Ship images inside historic Guilford homes
There are several images of ships appearing on the walls of several historic Guilford homes. Some of these homes were owned by those having ties to some type of maritime enterprise or history, and some of these homes were owned by those who were slave owners.
In the attic at 65 Water Street, is a chalk drawing of a ship. That house was originally located on the corner of Whitfield & Boston Streets and moved to 65 Water Street in 1958. That house was built in 1763 for Elias Cadwell, Jr. who was a slave owner, and it is possible that one of his slaves drew that image.
Another house where two ship images were etched into the wood walls leading to the attic is located at 85 Boston Street. This house, known as the Thomas Burgis II house, was built c. 1735/36. Currently, there is no known record that Thomas Burgis II was a slave owner. However, his father, Thomas Burgis was a native of Yorkshire, England, and was compelled to serve for several years aboard a British man-o-war.
It is also possible that the ship graffiti was done by a later owner or occupant.
85 Boston Street – Ship 1 (etched) 85 Boston Street – Ship 2 (etched)
65 Water Street – Ship 1 (chalk) 65 Water Street – Ship 2 (etched)
Photos taken by Tracy Tomaselli (October 2021)
