All of Sam's buildings were of a similar architectural style, an idiosyncratic "Colonial Revival combined with distinctive shingled towers and numerous dormers." One Hatterasman visited Ocracoke soon after Sam had finished most of his buildings and remarked that "Sam Jones has shingled Ocracoke!"
Mary Ruth Dickson is Sam's granddaughter. Her father, Charlie Jones, died recently, and Mary Ruth has been sharing her father's photo collection. The photo below was taken while Berkley Castle was still under construction.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a video of Philip Howard telling the story of the 1861 wreck of the Black Squall. You can watch it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032113.htm.
Wow ! Just a thought, this edifice reminds me of a Cape Cod structure? Now these buildings, constructed in remote areas, no Home depot down the road.... were these ordered from Sears and Roebuck? Many houses could be ordered and shipped to a location-- pre cut lumber and everything to build the house ... did any house to your knowledge evolve in this way? Well I am sure Sears and Roebuck could have had competion in the Residential house kit markets don't you think there fore could the house have ben built from a "kit"
ReplyDeleteSam Jones never built anything from a kit. As I wrote in the article referenced in this post, "There is no evidence that Sam ever employed the services of an architect. Nor did he have blueprints. More often than not he would simply stand on the property with his work crew and tell them what he wanted. Sometimes he would make sketches on the back of an envelope, or draw designs in the sand."
DeleteKudos on such an engrossing newsletter about Sam Jones. Sounds as if you knew him pretty well. Love his quote --"Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits."
ReplyDeletePhilip,
ReplyDeleteJack would like to know what happened to the house that sat on the grounds of the Berkley Manor?
The penultimate owners tore it down. Fortunately, the current owners acquired the Manor before it was too late to restore it.
DeleteWhen I did a higher resolution scan of the picture I could make out the lettering above the front door. It read Samjo Manor (similar to the name Sajo Farm he gave his farm in Norfolk/Va Beach). Do you know who or when they came up with the Castle name?
ReplyDeleteI never before saw or heard of the name "Samjo Manor." And I don't know when Sam decided to call this building Berkley Castle. But, as you know, this is the "Castle" and not the "Manor." If I ever get an answer to your question I will let you know.
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