Owned by Keith and Lori Midgette.
The Chapin House was built in 1912. Externally, other than removal of window shutters, installation of storm windows, and installation of aluminum siding on the Florida Room, the home remains virtually the same as when it was built. The interior of the home remains basically the same, except for modification of the pantry and kitchen to accomodate a first floor bathroom and removal of a dining room fireplace and mantelpiece.
Two of Newport News leading citizens called this house home. The original owner was William T. Chapin, a realter and developer for The Old Dominion Land Company. Mr. Chapin was responsible for the development of much of downtown Newport News and the North End above 64th Street. He served as President of Chapin, Nelms and Bowen. Inc. and was named to the Board of Directors of the Old Dominion Land Company 1925-1935.
In 1937, the home passed to Mr. Charles K. Hutchens, Sr. Mr. Hutchens began one of the first used automobile dealerships on the Peninsula, and in 1921 obtained a Chevrolet franchise which became Hutchens Chevrolet. A leader in Newport News and state civic affairs, he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1938 where he served for thirty years. At the time of his retirement in 1972, he served as Chairman of the powerful House Finance Committee. He also served as Chairman of the Virginia Legislative Council 1962-1968. He was instrumental in obtaining funding which led to the creation of Christopher Newport University, and figured prominently in the drive to build a new, modern Riverside Hospital.
The house was sold to the Easmeil family in 1965, and to the Midgette's in 1997.
CONSTRUCTION
THE STYLE IS AMERICAN FOUR SQUARE
BUILT OF ALL MASONRY WALLS AND WOOD FRAME AND PLASTER INTERIOR, THE HOME WAS BUILT OVER HALF A BASEMENT.
ORIGINAL SLATE ROOF
SOLID PLASTER WALLS AND HEART OF PINE FLOORS
10 FOOT CEILINGS
6 BEDROOMS - LIVING ROOM - FAMILY ROOM
DINING ROOM - 4 FULL BATHS - KITCHEN
FLORIDA ROOM - BASEMENT - LAUNDRY - BASEMENT REC ROOM
2 WALK-IN CLOSETS - DETACHED GARAGE
CURRENT OWNERS ARE KEITH AND LORI MIDGETTE
KEITH IS A GRADUATE OF THE CITADEL, THE MILITARY COLLEGE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
SERVED IN THE US NAVY AS A SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER, RETIRED AS A COMMANDER - NOW A CONSULTING ANALYST FOR SAIC-AMSEC
LORI ATTENDED LONGWOOD COLLEGE AND GRADUATED FROM ADELPHI UNIVERSITY. SHE SUBSTITUTE TEACHES AT OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL SCHOOL.
KEITH WAS BORN AND RAISED IN HAMPTON, BOTH KEITH AND LORI GRADUATED FROM KECOUGHTAN HIGH SCHOOL IN HAMPTON. 3 CHILDREN; MATTHEW, BETH AND CHRISTOPHER, AND 2 BOYKIN SPANIELS, MOLLY AND IVEY.
BELOW ARE THREE BOYKIN PUPS FROM J & L BOYKINS OF HAMMOND, WI.
