Wilkinson County Court House, Alfred Zucker, Architect, 1902

Woodville’s considerable charms extend well beyond the square. Walk one block east on Bank Street to Church Street to find the essence of Southern-ness. Having lived in the rectory of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for many years myself, I can vouch for the authenticity of the street. Time does appear to have stopped, but in a good way. The rectory is a good example of a modest planter’s cottage ca. 1820. While there are no records of the construction of the house, it is said to have been standing before the church was built in 1823. A fire in 1964 resulted in the remodeling of the interior, but a couple of mantelpieces remain. The house has, regrettably,  been recently covered in vinyl siding (except for the front)- an unfortunate development.   Perhaps the siding can be removed one day.

St. Paul's Rectory, Woodville ca. 1820

Ambling down leafy Church Street we find the charming Carpenter Gothic St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church (ca. 1873), a well preserved example of the style.

St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church ca, 1873

Another block beyond is the impressive Oaklawn, now the home of attorney Holmes Surgeon and his wife who have taken great pains to restore the handsome two storied brick mansion.

Oaklawn, Woodville photo: John Vardaman

Just across the street is the Carnot Posey House, named for the Confederate general of the same name who lived there.  This house was similar in style to St. Paul’s Rectory.  I use the past tense because you can see the transmogrification it endured in the 1980s… The original porch was removed and replaced with hollow metal columns and a brick patio.  The interior millwork is noteworthy, though.  Sigh.

Tomorrow, we’ll explore Rosemont and a few other buildings outside the town.

Carnot Posey House- picture- Woodville website

Categories: Architectural Research, Churches, Cool Old Places, Courthouses, Historic Preservation, Woodville