Oakhurst (Greensboro, North Carolina) facts for kids

Oakhurst is a famous house located in Guilford County, North Carolina. It was built in the beautiful Queen Anne architectural style. This style is known for its unique shapes, towers, and decorative details.

Building Oakhurst: A Special Home

Oakhurst was built by a skilled architect named Frank P. Milburn. He designed it for Martin H. Holt. Martin Holt was a leader at the Oak Ridge Institute, which is now known as the Oak Ridge Military Academy.

Unique Features of Oakhurst

Oakhurst is a great example of the Queen Anne style that still stands today in Guilford County. The house was built with strong heart pine wood from South Carolina. This wood was special because it contained natural tar and creosote. These substances helped protect the house from termites.

Interestingly, Oakhurst was first built without a kitchen! It is said that Mrs. Holt did not enjoy cooking. So, the Holt family ate all their meals in the dining hall of the Oak Ridge Institute.

The house also has a tall, three-story tower. This tower rises through the porch roof. It is topped with a special curved roof line called an ogee roof.

The Holt Family's Legacy

The Holt family was very important in North Carolina's history. They were pioneers in the cotton manufacturing business. This means they were among the first to build factories that made cotton into cloth.

New Owners: The Whitaker Family

In 1914, Martin Holt became ill and passed away. Thomas Early Whitaker then became the new principal and owner of the Oak Ridge Institute. In 1917, he also became the owner of Oakhurst.

A Home Full of Friends

T.E. Whitaker was known for having many friends. People say that more guests visited Oakhurst when he owned it than any other home in the county! A friend once said that he was very good at helping people solve their disagreements.

T.E. Whitaker also served in the North Carolina House of Representatives in 1901. This means he was a part of the state's government, helping to make laws.

T.E. Whitaker sadly died in 1929. Oakhurst remained with the Whitaker family for many years, until 1981.

Oakhurst's Importance Today

Today, Oakhurst is a very important historical building. It is part of the Oak Ridge Military Academy Historic District. It is also recognized as a Guilford County Historic Landmark. This means it is protected and valued for its history and unique architecture.