In the early
1900s West Probart Street was one of the most desirable streets to live on in
Brevard.  The residential area stretches
for a little over half a mile beginning at Caldwell Street.  It is convenient to downtown and was near the
railroad depot in the days when many people arrived by train.  The street is lined with large homes, most of
which were built in the first quarter of the 20^th century. 

This early photograph of the Red House  was taken before Probart Street was paved.

Located about a
quarter of a mile from Caldwell at the intersection of W. Probart St. and Depot
St. is the Red House Inn.  Originally
constructed around 1851 as a general store, the Act Supplemental to the Laying Off and Establishing the County of
Transylvania states that the county seat “shall be called Brevard, and
shall be located within five miles of W.P. Poor’s store.”  The store was owned by Leander S. Gash, with
Poor as the storekeeper.

An 1868 map of
Brevard identifies the street as Poor Street. 
The name was changed to Probart to portray a more affluent neighborhood. 

West side of the Red House.

Through
the years the Red House has served as a family home, a boarding house, and for
a short time as the Brevard Institute School.  According to Martha Gash Boswell, “In
1912 the house was completely rebuilt and the (Gash) family returned to occupy
one of its duplex apartments.  Of the old
home nothing except the setting was now recognizable.”  Since the mid-1980 the Red House
has operated a Bed & Breakfast.

Red House, 1991.

Today the
tree-lined street remains a popular family neighborhood.  It has one of the largest groups of architecturally
and historically significant homes in Brevard. 
Several of the large and stylish houses were constructed by R. P.
Kilpatrick, a prolific local builder, and at least two were designed by
prominent Asheville architect Richard Sharp Smith.  Most have been well maintained and preserved
through the years.  The homes on the
north side of the street for the first three blocks have expansive views to the
north from their back yards.

Over the next
few weeks, Picturing the Past will
take a look at the homes of West Probart Street.

Photographs and information for this column are
provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County
Library.  Visit the NC Room during
regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see
additional photographs.  For more
information, comments or suggestions contact Marcy at [email protected] or 828-884-3151 X242.