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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSE202100030 Correspondence 2021-06-30(Rev. 10-90) NPS Form 10-900 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES REGISTRATION FORM VLF, j21i (`f #?W 3/o /'r OMB No. 1024-0018 This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x' in the appropriate box or by entering the information requested. If any item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "NA" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10.900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items. 1. Name of Property historic name: Ramsay other names/site number: DHR File Number 002-0844 2. Location street & number 7760 Rockfish Gap Turnpike not for publication: N/A city or town Greenwood vicinity state Vireinia code VA county Albemarle code 003 Zip 22943 3. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1986, as amended, I hereby certify that this X nomination request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property X meets _ does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant_ nationally_ statewide _X_ locally. (_See continuation sheet for additional comments.) Signature of certifying official e Vireinia Department of Historic Resources State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property _ meets _ does not meet the National Register criteria. (_ See continuation sheet for additional comments.) Signature of commenting or other official Date State or Federal agency and bureau 4. National Park Service Certification I, hereby certify that this property is: entered in the National Register _ See continuation sheet. _ determined eligible for the National Register Signature of Keeper See continuation sheet. determined not eligible for the National Register Date of Action removed from the National Register other (explain): NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) U. S. Department of the Interior National Park Service 5. Classification Ownership of Property (Check as many boxes as apply) X private public -local public -State public -Federal Category of Property (Check only one box) X building(s) _ district _ site _ structure object Number of Resources within Property Contributing Noncontributing 9 1 buildings 4 0 sites 3 0 structures 0 0 objects 16 1 Total Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register 0 OMB No. 10244018 Ramsay Albemarle County, Virginia Name of related multiple property listing (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) N/A 6. Function or Use Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) Cat: DOMESTIC Sub: single dwelling LANDSCAPE garden DOMESTIC secondary structure DOMESTIC single dwelling DOMESTIC single dwelling UNKNOWN unknown DOMESTIC secondary structure DOMESTIC secondary structure DOMESTIC institutional housing AGRICULTURE/SUBSISTENCE horticulture facility AGRICULTURE/SUBSISTENCE horticulture facility AGRICULTURE/SUBSISTENCE horticulture facility AGRICULTURE/SUBSISTENCE processing AGRICULTURE/SUBSISTENCE animal facility AGRICUTULRE/SUBSISTENCE agricultural outbuilding AGRICULTURE/SUBSISTENCE animal facility Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) also see continuation sheet Cat: DOMESTIC Sub: single dwelling LANDSCAPE garden NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) U. S. Department of the Interior National Park Service 7. Description Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) LATE 19Tu AND 20Tn CENTURY REVIVALS classical revival OMB No. 1024-4018 Ramsay Albemarle County, Virginia Materials (Enter categories from instructions) foundation brick roof historic asphalt, currently majestic slate (synthetic compound resembling actual slate) walls wood other there are four brick chimneys Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition ofthe property on one or more continuation sheets.) 8. Statement of Significance Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property for National Register listing) X A Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. B Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. X C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield information important in prehistory or history. Criteria Considerations (Mark "X" in all the boxes that apply.) A owned by a religious institution or used for religious purposes. B removed from its original location. C a birthplace or a grave. D a cemetery. E a reconstructed building, object or structure. F a commemorative property. G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past 50 years. Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions) ARCHITECTURE SOCIAL HISTORY NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-4018 (Rev. 10-90) U. S. Department of the Interior Ramsay National Park Service Albemarle County, Virginia Period of Significance 1900-1950 Significant Dates 1900 1937 1947 Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) Cultural Affiliation Architect/Builder Gripe, Milton LaTour Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) 9. Major Bibliographical References Bibliography (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.) Previous documentation on file (NPS) No Known Documentation on File preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been requested. previously listed in the National Register previously determined eligible by the National Register designated a National Historic Landmark recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey # _ recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # Primary Location of Additional Data X State Historic Preservation Office _ Other State agency Federal agency _ Local government _ University Other Name of repository: 10. Geographical Data Acreage of Property 78.4 acres UTM References (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) Zone Easting Northing 1 UTM 17 695677E 421247ON 2 UTM 17 695850E 421224IN Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet.) Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.) NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) U. S. Department of the Interior National Park Service 11. Form name/title: Sarah B Edwards/ Preservation Consultant OMB No. 1024-4018 Ramsay Albemarle County, Virginia Organization: Sabe Preservation Consulting date 8/5/2004 street & number: 187 Rural Drive telephone (540) 435-1120 city or town: Mount Solon state VA zip code 22843 Additional Documentation following items with the completed form: Continuation Sheets Maps A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location. A sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Photographs Representative black and white photographs of the property. Additional items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items) Property Owner (Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.) name Harry and Susan Lankenau street & number PO Box 98 telephone (540) 456-8430 city or town Greenwood state VA zip code 22943 Paperwork Reduction Act Statement This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.). Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the Chief. Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P.O. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127, and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503. NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Ramsay Continuation Sheet Albemarle County, Virginia Section 6 Page 1 6. Function or Use Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) Cat: COMMERCE/TRADE Sub: professional DOMESTIC secondary structure DOMESTIC single dwelling OTHER ruins UNKNOWN unknown DOMESTIC secondary structure DOMESTIC secondary structure DOMESTIC institutional housing AGRICULTURE/SUBSISTENCE horticulture facility AGRICULTURE/SUBSISTENCE horticulture facility AGRICULTURE/SUBSISTENCE horticulture facility AGRICULTURE/SUBSISTENCE architectural outbuilding VACANT/NOT IN USE vacant/not in use AGRICULURE/SUBSISTENCE agricultural outbuilding AGRICULTURE/SUBSISTENCE animal facility NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 7 Page 2 7. Description Summary Description: OMB No. 1024-0018 Ramsay Albemarle County, Virginia Ramsay is located within the picturesque Greenwood area in western Albemarle County, Virginia. The main house is a two-story, frame, Classical Revival -style building, constructed circa 1900. The north elevation of the house faces the Blue Ridge Mountains and is bordered by Route 250 to the south, which provides access to the property. This estate is comprised of 78.4 acres and includes a number of significant buildings, a boxwood garden and other resources. Charlottesville architect Milton L. Grigg added to and sympathetically remodeled the main house in 1937, 1947 and again in the early 1950s. Ramsay was the home of members of the locally prominent Langhorne and Gibson families and was the retirement home of the "Gibson Girl," Irene Langhorne Gibson. Site Inventory: (1) Main House, circa 1900, Contributing (2) Barn, circa 1937, Contributing (3) Garden, circa 1937, Contributing Site (4) Cottage, circa 1950, Contributing (5) Tenant House, circa 1900, Contributing (6) Tenant's Garage, circa 1900, Contributing (7) Owner's Garage, circa 1900, Contributing (8) Potting Shed, circa 1937, Contributing (9) Greenhouse Ruins, circa 1939, Contributing Site (10) Greenhouse Ruins, circa 1939, Contributing Site (11) Greenhouse Ruins, circa 1939, Contributing Site (12) Smoke House, Contributing (13) Chicken House, Contributing Structure (14) Equipment Shed, Contributing (15) Slave Cabin Ruins, ca. 1830, moved 1930, Contributing Structure (16) Circular Turnaround, ca. 1930s, Contributing Structure (17) Artist's Studio, circa 2001, Non -Contributing NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 7 Page 3 Detailed Descriptions: Main House (#1) OMB No. 1024-0018 Ramsay Albemarle County, Virginia The main house at Ramsay is set within 78.4 acres and is surrounded by numerous outbuildings and other resources. The north elevation faces the Blue