A Night at Doc Holladay’s House
www.holladayhousebandb.com
On Saturday, after we finished with our meeting at Belle Grove, we traveled to Orange, Virginia to stay the night at one of the wonderful bed and breakfast inns. This time we selected to stay at the Holiday House Inn on Caroline Street.
One of the earliest known photographs of West Main Street in Orange, VA (circa 1895), includes the Holladay House.
The land that the Holladay House Inn now stands on was part of an 18th century farm owned by William Bell. This property, which includes much of the modern day Town of Orange, was purchased in 1799 by Paul Verdier. It was Paul Verdier who would divide the farm into town lots. This layout still survives largely intact today.
The Federal style brick structure that is now Holladay House Bed and Breakfast was constructed in the early 1830’s and was the home of Hugh Stephens. In 1834, Stephens sold the property to a local merchant named Mann A. Page and his wife, Mary C. Willis Page. Mary Champe Willis Page was a descendant of the Washington Family. Her Great Grandmother was Mildred Washington, daughter of Captain Lawrence Washington and Mildred Warner Washington. Her Great Grandmother Mildred Washington’s brother, Captain Lawrence A. Washington was Grandfather of George Washington. One note on Mary Willis Page’s Great Great Grandfather Lawrence Washington: Lawrence was born within nine miles of Belle Grove Plantation and was a childhood friend of William Strother of Millbank and Mary Thornton of Belle Grove Plantation.
By the late 1830s, due to severe financial and legal difficulties, Page’s father-in-law, William Champe Willis and brothers-in-law Robert T. Willis and Richard H. Willis acquired the house. The home was put into a trust for the Page children. It would later be purchased by John Madison Chapman in 1849. John M. Chapman was the grandson of William Madison, brother of James Madison. John was a lawyer and would operate his practice from this house.
During the Civil War, John Chapman would support the Confederate cause. He was a slave holder with at least two enslaved people residing with them in 1860. These slaves were more than likely personal attendants to the family. In August of 1862, the war would come to their door step. A battle between the Seventh Virginia Cavalry and the First Vermont Cavalry would leave 20 to 50 men and a dozen or more horses from both sides dead on Main Street and throughout the town. In 1863, Robert E. Lee would march his army from Gettysburg to defend positions in Orange County. It was during this winter that Emma, John’s daughter would marry Robert Boykin at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. This was the same church where Robert E. Lee would worship during his stay. This church is still standing today. As an officer in Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, Robert Boykin would have Major General JEB Stuart, Major General R.E. Rhodes, Brigadier General R.H. Chilton and Brigadier General E.A. Perry attend the reception.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
In 1869 Chapman would become a presiding justice of Orange County and from 1874 until his death in 1879, would serve as Mayor of the Town of Orange. When President Rutherford B. Hayes visited Orange, Chapman was part of the committee that greeted him. By 1876, Chapman was deeply in debt. Alfred Thompson, part owner of the mercantile firm of Thompson and Snead filed a chancery suite against Chapman. This suit would continue through the courts even after Chapman’s death in 1879 and Thompson’s death in 1883. It was finally completed in 1896, 20 years after it had been filed. Chapman’s wife Susan would have to sell all of her property which included this house.
In 1883, John McDonald would purchase the Chapman home and gave the title to his wife, Elizabeth. In 1896, Elizabeth sold a portion of the land to the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The home would remain in the McDonald family until 1899 when Dr. Lewis Holladay purchased the property.
-
Dr. Lewis Holladay
Dr. Lewis Holladay was a local physician and would run his practice in Orange until his death in 1946. Dr. Holladay was educated in Hampden-Sydney College and the University of Virginia. He was dean of Physicians for Orange County throughout his medical career. In 1911, he was appointed a member of the State Board of Medical Examiners and would serve as Orange County Coroner and company surgeon for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. He would also serve as Director of the National Bank of Orange and ruling elder of the Orange Presbyterian Church.
-
Dr. Lewis and Sally Holladay
In 1892 Dr. Holladay would marry Sally Helen Price and the couple would welcome this first daughter in 1898. After Dr. Holladay purchased this brick home, he would make several additions to the building in 1910 and 1917. In the 1920s and 1930s, Dr. Holladay would construct a small schoolhouse and second home on the property. The schoolhouse no longer stands. Dr. Holladay’s daughter, Louise Holladay would teach local children in this one room private schoolhouse.
-
Holladay House Inn
Oak Room
Dr. Lewis and his wife would have six children. Their oldest, Louise would never marry and would live in what is now the “Oak Room” for many years. This is the room Brett and I stayed in while we were at Holladay House Inn. Louise would remain at the house all her life and would care for Dr. Holladay after the death of her mother.
Aubry Holladay (circa 1934) in her wedding gown
As a prominent physician, Dr. Holladay knew the DuPont family of Montpelier well. He and his family would attend the DuPont’s steeplechase races, which can still been seen at Montpelier during their annual Montpelier Hunt Races in November. This Hunt Race is still one of the most popular equestrian events in Virginia with some of the oldest continually used steeplechase hedge rows in the country.
