Charles A. Baber & Sunnyside
Courtesy Historic Buckingham
According to Margaret A. Pennington and Lorna S. Scott in their book “The Courthouse Burned –” Book II, Charles A. Baber bought Sunnyside on August 24, 1928. The authors believe he bought it at auction. From Sunnyside, Baber operated a lumber business, delivering his product to Aberene Soapstone Corp. via the railroad. The authors continue:
The house was new to little Nancy Baber when she moved there and she often felt lost. The house had many visitors, however, one being Forrest Guthrie, Sr., who was working with the CCC boys in the 1930s. It was amazing how he could always drop in around meal time, especially lunch. Earl Hammer, Jr., probably better known as “John Boy” would drop by when the watermelons were ripe. He often carved his initials on one he wanted reserved for himself.
Indeed the 1930 census for Buckingham County shows Charles A. Baber (45) as head of the household at Sunnyside, Manteo Road, with his wife, Muriel (39), daughter Nancy (13), son Robert (11), and daughter Marjorie (6).
slate river ramblings . . . . 
Yes, Sunnyside still stands. My husband and I bought the property in 1976 and still own it. We took the Big House (the house picttured) down and rebuilt it using the same materials. Slightly different floor plan, and a porch, but not entirely changed. Joanne, I must get you to the property soon. Almost 40 years of history to share, plus what I know of the past. You can find some recent photos at flowercamp.org
Nancy, Thanks for these details. What an interesting approach to preserving Sunnyside. I visited flowercamp.org and encourage Slate River Ramblings readers to do the same. What a beautiful place you have! Joanne
I don’t know if the house still stands. Hopefully, a Slate River Ramblings reader will know and comment.
Does Sunnyside still stand? I am familiar with Charles Anderson Baber’s line… his grandfather was Robert L Baber of Rock Creek/Baber’s Mill.
Jeremy, I’ve heard from another Slate River Ramblings reader that Sunnyside is standing, lived in, and well maintained. Joanne