The 1906 deed restriction of Annie H. Berkeley, who sold this lot to the original builders and stipulated that no house erected on this property would be located nearer Holbrook Avenue than the front of her ltalianate style dwelling next door at 150 Holbrook, set in motion a uniform setback that provides the gracious streetscape of the avenue. Mildred Conway, and her husband, L. B. Conway, Jr., constructed the 1907 symmetrical Four Square dwelling with dark red-brown brick and elegant Georgian Revival details reminiscent of America’s 18th Century forms of our Colonial past. Its Prairie-Style architecture reflects the building trends that were so popular in the early part of this century. 

The interior of the home focuses around the elegant central stairway leading to the second floor bedrooms. In 1922 when the Conways moved to Laurel Cliff Farm, the home was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Strathmore Owens, who lived on Holbrook Avenue for more than 25 years. Later the dwelling served as the parsonage for Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church until Mr. and Mrs. Fitzhugh Hiltzheimer bought the home in 1972. In a labor of love, they restored the home for their residence until it was sold to Bob and Mona Beecy in 1994. To get ready for the tour and share their home with our guests this holiday season, the Beecys have delved into restoration projects that otherwise would have taken a back seat to their already busy schedules which include numerous contributions to the civic life of Danville. Bob and Mona both work at Dan River, Inc. 

The Beecys are well-respected in the Old West End for their glorious facade and interior restoration of the old Isenhourfourplex at 132-138 Holbrook Avenue. The rich color scheme of the frame dwelling enhances the street and draws attention to the inviting front balconies and porches. Through the efforts and preservation inclinations of the Beecys and other property owners on Holbrook Avenue, this charming street is experiencing a renaissance of restoration and a new lease on life for the 21st century.