Darlington’s historic Home-on-the-Hill is receiving a much-needed facelift. Bob Ledbetter ’53 and his wife Betty hosted a gathering at their home Thursday, Feb. 10, to celebrate the Board of Trustees’ endorsement of a planned renovation and partial restoration of the second oldest home in Floyd County.
According to Campaign Director Wright Ledbetter ’85, the renovation goal is to raise $500,000. This is only the second major renovation to take place on the circa 1832 structure. In 1955 the Board of Trustees authorized a renovation budget of $53,000 after Darlington’s second president and Betty Ledbetter’s father, E. L. Wright, fought for the restoration of the Home-on-the-Hill amid a growing consensus to tear it down. Since that time, the home has housed the families of four Darlington presidents.
According to Fred Errigo, director of facilities, the major thrust of the project focuses on the home’s infrastructure – repairing, updating, or adding to the plumbing, HVAC, electrical systems, and insulation.
“There has been no significant work on this historic site since the 1950s and parts of the home have never been touched,” said Errigo. “We are re-pointing the chimneys; repairing the roof, storm windows, and windows; and re-painting. Preservation is at the forefront of our minds. We are striving to maintain as much of the original structure as possible.”
Structural changes are also essential to meet the needs of contemporary living. Bathrooms and the kitchen are being updated. And a much needed laundry room will be added, along with bookcases, cabinets, and computer access to the campus network.
The historic house will become the home of Darlington’s sixth president, David Hicks, and his family when the restoration is completed.
“We Romans have a great opportunity to help restore this important symbol both of Darlington and our community,” said Ledbetter, noting that local folklore has it that the name for Rome was actually drawn out of a hat in the home’s parlor.
Thus far, $310,000 in gift commitments have been received for this project from Darlington alumni outside of Rome. For more information about the Home-on-the-Hill restoration, phone Ledbetter at 706-236-0419 or e-mail him at wledbetter@darlington.rome.ga.us.
