Pittsboro, NC – In a talk at the Chatham Community Library last month, Chatham County Commissioner Karen Howard delved into the complex narratives surrounding the John A. Mason House, a historic Greek Revival farmhouse nestled deep in the woods of North Chatham. Through her personal experiences and extensive research, Howard illuminated the often-overlooked stories of both the prominent plantation owner and the enslaved people who lived and worked on the land, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of history that honors all perspectives.
The John A. Mason House: A Historical Overview
The John A. Mason House, built around 1850, stands as a testament to the architectural style of its time, showcasing Greek Revival elements. The two-story dwelling, characterized by its brick foundation and detailed moldings, reflects the craftsmanship of its builders. Howard described the house’s exterior, noting its flat-paneled corner posts and distinctive porch, while also highlighting the interior’s remarkable staircase and original woodwork.
Despite its beauty, Howard emphasized that the house’s history is far more complex than the mere description of its architecture. The narrative of the Mason House is intertwined with the legacy of slavery, as the property was once a plantation where enslaved people labored under the ownership of John Mason, a man known for his contributions to the local community.
Two Stories of the Mason House
Howard’s presentation centered around the dual narratives that the Mason House embodies. On one hand, there is the story of John Mason, a successful plantation owner who contributed significantly to the local economy and community development. On the other hand, there is the story of Sallie Mason, an enslaved woman who lived and worked on the plantation, buried between her masters in the cemetery adjacent to the house.
Howard poignantly recounted her experiences after moving into the house in 2022, where she encountered the profound emotional weight of its history. She shared a transformative moment with Kenny Man, Sallie Mason’s great-great-grandson, who expressed his deep emotional connection to the house and the significance of touching the objects that his ancestors had once interacted with.
This duality of experience—where the house is both a site of historical significance and personal memory—underscores the need for a more inclusive narrative that recognizes the contributions and experiences of all individuals associated with the property.
The Importance of Nuanced Histories
Throughout her talk, Howard stressed the importance of acknowledging multiple perspectives in historical narratives. She highlighted that while records exist documenting the Mason family’s legacy, they often fail to mention the enslaved individuals who were integral to the plantation’s operations. Howard pointed out that the language used to describe these individuals often reflects a dehumanizing perspective, referring to them as “slaves” rather than “enslaved people.”
By emphasizing the human experiences behind historical events, Howard advocates for a more nuanced understanding of history that honors the complexities of the past. She called for community engagement and open dialogue about these difficult topics, envisioning the Mason House as a space for healing and reconciliation.
Preservation Efforts and Future Aspirations
As the current caretaker of the Mason House, Howard has taken on the responsibility of preserving its physical structure and its stories. She described the challenges of maintaining an historic property, particularly one with such a rich and complicated history. Howard expressed her desire to create a learning center at the house, where community members could come together to explore the histories of both the Mason family and the enslaved individuals who contributed to the plantation’s legacy.
In collaboration with local historians and descendants of the Mason family, Howard aims to curate educational programs that foster understanding and dialogue about the historical significance of the house and its surrounding land. She envisions a future where the Mason House serves as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change, encouraging conversations that honor the diverse narratives of the past.
According to the Architectural Heritage of Chatham County, NC, the John A. Mason House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built about 1850 and is a “distinguished Greek Revival farm house.” John Acree Mason obtained a 600-acre parcel “on the waters of New Hope and Morgan Creek” in 1835 from his parents, William Mason and Nancy Acree Mason. In the next two decades, John Mason expanded his holdings to 1,027 acres, built his house, and “became a member of the middle-echelon planter class.” The most distinctive interior feature, according to the survey conducted in the 1980s is the stair with landing.