The Fanning-Washburn House combines Colonial Revival and Bungalow styles of architecture Photo courtesy of Uptown Shelby Association

The Fanning-Washburn House is a restrained example of the Colonial Revival residences popular in Shelby and throughout the county in the early 20th century. The main block of the house is symmetrical with a side porch located on the north side. Both the front and side porches feature a trio of fluted Doric columns at each corner, while pairs of identical columns flank the entry to the front porch. Balustrades along the porch roofs create a feeling of verticality. The symmetry of the house is reinforced by the paired windows of the central dormer rising above the central bay of the South Washington Street façade. Although predominately Colonial Revival, the house reflects the early influence in Shelby of the popular Bungalow style, with its four-over-one windows, overhanging tile roof and its low, wide porches.

The Fanning-Washburn House was restored in 1982 Photo courtesy of Uptown Shelby Association

The house was built in 1915 for Walter Fanning, a local merchant. Later George Washburn, a prominent Shelby physician, bought the house in the 1930s and resided in it for most of the 20th century. During the time Washburn lived here, he established the State Theater, at 318 S. Washington Street, one of the two leading Shelby movie houses in the 1940s and 50s (the other being Rogers Theatre). After a period of vacancy the house was adapted and restored for a medical practice in 1982 by Dr. Frank Hannah, with funding assistance from the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentive Program.

The Fanning-Washburn House is located at 313 S. Washington St. in the Central Shelby Historic District. It now houses the Silver Teapot, a shop that serves lunch and sells gourmet coffee, tea, desserts and gifts. The shop is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm Monday-Friday; and 7:00pm to 10:00pm Friday and Saturday; lunch served 11:00am to 2:00pm Monday-Friday. Call 704-484-2699 for further information.