Although "Blenheim" is still standing today, the Ratcliffe tavern was torn down in the 1920's and the bricks and mantels were purchased by Col. Francis Pickens Miller who incorporated them into the large brick building which is now known as Flint Hill Private School.
RICHARD RATCLIFFE TAVERN
Progress began to embrace Fairfax in the 1900's but before the 1800's there was only a tavern, a store, a tannery, and several private homes located at "Earp's Corner."
Still standing today are the Truro Episcopal Church rectory, which was built as a home by Thomas Love and later sold to Dr. William Gunnell, the Ford Building and the Oliver Building, both of which were built by members of the Gunnell family.
These homes were representative of the times. Georgian architecture had begun to spread up and down the coast. Plaster and paneling had begun to replace lime walls. Beautifully carved mantels and staircases had made their appearance. Mahogany furniture upholstered in satin or brocade had replaced crudely constructed pieces. Portrait painters roamed the country. Tutors moved in to educate the children of the wealthy. Life was much safer and almost as conventional as country life in England.
