Historic home of one of Preston County’s most influential citizens.
History Behind the House
After their marriage in 1841 and an extensive wedding trip, James C. and Persis Hagans McGrew set up housekeeping in this painted brick home known within the family as “The Pines.”
The original 1840’s structure consists of the northern section of the present house, which is in Federalist style. After the Civil War, the McGrews added the large southern section which reflects an Italianate and Gothic Revival style. The McGrews lived here throughout their lives, raising their three children.
Today, it stands as a reminder of the tension filled days prior to and throughout the Civil War–a time when men like McGrew were called into service as representatives to the Virginia Convention, where secession from the Union was hotly debated. While McGrew was in Richmond, Mrs. McGrew was at home with their children and household, waiting and praying for his safe return. At various times throughout the War, any time that a Confederate force was near, the family knew that their home, as were others in Kingwood, was in great danger, for McGrew and other western county representatives had voted against secession and were branded as “traitors against the Commonwealth.” That the home survives at all is a symbol of the United States’ ability to prevail through rebellion, devastation, and reconciliation. It was accorded status on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
Thanks to a hand-drawn floor plan found in the archival collection of West Virginia University Library, we know today that the first floor of the House included a kitchen and extensive pantry, complete with china closet; a buttery, laundry boiler room, and separate bathtub room; a formal parlor, personal library for Mr. McGrew, and the couple’s own bedroom. An impressive staircase leads to the second floor where as many as eight bedrooms are found. In its day, a total of fourteen fireplaces warmed the home, and that warmth was retained by the double-brick interior and exterior walls which, even today, provide insulation against heat in the summer and cold in winter. McGrew was always intrigued by modernizing his home, so in his mid-1860’s renovation, he enclosed the family’s well to provide an indoor source of water and later saw that gas lighting systems, electricity, and telephone service were installed. Beautiful, original woodwork, fireplaces, mantles, and hearthstones are still present throughout the House.
The grounds surrounding the House are home to many unusual and rare trees and shrubs, many of which were imported by Mr. McGrew. Impressive, towering trees still survive, and three are candidates for West Virginia’s Champion Tree designation–a larch, a European beach, and a lilac, which is so old that it has outgrown is usual status as a shrub.
Following McGrew’s death in 1910, the property was sold to the Lantz family and subsequently, in 1917, to the Gibson family. They resided there until the 1950’s, happily raising their large family. Unfortunately, during the latter years of the Gibson ownership, the structure was converted into apartments. In the 1970’s, it was sold to the Schwab family, and after some remodeling, it served as the Senior Citizens’ Center. Then, in the late 1980’s, the Preston County Commission purchased the property; their ownership extends through today. The House was closed, and the Commission began plans to raze it in order to construct new office space.
However, in 1989, the City of Kingwood Tourism Committee discovered the historical significance of what was then casually known as the “Gibson property.” Local volunteers united to form the McGrew Society, later known as the legal, non-profit organization Society for Preservation of McGrew House, and in the early 1990’s, the Society entered into an agreement with the County Commission to restore and maintain the property and to offer educational and cultural programs there.
By that time, though, the House had sustained tremendous damage. Its floors were rotted, and windows broken; the roof had gaping holes; and the structure was overall unsound. But that did not deter the Preservation effort.
Through the years, grant monies, local sponsorships and donations, and funds raised by the Society have allowed the group to restore and renovate the House. As important as the money has been, thousands of hours from volunteers across Preston County have given the House new life for a new generation of West Virginians to enjoy and gain an appreciation for our State’s heritage and forefathers–men like James C. McGrew.
Schedule a Tour
The McGrew House is open for tours every third Sunday during Preston County History Days and every Saturday during the Preston County Famers Market. If you’re looking to tour outside of these times, just reach out to Susan or Rosemary at mcgrewsociety@yahoo.com! Tours are $3 and you’re guaranteed to leave connected to the roots of Preston County’s heritage!
Space Rental
If you’re looking for a place to host a dinner, party, meeting, or anything your heart desires, the McGrew house is the perfect place! Their expansive land, educational opportunities, and historical house make for a unique setting you’re guarenteed to love. Rentals are only $50 for two hours if you’re a non-profit and $75 for two hours if you aren’t, just reach out over email to begin scheduling your events mcgrewsociety@yahoo.com!
Gift Shoppe
Looking for Preston County memorabilia? Look no further than the McGrew House Gift Shoppe! From coins to books to postcards, there is no shortage of things to buy to remember your trip.
Yearly Events
The McGrew House hosts events every year to keep their community and visitors engaged with the area’s history. From having the Farmers Market held on their grounds and their Spring Pie Sale to WV Day and their Fall Flower Sale, just stop by to get involved! Find all of their events below as they’re scheduled or check our Events Calendar.
Arbor Walk
Established in 1841, the Historic James C. McGrew Arbor is home to 5 state champions plus rare exotic trees!
About the Walk
Outside of the endless history stored on the grounds, a unique honor has come to the grounds surrounding McGrew House. In the past year, the West Virginia Big Tree Program, maintained through the Division of Forestry, has identified four State Champion Trees and one other that is second in their species.
Types of Champion Trees: Bigleaf Magnolia (stands 26.7′ tall and has a circumference of 67.5″), Yellowwood, (stands 50.2′ tall and has a circumference of 80.4″), the European Larch (stands 87.1′ tall with a circumference of 151.4″); and the extremely rare Japanese Tigertail Spruce. These trees are identified by the blue ribbons attached to them throughout the walk. Lastly, the European Beech (stands 36.7′ tall and has a circumference of 146″).
Walk through the yard that holds endless history and learn about the different trees and shrubs as well as their origin.
Origin and History
All are within a short walk of each other and are near other distinctive species unusual to our climate. Particularly, the Ginkgo is a native to the Orient; the Norway Spruce and Maples from Europe; and and three other varieties of Magnolia—Saucer, Sweetbay and native Cucumber tree. All these and more are identified on a recently published map now available at McGrew House. Come see them for yourself, and you will agree with forestry expert, Turner Sharp, who said, “You have a treasure here–really!”
That the McGrew grounds have so many distinguished trees comes as no surprise to those who are familiar with James C. McGrew’s own life and wide-ranging interests. He amassed an impressive library and spent hours pondering works of literature, social-polity, philosophy, architecture, theology, and this particular interest–the grandest of nature’s trees. That both his home and the trees that he planted here still survive into yet another century is another part of his legacy.
