Virginia
Port Norfolk
This is a provisional page, here as a starting point for this family community.
We welcome more details, photographs, history, or even a complete re-write.
And of course
web links to your communities web sites.
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Port Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia
Population: ?
Administration: ?
Location: 36º50´54"N 76º20´8"W
 Port Norfolk is a turn of the century neighborhood in Portsmouth, Virginia, located on the southern shore of the Elizabeth River between Hull Creek and Pinners Point.
The drawing (right) shows the early stages of the development, with the road grid laid out.
In 1890 a real estate syndicate developed Port Norfolk. To promote the new community a contest to name it was held and twelve lots were given away. Houses went up rapidly and with the street car connection from Portsmouth in 1893 the area became a popular resort location. The area was advertised as a boating, fishing and swimming destination. A hotel, two piers, a bathhouse, gas lamps, and wooden sidewalks enticed visitors to the resort area.
 It is estimated that 80 percent of the homes were built between 1895 and 1920. The prevailing building style was vernacular Victorian with modified versions of Queen Anne, American Four Square, Colonial Revival, and Arts and Crafts. The Queen Anne with expansive wraparound porches, irregular roof lines, bays and turrets; the Four Square with cubic shape hipped roof, dormers, broad front porch, little use of ornament, built in wood and brick; and the Arts and Crafts recognized by the low roof with wide eaves. Porches or verandas are often decorated as carefully as indoor rooms and enjoyed as outdoor sitting areas.
 The neighborhood has retained much of it's original charm and character, with shady tree-lined streets, a loverly waterfront, and a quaint business district. Port Norfolk takes on the character of a small town, all within the midst of the big city.
From the photographs we have seen, the Port Norfolk residents take a great pride in their community.
Our thanks to Richard Ivy for providing the photographs on this page.
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