West Probart Was Residential focus in 1900s

In the early 1900s West Probart Street was one of the most desirable streets to live on in Brevard.  The residential area stretches for a little over half a mile beginning at Caldwell Street.  It is convenient to downtown and was near the railroad depot in the days when many people arrived by train.  The street is lined with large homes, most of which were built in the first quarter of the 20^th century. 

This early photograph of the Red House
 was taken before Probart Street was paved.

Located about a quarter of a mile from Caldwell at the intersection of W. Probart St. and Depot St. is the Red House Inn.  Originally constructed around 1851 as a general store, the Act Supplemental to the Laying Off and Establishing the County of Transylvania states that the county seat “shall be called Brevard, and shall be located within five miles of W.P. Poor’s store.”  The store was owned by Leander S. Gash, with Poor as the storekeeper.

An 1868 map of Brevard identifies the street as Poor Street.  The name was changed to Probart to portray a more affluent neighborhood. 

West side of the Red House.

Through the years the Red House has served as a family home, a boarding house, and for a short time as the Brevard Institute School.  According to Martha Gash Boswell, "In 1912 the house was completely rebuilt and the (Gash) family returned to occupy one of its duplex apartments.  Of the old home nothing except the setting was now recognizable."  Since the mid-1980 the Red House has operated a Bed & Breakfast.

Red House, 1991.

Today the tree-lined street remains a popular family neighborhood.  It has one of the largest groups of architecturally and historically significant homes in Brevard.  Several of the large and stylish houses were constructed by R. P. Kilpatrick, a prolific local builder, and at least two were designed by prominent Asheville architect Richard Sharp Smith.  Most have been well maintained and preserved through the years.  The homes on the north side of the street for the first three blocks have expansive views to the north from their back yards.

Over the next few weeks, Picturing the Past will take a look at the homes of West Probart Street.

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library.  Visit the NC Room during regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see additional photographs.  For more information, comments or suggestions contact Marcy at marcy.thompson@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-3151 X242.