517 Orange Street

1897

Henry E. Bonitz, Architect

 Luhr H. Vollers, Builder

 “Queen Anne style house built for Frederick Ernest Hashagen (1855- 1932), partner in firm of Vollers & Hashagen wholesale grocers; and wife, Minnie Gardner (1862-1920). Purchased in 1931 for rental use by neighbor, Robert R. Stone (1866-1955), native of Little River, SC, owner of Stone Towing Line and Stone Marine Railway; and wife, Erla R. Swain (1886-1976), born on Goose Marsh Plantation, Brunswick County. Remained in family until 1968.”

            The Queen Anne-style house presents a distinctive architectural profile shown by its unconventional asymmetry and blend of features. Standing two stories tall, its layout spans a width of three bays and a depth of four, with a one-story wraparound porch adorning one side. Supported by Tuscan columns and enclosed by fences, the porch is a prominent feature of the exterior. The windows are standard with two panes over two panes, while smaller, multi-paneled windows are spread out along the side and within the attic space. Entry into the interior is facilitated by molded panel doors, featuring upper sections with glass. The roof is adorned with grey slate shingles, while the chimney is made of red brick. As with the title of a “Queen Anne-style,” this home embodies a sense of individuality due to its asymmetry, elaborate detailing, and varied materials. Queen Anne-style homes typically feature steep roofs and are designed with various shapes and colors.  The Queen Anne-style home is used to create a sense of grandeur and individuality among those who have this style of home. (Pusis, 2022)

             On April 15, 1855, Ernest Hashagen was born in Wilmington to Henry G. and Anna Hashagen. The 1860-61 Wilmington City Directory records Henry G. Hashagen as a grocer, operating a store and residing at the southeast corner of 4th and Walnut streets. The New Hanover County Census of the same period lists Henry G. Hashagen, aged 28, as a grocer, living with his wife, Ann (aged 29), daughter Henrietta (aged 6), sons Frederick Jr. (aged 4) and George (aged 2), as well as other family members and residents, including brother-in-law J.K. Rulfs and sister E. Hashagen, all residing at the southeast corner of 4th and Walnut streets. Both the Hashagens and the Rulfs hailed from Hanover, Germany, while the Rulfs were originally from Oldenburg, Germany. On August 12, 1862, Minnie Gardner, eventual wife of Ernest, was born in Wilmington to Thomas and Martha B. Gardner. The 1860-61 Wilmington City Directory records Thomas M. Gardner as a discount clerk at the Bank of Wilmington, with the family residence on 4th Street between Chestnut and Mulberry Streets. On May 31, 1880, Ernest Hashagen, aged 26, married Minnie Gardner, aged 19, in Wilmington, officiated by Rev. E.A. Yates, the pastor of Front Street M.E. Church. The witnesses to the marriage were James C. Munds and W.J. Love. (Hashagen House)

On June 6, 1886, Frederick Ernest Hashagen Jr. was born in Wilmington to Ernest and Minnie Hashagen. Following on January 3, 1893, Carrie Bradford Hashagen, another daughter of Ernest and Minnie Hashagen, was born in Wilmington. In 1894, the Wilmington City Directory listed Frederick E. Hashagen as part of Yollers & Hashagen, a wholesale provisioner, with his residence at 14 North 7th Street. On April 24, 1895, Walter Godfrey Hashagen was born in Wilmington, adding to the family of Ernest and Minnie Hashagen. (Hashagen House)

Two years later, on October 30, 1897, The Wilmington Morning Star reported that the house under construction for Hashagen at Sixth and Orange Streets would be one of the city's most elegant. Mr. Bonitz served as both the architect and superintendent of the project. On September 25, 1898, Theodore Hashagen was born in Wilmington, completing the family of Ernest and Minnie Hashagen. (Hashagen House)

Tragically, on June 2, 1900, The Wilmington Morning Star reported the passing of Mary Dorothy Hashagen, the youngest daughter of F.E. and Minnie Hashagen, at the tender age of three years. Another addition to the family arrived on September 25, with the birth of Theodore Hyman Hashagen, further enriching the lives of Ernest and Minnie Hashagen in Wilmington. On December 6, 1902, Margaret Hashagen was born in Wilmington, becoming the daughter of Ernest and Minnie Hashagen. The Wilmington Messenger noted on December 22 that Mr. Hashagen had recently had his elegant residence at Sixth and Orange streets beautifully painted by J.W.S. Harvey, showcasing the family's commitment to maintaining their home's beauty. (Hashagen House)

