Historical Houses of Bramwell,

This beautiful Victorian Era "Philip" Goodwill House that overlooks the town of Bramwell reflects architecture found in Bramwell's historical homes. The Goodwill House was built in 1895. Phoebe and Philip Goodwill built this historic mansion that overlooks the Bluestone River. They played an important role in making Bramwell the booming business capitol of the coalfields. This house features a large 3rd floor ballroom. It has 17 rooms and is comprised of 6500 square feet. Local residents now refer to this historic house as the "Blue Lady". Bramwell's Goodwill Home features HW floors, soaring ceilings, unique woodwork design & trim, (3) fireplaces, spacious bedrooms, butler's pantry, pocket doors, call buttons and wrap around porch. The third floor has a ballroom and tower and includes 3 additional BR's and bath. This is a view of the Historic "Philip and Phoebe Goodwill" House with the "Thomas" House in the background.

PHILIP & PHOEBE GOODWILL HOUSE HISTORY

BRAMWELL HONORS PIONEER - PHOEBE GOODWILL

The Historic Perry House B & B is located on Main Street in Historic Bramwell and was built in 1902 by the Bramwell Bank's first cashier, J.B. Perry. It was occupied by the some of the Perry family members until 1982. The home was operated as a B & B dring the late 1990s and for several years after. It featured guest rooms furnished in the deep south tradition. Having stayed there this editor rated this B & B "Five Star". It was outstanding in hospitality and service. It was a must stay for those who cherished the memories offerred by B & Bs. The present owners and operators of the Perry house, Jim and Joyce Bishop were magnificant hosts.

View looking across the Bluestone River from the Town of Bramwell. The "Virginia Davis" House is on the left of the picture. The Historic "Thomas" House is visible on the hill to the right in this picture. (3/26/99). Photo : W. Petty - 1999

The "former" River’s Bend Bed & Breakfast was originally the home of Jairus Collins, a coal baron who owned 6 mines. This house is a brick and frame vernacular style home located on South River Street in Bramwell, West Virginia. This house was built in 1911 with another Jairus Collins historic house is located on Bramwell's Brick Street. It was built in 1903.

BRAMWELL'S OLDEST HOUSE: According to relialble present sources the H.V.McNeer House ..is the oldest home in Bramwell. He bought it from the Bluestone Land Corp in 1889 for $1400.00, when lots were only selling for $300.00. The McGuffin home was not built in 1885 as previously reported. The center lot was not accuired until November 1887 for $300.00. It is doubted that the home was completed until 1890. The written source is the mercer county court records. Thus, these recently noted court records show that the Historic Dr. R. M. McGuffin House was incorrectly reported to be the oldest frame house in Bramwell. Some less reliable writings have reported it to be the oldest house on Bramwell.s Main Street. This house boasted the first indoor plumbing in town and had a free standing shower. It even had a windmill to help supply water, and there was a speaking tube from the front door to the bedroom.

H.V. McNeer is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery. He was in his 50s when he died. He died not long after 1900. On January 30, 1899 he sold the house to his daughter, Nannie for $1.00. She sold it to Dr. Tanner on July 3, 1920. Dr. Tanner sold it to Dr. Little on Nov 15, 1924. Dr. Little sold it to my William Joe Miller's Grandmother Bess on March 9, 1946. (Information from Joe Miller of Bramwell. Joe now lives in the Historic McNeer house.)

Futher research indicates that Dr. H. V. McNeer's wife was Nannie M. Garver McNeer (1867 - 1939). She is burried in the Green Hill Cemetery, Frederick County, VA. Information from the Virginia Cemetery project gives a photograph of:

Mrs. McNeer's Tombstone ...........................