Gustave A. Sedon

Gustave A. Sedon (1820- April 5, 1893) was a noted carpenter and craftsman in nineteenth century Roanoke, Virginia. He is noted for his work in various public buildings, plantation homes, and university structures. "He didn't build buildings, he ornamented them. He put the woodwork on Pleasant Grove, he carved the columns, he put the woodwork on West Dormitory at Hollins and a number of other places."

He was born in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany in 1820, and as a young man immigrated to the United States. According to family lore, Sedon walked from his port of entry in Baltimore, Maryland, to Salem, Virginia, probably along the Great Wagon Road. He married Catherine Statler Sedon (1819 - 1900) of Salem, Virginia, daughter of Abraham Statler (1792 - 1853).

Belle Aire was constructed by Benjamin Deyerle and his carpenter Gustave A. Sedon (also known as "Gustavus Sedon) for the Pitzer family in 1849. Its Greek Revival embellishments were influenced by the New England architect Asher Benjamin's publication The Practical House Carpenter of 1830. The L-shaped home is of brick construction with stuccoed Doric pilasters at the corners. Its most recoginizable feature is its 2-story pedimented portico four fluted Doric columns at each level. A kitchen addition replaced the original outbuilding and the side portico has been enclosed. Otherwise, Belle Aire remains much as it was in 1850. Today the home remains as a private residence. It became a Virginia Historic Landmark in 1966 and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

The main dorm of Hollins College was decorated and enhanced by Sedon. "In Sedon's daybook, his journals, all these bits and pieces of decorations are noted. Seadon (sic) was a very interesting character with a wry sense of humor, even though he had troubles spelling in English. One year just before the Civil War, his journal notes he had to build a walkway to the necessary- a walk way to the outhouse behind the building. The next year he cryptically noted a cover to the walkway to the necessary. Obviously, the young ladies didn't like getting wet as they walked downstairs." Sedon's initial contract with the college on the Main Building began in 1860, but was interrupted during the Civil War. He wasn't finally paid for his work until 1866. "He was recalled repeatedly through 1879 for completing porches, balustrades, interior woodwork, other improvements and repairs."

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