Carraway Award of Merit: Mary Powell Young DeLille
For her leadership in the restoration of the Briles House for use as the headquarters of the Junior League of High Point.
About the Award
Each year, Preservation North Carolina presents the Gertrude S. Carraway Awards of Merit to individuals and organizations that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to promoting historic preservation.
The awards have been given since 1975 and are named for the late Dr. Gertrude Carraway of New Bern, a leader in the successful effort to reconstruct the state's colonial capitol, Tryon Palace, in New Bern.
Mary Powell Young DeLille was a key factor in the preservation of the Briles House, now in use as the headquarters for the Junior League of High Point.
Built in 1907 by Bertie Wallace and Lee Briles, head of the North Carolina Savings Bank and Trust, the home remained in the Briles family until 2002. The family expressed in their will that the home be used by a nonprofit group.
The house is an excellent example of Neoclassical Revival Architecture, with Ionic entrance portico, full modillion cornice and tripartite windows. Though more than 20 such grand pre-1920s homes with monumental porticoes once stood in High Point, the Briles House remains the sole survivor. The house is also notable for its foundation of Mt. Airy granite and cypress siding.
The sensitive restoration of the house, under Mary Powell’s leadership as chairman in charge of renovations for the League, resulted in the preservation of many original features, such as the wallpaper in the foyer, light fixtures and claw-foot tub — while also bringing the structure up to code.
Along with serving the Junior League, the Briles House is used by the community, with its ground floor available for events such as weddings, parties and club meetings.
