slaves cleared the land and dug
canal to the Scuppernong River. Rows
of trees were planted along the
avenue Of approach, a different va
riety every half-mile. The mansion is