Circa 1795... or is it 1840?From Lane's Hotel to The White Dog Inn -No one can say for sure but for at least 150 years the structure here at The White Dog Inn has proudly stood its ground just across from the Mathews Court House Square. In the course of those years the structure has worn many hats. The building has been various hotels, home to local legends (including an MGM "Goldwyn Girl"), a day care center and now a rejuvenated inn & bistro. |
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It seems that whenever there is interesting history, there is debate. It has been said that architect Richard Billups
built the existing structure here at The White Dog Inn as well as the historic Mathews Courthouse across the street
in 1795. In fact, a historic marker planted firmly in the ground just outside the court house says just that. However, local historian, Becky Foster-Barnhardt revealed that according to land tax records and deeds of ownership, the original structure here - as well as the courthouse building as it stands today - were erected sometime around 1840. No matter where you place the structures origin, it's been a Mathews Court House classic ever since. The following are significant points in history as noted by Becky Barnhardt. 1840Walter Gardinier Lane erects the original structure and opens Lane's Hotel. Walter's son, Gen. James Henry Lane, was regimental commander of the Stonewall Brigade and was the highest ranking confederate officer from Mathews in the Civil War. It is believed that he grew up here at The White Dog Inn. The Lane family owned the property through 1878. 1915Charles D. Hudgins purchases the property and resides with wife and their sons Bailey Dee Hudgins and C. Bernard Hudgins. The original plan was to start a hotel but Hudgins could not get enough men to work the hotel due to WWI. Hudgins' sons, Bailey Dee and C. Bernard were both pharmacists and co-owners of Hudgins Drug Store. 1986-1994MGM "Goldwyn Girl" actress Toby Wing-Merrill resides through 1994. Born Martha Virginia Wing, first appearing onscreen at age 9 and thereafter in over thirty feature films with MGM. Retiring from movies after marrying world famous pilot Dick Merrill and moving here to The White Dog Inn shortly after his death in 1984. 1999 - 2008Bullfrogs and Butterflies day care center, a local favorite choice for moms and dads operates through 2008. Early 2009Proprietors Tammye And Court Van Clief extensively renovate the entire structure and The White Dog Inn is born. With help from contractor "Dib" Goodrich, his four sons and an all local crew of plumbers, electricians, carpenters and painters, the Van Clief's realize their vision of a classic eatery and b&b. Much of the original integrity of the building was maintained in the course of remodeling. Beautiful 1/2" thick pine-plank flooring was restored wherever possible throughout the structure and a replica of the front door was crafted to match the original design. An exact match of our third floor demi-lune window seen at right can be found on many significant structures throughout the county including the historic courthouse just across from The White Dog Inn.  Coincidence or Destiny?During renovations we found a brick walkway buried in the front lawn. After excavating and cleaning up the bricks we re-fit the bricks into their original form. Upon inspection of the finished walkway we noticed a paw print in one of the bricks right in the middle of the path. We could not have planned it better. Sure, we know it's common to find paw prints in hand-formed clay brick but we're going with destiny on this one. ;-) |
 Third floor demi-lune window.  Mid 1970's  Roman numerals found etched in joists during remodeling. Used to match various pieces during original construction.  Hand made "cut nails" found throughout the original construction  "Pegged" mortise and tenon joints found in window sashes and many joists of the original structure. |