Dr. Holladay would administer physical examinations for the Selective Service System during World War I and World War II. He would also attend to wounded heroes as they recovered in the convalescing hospital that the DuPont’s operated out of Montpelier. This hospital still stands at Montpelier and houses the students and archaeologists who work and study at Montpelier.
After his death, Louise and Lewis Jr would receive the main house. Louise would continue to live there and would sometimes rent spaces to boarders and local businesses. In 1984, Louise gave her interest to her brother Lewis Jr. This house would pass from his wife, Mildred to their son, Lewis “Pete” Holladay. In 1988 Pete Holladay and his wife Phebe would renovate the property and establish the Holladay House Bed and Breakfast. Holladay House would become well known for its wonderful hospitality and Pete’s award winning apple muffins. After 101 years of family ownership, the Holladay House would pass from their ownership in the year 2000.
In September 2006, Samuel and Sharon Elswick purchased the Holladay House and continue to keep Holladay House legacy alive and well.
When we visited, Sam and Sharon were not at home, but on a much needed break. We were warmly greeted by Sam’s father, Darnell (yes that is his first name) and his wife Kathy. Darnell showed us around and give us a little of the history of the house. He also called Elmwood at the Sparks Restaurant to make dinner reservations for us. More to come on that visit!
Blueberry Bake
After a wonderful and restful night, we were served one of the most wonderful breakfasts we have had in our bed and breakfast travels. We started with a Blueberry Bake made with fresh blueberries. It was warm and sweet and oh so tasty! Brett also enjoyed a cup of Orange County Roasters coffee. This coffee blend was special made just for the Holladay House Inn by Orange County Roasters. I think we are going to have to pay a visit to them for a special blend for Belle Grove!
Breakfast at the Holladay House Inn
Main Course
Quiche
Our main course was a light and tasty Crustless Quiche, large and juicy Grapes and thick sliced bread with heavenly homemade Apple Butter. This wonderful meal stuck with us for many hours after we left for the day!
Main Hallway
Inside Front Door
Marble Fireplace
Parlor
Dining Room
Blue Room
On our way out the door, we sat down and enjoyed a chat with Darnell and Kathy. Talking about our different families and how we each came to meet and marry our spouses was so much fun. It was as if we had known them for years! We truly felt at home with them and the Holladay House Inn. Darnell let us know that Sam and Sharon would be briefly closes the doors of the Inn soon so they can complete some repairs on the home. But rest assured that they will be open again soon. Once they do, I know we will be excited to return and enjoy the Southern hospitality that has been a part of Holladay House for generations.
Some of the latter photos (dining room, fireplace and door) look identical to an old historic house my sister owned in Windsor, N.S. a few years back. Great shots.
Thank you! It was a wonderful historic home.
If you have any photos of some of the architectural elements, I’d love to see them! I’m in the process of researching our home’s architecture, and am comparing some of the features to other historic homes. In particular, I’m interested in mantels, doors, woodwork, windows, and stairs. If you want to see more photos of the Holladay House, please visit our website (holladayhousebandb.com), or send me an email request!
We have several we would love to share with you! I will send you an email. If during your break you would like to come and see the plantation, we would be happy to show you!
This Was An EXCELLENT Piece, You Guys! I Loved It! 😀
-B.
Thank you! We enjoyed the stay and the play on the name 😉
Beautiful photos and great write-up! Such rich history. I appreciate the time you put into the compilation. 🙂
Thank you! We enjoy visiting these historic homes and writing about it.
Lovely B & B. And the food looks yummy. Definitely need a Belle Grove Blend for you coffee!
Thank you! I think so too. I am not a coffee drinker so I guess we will have to get Brett all wired up trying out blends!
It would have to be Blueberry Bake for me! That does it. I’m gonna find a way to stay there! Thanks for sharing! http://ohtheplaceswesee.com
I have to say if I could get seconds on it I would! Yes, you must try and stay if you can! Thank you!
We will also do the bake with other fruits or berries when they are in season. One year we picked a basket full of plums from a friend’s plum tree–it was delicious! We’ve also used Orange County blackberries and raspberries. This year, we planted a few blackberry bushes out back. The squirrels and birds got most of ’em, but next year there should be more to go around! We also have some new elderberry bushes, and our own blueberries that should do very nicely in 2013! I once asked a friend what his favorite season is. He responded matter-of-factly: “berry season.” So, we’re trying to oblige. 🙂
Yum!
beautiful photos and great story!
Thank you! It was really good!
I was thinking about Doc Holliday, the Dentist of Dodge City and gunfighter of the O.K. Corral in Tombstone. However, I really like the history behind this Doc Holladay.
That is what I was hoping everyone would think… kind of a catching title I thought. But sadly, that Doc Holliday wasn’t from Virginia. Thank you!
Yes, that Doc Holliday is probably the more famous of the two. 🙂 He was born in Georgia, but the Holladay name is a prominent name in Virginia, and they have over 150 years of history in professional occupations, such as doctors and teachers. Who knows, they may have been distantly related–the name has been spelled (and mis-spelled) numerous different ways over the last few hundred years, and in the 17th century, the Lewis Holladay ascendents spelled it like the famous Georgia dentist and gunfighter did.
