What If Saving One House Could Help Preserve An Entire City’s Story?
The Lehman House: A Forgotten Dream or a Future Hope?
Some homes are more than brick and mortar. They carry stories, dreams, and memories within their walls—whispers of laughter, ambition, and resilience. The Lehman House is one of those places. Built in 1891, it once stood as a beacon of elegance and progress in Suffolk; a proud testament to a thriving city and the visionaries who called it home. But today, it stands in silence, its grandeur fading with each passing season, waiting—hoping—for someone to remember its worth.
A Legacy That Still Matters
The Lehman House isn’t just another old building. It’s a rare and extraordinary piece of Suffolk’s history; an exquisite example of French Second Empire architecture with its signature mansard roof, ornate moldings, and intricate details. Its presence once declared Suffolk’s growing prominence—a city alive with ambition and culture. Nathan and Minnie Lehman built this home not just for themselves, but as a reflection of their belief in the future of Suffolk.
The house’s significance reaches beyond its beauty. In 1926, it became the heart of the community when The Woman’s Club of Suffolk transformed it into a vibrant hub of civic and cultural life. Imagine the energy that once filled these rooms—First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt walking through its halls, volunteers excitedly welcoming visitors to Suffolk’s first public library, and servicemen during World War II finding comfort and camaraderie within its walls.
These weren’t just events; they were moments that defined a city. The Lehman House was more than a place—it was a lifeline, a refuge, and a symbol of what Suffolk could achieve when people came together with a common purpose.
WWII Memories Come to Life: Soldiers Enjoy a Night of Laughter and Camaraderie at the Lehman House USO Center
A Heartbreaking Decline
But time has not been kind. Dreams of restoration flickered and faded as the house changed hands over the decades. What was once a vibrant home full of life and laughter became a shell of its former self—left to endure the elements, vandalism, and neglect. Each stolen fireplace mantle, every broken window, and the boarded-up doors tell a heartbreaking story of a house that has been abandoned but not forgotten.
Step inside, and you’ll still find traces of its past—drawings left on tables by an owner who once dreamed of bringing it back to life, clothes folded neatly in the kitchen, remnants of those who sought shelter in its warmth during desperate times. The house, even in decay, has continued to serve in its quiet, dignified way.
But how much longer can it wait? Plywood barriers may temporarily shield it from further harm, but they can’t protect its legacy. They can’t stop the slow fading of its voice from Suffolk’s history.
Why Should We Care?
In a city that invests in revitalizing downtown, erecting monuments, and creating spaces to honor its past, why not extend that same passion to the Lehman House? Why not fight for a place that holds so much of our shared history?
Demolition is not the answer. If we lose the Lehman House, we lose more than just a building—we lose the heart of a story that deserves to be told. We lose the connection to the women who built our first library, to the soldiers who found solace here, and to the vision of a thriving community that once pulsed within these walls.
When we fall in love with a place, we see beyond its cracks and peeling paint. We see potential. We see possibility. And the Lehman House still has so much to give—if only we’re willing to believe in it again.
A Future Worth Fighting For
Imagine what could be. Picture the Lehman House restored to its former glory, bustling once more as a community space, an elegant event venue, or an educational center that inspires future generations. The possibilities are endless—but they require action, vision, and a commitment to honoring our past while shaping our future.
Preserving the Lehman House isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about responsibility. It’s about showing that we value our heritage enough to fight for it. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Nothing has ever been achieved by the person who says, ‘It can’t be done.’” This isn’t just a call to save an old house—it’s a call to believe in what Suffolk stands for.
The Historic Lehman House, built in the French Second Empire style, showcases its iconic mansard roof, slate tiles, and intricate trim—an architectural treasure and a rare piece of Suffolk’s rich history.
Will You Help?
This house needs us. It needs people who can see its worth, who understand that its story matters, and who are willing to step up and make a difference. We can’t let another chapter of Suffolk’s history be erased by neglect and indifference.
If you believe in saving the Lehman House, join us. Help us protect this treasure, restore its beauty, and give it the future it deserves.
Let’s prove that Suffolk’s history isn’t something to be torn down—it’s something to be cherished, celebrated, and preserved. The Lehman House is waiting. Let’s answer its call. Please contact kristy@thetruitthouse.com.
Kristy McCormally is on the boards of The Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society, Preserving Historic Suffolk, serves on The Historic Landmark Commission and ownes and resides in The Truitt House, a restored historic home in downtown Suffolk.