Ridge Mountains while the south elevation overlooks Route 250. The east elevation overlooks the beautiful boxwood garden laid out during the 1930s alterations and additions to the property by Charlottesville architect Milton Grigg. The main house is a Classical Revival -style frame building begun ca. 1900 with sympathetic additions from 1937, 1947 and the early 1950s. William H. Langhorne was responsible for the construction of the house today known as Ramsay.' It was a frame, two-story, four -bay main block with one-story wings on either end and was said to be one of the largest frame houses in the county. The main elevation originally featured a gable roof with four end chimneys and a Greek Revival portico with a gable pediment supported by paired Doric columns. The rear elevation had twin doors shaded by a flat -roof portico trimmed in Chippendale railing and there was a small screened porch on the west side of the house. Originally, the house had a modified central -passage, double -pile plait. On the first floor was an entrance hall, parlor, living room, dining room, kitchen and a bedroom. An ell -shaped stairwell led to the second floor that contained two bedrooms and a bathroom. Chiswel l Dabney (Chillie) Langhorne purchased Mirador, adjacent to Ramsay, in 1892, and began to acquire surrounding properties. He purchased Ramsay in 1914 from his cousin William Langhorne. Planning to live there, he began to make alterations to the house and added a bathroom and closet to the first floor. Chillie Langhorne, however, became ill and never moved to Ramsay. Instead, by 1916, he deeded the property to Genevieve Peyton Langhorne, his caretaker, and widow of his second son, Harry. By 1936, the house was owned by Langhorne Gibson and his wife, Parthenia, a son of Chillie Langhorne's daughter, Irene Langhorne Gibson. In 1937, Charlottesville architect Milton L. Grigg was hired to alter and expand the house for the Langhorne Gibsons. The house today displays Grigg's work. Ramsay is currently composed of a seven -bay main block with later additions at the west end. The foundation is brick with a partial basement under the earliest section of the house. Grigg removed the original porticos and built a full -height, three -bay porch with a modillion cornice, topped by a balustrade, on both the front and rear elevations. Each porch is supported by square posts and pilasters, all with molded caps. The columns are clustered by threes at each porch corner and the segmented arches between the bays have molded keystones. Grigg also raised the east and west wings to two stories. The front (north) elevation has six -over -six, double - hung sash windows with molded sills and louvered shutters. In addition, molded cornice lintels cap the windows flanking the main (north) entrance, which consists of an original six -paneled door with rectangular sidelights and an arched fanlight. The hipped imitation slate roof is complimented by a modillion cornice that runs around the entire main block of the house. There are currently four corbel capped brick chimneys; two interior chimneys marking the original ends of the earliest section of the building, and two exterior end chimneys along the east and west elevations of the two-story wings. NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 7 Page 4 ON1B No. 1024-0018 Ramsay Albemarle County, Virginia In 1937, on the interior, Milton Grigg added a master bedroom suite to the second floor of the east wing and converted a portion of the east parlor into a library complete with floor -to -ceiling bookshelves and paneled doors hiding the bathroom and closet previously installed for Chillie Langhorne. Milton Grigg returned to the house in 1947 to add a new west dependency containing a servants' dining area and a gable -roof utility room. This is a one -and -a -half -story building connected to the main house by a one- story hyphen with a balustrade above. The enclosed hyphen connects to the main house through a first floor open porch that is supported with molded capped square columns. The roof deck above the hyphen connects to an enclosed second -floor sleeping porch with square pilasters, 9-light casement windows, and a solid balustrade design. The addition roofs are all seamed metal and either gable or hipped in design. In 1950, Grigg completed more work at Ramsay including the conversion of the earlier bathroom and closet behind the library into a bamboo room with cork floors and bamboo lattice covered walls. Grigg installed a new bay window along the first floor east elevation, to the north of the chimney breast. To the south of the chimney is a multi -paned French door, with louvered shutters, that opens from the living room out onto the cobblestone patio with boxwood garden beyond. The front entrance presently allows access to a front hall and largely intact interior from the 1930s alterations. The first floor now includes a library, living room, sitting room and dining room. The Milton Grigg west addition currently houses a