As and aside, Dr. Holladay of Orange, VA was originally from Rapidan, a small town nearby. His grandfather (also a doctor named Lewis) actually treated soldiers during the Civil War (federal and confederate) when they were encamped on and around his farm. I am going to write an article on that and post it to our history page (HolladayHouseBandB.com/about.html) sometime in the next month or two.
Thank you for the additional history!
You are a wonder at reaching back in time to reveal the storied past of homes in Virginia. Love reading your historical posts. I am in awe of your research….and still having a regular life. How do you do it?
Leslie
Well Leslie, I have to say my life just isn’t regular I guess. I try to make the most of what I see and hear. And I just love sharing my passion with all of you! It has been such a great blessing! Thank you!
I have not heard the connection to the Washington family before. Very interesting!
I have done some research into the Washington family because they are so close to us at Belle Grove. We do know that George Washington and his Great Grandfather both visited our plantation many times.
The oak room is gorgeous!
It really was! I think we had the best room in the house! 😉
Thank you! It’s actually one of most popular room, although the Blue Room is probably Sharon’s favorite. 🙂
I know we loved it!
What a beautiful home! And their hospitality sounds incredible.
It really was wonderful! And you can’t beat the service!!
Thank you! After nearly 7 years being innkeepers, we can’t imagine doing anything else. We love making people happy!
Here is a poem I wrote aout the good Doc. It will work itself into a future book.
The Mercies of Doc Holliday
I seen him once, when I was no taller
than a cactus stub – musta been
eight or so. Saw Mr. Holliday sliding
toward that gunfight he’s still
talked about for. And I say sliding,
cause that’s what he did. Yeah, he
was walking, but he slid all the same –
like a ghost that new death couldn’t
snatch it cause it was already snatched.
His eyes told me that he knew everything:
all the words in books, when the rains would come,
the perfect time to pull a trigger, and who deserved
to catch the bullet that trigger be pushing.
Mr. Earp didn’t slide like that. He didn’t look
so smart neither. I reckon Mr. Holliday was in charge.
I was standing in the street, dust devils sprouting
here and there. When he got close, Mr. Holliday
kneeled down by me and smiled. His face was
white like death and he coughed a time or two –
coughed some blood up on me.
He told me to duck my head somewhere safe
for a spell. He was thinking trouble was about to howl
and sure enough it did. When it was over,
Mr. Holliday was still sliding.
S. Thomas Summers
Author of Private Hercules McGraw: Poems of the American Civl War
Wow that was really good! It sounds like you were really there! Thank you for sharing!
You bet.
S. Thomas Summers
Pushcart Nominated Author of Private Hercules McGraw: Poems of the American Civil War
Greetings from the Holladay House Bed and Breakfast! Thank you for the delightful post about our home and our bed and breakfast! We love the Town of Orange and the rich history tucked within it. I am a historian and archaeologist by education, so living in a place like the Holladay House, so close to other historic sites (such as James Madison’s Montpelier), is a dream come true. If history and architecture interest you, or if you just want to see more photos of the house, please visit our website’s History page: http://HolladayHouseBandB.com/about.html.
Also, my parents (Cathe and Darnell) thoroughly enjoyed chatting with you during your visit! If you, or any of your readers, ever need a break from the bustle of daily life, please stop in and say hi!
Thank you so much! We really loved visiting your home! We highly recommend any of our readers to stop by!
Enjoyed the article and the photos. When I first read its title, I thought you were talking about the infamous dentist turned gunfighter and gambler, Dr. John Holladay. I know he was from Georgia, though, so your title aroused my curiosity as I wanted to know which Holladay you were writing about. Ha! Great piece!
Thank you! I knew it would draw attention. But I have to say that I really would love to see Tombstone someday. I have done quite a bit of reading on Doc Holliday and the Earps. Maybe one day. But we really did enjoy learning about this Doc Holladay. What a wonderful man he must have been. He did so much for so many.
I also would like to see Tombstone. Ever since I read the biographies of Cochise and Geronimo when I was in junior high school, I’ve had an interest in the Apache tribes and the region of Arizona. Doc Holladay and the Earp brothers also fascinate me. I think Wyatt Earp died in Alaska, didn’t he?
No he died in Los Angeles California in 1829 from a form of prostate cancer. I haven’t read a lot about the tribes in the area. I bet that are good read though!
The Apaches are fascinating!
Tanks for the clarification on Wyatt. I do believe he spent a brief time in Alaska during the Alaskan Gold Rush at the turn of the century. I guess that’s why I assumed he died in Alaska.
Yes he did. You were right there. I will have to do some reading soon on the Apaches. Do you have a good read on them?
ONCE THEY MOVED LIKE THE WIND, by David Roberts, is an excellent book which I highly recommend.
I will see if we can’t get it and add it to the library at Belle Grove! Thank you!
You’re welcome!
ONCE THEY MOVED LIKE THE WIND, by David Roberts, is a book I highly recommend.
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot.
I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.
Thank you! We hope you will have a chance to visit lots of the great Virginia Historic Homes!