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 known as Avoca Museum, is a historic house located near Altavista in Campbell County, Virginia. It's a special place where you can learn about history.
The house you see today was built in 1901. It was designed by an architect named John Minor Botts Lewis. This house replaced two earlier homes on the same spot that were sadly destroyed by fire in 1879 and 1900.
Avoca is a large, two-and-a-half-story house made of wood. It's built in the Queen Anne style, which means it has a unique, charming look. The house has a sloped roof, a tall tower, and a wide porch called a verandah.
On the property, you'll also find other old buildings. These include a brick kitchen, a smokehouse, a house and office for workers, and a family cemetery. These buildings help tell the story of what life was like long ago.
Contents
Avoca's Early History and Owners
Colonel Charles Lynch and Green Level
Avoca was first the home of Colonel Charles Lynch (1736–1796). He started his home here in 1755. This land was part of a large gift from King George II of Great Britain to his father in 1740. Colonel Lynch called his property "Green Level."
Charles Lynch was a farmer who grew crops. He was also an important leader and soldier during the American Revolution. This was a time when America fought for its freedom. He helped make laws and keep order.
Colonel Lynch was known for his way of handling justice. This led to the term "Lynch's Law." It was a system of quick decisions during a time when formal courts were not always available. This term is different from the later, harmful meaning of "lynching."
Passing Through the Lynch Family
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, became the owner.
Later, her grandson, Dr. Lindley Murray Winston, gave the property to the Town of Altavista in 1981. He wanted it to be a special memorial to his family.
Because of its historical importance, Avoca was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This list includes places that are important to the history of the United States.
Avoca Museum: A Place to Learn
Opening the Museum Doors
Today, the Avoca property is a historical museum. It helps people learn about the history of the area. The museum has collections, displays, and programs. These show the cultural and natural history of the region. It's a place for education and fun for everyone in the Altavista area.
The main house was empty since the mid-1970s. So, it needed a lot of repairs inside before it could open to visitors. While the main house was being fixed, a small museum opened in the old brick kitchen. It was called the Staunton River Valley Museum.
Money for repairs and to start the museum came from grants. E. R. English and Abbott Laboratories each gave $15,000. This helped paint the main house and get the kitchen ready.
Growing and Expanding
Over time, many generous people and volunteers helped fix up the main house. They worked hard, one room at a time. Gifts of furniture also helped make the house beautiful again. In 1986, Avoca finally opened for tours!
As the museum grew, there was a need for more help and money. So, a historical society was started in 1987. The Staunton River Valley Museum then became the Avoca Museum and Historical Society. Rusty Hicks was its first president.
In 1991, an administrator was hired to help manage the museum. This person looked after daily operations, programs, and finding more members. A director was also hired in 1995 to manage the museum day-to-day.
Big Changes and Restorations
The years 1991 and 1992 were very important for Avoca. The Lane Company worked with Country Living Magazine to redecorate the main house. They donated furniture, fabrics, and other items. This made the house look amazing!
News about Avoca spread through national and local media. More people came to visit, and the museum had a very successful year.
In 1995, a five-year plan began. The goal was to restore the outside of the house. They also wanted to fix up the farm office. Another goal was to expand school and community programs. The Commonwealth of Virginia and the Town of Altavista each gave $30,000 for this work. The Timken Foundation of Canton also provided $85,000 for the restoration.
Annual Harvest Jubilee & Wine Festival
Every fall, the Avoca Museum hosts a fun event. It's called the Annual Harvest Jubilee & Wine Festival. Many local vineyards come to share their wines. This festival 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. It's a great way to enjoy the season and support the museum!
