The Hazelgrove House - 1823

No ... the roof is not caving in; it was designed that way to allow for water to be drained into a rain barrel for household use.

Considered the oldest "frame" house in Bolivar. Hazelgrove was originally a two-story log dwelling built in 1823. The house was later modified into the Greek Revival style through the addition of weatherboard siding and a two-story Doric portico on the main facade.

The history of the old home is scant; it is known that John Houston Bills obtained the land from the state in 1822 through a land grant. He and his bride, Prudence Tate McNeal, built the home they were to occupy for approximately 15 years. Bills was only 23 when he and Prudence moved into the new four room two-story log home. Their first child, Lucius was born the next year, August 24, 1824 but died the next day. On January 24, 1826, they welcomed their first daughter, Ophelia Jane. Two years later, the Bills welcomed Leonidas Isaaac Bills, reportedly the first boy born in Bolivar. They had two additional children - Mary Carolyn born October 25, 1829 and Wilson Thomas born September 18, 1831.