More than 40 join first DHS program in 5 years, at Sloan House

Louise Sloan

More than 40 people came to downtown Davidson Sunday, Sept. 28, for a talk and tours of the historic Sloan House, a Queen Anne Victorian cottage at 230 South Main St. It was a great turnout for the Davidson Historical Society's first program since the coronavirus pandemic began five years ago.

Historical society vice president Rachel Workman began the program with a look back at the life of the inimitable Louise Sloan - and the well-preserved home she lived in for eight decades. The house was built around 1900 and has seen little change since then. The original woodwork, ceilings and floors all remain mostly intact. 

Rachel Workman

The tour included displays of Louise Sloan's dresses, which her family donated to the society. And we had some of her letters, including an exchange with a suitor, William Richardson of Raleigh, who proposed marriage. Alas, she rebuffed the offer, preferring to live her own life in Davidson. 

Many in the crowd brought their own memories of Louise: about how she would show up uninvited to weddings, the 18th century shotgun she kept next to the front door and how she thriftily collected sticks and trash around town for her fireplace. 

The house across from Davidson United Methodist Church is owned by the Town of Davidson. The town is in talks to sell it for use as a restaurant. 

Rachel has shared her remarks in a separate blog post, for those who missed the program. CLICK HERE>

People listened to Rachel Workman's talk about Louise Sloan and the house where she lived for about 60 years. (David Boraks/Davidson Historical Society)