03/28/2024
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By Cara Beth Lewis 

Harmony Hall is the 1760s-era home of Colonel James Richardson, located in White Oak, North Carolina. In addition to the house, there are several buildings that were added over time, up until the year 1900. You can even find a one-room school on the property that operated in the late 19th century. Harmony Hall is certainly a great place to visit in the Mother County. 

Colonel James Richardson, the original owner, was born in Stonington, Connecticut, and later made North Carolina his home. He died in Bladen County on September 29th, 1810, at the age of 76. Colonel Richardson was buried in Tarheel, NC. 

In his life, Colonel Richardson ran a West Indies shipping line, according to geni.com. As a Connecticut native, he had been shipwrecked off Cape Hatteras. While he waited for one of his ships to arrive, he spent some time exploring the area. He liked it so much that he decided to make it his home. 

Around the same time, he met a young Jamaica native named Elizabeth O’Neal Purdy. According to geni.com, “The two were soon married and moved up the river to build their new home. This house remained in the Richardson family until 1874, when it was acquired by Daniel S. Tatum. Tatum transferred the title to his daughter Sarah Margaret and her husband N. Austin Layton, Sr. In 1961, Mr. and Mrs. N. A. Layton Jr., of Winter Haven, Florida, deeded the structure to the Bladen County Historical Society.”

Harmony Hall can now be rented for all sorts of events – weddings, parties, family reunions, and more. Treasurer Sunday Allen stated, “We have bathroom facilities and lots of ground to explore, so it makes for a fun location.” 

For more information or to rent Harmony Hall for an event, call 910-866-4113. 

Dating back to the late 18th century, the house has been restored as a local historical site. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To maintain the historical beauty of the plantation, maintenance is important. If you would like to contribute by donating, scan the PayPal QR code below, or you can send a check in the mail. 

On Harmony Hall Village’s social media, the following information is shared: 

Our funding comes through donations to our program. Harmony Hall Plantation Village Inc. holds a 501(c)3 tax exemption, and we will graciously accept your donation of any amount to continue preservation efforts and education. To mail your donation, please send it to: 

ATTN: HHPV, Inc

C/O Treasurer: S. Allen

1800 Winding Creek Rd

Elizabethtown, NC 28337

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