1607 Rivermont Ave
Categories
Address
1607
Property Name
Ralph H. Stephens House
Date Built
1912
Architect
Heard & Cardwell
Contractor
--
Function
Single Family
Style & Architectural Description
Spanish Colonial. 2-story, 3-bay hip-roofed with brick cornice, belt course, door and window surrounds. Roof features terra cotta tiles and brick cornice and round-headed dormers on the main facade. 1-story porch has tapered fluted Doric columns and the main entrance includes sidelights and transom.
Owners
- 1912-1970 Unknown
- 1970-1974 Roy B. & Jean D. Anderson
- 1974-1984 William T. & Marion P. Thest
- 1984-1987 Josh S. & Monica T. Crowe
- 1987-2019 Carl E. & Deanna D. Hester
- 2019-Present Deanna D. Hester
Anecdotal Information
Interview with Carl & Deanna Hester June, 29, 2011: In 1986, Carl and Deanna Hester moved to Lynchburg from Germany where Carl had been teaching at the University of Tübingen to take a position in the Religion Department at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College. When they bought their house at 1607 Rivermont, it required the repairs that all owners of older homes are familiar with, such as the removal of many old layers of wallpaper and the application of plenty of fresh coats of paint. That being said, the house itself was still quite remarkable with its large rooms, coffered ceilings, and original, and therefore antique, light fixtures. Though they had traveled widely and had lived in New York City and overseas, the Hesters loved Rivermont, especially because of the access to local produce, the proximity of Riverside Park, musical events at the Ellington, and the welcoming atmosphere of the neighborhood. Though she did not attend the college, one of Carl and Deanna’s daughter would even get married in the Dell on the campus of R-MWC.
Throughout their years, the Hesters remained boosters for Rivermont and Lynchburg, hosting many friends and colleagues, including more than a few from Germany, enjoying the opportunity to show off their new adopted home. Deanna would also serve on the board of the Friends of Rivermont. Though they did not have any ghost stories to share, Deanna mentioned a year where the belligerent Lynchburg groundhogs kept stealing her tomatoes. She collaborated with a few of her neighbors to eventually catch the thieving groundhog red-handed, though a few false miscreants, such as a raccoon, were also caught along the way. Though Carl passed away in 2019, Deanna still lives at the house where so many memories have been made. She remains a proud advocate for the preservation of the Rivermont Historic District.
