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Kinston: |
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Kinston remembers its greatest Mason but loses its treasures
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History is a special word in Kinston. That town never forgets its hero of heroes, Richard Caswell. Twice it has generated monuments in his memory.
But both those monuments became victims of time and the community has little to show of them. In fact, there is only one house of historical significance still standing in Kinston.
It is Harmony Hall.
Built in 1772 by Jesse Cobb and his wife Elizabeth Herritage Cobb, it has resiliently stood through the centuries to be a residence of eminent historic Lenoir County figures.
It housed offices of James Glasgow, NC Secretary of State, until 1781. The state Board of War meetings were held there.
Most important fact about Harmony Hall, though, is that it was owned by Richard Caswell during the Revolutionary period. It was remodeled around 1790, remodeled again in 1835 and restored in 1984.
Today it features a large reception room called The Great Room at the center of the first floor with fireplaces at each end. That room of today represents the actual extent of the original dwelling of 1772. Additions include the ladies parlor, dining room, kitchen and study. Upstairs are a children’s room, master bedroom and a doll-filled museum room.
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Produced by the public relations committee of the Grand Lodge AF&AM of Masons in North Carolina,
2921 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27628 MMVIII
Author/editor: Walter J. Klein wklein(at)carolina.rr.com
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