The house has a history. To look at it, you would never know it was anything other than a grand old southern mansion. In fact, this stately house was first designed and built to be a county school.

The property, on North Center Street, according to a newspaper article, was purchased from Captain Gregory. At that time in Statesville, new residences were being built in north Statesville and there was need for a school. In 1895, the wooden two story building, 40 x 50 feet was built. Original plans included an auditorium upstairs but lack of time and money kept it from being built.

Building completed, it became the Feimster Graded School of North Statesville. M.A. Feimster was the first manager of the school. Committeemen for the school were M.A. Feimster, W. D. Turner and J.A. Hartness.

Shortly after it opened in 1909, it became one of the most respected schools in the area. Statesville took special pride in the new school and women’s groups raised funds to beautify the grounds and building. At that time, it was necessary that young girls learn to cook as part of their education. Mrs. R. W. Orr gave cooking lessons at the school. After serving as a county school for only ten years, the property was annexed into the city and the students were able to take advantage of the city school system.

Shortly after it closed, an active businessman, Fred Bunch, Sr. from Adams, Tenn. and his wife Lizzie bought the building and the land. The Bunches sometime later had the building bricked and added the portico with Ionic Columns in the front. Lizzie Bunch stayed busy with eight children in the house. However, in the 1930’s she found time to begin Bunch Hatchery. She bought eggs, incubated them, and then sold the chicks to area farmers. A building near the house served as the main hatchery. The business she built became one of the largest hatcheries in the state.

After World War II, their son, Fred Bunch, Jr. returned from military service. He bought the house when his parents retired in Florida. Fred Jr., then married Evelyn Sherrill. He served as chairman of the school board. Mrs. Bunch was active in women’s groups in Statesville.

(Article furnished by - Iredell Citizen 3/21/2002)