NC Cultural Resources Newsroom

FREMONT —Charles B. Aycock Birthplace State Historic Site in Fremont reopened Tuesday, Feb. 5 following a Jan. 24 fire in the main house of the 19th century family farm.  The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department has since confirmed that it is investigating this blaze as a case of arson.  Anyone wanting to assist in the home’s restoration may do so by contributing to the newly established Gov. Charles B. Aycock Birthplace Recovery and Restoration Fund.

The main house will be remain closed until further notice, however visitors can tour exhibits in the historic site’s visitor center and watch a video on Gov. Aycock and his family.  Then, staff will escort them through the period one-room schoolhouse and the historic area, which includes an open-hearth kitchen, a corn crib and smokehouses.

State officials are currently working with members of the Aycock Birthplace support group to create a reward for the arrest and conviction of the arsonist who set the house afire.  Thanks to the site’s alarm system and the rapid response of both local fire departments and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, the fire was confined to the main house’s parlor, back porch and loft.  The rest of the house and its furnishings were not burned but did sustain smoke and water damage.

Several furnishings in the historic home were damaged in the fire but the only original Aycock family piece destroyed was a Victorian turntable.  Site officials are currently seeking the services of a local craftsman willing to donate their services to reproduce this two-sided walnut table typically found in eastern North Carolina homes during the 1800s to early 1900s.

In 1859, Charles B. Aycock was born into the simple, rural home that still stands at the state historic site.  After being elected governor in 1900, he dedicated his life to improving public education in North Carolina.  An 1893 one-room schoolhouse, moved to the site, underscores Aycock’s commitment to education.  This typical 19th-century family farm includes the main house, separate open-hearth kitchen, corn crib and smokehouses.  The state historic site’s mission is to preserve and interpret the birthplace and history of Charles B. Aycock, emphasizing his contributions to public education in North Carolina.

To reach the site, take U.S. 117 north nine miles from Goldsboro or U.S. 117 south 14 miles from Wilson. Turn right (from Goldsboro) or left (from Wilson) on Gov. Aycock Road. The site is 1-1/2 miles on the right.  From Interstate 95 take the U.S. 301 exit at Kenly. Take N.C. 222 east for ten miles to Fremont and turn right (south) on U.S. 117.  Go two miles and turn left on Gov. Aycock Road.For more information on the reopening or the arsonist reward, contact Leigh Strickland at the site (919) 242-5581.

Contributions to the site’s recovery and restoration fund may be sent to Gov. Charles B. Aycock Birthplace, P.O. Box 207, Fremont, N.C. 27830.Administered by the Division of State Historic Sites, Aycock Birthplace State Historic Site is part of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, a state agency dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina’s arts, history, and culture.  Join the Cultural Resources 2008 theme observance of “Telling Our Stories”. For more information, visit www.ncculture.com.