1789 Historic Building in Winston-Salem, NC

This vintage photograph, attributed to Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures a significant structure located in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina. The building, dating back to 1789, was constructed by Abraham Loesch, a descendant of one of the area’s earliest settlers from Pennsylvania. The property served various roles, notably housing the single brethren of the Moravian Church from 1795 to 1800.

The image features intricate details of the interior, including andirons and fireplaces that reflect the craftsmanship of the time. Johnstons work contributes to the documentation of early American architecture, showcasing not just the structural elements but also the furnishings that characterized domestic life in the late 18th century.

This photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, underscoring its historical significance. It has been published in Thomas Tileston Waterman’s The Early Architecture of North Carolina, offering further context to its architectural importance.

KNOWOLs historic images connect the rich stories and imagery of our past. A statement in any room, each is printed on museum-quality paper using a restored version of the original.