Alvictus: Cold War Safe House in Manassas

The following story relates to a water front luxury home for sale overlooking Lake Jackson outside of Manassas in Prince William County. “Alvictus” was built by State Department official Victor Purse. It’s past includes becoming a safe house of the Central Intelligence Agency to hide Russian spies defecting to the United States, and welcoming Robert Francis “Bobby” Kennedy, the 64th United States Attorney General (1961-1964).

This article is a look at the history of 8351 Purse Drive Manassas, Virginia. It also discusses the backgrounds of past owners. Click here for a link to 2014 photographs and video tour of “Alvictus.”

The following story is from the Thursday, May 30, 1963 edition of the Journal Messenger. The title of the article is Contemporary Home at Lake Grew from Tiny Log Cabin. The article delivers the following information about “Alvictus” after an interview with Victor and Alice Purse.

“Mr. and Mrs. Victor Purse, in their search for mountain or waterfront property with development possibilities and within easy access to metropolitan Washington, discovered a little log cabin on the edge of a ravine overlooking Lake Jackson.

Mr. & Mrs. Victor Purse transform their lake front property to a luxury home overlooking Lake Jackson.

Construction begins in April 1959 at the “Happy House” in Lake Jackson.

In 1959 they acquired the property and then purchased adjacent lots, including a ravine where the hillside was eroding into the lake. The hillside has been terraced with a swimming pool, and the little cabin is now a deep-red wing of a spacious two-story house of modern design complementing the natural beauty of the setting.

This house is constructed of colorful Bull Run Mountain stone , under a low-pitched roof of white gravel. In the first story, large white double doors form the front entrance into a center foyer which leads into the kitchen and dining area.

The “Happy House” was acquired in 1959 by Victor and Alice Purse. It would later become “Alvictus” and thought of as a government safe house by local residents.

Construction begins in April 1959 at the “Happy House” in Lake Jackson.

The remains of Piney Branch Mill (November 1959) near Lake Jackson in Manassas. The water wheel was removed from the mill site between McGrath Road and Lake Jackson on Piney Branch in Lake Jackson.

On the left is a large living room with front and end walls of glass 18-feet high, supported by white concrete pilasters. On the right is a breezeway, across from which is a large family, or sitting room. Steps down lead to a patio and a barbecue shelter facing the lake. On the back is an outside terrace-level entrance to the upper story where the sleeping quarters are arranged.

The Piney Branch Mill water wheel delivered to the “Happy House” during the beginning phase of creating a luxury home overlooking Lake Jackson.

The Purses depend upon their own talent to build, landscape, and design the home and grounds, to blend into the contour of the land and lake. Their long-range plan for landscaping, furnishing the house, and refurbishing the little cabin reflects their deep love of the outdoors, and they hope to retain informality in all phases. Eventually, the entire hillside will be covered with informal terraces, pools, and plantings.

Mrs. Alice Purse overlooks the construction of lower terraces between “Alvictus” and Lake Jackson.

Mr. Purse is Executive Director for Administration in the State Department, in Washington, and Mrs. Purse is principal technical assistant to the Director of Purchases in the Government Printing Office. They look forward to retirement when they will have more time to enjoy the peace and beauty of Virginia.”

J. H. Huff Concrete Blocks delivers building materials for the expansion next to the “Happy House” of Mr. & Mrs. Purse.

The Massaponax Sand & Gravel Company (Fredericksburg, Virginia) delivers crushed stone to stabilize the concrete floors of the lake front addition built by Victor Purse.

The great room of “Alvictus” becomes recognizable as the cinder block walls and window frames are completed.

Our research found that Mr. Victor Purse entered service with the State Department in 1943 as a Management & Procedure Analyst. In 1948, he became the Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of State for Administration (salary $7,341), and then Deputy Chief of Protocol between 1954 through 1957, serving as the Acting Chief of Protocol in 1955. He made national headlines in 1957 while serving as the Deputy Chief of Protocol.

The addition of a second kitchen (first floor), office (second floor), and great room are part of the transformation from a lake side cabin into a luxury home overlooking Lake Jackson in Manassas. The formal dining room next to the kitchen was a 1970 addition.

Carpenters framing the roof line of the great room. The views of this luxury home are illustrated in this photograph with Lake Jackson in the background.

The construction of the swimming pool at “Alvictus” (circa 1959) on the bluffs overlooking Lake Jackson near Manassas.

On October 23, 1957, Victor Purse was in New York assisting Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip while departing the United States after an official visit. Victor Purse had a tense relationship with political appointee Wiley T. Buchanan, Jr. who was the State Department Protocol Chief. Earlier in the year, Victor Purse had become personal friends with King Saud of Saudi Arabia during his visit to the United States and meeting with President Eisenhower. They became friends during the visit of the royal family, and King Saud insisted Victor Purse go with him back to Saudi Arabia and become his guest. These type of informal relationships with guests of President Eisenhower would eventually cause Mr. Buchanan to urge Loy W. Henderson, Deputy Undersecretary of State to remove Victor Purse from a protocol assignment.

