Mineral County Historical Foundation

Memories of the Past

Elizabeth (Dye) Walker has many fond memories of the Old Stone House, where she lived from 1913-1923.  From helping her mother with the daily chores to walking to school with her brother, Elizabeth’s memories of the house range from the sentimental to the comical.  Her happy memories of time spent there created the desire to see this historical property preserved, and her generosity has made the purchase and restoration possible.

 

In excerpts from a memoir dated May 19, 2005, Elizabeth Dye Walker records some of the history of the Stone House, which was built in 1810 and 1827.

 

“My brother, George Dye, has the sheepskin deed which was signed by James Monroe, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, deeding 50 acres of land to Stephen T. Terry dated October 31, 1797.  The Stone House was later built on this land.  George Russell Day (my grandfather) and Enoch Bales (his brother-in-law) bought it on June 26, 1870 … 373 acres.  For a number of years the Stone House was run as a stagecoach inn called Traveler’s Rest.  Then Granddad made the house into a home and farmed the property.  William Edgar Dye (Daddy) was born in this house December 28, 1872.  My two siblings, George and Rosalie, and I were also born in this home.”

Elizabeth (Dye) Walker. 

The keystone in the fireplace is from the Old Stone House.