Winston-Salem, NC Historic Building Photo (1789)

Frances Benjamin Johnston captured this vintage photograph of a significant building in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, originally constructed in 1789. The structure was built by Abraham Loesch, a descendant of one of the first settlers from Pennsylvania. Its early use included serving the single brethren of the Moravian Church between 1795 and 1800, reflecting the rich cultural history of the area.

The interior of the building showcases elements typical of its time, including a dining room with period mantels and rifles displayed as part of the decor. This image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, an initiative that documented the architectural heritage of the region.

This photograph not only highlights the craftsmanship of the era but also serves as a historical record of life in early North Carolina. It was published in Thomas Tileston Watermans The Early Architecture of North Carolina, which further emphasizes its significance in understanding the states architectural legacy.