Newly constructed “Alvictus” (circa 1960). Suitable for entertaining foreign dignitaries.

Like many foreign diplomats visiting the United States, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip became friendly with Victor Purse after meeting him. Victor Purse had assisted the royal couple through the formalities of an official visit in the United States. They were grateful to Victor Purse for his work during their visit, and extended an invitation to visit them at Buckingham Palace in Westminster, England.

The “Alvictus” recreation amenities include the Piney Branch Mill water wheel, outdoor bar, upper and lower level observation decks overlooking Lake Jackson and the dam (high side).

This caused deeper tension between Purse and Buchanan which exploded after the royal couple left the United States and Victor Purse was invited to fly from New York to Washington, D. C. on the Columbine III, the presidential airplane. While Victor Purse was in the company of the President of the United States, Wiley T. Buchanan, Jr. had to use commercial transportation back to Washington, D. C.

Victor Purse, Deputy Chief of Protocol with the Vice President of Liberia, William Richard Tolbert, Jr.

Liberia Vice President William R. Tolbert escorted by the Chief of Staff of Liberian Armed Forces, General A.R. Harper, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State William Rountree, U.S. Deputy Chief of Protocol, Mr. Victor Purse in Washington, D.C.

When Buchanan saw Purse exit the presidential airplane, there was an immediate confrontation between the two protocol officials. The incident was reported by several press members who saw Buchanan confront Purse about riding with the President without authorization. It didn’t seem to matter that Victor Purse was invited by several cabinet officials to go with President Eisenhower during the flight. On March 24, 1957, the United Press International (UPI) reported this confrontation in an article titled, Victor Purse Booted Out of Job as State Department Chief of Protocol. The story was covered by news outlets throughout the nation, and most parts of the world. Reports from sources inside the State Department described a long time behind-the-scenes cold war between Buchanan and Purse. Buchanan (43) viewed Purse (39) as too undignified, fidgety, and casual for the task of guiding dignitaries through formal receptions, dinners, and visits.

From left to right: Victor Purse, U.S. Deputy Chief of Protocol; John Foster Dulles, Secretary of State of the United States; John Farr Simmons, U.S. Chief of Protocol; William V. S. Tubman, President of Liberia; Brigadier General Robert Alexander Brewer, U.S. Aide de Camp; Richard Nixon, Vice President of the United States. Photo taken: 1954.

Victor Purse viewed Buchanan as too stuffy and rigid in his approach to dealing with diplomats. When Victor Purse was asked by reporters to make a statement about this incident, he would only say, “I’ve been asked to leave protocol and take some new assignment.” When Wiley T. Buchanan Jr. was interviewed by newspaper reporters, he was asked if Victor Purse was removed from protocol because of the plane ride with President Eisenhower. Buchanan replied by saying, “the action of removing him from protocol has been under consideration for a long time.” It probably began when Mrs. Alice Purse was seen driving the Cadillac convertible sedan given to her as a gift from the King of Saudi Arabia.

This United Press Associations photograph is dated November 4, 1957 (Washington). The attached caption reads: Curious reporters and photographers crowd around gifts which were given to American officials by foreigners, but are now held by the government in a warehouse here. The wave of curiosity about these gifts started when it was announced that the wife of Victor Purse, a State Dept. protocol official, has accepted a $3,000 car as a gift from King Saud of Saudi Arabia. Only a few of the 6,000 gifts held were shown 11/4. From front to rear are: a silver jewel box; ivory cigarette box; tea set from Pakistan; and a sword from Saudi Arabia. UNITED PRESS TELEPHOTO

Mrs. Alice Purse (1960) at Alvictus in Lake Jackson. In 1957, King Saud of Saudi Arabia gave her a $3,000 luxury vehicle (shown here) for her friendship during his visit to the White House to meet President Eisenhower. Her husband, Victor Purse, was the Deputy Chief of Protocol for the State Department and personally attended to the royal family while in the United States.

While speaking to the current owners of “Alvictus,” I learned there were photographs documenting the transformation of this mystery house believed to be a Central Intelligence Agency safe house by Lake Jackson residents as mentioned in the article titled Secrets of Alvictus Capture Imagination of Jackson Residents in the August 3, 1993 edition of the Journal Messenger. The article mentions the Washington Evening Star highlighted this lake front home in Lake Jackson in a March 1964 edition. The construction photographs, some featured in this article, have passed through Katherine Peters who purchased it from Victor Purse, and then through international antiques dealer, Larry Lomax, who purchased the home from Katherine Peters. He purchased “Alvictus” because he viewed it as the perfect venue for a gallery to showcase antiques and entertain clients while using it for a weekend getaway. He was the owner of Lomax Antiques in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He was a highly regarded antiques dealer between Europe and the United States. His home was in Washington, D. C. next to the French Embassy which was no coincidence as the client list of Larry Lomax mostly included diplomats, senators, and movie stars. These photographs of Lake Jackson Dam during Hurricane Agnes, and the Bland’s Ford Bridge (one lane) were also discovered in the “Alvictus” construction pictures.

