White Hall (Toano, Virginia) facts for kids
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White Hall
(also known as Whitehall Tavern; White Hall Plantation) |
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White Hall in September 2012
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 Location in Virginia
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| Location | 3200 Rochambeau Rd., Toano, Virginia |
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| Area | 42 acres (17 ha) |
| Built | 1805; c.1915; c.1935; 1966; 1979 |
| Architectural style | Federal, Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 07000234 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 30, 2007 |
White Hall is a historic house and old tavern in Toano, Virginia. It's also known as Whitehall Tavern or White Hall Farm. Built in 1805 by William Geddy, it's amazing that the same family still owns and takes care of it today! This special place is even listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
The Story of White Hall
In 1805, William Geddy Sr. and his son, William, built White Hall Tavern. It was part of a big farm, about 326 acres in size. The tavern was built at a busy crossroads in Toano, Virginia. This spot was perfect because it was about 15 miles from Williamsburg. Travelers on their way to Richmond could stop here to rest. The property stretched between Ware Creek and the main road.
Life at the Tavern
Even though William Geddy Sr. and his son ran a successful gunsmith and brass foundry in Williamsburg, they loved farming. They enjoyed life away from the busy city. Besides the main house, they built other important buildings. These included a cooking area and a storage space right behind the house. They also built several farm buildings. A special brick lined well was added to provide water for everyone.
What White Hall Looks Like Today
As of 2012, the original house is still standing. The old cooking and food storage building is also still there. Over the years, many farm buildings have come and gone. But there is still a main barn, a chicken coop, and a garage. The house still has about 95% of its original window glass! Inside, most of the house looks just like it did when it was built. The only big change was adding modern bathrooms.
The first part of White Hall was built to look like the Geddy family's other home in Colonial Williamsburg. Later, a new section was added to the house. This addition included a kitchen and living areas for maids. Originally, the kitchen was in a separate building. But as kitchens started to be part of the main house, the Geddys added a two-story kitchen to their three-story home.
Generations of Family Care
White Hall was built as a home and business for William Geddy's son. It has stayed in the same family for many generations. The current owner, Bertrand Edward Geddy, continues to care for the property. He has also kept the horse-related part of the business going for decades.
The main house had a dining room, a sitting room, and four bedrooms. People think the family lived on the second floor. Guests likely stayed in rooms on the third floor. There was a staircase on the right side that went all the way up. A large hallway led to the sitting room and dining room on the left. All the rooms were quite big for that time period.
Discoveries and Survival
Many old items have been found or kept at White Hall. Most of the metal and glass items are from the colonial period. Some of the metal might have even come from the family's own foundry. Various pieces of furniture are still owned by the family. Things like bullets, dishes, dolls, and old farming tools have also been saved. A barn for cattle was built and is still used today. It helps us understand how farming and animal care were done long ago.
It's amazing that White Hall survived all the major battles of the American Civil War in the area. A nearby church was completely destroyed, but this house was left untouched. Many hurricanes have also passed through the area, but White Hall still stands strong.
Changes to the Property
Over the years, as the property passed down through the family, parts of the farm were sold off. In the late 1950s, the Highway Department built a new road, Rochambeau Drive, right through the middle of the farm. The land on the western side of this new road was sold. It has now become a new neighborhood that uses the farm's name.
In 2007, the house and its remaining 42 acres were officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. "The Geddy Family"
- Lewis, Sara E. (2009). James City County. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN: 0738568503
