Avoca (Altavista, Virginia) facts for kids
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Avoca
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | N of Altavista on US 29, near Altavista, Virginia |
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| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1875, 1901 |
| Architect | Lewis, John Minor Botts |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004546 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 16, 1982 |
Avoca, also called the Avoca Museum, is an old house with a lot of history. It is located near Altavista in Campbell County, Virginia. The house was designed by an architect named John Minor Botts Lewis. It was built in 1901. This was after two earlier houses on the same spot burned down in 1879 and 1900.
The Avoca house is quite large. It has two and a half stories and is made of wood. It is built in the Queen Anne style, which means it has a unique, uneven shape. The house has a sloped roof, a tall tower, and a covered porch called a verandah. On the property, you can also find an old brick kitchen, a wooden smokehouse, a house for workers, an office, and a family cemetery.
Avoca's Early History
Avoca was first the home of Colonel Charles Lynch (1736–1796). He built his home here in 1755. The land was given to his father by King George II of Great Britain in 1740. Colonel Lynch called his home Green Level.
Colonel Charles Lynch was a farmer who owned a large plantation. He was also an important lawmaker and soldier. He lived during the exciting time of the American Revolution, when America fought for its freedom. The phrase "Lynch's Law" might come from his name. However, he did not use the word "lynching" in the violent way it is sometimes used today.
The Avoca property stayed in the Lynch family for many years. After Charles Henry Lynch passed away in 1875, his niece, Mary Anna Dearing Fauntleroy, received the property. Her grandson, Dr. Lindley Murray Winston, gave the property to the Town of Altavista in 1981. He wanted it to be a special place to remember his family.
Avoca was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means it is a very important historical site.
The Avoca Museum Today
Today, the Avoca property is a historical museum. The museum collects and displays items from the past. It also offers programs that teach about the history of the area. The museum helps people learn and have fun. It is a special place for everyone in the Altavista area.
The main house was empty since the mid-1970s. It needed a lot of repairs inside before people could visit. So, a small museum called the Staunton River Valley Museum opened first. It was open on weekends in the old brick kitchen. Money for repairs and to start the museum came from grants. These grants were from E. R. English and Abbott Laboratories.
Over time, kind people gave money and volunteers worked hard. One room at a time in the main house was fixed up. People also donated furniture, which helped make the house look new again. In 1986, Avoca opened for tours.
As the museum grew, more money and volunteers were needed. So, a historical society was started in 1987. At this time, the Staunton River Valley Museum became the Avoca Museum and Historical Society. Rusty Hicks was its first president.
In 1991, someone was hired to help run the museum. This person helped with plans, daily tasks, and finding more members. They also looked into getting more space for storage and offices. In 1995, a director was hired to manage the museum every day.
The years 1991 and 1992 were very important for Avoca. The Lane Company, a furniture company, worked with Country Living Magazine. They helped fix up and decorate the main house. The Lane Company donated furniture, fabrics, and other items. This made the house look amazing. News stories about Avoca helped more people visit. It was a very successful time for the museum.
In 1995, a five-year plan was started. The goal was to fix the outside of the house. They also wanted to restore the old farm office. Another goal was to expand school and community programs. The Commonwealth of Virginia and the Town of Altavista each gave $30,000. The Timken Foundation of Canton also gave $85,000 for the restoration work.
Annual Harvest Jubilee & Wine Festival
Every fall, the Avoca Museum hosts a fun event. It's called the Harvest Jubilee & Wine Festival. Many local vineyards come to this festival. It has become very popular over the years. Some of the wineries that take part include Rebec, Hickory Hills, Tomahawk, Gabriele Rausse, Stonewall, and Peaks of Otter.
