Historical facts

Stowe Manor was designed by Hugh White for Mr. Samuel Pinkney Stowe, Sr. and his family. Mr. Stowe was one of the textile pioneers in this area of North Carolina. Completed in 1924, the home burned just before occupancy and was rebuilt in 9 months.

Built for a family that enjoyed entertaining, the home was a perfect place for family reunions, dinners, and DAR teas. Many of the older family members and Belmont citizens remember Easter Egg Hunts for kindergartens from First Presbyterian. Mrs. Stowe always enjoyed having the children. When First Presbyterian celebrated its centennial, the tradition once again came to life. It is now an annual event.

Relatives and other visitors have warm memories of days spent in this wonderful old home. The beamed ceiling, the roaring fire, the piano, a huge desk, and an overstuffed sofa made the room a favorite of family and friends.

The young cousins (who are now the oldest Stowe family members) remember setting on the steps in the foyer to eat their Christmas night dinner while the adults ate in the dining room. The porch swing in the conservatory and ping pong table helped to entertain them. However, they really enjoyed driving the adults crazy by pushing the buzzers, located under the dining room and breakfast room tables, and used to call the servants.

One of the most unusual stories that the family can remember is about Mrs. Stowe. She slept in the back bedroom. Once she heard a commotion in the back yard, reached for her 22 pistol, shot twice to scare a man with two chickens under his arm. She watched as he jumped the fence minus the chickens.