The Banker’s House, built in 1875 features a mansard roof and a tall central tower. The house is approximately 5,328 square feet and includes a dramatic grand staircase and multiple rooms in which to entertain. The grounds and gardens behind the home can accommodate 300 to 400 guests.
The barn is 2,708 square feet and opens to the lawn and gardens for easy access.
Our Mission
Enough History to Fill a Book
In 2018, local author and retired Charlotte Observer reporter Joe DePriest penned a narrative history of The Banker’s House titled Voices in Time: Stories of The Banker’s House. With spectacular photos by renowned photographer Hal Bryant, this beautifully written book details the story of the house and the people who lived there. The story begins with Hattie and Jesse Jenkins, the couple who commissioned the building of the house only to be forced to sell it on the auction block four years later. The book concludes with a description of how this fine house came to be a non-profit corporation with a challenging mission statement:
The Banker’s House seeks to engage, entertain and educate by providing extraordinary events and encounters in a stunning, historical setting.
Amazing Historic Architecture
The Banker’s House, which was built in 1874-75, has been named as the “state’s most outstanding example of Second Empire Style.” Second Empire Style was most popular between 1865 and 1900, having emerged out of the redevelopment of Paris under Napoleon III’s Second Empire – looking back to French Renaissance precedents. It was characterized by a mansard roof, elaborate ornamentation and a strong central tower.
“To Engage, Entertain and Educate”
The venue’s signature event is the Kentucky Derby Party, held each year to coincide with the annual race on the first Saturday in May. Proceeds from this event are used to subsidize a summer camp for rising fifth graders at the house and barn/carriage house. Two weeks of camps feature lessons highlighting the history of Shelby and the Banker’s House and include environmental and science activities, tours of the local area, crafts, games and photography. Campers even learn about the care of horses and go for a brief ride!
FOUNDATION BOARD
Catherine B. Freedberg
Lydia B. Matthews
Michele Garey
Ex Officio
Charley Hamrick
Phillip Poston
Mildred Chapell
Newton Craver
Chandler Durham
Sydney Freedberg
Carolyn L. Jackson
Ex Officio
STAFF
Carolyn Jackson
Executive Director
April H. Shauf
Marketing Director
Lowery Young
Event Coordinator
Rick Clauss
Accountant
Scott Eaker
Director of Facilities
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Duncan Blount
Tony Brooks
Jennifer Laughlin Cabaniss
Newton Craver
Chair
Chandler Durham
Donald Eslick
*Catherine Freedberg
Michele Garey
Treasurer
Melanie Graham
Tiffany Hansen
Dana Lundquist
Travis Mangum
*Lydia Matthews
Sharon Owens
Scott Stinchcomb
Carolyn L. Jackson
Ex Officio
April Shauf
Ex Officio
*Permanent Members
“We had my daughter’s wedding there (and it was) such an amazing venue! Such amazing staff. Everything was all we ever wanted and much more! If you want (something) different and nostalgic this is the place!”
-Stephanie Wike
“There is not a more fun and unique place in Shelby to host an event.....weddings, rehearsals, class reunions, or just have Thanksgiving for Christmas for a big family gathering in the barn.... Love the vibe of this place. You will too!”
-Jean Spangler
“A stunning home that takes you back to an era of simple luxury. Extremely beautiful and very inviting....Highly recommend this timeless location for any event you may have.”
-Ashley Ermer
“The Banker’s House Barn was an excellent venue for my daughter-in-law’s 50th birthday party. The space was more than enough for the 40+ guests that attended and the night was just magical. The venue coordinator was very helpful with information prior to and during the event. I can certainly recommend this venue to anyone who is looking for a great place for a special event and for great people to work with.”
-Linda J Howard
“As history and architecture are very important to us (as is preserving history), The Banker’s House and staff are an example of standards of carrying the responsibility of care, community education and maintenance of the home and its relevance to our local community. The guests loved the home, history and tour!”
-Mary Kaye Casady
“A wonderful place to hold any type of event.”
-Bob Daves
“Amazing and affordable venue for any occasion! You can rent the entire property or just an area or two. Great for photo sessions too! The owners and managers are so kind! You can’t go wrong with The Banker’s House."
-Rachel Roper
“Beautiful House!! We were admiring the house and taking pictures when we had the opportunity of meeting (Executive Director Carolyn Jackson), and right away she started talking to us and she gave us a little background story of the house and the events they usually do there. She was really sweet and friendly with us. I would definitely recommend stopping by to see this house even from the outside"
-Sarahi Fabela
“A MUST if you are having an event in the area. From the gorgeous house, the expansive lawn with adorable string lights to the....renovated, modern, unique BARN BAR - this place is awesome!! And the people that work there will make sure you have everything you need and more for your event.... Our Rehearsal Dinner (was) held
in the barn, (and) our guests we SO impressed with the place and everyone had a fantastic time. Would definitely use this space again for another celebration"
-Kristin Ashley
“What gorgeous Second Empire (French) architecture!"
-Leovani Payseur
Book A Tour
The best way to know that The Banker's House is the ideal venue for your next event is to see the property yourself! Book a Tour today to see the historic Banker's House and learn why it is the premiere wedding venue in Shelby, North Carolina. You will not be disappointed!
engage
entertain
educate
The Banker's House seeks to engage, entertain, and educate by providing extraordinary events and encounters in a stunning, historical setting.