Selma Mansion History
Beautiful New Construction
White enlisted the architectural firm of Noland and Baskerville of Richmond to design and construct the house, which now stands, refurbishing what was left of the estate into a kitchen wing. The construction was completed in 1902, a stunning example of Colonial Revival architecture. No expense was spared in raising the mansion to the height of opulence and comfort of its age, replete with all the modern conveniences available at the turn of the 20th century. These included “speaking tubes” (as seen above, which created an intercom system using the acoustics of heavy brass tubes running through the walls) and an ornate spigot in the gentlemen’s smoking room that piped water directly from the springhouse, accommodating Mr. White’s insistence that only natural spring water dilute his bourbon. The plantation became home to several generations of the White family for years to come.
The Height of Grandeur
By the 1920’s, Selma and the White family were known to throw the best parties and the grandest of balls in its Great Hall. The property boasted 1,400 beautifully manicured acres and was regularly featured in the society pages of newspapers and magazines. Governors, Senators and Congressmen frequented the home, attending the many high society events held there.