In this exhibit you can explore the different phases of Solitude’s history. We begin during the period when this place was indigenous land, and go on to explore its history as a slave plantation in the nineteenth century.
BIRTHPLACE OF VIRGINIA TECH
The most recent chapter of Solitude’s history began in 1872, when Robert Preston sold Solitude and the surrounding 250 acres to the Preston and Olin Institute for $21,250. This purchase allowed for the start of the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, which people around the world now know as the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University--Virginia Tech.
At the start of the 20th century, Solitude served as faculty housing.
However, it was not just a house, but a home; the place was used for many purposes including as a kindergarten classroom and a playground for children.
Photograph of Virginia Tech's Campus taken in 1887. Solitude is circled on the far right side of the image.
Photograph of the living room at Solitude, taken November 1913.
Kindergarten class meets outside Solitude in June 1913.
Children play in the snow outside Solitude in November 1911.
Aerial photograph of Solitude with Veteran trailer housing.
From 1946 to 1950, Solitude served as a service center for World War II veterans. The back porch of Solitude was used as a washroom, and there was a food store on site.
The veterans stayed in trailer housing surrounding Solitude, and the house itself was repurposed as a clubhouse for recreational activities like dances and games.
Between 1951 and 1974, Solitude returned to being faculty housing. From 1951 until 1961, the Grovers and the Ellmores lived in Solitude with their children. In an interview, Dr. Franklin Ellmore talked about skating on the frozen pond at Solitude with his children--on one occasion resulting in a broken rib for Dr. Ellmore.
In the early 1960s, the McEvers and the Leinhardts moved into Solitude as the Grovers and Ellmores moved out. In 1962, the McEvers founded the Hokie Club, and Solitude became its headquarters. During the time the McEvers lived in Solitude, the building became a place where Virginia Tech and its athletics program were celebrated. Parties and tailgates were hosted on the premises until eventually over 500 people began attending each tailgate.
In 1974, the building transitioned from faculty housing to class and office space. The College of Human Resources was located in Solitude, and food laboratories and interior design studios took place there.
Clotheslines outside of Solitude
Brunch flyer for ECU at Virginia Tech football game, hosted by Appalachian Studies, Public Relations Student Society of America, and Students for Solitude.
