About The Issue

Join in by signing this petition to convince the property owners of the Hiram Dooley House in Abingdon, Virginia to reconsider their decision to demolish this historic property and piece of local history. The slated demolition could occur any day as the property owners have received a demolition permit from the Town of Abingdon on January 13th, 2021. They (Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church) plan to construct a new outdoor picnic pavilion and will tear down the existing structure of the Hiram Dooley House to do so. Please help in signing this petition to attempt to save and give this historic structure a chance at restoration.

The Hiram Dooley House is a 172 year old structure that has stood the test of time and is one of the 30 oldest structures in Abingdon. The oldest and most visited tourist towns in the world do not continue to bring visitors to their locations by tearing down their most historic building one by one. More is at stake than the removal of a single historic structure; this includes the loss of cultural identity, the loss of Abingdon’s architectural aesthetic beauty and the absence of the importance of historical preservation as buildings like this one are demolished. 

Why save a historic house? Anyone who recognizes the value of preserving history should be concerned by this irreversible decision. The effects of abolishing historic structures like this directly impact local residents in Abingdon and beyond. With the removal of this structure the charm and beauty that lines the streets of Abingdon will be taken down, literally, brick by brick. We must work together to become community tradition caretakers to save our historic structures to ensure they are preserved for the future. 

The goal of signing this petition is to bring attention to the property owners that the general public is troubled by the demolition planning of the Hiram Dooley House. The desired outcome of this petition is that the property owners will see the response from the community and will be open to discussing alternative options for the Hiram Dooley House rather than demolition. This include being open to a collaboration with the town of Abingdon and the Historical Society of Washington County, VA. The property owners have until July 12th, 2021 to act on the demolition permit. They also have the ability to demolish the building at any time; the decision to keep the structure standing is ultimately in the hands of the property owners. One alternative options has been discussed to move the structure but the first step is to ensure that demolition will not take place, which you can help ensure by signing this petition! 

The destruction of any historic structure is heartbreaking, robs a community of its unique identity, and creates a space that looks the same as any place else. If we continue to destroy the historic buildings that make up the beauty of our towns, and others like it, who will come to visit? What will there be to see? Please help us in signing this petition to help save this historic structure; it will make a difference to the community of Abingdon, Virginia and will give this 172 year old structure a chance at restoration.

History of the Hiram Dooley House The house was built in 1849 by furniture-maker Hiram Dooley and acquired in 1856 by Dr. Edward McDonald Campbell. In 2008, Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church purchased the property from Irene Fraley. 

Quotes / Facebook Comments

“This is a house that needs to be preserved and loved,”...“It is my hope that the church will reconsider tearing down the house and look at other options...besides an obligation to church members, I hope they will feel the obligation to the community as a whole and the historic district as a part to save this important house.” - Rick Humphreys, Bristol Herald Courier Article 

“Don’t do that. Save your history. Don’t take Abingdon away Piece By piece, house By house. That building will not last as long as the one that stands now. And will have zero history.” - Nancy Bates, Facebook Comment

“This really hurts my heart..... i pretty much grew up in this house......my grandparents lived there for over 30 years, until the late 70's” - Tim Caudell, Facebook Comment

Articles

This Old House: Historic Abingdon home on Pecan Street slated for demolition, but historians appeal for preservation​

News Alert Update: Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church 

Actions You Can Take

- Sign this petition

- Call or send letters to the Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church
Phone number: (276) 628 - 3361 Address: 136 E Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210

-Call the Abingdon Planning Department to get this issue on the next Historic Preservation Review Board Meeting
Call (276) 628 - 3167 and ask to speak to the planning commission 

- Contact the Historical Society of Washington County, VA or join their Facebook group to stay up to date on the progress of this story 
https://www.hswcv.org/