utility room, kitchen and breakfast room. A stair, located to the right of the front entrance, allows access to the three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a sitting area on the second floor. This intricate maple stair features a Chinese Chippendale -style balustrade. The changes to the interior ornamentation by Milton Grigg include the use of molded cornices and architrave trim. Grigg also enhanced the dining room with the construction of a handsome built-in cupboard on the south section of the west wall, featuring three scalloped shelves above a two -door cupboard all set within a round - arched shell -headed opening. The fireplace mantel in this room features an overmantel with broken pediment, a molded cornice and scrollwork. The frieze displays intricate carvings reminiscent of Classical design motifs. The rest of the mantels throughout the house, though less detailed, are all very similar in style, some with overmantels and some without. The second floor sitting room fireplace has crossette (eared) molding and a cornice mantel. This and the master suite fireplace mantel are products of the Milton Grigg work. Other interior details include paneled walls, chair rails, wainscoting, and original hardwood floors. Although the interior of the house received a great deal of decoration and ornamentation with Grigg's arrival on the property in 1937 and his subsequent returns in 1947 and the early 1950s, the exterior experienced the greatest change, thus making the building as it stands today a remarkable example of Milton Grigg's style and skill. Grigg's work at Ramsay also included designs for a guest cottage, a barn and the boxwood garden.' NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Servi: e National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 7 Page 5 OMB No. 1024-0018 Ramsay Albemarle County, Virginia Barn (#2) The two-story barn was designed by Milton Grigg, ca. 1937, and includes a three -bay main block under a cross -gable roof flanked by shed -roofed, one-story additions on its north and south ends. At the second Floor level, under the gable on the west elevation, is a round -arched double -leaf door with strap hinges. The east elevation has four board -and -batten doors on the ground level and three louvered windows on the second level. A simple shed -roofed arcaded portico shelters the four doors and spans the distance between the one- story wings at either end of the building. A narrow four-sided cupola with louvers tops the cross -gable roof. Guest Cottage (#3) The guest cottage was built ca. 1950. The cottage, the retirement home of Irene Langhorne Gibson, is wood frame with weatherboard siding. This three -bay, single -pile, one -and -one -half -story building has a gable asphalt -shingled roof with dormers. The floor plan includes two bedrooms on the first floor along with a dining room, living room, kitchen and two bathrooms while the half -story has an additional bedroom and bathroom. The bathroom in the master bedroom is oversized to provide a comfortable space for Irene Langhorne Gibson as she required the use of a wheelchair. Hyphens connect the house to symmetrical dependencies. Boxwood Garden (#4) The boxwood garden, designed by Milton Grigg ca. 1937, is located to the east of the main house. The garden includes a cobblestone patio with a fishpond at one end and garden benches and planters spaced along a grassy plot bordered by boxwood. Tenant House (#5) The tenant house was constructed ca. 1900, and is still in use today as the farm manager's residence. It is a two-story, four -bay frame house with weatherboard siding and a metal cross -gable roof. A two -bay porch with turned posts and a simple railing covers the central two bays of the fagade. Tenant Garage (#6) The one-story, frame, front -gable garage also dates to ca. 1900. It employs barn -like swinging doors and one standard door. The tenant garage functions as a pump house and the well and pump equipment are located in the basement of this building. Owner's Garage (#7) The owner's garage is a one -and -a -half -story, front -gable building with one set of sliding wood doors that allows access into an open -floor -plan garage. There is a stair along the east wall that historically allowed access to the second floor and was used as servant's quarters for the cook. This section, however, has been sealed off. Potting Shed (#8) The potting shed is a one-story structure with gable roof constructed ca. 1937. NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 7 Page 6 OMB No. 1024-0018 Ramsay Albemarle County, Virginia Greenhouse Ruins (#9, 010, #11) The grounds contain the concrete foundation ruins, ca. 1939, of three greenhouses. (3 Contributing Sites) Smokehouse (#12) The one-story smokehouse has three symmetrical bays and a flat, asphalt -shingle roof and was built ca. 1937. Chicken house(#13) The chicken house is a one-story, board -and -batten building, with a flat metal roof with sloped overhang on the south elevation over a bank of five 