1866
The original structure was built by Maurice Moore in 1866, a local tobacconist responsible for the highly praised “Killikinnick” brand of tobacco. It took him 3 years to build his personal residence.
1869
Maurice Moore moved with his family into the house in 1869.
1870
Soon after, the ravine at 13th St was filled in and the footbridge was removed to become a road which is now known as Church St. This was the ONLY access to Diamond Hill back in 1870. This mansion was dubbed “Moore’s Folly” (and eventually “The Folly”) because of its construction on such an improbable site. Chambers writes, “What appeared from the front to be the first floor was in actuality the third; so steep was the slope that the two full additional floors above a basement were above grade in the rear.”
1887
Moore died in 1887. His wife Sarah Snead and their children lived in the house for another 40 years.
1927
The house was sold in 1927. It was purchased by the “Virginia Art Goods Studio” to be used as a factory for ladies’ handbags. The company retained the original look of the house for 5 more years.
1932 — THE FIRE
In 1932, the “Percy House” (in lot to the right of the Folly) caught fire and burned to the ground causing extensive damage to the residence. The cupola and all porches were removed from the house and it sat dormant for many years following the fire.
THE 1940's
Goodyear Tire purchased the property (and the adjacent Percy property) in the 1940’s and promptly expanded the “L” shaped house to be more symmetrical (as seen today).
THE 1950’S - 1970’s
The history of the now merged 1308 & 1310 properties is not quite clear from the early 50’s until 1977. The house was then purchased and remodeled the interior to be used as office and studio space.
2004
We know that LYN-CAG and a financial company used the building up until its recent owner bought the building in 2004.
TODAY
The building, now known affectionately as “The Lighthouse” serves as a beacon to thousands of vulnerable people.
