The Artwork of Katharine B. Pennebaker - Eastern Shore Public Library

The Artwork of Katharine B. Pennebaker - Chapter Two

The following group of pictures are also taken from the book entitled "Homes and Harbors of the Eastern Shore" by Katharine B. Pennebaker. The book was originally published in 1975 by the Eastern Shore News whose publisher, Bill Sterling, was gracious enough to allow us to display these drawings on our internet server. We are indebted to him for this kind permission.

These pictures portray many of the old homes and other sites located throughout these two counties of Virginia's Eastern Shore. They were drawn by Katharine Pennebaker, a local artist. Some of these old houses date back to the 1600's and 1700's and represent a style of architecture unique to the Eastern Shore.

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Ailworth House - Built originally in the late 1700's by Selby Dunton, this house has had many additions. The house now forms two sides of a square and sits on the corner of Back Street and County Road 605 in Accomac, the county seat.
Cessford - Located in Eastville in Northampton County, this home was requisitioned as the headquarters for Gen. Henry H. Lockwood of the occupying northern forces during the Civil War. It was built in 1815 and has been continuously lived in ever since. It has had no structural changes since it was built.
Chatham - This fine old house was constructed at two different times over a century apart, so the belief goes. It has an unusual treatment in that three courses of the brick were recessed. The half-inch gap was filled with plaster to enhance the outward appearance giving the illusion of a belt.
Deep Creek Harbor - The village of Deep Creek is widely known for its crab and oyster industries. It is located on the west side of the peninsula in Accomack County. The nearby waters are also called Deep Creek whose waters reach within five miles of waters that drain into the seaside on the east side of the Eastern Shore.
Drummond Place - This house is located on Back Street in Accomac on land that formerly was owned by the Drummond family. Samuel Walston bought three and one half acres of their property and built this fine structure in the first quarter of the 1800s. The house is known for its interior woodwork and its fine garden of old box bushes.
Holly Brook - This old home's main section was built around 1750 and the smaller sections were moved from another location and added to the main house. They were built before 1810. It is noteworthy for its unusual built-in corner cupboard in the parlor and its paneling of other first floor rooms. It is located about one and half miles north of Eastville in Northampton County.
Hopkins and Brothers Store - This old building is located at the west end of Onancock's main street on the Onancock Creek. It was used in the family mercantile and maritime business for over 125 years. Trading boats can tie up right to the wharf to unload into this sturdy building which is noted for its fine features consistent with a trading business.
Hungars Glebe - This quaint old house is of unknown age. Conflicting dates of 1643 and 1745 are attributed to this house. The word "quaint" is partially attributed to the fact that its eaves are two feet lower on one side of the house, that some of the interior walls are brick, that no two of its mantels are alike and that there is two feet difference between floor levels of some of its rooms.
Ingleside - This beautiful home is located on the south bank of Occahannock Creek in Northampton County. This creek is the boundary between the two counties in this area. It is thought to have been constructed around 1786
Kirwanton - The architecture of this handsome home is typical Eastern Shore of "Big house, little house, colonnade and kitchen". The original house burnt and it was rebuilt on the same foundation starting around 1800. It is located southwest of Eastville on Cherrystone Creek where it has sweeping view from all rooms of the narrow but long house.
Lochwood - Its style of architecture belies it modern construction. Although built in 1942, it follows the style of homes built at least a century earlier. In places the workmanship and materials lead one to believe that it settings, site placement and style are all reminiscent of days gone by.
Metomkin Farm - Located near Accomac, this is another example of "Big House, Little House and Wing"; so popular a style of architecture that is prevalent on the Eastern Shore. Its feeling of informal comfort is partly generated by its use of the olden approach to its fairly modern construction.
Mount Custis - This handsome home is located in east central Accomack County. Its many lines and changing perspectives characterize it. It was built in three phases each one a half century or more part. The wide lawn and large trees give an added charm to its stately appearance.
Mount Pleasant - It is a handsome frame house near Belle Haven on Occahannock Creek. It is another of the fairly modern houses designed and constructed in the early Eastern Shore style. It uses some old materials and techniques that add to the fascination one feels when approaching this fine home.
Oak Grove Plantation - This home has quite a history associated with the land going back to 1621 when the chief of the local Indians gave it to the Governor of Virginia. The home features excellent woodwork, hand carved mantels, old boxwood bushes and arching crape myrtle shrubbery. It is located north of Eastville in Northampton County.
Oatlands - This imposing structure is a long four-sectioned frame house situated near a branch of Onancock Creek in west central Accomack County. It was probably built in 1782 but some believe that the smaller part may be even older. The restoration effort was nicely performed.
Only - This house is not typical of Eastern Shore styles. It was built in 1843 by Henry A. Wise. He was the only person from the Eastern Shore ever to become Governor of Virginia. The first floor is partially below ground level but two full stories rise above it. Mrs. Wise's family was from Philadelphia where the designing architect is thought to be from.
Point Pleasant - A handsome Georgian brick building is located just off the inland waterway north of the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. It has a commanding view of the marshes, Magotha Bay and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. Large pines and magnolia trees are featured with a lily pond, camellias and boxwoods augment the gardens.
Seven Gables - This house like so many of the other fine homes in our feature is located on Back Street in Accomac, the county seat. This house was started in about 1786 with other additions made over the passage of time. Inside the house are noteworthy displays of a brick cooking fireplace, handsomely carved mantels and wainscoting in the parlor and dining room.
Sylvan Scene - This house is located near Machipungo. It was built by Hancock Dunton prior to 1814. It has suffered some minor damage from fire but has been restored using materials from other old buildings in the general area. The workmanship was instrumental in the restoration effort to bring it back to its former.
The Rectory - The Rectory of St. James Episcopal Church in Accomac was thought to be built about 1811. The all brick building has three sections to its early Eastern Shore style of architecture. It has a detached small frame building in the front yard that has seen use as doctor's office, a Union Army telegraph center and a study for the rector
Wachapreague - Wachapreague has always been known for its abundant fishing and hunting of waterfowl. Sportsmen from all over came to this little village to find their heart's desire. The old hotel in the background of this picture was destroyed by fire in the recent past but the reputation of this small town is intact.
Walston Place - This home is located just north of Accomac. It has had no structural changes or additions since it's construction in 1802. The interior woodwork follows the colonial style in many aspects. Vertical paneling, wainscoting, chair rails and old hardware are used throughout the house.
Westview - Westview is located in the town of Accomac and offers the same scenery for which it is named. Some of the old shrubbery is still in existence after over two centuries. Newer plants augment the tasteful décor of the grounds. Fine woodwork is visible throughout the interior.
Windingdale - This home is located on the banks of the Occohannock Creek near Belle Haven. The oldest portion of the house may have been constructed around 1722 but fell into disrepair and was replaced along its original lines. The large central portion of the house was constructed about 1820. The interior woodwork is especially distinguished by its intricate carvings of the mantel in the dining room.