Thomas Day (c. 1801 - 1861) was a fine furniture craftsman and cabinetmaker in Milton, Caswell County, North Carolina. Born a free black man in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, Day moved to Milton in 1817. Having been born and raised in Dinwiddie County, it is likely that Mr. Day walked the streets of Petersburg as a young man. He became a highly successful businessman, boasting the largest and most productive workshop in the state from the 1830s to the 1850s. 

 

Located in Historic Petersburg, Thomas Day House sits as a true testament to Day's craftsmanship. Owned by Bill Nicholson, the restoration of this house has made the legacy of Thomas Day come to life through its stunning architecture and collection of furniture made by Thomas Day. 

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Originally located in South Boston, VA, the house was built in 1827. It faced the threat of demolition in the 1990's. To save the house it was disassembled and relocated 100 miles east to Petersburg where it sat empty for nearly 20 years until purchased by Bill Nicholson in 2019.

 

Nicholson is committed to showcasing the craftmanship and unique design talents of Thomas Day, specifically through the interiors and woodwork of the house, saving a significant amount of the original material. Highlights of the restoration include the 2-story porches and columns, doors, windows, baseboards, mantles, and the newel post - one of Thomas Day's signature designs. Nicholson's work has not ended with the transformation of the house. He has since dedicated his efforts to collecting original furniture by Thomas Day, accumulating one of the largest private collections in the country.