9-light windows constructed ca. 1937. Equipment Shed (#14) This is a one-story side -gable building with three symmetrical bays and an asphalt shingled roof built ca. 1937. Slave Cabin Chimney (#15) Purported to be the ruins of a slave cabin (ca.1830), the stone chimney with brick stack was moved to the property in the early 20'h century. The chimney rests upon a stone foundation. Turnaround (#16) This circular cobblestone and brick turnaround was added to the property in the 1930s by the Gibsons. Artist's Studio (#17) Noncontributing The studio is a one -and -one -half -story wood frame building with large multi -light sash with a steep cross - gable metal roof with rear dormer and bird -house styled cupola, constructed 2001. All of the outbuildings and other resources are in a good state of repair. NPS form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 8 Page 7 Summary Statement of Significance: OMB No. 1024-0018 Ramsay Albemarle County, Virginia The Ramsay estate, situated in the beautiful Greenwood area of Albemarle County, Virginia is today a two- story, frame, Classical Revival -style house with a varied collection of outbuildings. Begun in 1900 by William Langhorne as a two-story frame central block with one-story wings at either end, the house was acquired by his cousin, Chiswell Dabney (Chillie) Langhorne in 1914, and was home to succeeding generations of the Langhorne and then the Gibson families. The property reflects the local practice of wealthy individuals to settle in Albemarle County and to construct or make over large houses to meet their ideas of a country estate. Virginia's well known "restoration" architect Milton Grigg was hired by owner Langhorne Gibson to make alterations to the house in 1937, 1947 and the earlyl950s which resulted in the house's current appearance. Grigg also designed a boxwood garden and a barn for the estate as well as the guest cottage that became the retirement home of Irene Langhorne Gibson, Chillie Langhorne's daughter, whose husband the commercial artist, Charles Dana Gibson, painted her as the "Gibson Girl." Criteria Statement: Ramsay meets Criterion A because it is associated with the practice by wealthy families, man from outside Virginia, of establishing country estates in Albemarle County during the late 19"' and early 20" centuries and often using older dwellings to fashion for themselves impressive manor houses. A number of these estates are located in the Greenwood area of the county including such estates as Casa Maria, Ednam, Seven Oaks, Tiverton and nearby Mirador, which was acquired by Chillie Langhorne in 1892. Ramsay also meets Criterion C because the house is an important example of the work of the Virginia architect, Milton L. Grigg, whose restoration work at significant Virginia properties includes Monticello and Montpelier as well as Colonial Williamsburg. Grigg was the architect for many of the alterations occurring during the 1930s and 1940s at large estates in Albemarle County. Historical Background: Although Ramsay is most often associated with Chiswell Dabney (Chillie) Langhorne and his daughter, Irene Langhorne Gibson, the original owner, William H. Langhorne, was significant in his own right. William Langhorne commissioned the house around 1900, and at the time it was rumored to be one of the largest frame houses in the county. Such an architectural distinction matched the history ofthe Langhomes, as the family had important ties to early American history. Lieutenant John Langhorne --the family's founder --arrived in Virginia in 1673. He would later become a member of the Virginia General Assembly.3 Shortly after his arrival in Virginia he led a series of deliberations to determine the best possible response to Bacon's Rebellion in 1677. Later that decade he volunteered to provision a defensive force on the York River.' In keeping with the typical settlement pattern in Virginia, the Langhorne ancestors spread across the state and settled throughout many regions in the nineteenth century. Chillie Langhorne's family first settled in NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 8 Page 8 OMB No. 1024-0018 Ramsay Albemarle County, Virginia Lynchburg, Virginia, but Langhorne's excursions to Albemarle County left him longing to settle near the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. The Greenwood area of Albemarle County became a popular location for residential development in the late 19f° and early 2e centuries as newly wealthy families looked for opportunities to establish country estates or to enhance older properties with new construction. It was in keeping with this development that estates like Ramsay and Mirador, Ramsay's neighbor to the east, were established. This region of Albemarle County provided a cooler climate than that of cities such as Richmond and the picturesque beauty of this part of Albemarle County was a big draw for the wealthy social class. These estates established by wealthy families in Albemarle County and other parts of V