Tom Powell and Friends Literally Move HIs House Across Street, March 28, 1924

Moves His Home to Surer Ground. . . Resident of Rocky Mount Transfers House to Another Site, Doubting Title to the Older Lot

Rocky Mount, March 28—Fearing a faulty title to the lot upon which he had erected his home, Tom Powell, with the assistance of a large number of friends, moved his house during the night from the lot on which it was located to one just across the road to which title he was sure as to its clarity. Mr. Powell, it was said, bought the lot some time ago, thinking the title was clear. It developed later, however, that J.T. Nichols had obtained a judgment against the former owner of the lot, which complicated matters to some extent.

Despite the fact that Mr. Nichols had told the purchaser that he would not interfere with his occupying the lot, Mr. Powell became restless and uneasy. He solicited the aid of about 100 friends and during the night moved his home from the doubtful lot to the one of surety, a distance said to be more than 50 feet. The act caused a great deal of surprise as well as comment. While passers-by were marveling at the sudden change, members of Mr. Powell’s household went about the preparation of the morning meal as though nothing had happened.

From page 4 of the Wilson Times, April 1, 1924