Before and After ~ The John Wesley Work House perfectly illustrates what is possible in restoring historic homes. It also is an example of institutions recognizing the importance of preserving African American history by restoring a house that was home to a historically significant Black individual. Once close to collapse, it was restored to its appearance while Work lived in it, including the documented historic paint colors.
The Queen Anne/Stick Style house was home to Nashville composer and ethnomusicologist John W. Work III. Work moved into the house on Fisk University campus in 1937 and lived there for many years. A music teacher and one of the first academic scholars of rural African American folk music, Work made some of the earliest known field recordings of black Nashvillians.
After a period of abandonment, the house was restored by Fisk University and the National Park Service.
“Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners” is filled with information to help historic house owners restore their houses.
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available directly from the author in our online shop, YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Our shop also carries select preservation and restoration titles by other authors.
© Scott T. Hanson 2023
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