The Mansion
The photo is from the 1980s. Built circa 1840, the mansion was located near the front of what is now the Seven Oaks subdivision, across from the pond. This was one of the most important historic homes in the Gooney Valley before it was destroyed by a fire on Christmas Day 1983. The original house was described in an architectural survey as:
“A fine ante-bellum plantation seat…..an exceptional example of country Greek Revival architecture of the mid nineteenth century, with simple lines enhanced by an elaborate and beautifully executed Doric portico.”
There are believed to have been slave quarters on the lower level.
Apparently, one of many fireplaces was the source of the 1983 fire. Firefighters fought the blaze in terrible weather, and had problems with equipment icing up. Bill Robinson is reputed to have told one of the firemen, “Looks like we need a fire truck on every corner.”