Fast forward to October 11, 1917, when The Dispatch announced the forthcoming wedding of Carrie Bradford Hashagen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Hashagen, to Edmund Templar Shubrick. The wedding was scheduled for October 21 at 517 Orange Street. Tragedy struck again on May 22, 1920, with the passing of Minnie D. Hashagen at the age of 58 due to paralysis at her home on Orange Street. The Wilmington Morning Star reported on May 23 the loss of Mrs. Hashagen, survived by her husband, four sons, and three daughters. She was noted as the sister of the late Mrs. John R. Turrentine. On July 6, 1921, Wilmington witnessed the union of Walter G. Hashagen, aged 26, and Mary Ellen Clemmons, aged 23, officiated by Bishop Thomas C. Darst. The witnesses to this joyful occasion were Mr. and Mrs. Frederick E. Hashagen Jr. Following the wedding, in 1922, the Wilmington City Directory documented the residents of 517 Orange Street as Frederick E., George L., Miss Margaret, Theodore, and Walter G. Hashagen, reflecting the continued presence of the Hashagen family in their cherished home for nearly 25 years. (Hashagen House)

            That same year in 1922, On July 30^th, The Wilmington Morning Star advertised a "Desirable five-room apartment with kitchenette and bath on the second floor, along with a two-car garage" available for rent at 517 Orange Street. By 1924, the Wilmington City Directory recorded that Richard N. Thompson and J. Thomas Sellars, both boat captains, had rented the home at 517 Orange Street. They were the second group of people to live in the home at this time. 24 years later on September 29, 1948, James Thomas Sellers, aged 73, passed away at his residence at 517 Orange Street due to cirrhosis. His death was reported in The Wilmington Morning Star on October 1, commemorating the life of Captain James Thomas Sellers, a distinguished veteran steamship captain. Captain Sellers, a native of Southport, embarked on his seafaring career as a teenager, gradually ascending to the rank of Captain through hard work and dedication. Over the years, he served as a pilot and dockmaster on the Cape Fear River and in the local harbor, showcasing his expertise and commitment to maritime navigation. His contributions even extended beyond the waters, as he served in the U.S. Coast Guard at Oak Island for nine years. During World War I, Captain Sellers operated as a tugboat captain based in Norfolk, Virginia, contributing to maritime operations. In World War II, he served as a lieutenant commander in the Coast Guard stationed at Wilmington, further showing his dedication to his country during times of conflict. (Hashagen House)

On January 12, 1931, Marsden Bellamy completed the sale of the Hashagen property located at 517 Orange Street to R.R. Stone for 5,000 dollars. Only one year later on July 28, 1932, the Wilmington Morning Star announced the passing of Ernest Hashagen Sr., who had died on July 26th at the Lutheran Hospital in White Rock, South Carolina. Hashagen's contributions to Wilmington extended beyond the business world. He served as a two-term member of the city board of aldermen and played an active role as a trustee and superintendent of the Sunday school at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. His passing marked the end of an era for Wilmington, as his dedication and service left an incredible mark on both the business community and the broader civic landscape. (Hashagen House)

The home was owned by Robert Rollo Stone, renowned as the owner of Stone Towing Line, Stone Marine Railway, and Dry Dock Company, until 1968 when his wife, Erla, who was a widow at this time, sold the home to Carla Gore. According to the Wilmington City Directory, the home was listed as vacant from 1983 to 1995. According to real estate information in Wilmington, the house was sold by Charles Y. and Patricia M. Lackey on August 22 to Joan Gerity and Jonathan Smith. An interesting caveat to this transaction was the rights of survivorship. The rights of survivorship ensure that in the event of one owner's passing, the other would retain full ownership of the property. For a brief stint in time, 517 Orange Street was listed as the Blue Heaven Bed & Breakfast in 1998. This seemed to not have lasted very long as in 1999 Joan Gerity sold the home to Mary Kathleen Holly Sharma and her husband, P.V. Pathanjali Sharma. (Hashagen House)

The intricate tapestry of local history woven within the walls of a single home serves as an important reminder of the rich heritage that resides within our communities. The story of 517 Orange Street, spans generations with diverse ownership and truly shows the essence of Wilmington's past and its enduring legacy. From the Hashagen family's era to the Stone family's investment endeavors, each chapter reflects the evolving landscape of the city and the lives intertwined with its history. Through the lens of this humble home, we are reminded of the profound significance of preserving and cherishing our local heritage, as even a single home can contain a wealth of stories waiting to be unearthed and celebrated for generations to come.

Works Cited

"Hashagen House." New Hanover County Public Library Digital Archives, https://cdm16072.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p15169coll2/id/2140/rec/317 (accessed February 12, 2024).

Pusis, Erica. "What Is a Queen Anne-Style House?" The Spruce. Uploaded November 11, 2022. URL: https://www.thespruce.com/queen-anne-house.