The Peter H. Smith Manuscript Papers on “Mayfield and Ivy Chimney: Country Homes of Country Doctors”, 1969-1972

Access and use

Location of collection:
Fairfax County Public Library
Fairfax County Public Library
City of Fairfax Regional Library
Virginia Room
10360 North Street
Fairfax, VA 22030-2514
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Chris Barbuschak
Phone: (703) 293-2142
Phone: (703) 293-6227 ext. 6 (Virginia Room)
Fax: (703) 293-2155

Summary

Extent:
.5 linear feet
Creator:
Smith, Peter H.
Abstract:
The Peter H. Smith Manuscript Papers on "Mayfield and Ivy Chimney: Country Homes of Country Doctors" consists of .5 linear feet, spans the years 1969-1972 and consist of correspondence, secondary research materials, news clippings, maps, architectural drawings, copies of photographs, and manuscript drafts. Subjects covered are Dranesville, Virginia and its history and economy from the 1750s to the 1880s; Dr. William Benjamin Day and his half-brother Dr. John Thomas Day, the Civil War-era owners of Mayfield and Ivy Chimney respectively; Northern Virginia country homes in the 18th and 19th centuries; country doctors; Civil War-era field medicine; and the architectural history of Mayfield and Ivy Chimney. Architectural information includes the chain of title for each property, measured drawings, photographs, maps, plats, and the National Park Service’s Historic American Building Survey (HABS) forms.
Language:
English

Background

Biographical / historical:

In 1969, Peter H. Smith was commissioned by the Fairfax County Director of Planning to conduct research and write a report about the architecture and history of Mayfield and Ivy Chimney, two centuries-old houses on adjacent properties in the Dranesville area of Fairfax County. Correspondence in this collection between Peter H. Smith, Fairfax County officials and Fairfax County History Commission members reflects disagreement as to certain historical facts, areas of emphasis, and editing decisions regarding the research report. In 1972, a limited number of the manuscripts were produced and distributed to county officials and the county library system.

The focus of Smith’s book is on the Civil War in the Dranesville area and the families who owned Mayfield and Ivy Chimney at that point in time. During the Civil War, both homes were owned by doctors who were imprisoned for their support for Secession. Architecturally, Mayfield had at least three phases of construction and is thought to date back to 1755. Ivy Chimney is newer and dates back to the mid-19th century. Smith covers the homes’ architectural styles, elements, and renovations.

Smith earned a Ph.D. in American Studies from The George Washington University. He held positions at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Advisory Council for Historic Preservation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. In addition, he was a founder of the D.C. Preservation League (circa 1971). In the 1990s, Peter H. Smith worked for the city of Alexandria, Virginia, where he administered both the Old and Historic Alexandria District and the Parker-Gray District Boards for the Department of Planning and Zoning. He served on the board of the Alexandria (Virginia) Historical Society and wrote articles for its publication The Alexandria Chronicle. His articles include “The Beginnings of Historic Preservation in Alexandria-Moving Toward the Creation of the Old and Historic District (1996)” and “The Saga of Saving and Reconstructing Ramsay House (1998/99).” Smith also co-authored with Peter Smeallie New Construction for Older Buildings: A Design Sourcebook for Archivists and Preservationists (New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1990).

Acquisition information:
Donated by the Fairfax County Planning Division