Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Booth House
"Bricklea"
— circa 1847 —
When built this middle class property comprised 1/4 of the present city block and contained enough pasture for one COW. House had no indoor toilets in 1847.
The lowest level--"the carriage level"--has a fireplaced kitchen. All cooking was done in the huge FIREPLACE. There was no kitchen stove. Also on the "carriage level" is a fireplaced utility room and quarters for the TWO SLAVES who were purchased at public auction within this block on Charles St.
House was designed with 4 EXTERIOR DOORS. The 2 doors on the lowest level, one on the north side and one on the south side, allowed for summer cooling by cross ventilation. On the upper level, where the owners lived, there are also two exterior doors reserved for the owners and gentry.
Thanks to Mrs. Kathryn Booth for her love for this historic property. Through her determination she has restored the 4th EXTERIOR DOOR (to your lower right) whose stairs originally went directly to this street--Charles St. When the city put in sidewalks and lifestyles changed and full time help was not required to run this house, the original lower door to your right was bricked up and a window was put in its place.
To your left on Amelia Street is where the steps to the main entrance used to begin. When the present double symmetrical steps were put in to allow for sidewalk construction, a town official stopped by to ask the lady owner if she had obtained "town permission" for changing her front steps. Whereupon she made her famous reply, "You go home and take care of your front steps and I'll take care of mine."
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.
Location. 38° 18.23′ N, 77° 27.732′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker is at the intersection of Charles Street and Amelia Street, on the right when traveling north on Charles Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 306 Amelia Street, Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bridgewater Mills (within shouting distance of this marker); 1824 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1834 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1817 (within shouting distance of this marker); Fredericksburg Baptist Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hostages (about 300 feet away); 1807 (about 300 feet away); 1877 (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2014, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 924 times since then and 25 times this year. Last updated on October 2, 2023, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 24, 2014, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.