Spiral Staircase in Warrenton, NC - 1941 Vintage Photo

This vintage photograph features a notable architectural element from Warrenton, North Carolina, specifically highlighting the spiral staircase built by Billie Williams. The staircase is part of a residence that was historically home to Mrs. Mary K. Williams, the widow of Joseph John Williams III, who was a nephew of the builder. This image is a testament to the craftsmanship and design of early 20th-century southern architecture.

The house underwent significant restoration work by Thomas T. Waterman, with the interiors carefully restored at Winterthur. This photograph was part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, an initiative aimed at documenting the architectural heritage of the southern United States. The image was published in Thomas Tileston Waterman’s 1941 work, The Early Architecture of North Carolina, further emphasizing its historical significance.

Photographed by Frances Benjamin Johnston, a prominent figure in early American photography, this image captures the elegance of a bygone era. 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.