Clayton Historical Association

02/04/2026

More detailed information here on this remarkable save!

Rare, 1840s Johnston County cottage saved from demolition. Who rescued it?

02/03/2026

This has been a mystery since the Civil War. Should be a very interesting presentation.

Somerset Place historical interpreter Matt Knight will be joining archaeologist Zachary Wyzorek at Central Library in Louisburg on February 19th to present about the Collins family’s Civil War plantation in Franklin County, Hurry-Scurry. If you’re in the area, be sure to attend! It’s going to be fascinating.

02/03/2026

This is awesome news. Great save right here in Johnston County!

SOLD AND SAVED: THE ALFRED ALTMAN HOUSE!

Preservation North Carolina is incredibly excited to announce the sale of the Alfred Altman House In Johnston County to Ramsey Restoration Inc.- Luke Ramsey & Old House Life - Michelle Bowers! Work began this morning to number and dismantle the 1840s coastal cottage, readying the building for transport to its new home in Bullock, NC, where it will remain under Preservation NC’s protection.

We’re incredibly grateful to both Luke and Michelle for joining us in the effort to save this historic structure, and can’t wait to bring you more updates in the future as the project moves forward. Stay tuned for more updates!

We’d also like to thank everyone who helped spread the word about the Alfred Altman house over these past months — by sharing these posts, you helped bring us to this point and ensure this piece of NC’s history remains intact for future generations!

01/25/2026

Friendly reminder for next Thursday at 7 pm!

01/21/2026

Preservation Johnston County Inc. will host a historic preservation seminar at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Johnston County Museum, 329 E. Market St.
Cathleen Turner of Preservation North Carolina will discuss the organization’s work protecting historic properties through legal covenants and easements. The statewide nonprofit has also rescued endangered historic properties by purchasing them and identifying buyers willing and able to invest in their rehabilitation.
Turner is director of the organization’s Piedmont Regional Office, where she promotes and advocates for the preservation of historic structures and sites across 31 counties. Her work has focused on historic buildings and landscapes, downtown and neighborhood revitalization, cultural heritage tourism, historic site management, planning and policy.
Preservation Johnston County, a nonprofit organization formed in 2023, is led by a board of directors composed of individuals from across the county who are committed to preserving and protecting historic buildings, sites and abandoned cemeteries.
The seminar is made possible by a grant from the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information, contact board chairman Todd Johnson at 919-720-8605.

01/14/2026

01/14/2026

From polar bear runs to haunted farms and dazzling Christmas lights, Johnston County packs year-round festivals celebrating history, music and small-town charm near I-95 and I-40.

01/14/2026

Welcome to Woodland, located in Efland, North Carolina. This magnificent, antebellum home was built circa the 1770’s and expanded by noted North Carolina architect Jacob Holt in 1851.

📸 zillow

12/12/2025

FYI Clayton area preservasionists...

11/10/2025

Congratulations to Kristy Dean of Clayton!
She was the lucky winner of the Clayton Historical Association’s Harvest Festival Gift Basket!
During the downtown Harvest Festival a few weeks ago, visitors to the CHA booth could enter to win our special pumpkin basket filled with local goodies, including:
A Burney’s gift card
A Boulevard gift card
A Clayton-themed tumbler with straw from The Crowing Hen (325 E Main St)
The book “Clayton” by Pam Baumgartner & Todd Johnson
Two tickets to the Clayton Historic Ghost Walk, held the following Saturday!
A big thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth — we loved meeting you and sharing stories about Clayton’s history.
And a special shout-out to Celeste Cook, who gave a wonderful demonstration on spinning cotton and wool into yarn — and Betty Meikle, who demonstrated the mini-spinning wheel. They both fascinated kids and adults alike!

10/31/2025

https://www.historyofclayton.org/event-details/clayton-historic-ghost-walk-2025-1

They're Back... Historic Spirits of Clayton's past share their stories..!