irginia and the south in the late 19°i century were not the plantations of old that were developed for serious agricultural pursuits. Instead, they were established and maintained for raising horses, for fox hunting and other social activities, and for entertaining in a grand style. Frequently, as at Ramsay, older houses and their settings were embellished by well known architects using new forms, decorative treatments and formal gardens. Greenwood, a rural area of great natural beauty, thus acquired a remarkable collection of architectural resources including not only Ramsay and Mirador, but also places like Casa Maria, Wavertree Hall Farm, Oak Leigh, Rose Hill, Tiverton, Seven Oaks, Blue Ridge Farm and others. Ramsay and the others in this spectacular collection of architectural resources are visual reminders of this period in the Commonwealth's history. Chiswell Dabney Langhorne (1843-1919) had established himself in Richmond by 1882 as an independent tobacco dealer. By 1886, Langhorne was listed in business directories as a railroad contractor. In the 1880s, the Virginia railroad network was being expanded, and Langhorne's railroad work included a contract with the Chesapeake and Ohio that proved very lucrative, as were other contracts that followed. Langhome established the contracting firm, C.D. Langhorne & Company and is credited with the New River, Bremo, and Clinch Valley extensions of the C & O. The firm later did work in the Big Sandy River area of Kentucky under the name of Langhorne & Langhorne that included C. D. Langhorne and his son William. In 1892, Langhorne hosted a party at White Sulphur Springs that was attended by many of the nation's leading railroad entrepreneurs and by the following year, he was a property owner in Albemarle County. In 1893 Chillie Langhorne first appeared in the Albemarle County tax records with his purchase of Mirador, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and significant, in part, for its association with Chillie Langhorne's five accomplished daughters, Elizabeth, Irene, Nancy, Phyllis and Nora. Daughter Irene Langhorne Gibson achieved social and artistic fame after her marriage to commercial artist Charles Dana Gibson in 1895 and her appearance as the "Gibson Girl" in her husband's popular turn-of-the-20"'-century illustrations. Daughter Nancy Langhorne Astor became Lady Astor when she wed Lord Waldorf Astor. Later, with this title, she became the first female member of the British Houses of Parliament.5 There were also three sons in Chillie Langhorne's family. Chillie Langhorne purchased other estates in Greenwood. He purchased Ramsay in 1914 and acquired other farms neighboring Mirador for his family throughout the first portion of the twentieth century. It was his NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 8 Page 9, OVIB No. 1024-0018 Ramsay Albemarle County, Virginia intention to reside at Ramsay, but by 1916 his health failed and he was unable to move there. Langhorne deeded the property to Genevieve Peyton Langhorne, the widow of his son, Harry, and Chillie's caretaker for nine years. Genevieve Langhorne lived at Ramsay until 1929 and then deeded Ramsay to a Langhorne relative from Lynchburg, Effie B. Langhorne. Irene Langhorne Gibson's tie to the Ramsay estate was renewed in 1936 when her son, Langhorne Gibson, obtained control of the property through inheritance and moved to Ramsay with his wife, Parthenia. The Langhorne Gibsons gave the estate its current name in honor of late -eighteenth - century British settler who received a land patent for the property. The name, however, was not the only change the Gibson family brought to the estate. They were also responsible for bringing Charlottesville architect, Milton Grigg, to Ramsay. Milton LaTour Grigg (1905-1982) was born in Alexandria and studied architecture at the University of Virginia in the late 1920s. Between 1929 and 1933 he worked on restorations at Colonial Williamsburg with the Boston firm, Perry, Shaw & Hepburn. Grigg established his office in Charlottesville in 1933 and in 1936 added Floyd Johnson as partner. That partnership lasted through 1940 after which time Grigg associated with William Newton Hale, Jr. Grigg's firm was known as Grigg, Wood & Browne by 1977.6 In Albemarle County, Grigg had earned a reputation as a restorer of old buildings. He referred to his first clients as "Park Avenue Refugees" and described them as people who'd lost money in the depression and then moved to Virginia to regain some sense of their high standard of living. They bought old houses in need of repair and he was hired to do the restoration.' At Ramsay, Grigg enlarged the house and made alterations both to the exterior and to the interior, creating the Classical Revival -style building seen today. He was also responsible for the installation of a formal boxwood garden and the design of the barn and many of the outbuildings located on the property that allowed it to continue in use as a working farm. The new outbuildings expanded