ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, June 17, 1996 TAG: 9606170033
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: ISLE OF WIGHT
Historic Boykin's Tavern has stood in Isle of Wight County for more than two centuries, first serving as a tavern and inn, and then as county offices.
Condemned since 1982, it stands empty, its walls cracking, floors splintering and paint peeling.
The county learned just weeks ago that it had failed to win a $380,000 grant to turn the tavern into a tourist attraction.
But the fight to save the landmark, which is on the national and state registers of historic places, goes on.
``Most of the county supports ... Boykin's Tavern,'' said Lynn Harris, the county's economic development director. ``But realistically, there are probably some in the community who don't feel it's of great value.''
Board of Supervisors Chairman Phillip Bradshaw agreed, but he said he wants to see the tavern preserved for its historic significance.
``I believe it's a monument that we should be able to maintain, and I hope we will be able to do something about it,'' he said.
Harris said the county is looking at several options, including selling the tavern, applying for more grants and holding fund-raisers to restore the building.
She said it would probably cost less than $300,000 to bring the tavern into compliance with the county building code, and about $500,000 to fully restore it.
The two-room tavern was built in the mid-1700s. A three-story house was added within 20 years, and the complex served as a sort of bed-and-breakfast for people traveling to the county courthouse to record deeds, pay taxes and transact business.
The county bought the building in the early 1970s, planning to demolish it to make room for a courthouse expansion. Those plans had to be dropped when the tavern was placed on the National Historic Register soon after its purchase.
After that, the county used the tavern and home for public offices until it was condemned.
Harris said if the county restores Boykin's Tavern, the top floors could be used for offices and the bottom floor would be a tourist attraction where volunteers could discuss local history and hand out maps.
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