Spooky Histories in Chapel Hill - Part 1

For the first installment in our series of Spooky Stories and Histories from Chapel Hill, I wanted to explore the Horace Williams House! One of our past clients has previously worked with Preservation Chapel Hill and connected me with Beth, who gave me a wonderful tour of the House. 

The Horace Williams House is the only historic Chapel Hill home still open to the public, courtesy of Preservation Chapel Hill. One of the “iconic features” of the Horace Williams home is the incredible beaded board ceiling. Look at the staining and detailing! 

Construction started in 1854 and was completed in 1855 and subsequently purchased by Benjamin Hedrick, professor of Analytical and Agricultural Chemistry at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.
Benjamin Hedrick subscribed to the school of thought that buildings without a traditional quadrilateral shape allowed for better flow of energy. He envisioned adding an octagonal structure to the home and hired John Berry to bring that vision to life. 

The octagonal room now serves as an art gallery in collaboration with local artists. The room’s central fireplace mantle is original to the home. This uniquely shaped room is a really neat space for art displays.
The home was renovated and changed hands a few times before landing in possession of Horace Williams, the last private owner, in 1897. Williams was the Chair of the Mental and Moral Sciences Department - what we would now refer to as the Philosophy department. Students and faculty adored and admired Horace Williams. There is speculation that some of Chapel Hill’s writers from Williams’ tenure conceptualized or even composed some of their works at the Horace Williams House - we like to imagine literary figureheads like Thomas Wolfe writing in this serene setting.
When Horace Williams died in 1940, he left his property to the University. His home served as a rental space for professors and their families until the condition of the home deteriorated. Preservation Chapel Hill stepped in and took over stewardship. 

In the study, the incredible beaded board ceiling continues in a different pattern. It is a magnificent sight in person!

Inside what is now set up as Horace Williams’ study, there is an even more beautiful beaded-board ceiling, original to the home. Horace’s portrait hangs above the mantle, watchful. 

Many touring the space report a sensation of paranormal energy although there isn’t a known spirit or dark story to tag along with those theories. A few years ago, Preservation Chapel Hill invited a North Carolina paranormal investigative team to the property to test for spiritual energy. They confirmed the presence of some spirits or entity, showing up in testing and imagery as orbs. 

Former residents have confirmed strange happenings within the home, according to one account. Colloquially, folks say that Horace Williams still inhabits the home. Perhaps he is insuring that the home is intact and still creating a space for those thought-provoking and reflective conversations. 

While I cannot report any paranormal activity or strange occurrences during my visit, I enjoyed learning the history of Horace Williams and his home. As the only historic home in Chapel Hill open to the public, it is a must-see in town. Who knows - maybe on an evening walk through the garden you may see Horace as he keeps a watchful eye on the property! 

If you are interested in visiting the Horace Williams House, reach out to Preservation Chapel Hill to schedule a tour. Tours are currently limited to reservation only due to Covid protocol and are predominantly available on weekdays as the House is booked as an event venue on many weekends. The home is a hallmark on many walking tours. Preservation Chapel Hill also provides resources for a free, self-guided tour of Chapel Hill’s historic homes. 

And, if you are interested in preservation, historic architecture, and hyperlocal history, consider joining Preservation Chapel Hill’s volunteer group to keep these spaces alive and well-maintained for generations to come! 

Thanks for joining me for this first part of our October series!

Until next time,

Mary 

Resources:

Special thanks to Preservation Chapel Hill for giving me a tour of the house and a delightful history! Also a huge shout out to our clients, Stephen and Sandra Rich, for their connection with Preservation Chapel Hill and for involving us in their network.

UNC articles featuring tales from the house and firsthand accounts of activity.