the uses of the farm and transformed the working farm into a horse farm. The surrounding property made it possible to continue to raise other types of livestock and crops. Although Grigg's influence on the property was significant, he was not responsible for the relocation on the property in the 1930s of the ruins of what is said to be a slave cabin located east ofthe main house. In keeping with the popular trend in the first halfofthe 20°i century, collecting buildings reminiscent ofthe past to add to the romanticism or the nostalgia of large country estates was practiced at Ramsay. This trend began in the Victorian Era and carried over into the 20 century with the examples of such collections including Henry Ford's village in Michigan. Salvage materials from construction at nearby Mirador were also used at Ramsay as can be seen in the use of cobblestone throughout the property. Grigg's work at Ramsay exemplifies his characteristic revision of simple country homes into refined classical estates. Other projects attributed to Milton Grigg in Albemarle County include the Albemarle County Courthouse in 1938, alterations to Glen Echo in 1935, alterations to Whitton in 1936, alterations to Merrie Mill Farm in 1938, restoration of Edgemont in 1940, alterations to Jumping Branch in 1940, and alterations to Fairview Farm and Verulam in 1941. In addition, he was consultant for restoration work at Monticello for 18 vears and was associated with alterations at Montpelier in the 1950s.8 NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 8 Page 10_ OMB No. 1024-0018 Ramsay Albemarle County, Virginia Grigg not only worked as an architect, but he was also a dedicated civil servant. His architectural skills were put to work as the civilian Chief of the Design Section of the Army Corps of Engineers in Washington, D.C. During his time in the nation's capital he administered the Master Recreation Plan for the Development of the Potomac River Basin and the Expansion of the National Airport facilities. He was also significant in the international arena when he was charged with the expansion of the United States Embassy in Canberra, Australia.' Grigg also designed several buildings for the French government, city halls for Charlottesville, Alexandria, and Falls Church, and hundreds of church buildings.10 Although Grigg is often remembered for his various museum restoration projects and his church restoration projects throughout the east coast, as well as his estate restorations in Albemarle County, he did not consider himself primarily a restoration architect." Grigg was also a significant figure in historic preservation as he was one of the founding members of the National Council for the Preservation of Historic Sites and Buildings. Langhorne Gibson's family was the last of the Langhomes to reside at Ramsay. After his naval service in World War I and II, he returned to the home to fill it with his father's paintings and enjoy his career in magazine advertising and the production of two naval histories. Langhorne Gibson lived at the !rouse with his wife until his death in 1982 at which time she took ownership of the property until her death in 1998. Shortly after her death, their children sold the estate to the current owners, Harry and Susan Lankenau. The Lankenaus have rehabilitated it in a sensitive manner. Section 7, 8 Page 10 Endnotes Elbemax=e Councy Land Books, 1903. , V:rcinia Historic Landmarks Commission Survey Form ' LarahoTne, 5. ' Winn, Ancestral Lines, 64. Fox, 28. We_ls, 174. Ibid. e Ibid., I74-L75. Lasa_F. -- Wei'_S, 174. 1- Tbid. NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 9 Page 11 9. Bibliography Albemarle County Land Book, 1903. Albemarle County Tax Map 70. "Annual Tour to Feature Two Groups." The Daily Progress. May 4, 1965. O\1B No. 1024-0018 Ramsay Albemarle County, Virginia DeAlba, Susan. Country Roads. Natural Bridge Station, VA: Rockbridge Publishing Company, 1993. Fox, James. Five Sisters. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2000. Green, Bryan Clark. "Mirador, Virginia." Country Life Magazine, October 16, 2003. Gibson, Langhorne, Jr. The Gibson Girl. Richmond: The Commodore Press, 1997. Langhorne Family Manuscripts, 1843-1862. Virginia Historical Society. "Langhorne Gibson." Obituary. Albemarle Historical Society Ramsay Clipping File. Langhorne, John. The John Langhorne Family. Published by John and Elaine Langhorne, 1979. Lasala, Joseph Michael. "The Life and Career of Milton LaTour Grigg, FAIA." Architecture in Virginia, Fall 1990. Lay, K. Edwards. The Architecture of Jefferson Country. Charlottesville: University Press, 2000. "Noted City Architect Dies at 76," The Daily Progress, 3/25/1982. Albemarle Historical Society, Milton Grigg Clipping File. "Panthenia Gibson." Obituary. Albemarle County Historical Society Ramsay Clipping File. "Ramsay," Virginia Department of Historic Resources Part 1-Evaluation of Significance. "Ramsay." Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission Survey. Department of Historic Resources. VDHR File 402-844. Reback, Forbes R. Deed for 7760 Rockfish Gap. July 15, 1999. Stevens, William T., ed. Virginia House Tour, Charlottesville: Stevenpost Publications,. 1935. NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 9,10 Page 12 ONB No. 1024-0018 Ramsay Albemarle County, Virginia MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES, continued Thaler, Jennifer, Belinda Groskopf, and Jill Trischman-Marks. Virginia Road Traces: The Road to Roush Gap, Charlottesville: School of Architecture, University of Virginia, 1991. United States Census-1900, 1910, 1920, 1930. Wells, John E. and Robert E. Dalton. The Virginia Architects 1835-1955. New South Architectural Press, Richmond, VA, 1997. Winn, Alice. Always a Virginian. Lynchburg: Kenmore Association, 1982. Winn, Alice Perkins. Ancestral Lines of the Perkins, Langhorne, Moncure, and Related Families. Unpublished manuscript, 1978. 10. Geographical Information UTM References (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) Zone Easting Northing 3.17 696016E 4212226N 4.17 696018E 4211833N 5.17 695777E 4211779N 6.17 695465E 4211930N 7.17 695260E 4212103N 8.17 695472E 4212340N Verbal Boundary Description: The boundaries of the Ramsay property, located at 7760 Rockfish Gap Turnpike, is located on the Albemarle County Tax Map 70 and it is defined as parcels 5 and 5a in the White Hall Magisterial District. This area is also known as Greenwood, thus giving it the address of 7760 Rockfish Gap Turnpike, Greenwood, Virginia 22943. Boundary Justification: The boundary for Ramsay includes the house, outbuildings and acreage historically associated with the property. NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section Photo List Page 13 The following information is the same for all photographs: Property name: Ramsay Location: Albemarle County, Virginia DHR File # 002-0844 Date of Photographs: August 2004 Photographer: Sarah Edwards Negatives filed: Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Richmond, VA Photo 1 of 16 View: Main House, North Elevation Negative #: 21732 Photo 2 of 16 View: Main House, Northwest Elevation Negative #: 21732 Photo 3 of 16 View: West Addition to Main House Negative #: 21732 Photo 4 of 16 View: Boxwood Garden looking east Negative #: 21732 Photo 5 of 16 View: Stair, front entry Negative #: 21734 Photo 6 of 16 View: Library Negative #: 21734 Photo 7 of 16 View: Living Room and Dining Room beyond Negative #: 21733 Photo 8 of 16 View: Dining Room, mantel and Grigg niche Negative #: 21734 OMB No. 1024-0018 Ramsay Albemarle County, Virginia NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section Photo List Page 14 Photo 9 of 16 View: Master Bedroom Negative #: 21734 Photo 10 of 16 View: Former Sleeping Porch Negative #: 21734 Photo 1 1 of 16 View: Mantel, second floor sitting room Negative #: 21734 Photo 12 of 16 View: Cottage, South elevation Negative #: 21732 Photo 13 of 16 View: Barn. West Elevation Negative #: 21732 Photo 14 of 16 View: Ruins of slave cabin, looking south Negative #: 21732 Photo 15 of 16 View: Greenhouse foundation, equipment shed and east elevation of barn Negative #: 21734 Photo 16 of 16 View: Circular Turnaround Negative ONB No. 1024-0018 Ramsay Albemarle County, Virginia 21734 NPS Form 10.900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section Sketch Map Page 15 PRIVATE MVEVAr mnw,r W S AilAa111Y OMB No. 1024-0016 Ramsay Albemarle County, Virginia ROUTE 250/1ROCKFISH GAP TURNPIKE Ramsay, Albemarle County Outbuilding and Other Resources (1) Main House, circa 1900, Contributing (2) Barn, circa 1937, Contributing (3) Garden, circa 1937, Contributing Site (4) Cottage, circa 1950, Contributing (5) Tenant House, circa 1900, (6) Tenant's Garage, circa 1900, Contributing (7) Owner's Garage, circa 1900, Contributing (8) Potting Shed, circa 1937, Contributing = Contributing (9) Greenhouse Ruins, circa 1939, Contributing Site (10) Greenhouse Ruins, circa 1939, Contributing Site (11) Greenhouse Ruins, circa 1939, Contributing Site (12) Smoke House (13) Chicken Coop (14) Equipment Shed (15) Slave Cabin Ruins, ca. 1930, moved 1930, Contributing Structure (16) Circular Turnaround, ca. 1930s, Contributing Structure (17) Artists Studio, circa 2001, Non -Contributing W. W Non -Contributing 21000 c a(Cp LN [LN %W r[I1 =o r .[orlcl[R i1AL 40 FEET NI ]IT FOm caaowrs r ILAL MTOM OF N29 u "1 ACCURACY s1 ANMNus COLOAADO W226 OR RESTON, VIRGINIA 22092. JRCES. CHARLOTTESVILLE. VIRGINIA M03 [LO SYMBOLS R AVAIRABLE ON REQUEST ROAD CLASSIFICATION 'L`O Primary nighnay. LlBRlduty road, hard a iyAen rRrd surfs[, improved fiurlace Secondary hf6hway, (lard surlp,e .,_ OmmprovedroBJ INer;Iate Node (, j U. S flour, C 1 Stale Rople L _B�DaM,�V p4plaHGl LJL.I YY1 Revisor[ drown or WIN, add.mWNnd mmmLld In cmceralmn xdn Commomrealo, al Vital— aaenata hdn anlal ili nl, ,lath IaMen 1984 and omer mur[n. Thn. information nil field [he[Eeo Wi, Prhl,d 1981 WAYNESBORO EAST, VA. 38078 AFT P024 1.73 PIIOTOREVISeU 1087 pNA 53e0III He SERIES 111.