Trinity community mourns loss of landmark home as officials investigate blaze

The cause of a fire that claimed a landmark home is still unknown, according to crews that responded to the fire that claimed one of Trinity's oldest homes.

Known colloquially as the Holton House, the residence located at 4003 Finch Farm Rd. was claimed by a fire on June 18, according to Fair Grove Fire Chief Scott Rudisill.

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"There were three departments on the scene," Rudisill said. "Fair Grove, Guil-Rand and Tabernacle. A total of 5 fire apparatus and one of our squads. A total of 15 firefighters and officers were on the scene."

An investigation was launched early into the incident.

"Randolph County Fire Marshall’s Office was called early in the event," Rudisill said. "We sifted for hours with no luck on determining a cause."

Crews were unable to save the structure.

Donna Hughes, a Trinity-based realtor, says the home was one of a handful of landmark structures within Randolph County, which includes the Pisgah Covered Bridge among other structures.

"I know that...[one of] the oldest houses in Lexington is the...Holt House," Hughes said, in reference to Lexington's Dr. William Rainey Holt House. "Most of it is original."

While structures like the Pisgah Covered Bridge, Randolph County Courthouse, and the Randleman Graded School may be included in the state register, the Holton House does not appear to be listed.

Regardless, the loss of the house has impacted the community

"Part of the house, the log cabin that was the centerpiece of the home was built in the 1700s, supposedly," Hughes said. "It's mighty tragic. People around this area are horrified that it burned down."

As a realtor, Hughes sometimes works with homes that fall under the historic category.

"When you buy a home that is on the register of properties, there are guidelines that you have to follow," Hughes said, adding that owners of such homes likely have to go through extra steps if wanting to renovate. "You have to get everything approved."

Hughes said that while Randolph County may not be particularly known for its historic places, the county does contribute several homes and structures to the registry. In total there are a little over 20 Randolph County structures in the state's listing of historic places.

This article originally appeared on The Courier-Tribune: Trinity home and history destroyed in fire