AN OLD BEAUTY - a photo on Flickriver

AN OLD BEAUTY

            The Hoffman-Riddick House, ca. 1889, was built by wealthy merchant, Max Hoffman, who immigrated from Germany just 14 years after the end of the Civil War. 

When I remember to do so, I scrounge around searching for a few details on the background of the old buildings or locations that I am shooting. When my curiosity is aroused sufficiently, most often I ask the simple one-word question: “Why?”  

This beauty, known as The Hoffman-Riddick House, ca. 1889, was built by wealthy merchant, Max Hoffman, who immigrated from Germany shortly following the end of the Civil War. 

My one-word question: “Why?” I mean, Why build this beauty here? Why Scotland Neck? There is nothing happening here now and there was nothing happening back then.

That simple question expands quickly into many others.

- Why did Max Hoffman choose to leave his native country, settle in the ‘middle of nowhere,’ establish his business, and build this magnificent house in Scotland Neck? 

- The Civil War left its economic scars on North Carolina and there was no money to be found to build anything anywhere let alone a beautiful mansion. Why spend money here? In Scotland Neck?

- Mind you, in 1890, Scotland Neck had a population of fewer than 800 people, most of whom presumably were kids. To this date the largest population occurred in 1960 when it rose to only 2974. 

- And, why did Max Hoffman choose a Victorian style? Who was ever going to see this memorable mansion. North Carolina owes Max Hoffman a debt of gratitude as this home has been cited for having some of ‘the best’ Victorian details for its time in this state.

This elegant dowager has aged rather well but, sad to say, it is obvious that she needs a friend.

SCOTLAND NECK NC:

Taken in: United States / North Carolina / Scotland Neck (show map)

Taken on: May 20, 2017

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MANSION

HOME

HOUSE

SCOTLAND NECK

TREES

RESIDENTIAL

CLOUDS

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Sets appears in: • Automatically Generated Set • STREET more » • COLOR • HOME, DOMICILE, PLACES TO LIVE • CITY • HISTORIC • DOWNTOWN « less

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Camera: Sony ILCE-7RM2, f/7.1, 0.002 sec (1/640) sec (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Sony ILCE-7RM2
Aperture:	f/7.1
Exposure Time:	0.002 sec (1/640)
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