The On-Going Photo Collection

Photos Contributed by:

Robin Hitch
Doris Hammett
Brenda Hudgins

Your Contributions Are Welcomed !!

Brenda Hudgins, April 30, 2003

These are pics that were taken at the Shook House Tues morning. I showed up ininvited and rudely unannounced but was still greeted graciously by Mr. Hall, Bob Smith and Joes' niece, Sally. After introducing myself, Cousin Joe Hall asked if I would like to see what had been done so far. As you can imagine, I jumped at the chance. It was simply a heart rendering experience to see the actual wood boards that Jacob had cut and sawed with his own hands, square cut nails that he had forged there on his own property. To see the floors that Grannie Izzie had swept with a homemade broom made out of broomstraw! (I think I was born centuries too late.) The work is going well, it appears to be done painstakingly, an inch at a time. The restoration company is the one who did the work on the Thomas Wolfe house and are the best.

Brenda

(NOTE: Brenda asked and received Joe Hall's Permission To Post These Pictures
see that note at the bottom of this page)

Click on a picture to open it in a new window.

Brenda Hudgins, April 22, 2003

Robin Hitch, April 11, 2003

Dr. Doris Hammett Feburary 28, 2003

February 28, 2003

The Shook House

Dear All:

I went by to take some pictures of the Shook House to document the deterioration that has occurred. There is no way that these pictures can show what has really happened to the house. This was the first sunny warm day we have had in weeks. As I stopped two pickup trucks were parked in the drive way. My parking blocked both. I told them who I was and that I wished to take some pictures to document the present condition of the house. They said that I might as they would be there a while. I circled the house taking pictures that I thought might be helpful.

When I returned, I stopped to visit. They had found a chest in the old house and were going though it piece by piece, carefully unfolding and putting each piece flat under an old book to hold them. They had obviously not come prepared to find or evaluate this type of treasure. Mr. Allan Roderick, Heartwood Renovations & Building, Inc. 29 ½ Page Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801 (828)253-8517 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , introduced himself as the agent for Joe Hall. He said that he wished that he had been allowed to see the interior of the house before the contents were taken. He introduced his companion, Robert A. Cameron, Electrics of Asheville, Inc. 37C Montgomery Street Asheville, NC 28806 828-665-0007 as a person who worked with him.

They shared with me some of the contents of the chest. One was a receipt dated 1836 to the Smathers. Another was a list of expenditures: horseshoeing 25 cents. What a wonderful find. I know that Joe Hall and all of the persons that have been involved with the Shook house will be pleased at the care that will be taken of the house.

Mr. Roderick stated that they will be bringing in a power pole and putting in sensor lights to show motion around the house to prevent any further vandalism.

I wanted to share the GOOD news.
Doris Bixby Hammett, MD
Feb 28, 2003

______________________________________________________________________

Mr. & Mrs. Hudgins:

I have your note of May 1. thank you for the pictures you brought on Wed. I had several shots of these grave sites,but yours are a bit sharper.

Yes, you may publish your pics for now. But hereafter, no visits no pics, no info. The place is legally posted and cannot be visited. I am sure you understand that the restoration is expensive. Therefore I do not intend to pay contractors architects, etc. fot time spent with those not connected with the project. Furthermore, my insurance policy during the restoration period covers only those directly involved.

Understand, however, I value everyone's interest. The House will be most welcoming to all, once my team and I have completed restoration of the Museum.

Cordially

Joseph S. Hall
5/6/2003

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