Olde Towne in Portsmouth, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Elks Lodge

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, June 22, 2015

1. Elks Lodge Marker

Inscription. This Romanesque Revival dwelling was constructed for Laura C. Armistead and her family in 1894 by her father Beverly A. Armistead, president of the Bank of Portsmouth. Identifying features of this architectural style are the round arches over thick, cavernous entryways and window openings, as well as the round towers.

In the 20th century, the home was converted to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 82. In more recent times, the house has become known locally as Dr. Madblood's Castle, the imaginary home of a local television personality and host of The Friday Night Frights.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1894.

Location. 36° 50.296′ N, 76° 18.056′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, Virginia. It is in Olde Towne. It can be reached from the intersection of Court Street and North Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Portsmouth VA 23704, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads,

specifically in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gaskins Silversmith Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Pre-Fabricated Houses (within shouting distance of this marker); Watts House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Yellow Fever of 1855 (about 400 feet

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away); Glasgow Street Park (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Glasgow Street Park (about 400 feet away); Capt. James Hamilton (about 500 feet away); William Porter (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portsmouth.

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, June 22, 2015

2. Elks Lodge Marker

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, October 18, 2025

3. Elks Lodge

This is the building described on the marker. Built between 1894-98 for the Armisteads, it became the first US Navy Nursing School in 1917. It was the Elks Lodge from 1933 until the 1970s when it was converted to apartments. It was used as Dr. Madblood's Castle in the 1960s TV show Friday Night Frights and is still called Madblood's Castle locally.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2015, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 749 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 26, 2015, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on February 9, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia.