Reuben Lovett House, Kempsville, VA, 1790 Photograph

This vintage photograph captures the Reuben Lovett House, a notable wooden structure located in Kempsville, Virginia Beach, part of Princess Anne County. Built in 1790, the house is an excellent example of early American architecture, featuring distinct gambrel roofs and prominent chimneys that reflect the building styles of its time.

Photographed by Frances Benjamin Johnston, a prominent figure in early 20th-century photography, this image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South. Johnstons work aimed to document significant architectural landmarks across the Southern United States, providing a visual record of the regions historical buildings.

The Reuben Lovett House represents the rich heritage of Virginias architectural history and serves as a valuable educational resource. This photograph not only highlights the craftsmanship of the late 18th century but also contributes to the understanding of Virginias cultural landscape. The image is dated to the time of Johnstons active documentation in the early 1900s.