The ACACIA Meeting House

The Beasley House 1929
This replica of a Sears house was built by Novello Beasley, a huckster (a person who sells his products in the street) who sold livestock at market in Washington, D.C. In later years, it was the home of Clifton Mayor, Julian Burke, who helped organize the Clifton Betterment Association and the first "Clifton Day" festival. The home has also served as the town treasurer's office.

The Ayre House 1890
Built by Thomas Anthony Ayre. Ayre was a Southern Railway Agent when Clifton was a bustling Railroad Center and when Ford Lane was one of the Main Streets of Clifton. Restoration completed in 1978.

The Barber Shop 1884
The front portion of this building first served as an out-kitchen for the Payne House. Around 1918, it was moved across Chapel Street where it served as home for the train agent. In 1935 the first floor became Tom Fairfax's barber shop until the mid 1960's. In 1972 it was moved to the present site, restored and enlarged for use as an antique shop. Currently it is part of the Clifton Animal Clinic.  

The Beasley House 1929
This replica of a Sears house was built by Novello Beasley, a huckster (a person who sells his products in the street) who sold livestock at market in Washington, D.C. In later years, it was the home of Clifton Mayor, Julian Burke, who helped organize the Clifton Betterment Association and the first "Clifton Day" festival. The home has also served as the town treasurer's office.

The William E. Beckwith House 1771
Also known as the Homestead, this home contains Clifton's oldest remaining structure. Originally a three room log house, it was part of the 200 acres left by William Beckwith to his sixteen slaves, all of whom were freed in his will in 1863. The original portion contained a huge stone fireplace still visible today. Modified through the years its most illustrious moment in history was during the Civil War years of 1862-63 when it served for a short time as General Pope's headquarters.

Buckhill 1902
The house was built by H. Longley. Oscar Woody resided here from 1910 until he went down on the Titanic. This was the home of Robert and Helen Elgin Buckley for 52 years, completely renovated by their niece and her husband in 1984.

The Buckley House 1896
Robert R. Buckley, the first mayor of Clifton and owner of the Buckley Brother's General Store (now the Heart in Hand Restaurant) built this house as a wedding present for his bride, Anna (Bess) Detwiler. "Sleepless in Seattle", a screenplay by Jeff Arch, was written while he resided here in the early 1990's.

The Buckley Store 1900
"From a pin to a plow" was the Buckley Brothers' motto for their general store which was the largest store between Alexandria and Front Royal at one time. Since the Clifton School did not own a scale, the scales in the store were used to weigh the school children, as well as grain and nails. The Buckley Store remained in the family until 1951. The building is now The Heart In Hand Restaurant, serving family fair. Former First Lady, Nancy Reagan, dined here on three occasions.

The Clifton Baptist Church 1910
In 1876, George W. Tillet, along with other area men who served with Mosby's Rangers during the Civil War, formed a Baptist Church with services held in his home. Subsequently, they built a one-room chruch on this site in 1877 which was replaced by the present church in 1910.

Clifton Creek House 1990
On the site of an earlier home, this structure was built in the style of a late 1800's Victorian farm house. Its main feature is the solid oak woodwork throughout the house. For several years, begining in 1997, this home served as a bed and breakfast, providing a haven for travelers.

Clifton Elementary School
1953 Added to over the years

The first school in Clifton was held in Mrs. Hetzel's home beginning in 1869. Over the years there were several different schools built in and around the town. The current elementary school was originally constructed in 1953, and has undergone many enlargements and renovations.

The Clifton General Store
1930

What is a small town without a general store? Originally this was a wood frame building. On March 9, 1930, a fire broke out in the feed room of the Weaver's General Store and threatened many of the buildings in Clifton. The Buckley Store, post office and railroad station were spared, but Weaver's store and residence were destroyed. Within two years, the store was rebuilt and has been a general and grocery store ever since. Today's Clifton General Store still operates in a manner appropriate to a small town with roots firmly planted in the nineteenth century. It is open everyday, and sells everything from toilet paper and milk to hot coffee and a freshly grilled bacon cheeseburger. If you can make it to Clifton, stop in to share a cup of freshly ground coffee with the locals and be prepared to receive some free advice from the cook.

The Clifton Hotel
1869

Built by Harrison Otis in 1859, it was a popular summertime rail destination for many Washingtonians. Although no guest registers have survived, Presidents Arthur Hayes and T. Roosevelt are said to have stayed at the hotel. There is also strong evedence that Ulysses S. Grant stayed here several times. In 1881, capacity of guests was listed as 50 and the price of room and board was $7 a week or $27 a month. In 1985 the building was restored and turned into a first class French Restaurant called The Hermitage.

The Clifton Post Office

Since mail is not delivered door-to-door in Clifton, it is a pleasant, almost daily social occasion to walk to the post office for the mail. In the early 1900's the mail was dropped by train at the station each day. Over the years the post office has occupied quite a few different buildings. The current office is housed in what was once the town fire station. Today, the Clifton Post Office boasts a thriving business with three full time employees. Inside, the locals check the bulletin board to see what's doing with the Mayor and Town Council.

In 1920 when the town post office was housed at Buckley's Store, an incident occurred that roused quite a sensation. A thief broke in on a weekend, filling his pockets with small change and stamps. When he climbed out the window, he fell and died. His body was discovered on Monday, and since no one knew his identity, the townspeople took up a donation and gave him a $25 funeral.

The Clifton Presbyterian Church
1870

After the Civil War, residents seeking Christian fellowship and education organized a Sunday School in the Hetzel House at the corner of Chapel and Pendleton streets. In 1869, nine members of the community organized Clifton Presbyterian Church, laying the cornerstone, Christ being the first "cornerstone", on December 31, 1870 and completing the building on August 5, 1872.

Old Clifton Station
1868

The old station was constructed in 1868, and was demolished in 1958.
The caboose in the lower photo is sitting on the spot of the old station.

Clifton Community Hall
1995

Referred to as the "Fire Hall" this building houses the Fire Department Rescue Spuad, and the large meeting room for town functions. This is the newest public building in town and was constructed when the older cinder block building was declared too small for the County Fire Department needs. In materials and design, however, it blends well with the town. The Town Council meets here every 1st Tuesday of the month and the town holds it's annual potluck Birthday celebration here every spring. The meeting hall is available to rent for group functions and receptions.

The Cross House
1886

This house was built by James B. Cross, coach and wagon builder, wheelwright and blacksmith. Clifton's only undertaker, he was a Magistrate and a member of the first Town Council.