Preserving the Rich History in Zebulon
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Zebulation 2023

Award winners Tom Hendrickson and Tony Williamson with MaryBeth Carpenter
The Film Amos Estes His Family’s Mark on Whitley Furniture and the Community

AMOS ESTES

Amos Estes married Nancy Whitley in 1953 and moved to Zebulon in 1959. He came to run Whitley Furniture after the failing health of his father-in-law, C.V. Whitley, who was owner of that enterprise. Whitley Furniture was started as the Zebulon Supply Co. in 1909 by R.J. Whitley, and management passed through family hands. Amos was the third generation to oversee it, and over the ensuring 34 years, Amos expanded the enterprise from two stores into a set of “galleries” encompassing eight buildings on Vance Street. He also successfully expanded the furniture lines and marketing in an era of rapidly changing tastes. In 1993 Amos retired and passed the management of Whitley Galleries to his children Charles and Nelle. Over 100 people have worked at Whitley Galleries over its history, most of them long-term for 20 years or more.

Amos expanded “the cabin” on the lake near Judd Street to offer weekly gatherings for businessmen, local and state elected officials, sportsmen and friends that were coveted events for all. Amos has applied his business acumen, hosting talents and friendships to Zebulon Community for over 60 years and we were delighted to showcase his Whitley – Estes family’s story at our Zebulation event.

Award winner Tony Williamson presenting at LRHS.
Tom Hendrickson inside his restored building at 113 N. Arendell Avenue

2023 Preservation Merit Awards

Preservation Zebulon honors local citizens and the properties and their owners who are active in the preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation of the architectural environment in Zebulon, NC.

Merit Award Winner – Tony Williamson

Tony has led efforts to bring history and preservation into our community through leadership of the Little River Historical Society in the past 5 years, and his leadership resulted in 30 years of the Zebulon Record becoming digitized. Tony and wife Briannie’s painstaking work to restore the architectural integrity and beauty of the Horton Kimbal house, a Wakefield home with strong historic ties to our community’s founding families, also earn him the Merit Award.

Historic Rehab Award Winner – Tom Hendrickson

Tom renovated the R. J. Whitley Building, c. 1917 in the Downtown Zebulon Business Core. By saving original floors, pressed tin ceilings,  preserving the freight elevator and other work, Tom restored the building to its original splendor. It is now occupied by The Creative Cup and upstairs is office space.  By exhibiting the highest qualities of historic preservation through adherence to national preservation and restoration guidelines and utilizing Federal and state tax credits, Tom has earned this award.