Among the most sought-after building lots in the tobacco and textile prosperity which surged ahead in Danville despite the 1893 financial panic were those parcels along Holbrook and Sutherlin avenues subdivided in the late 1 880s from the former rear yard of the Sutherlin Mansion. According to city landbooks, the forty-foot lot, number 18, purchased at auction in 1894 by T.S. Williamson remained unimproved for almost a decade. In 1903 Williamson had this comfortable house at 130 Sutherlin Avenue constructed as an investment for $1,600. A member of an established Southside tobacco family, Thomas S. Williamson was also associated at the time with a printing firm on South Union Street, Boatwright Brothers Co., where he served as vice president. In fact, the first known occupant of this late-Queen-Anne-style dwelling, I. Overton Boatwright, worked with him at Boatwright Brothers, according to the 1908 Danville city directory. William P. Boatwright, Mr. Boatwright’s brother and business associate in the firm, lived three doors down at 142 Sutherlin Avenue. 

In 1912 Williamson disposed of the property altogether when he sold the house to Lula S. Koons, who lived here for about three years with her husband Dr. Harry E. Koons, a local physician. The house then was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. E. Walton Brown. Mr. Brown, an attorney with Withers, Brown & Leigh, resided here with his family until 1918, when the house was purchased by Rosa B. Bagby, the wife of 1. Lovelace Bagby. The Bagbys and their children lived here for some forty years, and during that time two generations, father and son, became associated with the old First National Bank, the predecessor of the local branch of NationsBank, which last year conveyed its Main Street facility to the W.R. Grace Company. Mr. Bagby survived his wife by about four years. After his death in 1961, his two sons sold the house to Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert S. Guinn who remained here little more than a year before selling the property to the trustees. of St. Peters Greek Orthodox Church as a home for their minister.

In 1975 Steven and Ella Weber purchased the house during the initial flush of restoration work on Sutherlin Avenue following the creation of the historic district in 1972. Mr. Weber’s expertise in his profession as a mechanic, combined with his and Mrs. Weber’s other skills began to transform the aging structure. Their efforts at restoration, especially evident to the passerby in a period exterior paint scheme, brick sidewalk, antique lighting and cast-iron fence, proved to be just the first of several by conscientious young couples, each of whom gradually improved the house and, in turn, the entire street. When the Webers moved to Forest Hills, the house was sold to another enthusiastic young professional couple, John and Lisa Vine in 1984. In 1987, after another brief transfer of ownership, the house was acquired by Fred and Vicki Meder. The Meders continued the work of their predecessors and Mr. Meder added his talents as a landscape designer to the grounds, especially in the rear yard.

Just over a year ago, the house was purchased by Parker and Sarah Perkins. The couple is enthusiastic about the structure, not only for its charm and live ability but also because, as their first house since being married in June of 1996, they are eager to make it a special, memorable place. Mr. Perkins, a stockbroker by profession, brought with him here reminders of his family’s roots in nearby South Boston, Virginia, including many hand-crafted items fashioned by his mother, who is a gifted artist. Also on display are mementos of his years in the Marines, including decorations for service in the Gulf War and as a Marine Aide at the White House. Mrs. Perkins too is no stranger to antique houses. Among the pictures decorating the upstairs is one of Bunker Hill Farm, a 90-acre family estate near Chevy Chase, Maryland, built in 181 7 by her great-great-great grandfather, William Henry Baldwin. Complementing a number of the couple’s prized family possessions are several English antiques, Victorian period pieces appropriate to their turn-of-the-century house, along with furnishings from Southside Virginia—all collected by the Perkins, in addition to watercolors and other original art which adorn the walls.