In 1927, Charles W. Alpaugh (b. 1876 d. 1957) and Christine Alpaugh and their 7 children came to Bland’s Ford to build a dam and hydro-electric power plant. On July 20, 1827, he purchased an acre of land for $100 each on opposite sides of the Occoquan River next to Bland’s Ford Bridge (pictured here) and Manassas-Independent Hill Road, later known as Dumfries Road (Route 234). After the first plans and construction of the Lake Jackson dam was completed by local workers, Mr. Alpaugh sold the dam and all claims on April 17, 1928 to Virginia Public Service which later became Virginia Electric & Power Company (VEPCO). His goal was to turn depressed farms, grist mills, sawmills, and moonshine operations into a summer escape for Washington, D. C. residents. The dam produced electricity for the surrounding area until 1955 when it became a booster station providing power when needed. Lake Jackson Hills, LLC eventually acquired 800 acres and by 1940 had built 80 log cabins from local resources. Construction at Lake Jackson stopped as the Alpaugh sons served in the armed forces overseas during WWII. After WWII the new log cabins were of vertical log construction, and permanent residents began residing at Lake Jackson after 1950. Today, there are 3,000 Lake Jackson residents, and about 95% of Lake Jackson Citizens Association members live at this lake community year-round.

Lake Jackson Dam on June 22, 1972 during Hurricane Agnes.

On March 22, 2014, I spoke to Eowana Jordan, a retired teacher living in Manassas. Her mother, Katherine Peters, purchased “Alvictus” from Victor Purse in 1983. Katherine Peters lived in the “Happy House” while Eowana Jordan lived in the 3 room addition. She stated Victor Purse didn’t want to sell “Alvictus” but he was living in Boynton Beach, Florida during winter months, and needed to sell his summer home to pay for debt obligations. Eowana Jordan commented Victor Purse loved “Alvictus” so much that after selling the luxury house he built, he asked her if she would let him to be buried on the grounds upon his death. Although Mr. Purse is deceased, he is not buried in Lake Jackson. After leaving “Alvictus” he occasionally returned to Northern Virginia while visiting friends. He visited “Alvictus” several times while visiting friends in Manassas. But she eventually lost contact with him.

Mr. Victor Purse, the original owner of “Alvictus,” clears land which is now occupied by a 800 square foot detached garage.

Eowana Jordan found “Alvictus” through a newspaper advertisement for the sale of this lake front home with an in-law suite. She drove to Lake Jackson and met Victor Purse. As they toured “Alvictus” she walked into the two-story living room and immediately knew she wanted her mother to buy it. She appreciated everything about it including the 18 feet deep, concrete and block reinforced retaining wall running the length of the house, entertainment amenities, gardens, and swimming pool which is 13 feet deep because Victor Purse wanted it to rest on solid rock to avoid cracks and future repair problems. She mentioned the original construction plans did not include a water wheel with circulating pool water on the bank of Lake Jackson. But Victor Purse was driving through Lake Jackson when he noticed the remains of the abandoned gristmill. He located the owner and paid him a small amount to remove the 5 ton wheel with a heavy-duty tow truck, and slide it down the hillside to its current position.

Mrs. Alice Purse overlooks construction of the retaining wall and lower observation deck.

When doing research for this article, I was surprised to learn “Alvictus” was known by all Lake Jackson residents as a safe house used by the Central Intelligence Agency for defecting Russian spies during the Cold War. Eowana Jordan confirmed this directly with Victor Purse. While Victor Purse was living in Florida, he rented his Lake Jackson home to the Central Intelligence Agency. It’s hidden place and surrounding walls made it suitable for housing defectors. She mentioned he only knew the identity of one of several spies staying at “Alvictus,” and he didn’t ask questions about the guest list. When asked if any other interesting people have visited “Alvictus” Victor Purse stated, “Robert Kennedy was out here once. That’s all I can say about it.”

Massaponax Sand & Gravel pours the concrete floor of the car port which later became the reception room.

I asked Eowana Jordan if her discussions with Victor Purse involved details about his work as the Deputy Chief of Protocol for the State Department. She recalled he had a deep appreciation for Queen Elizabeth II and often talked about his relationship with her. During a second official visit to the United States, Victor and Alice Purse were divorced, and Victor was living in Florida with his second wife. She sent Victor a letter wishing him happiness, and a set of china as a wedding gift. She then invited him to a State Department formal reception as her guest while the royal couple again visited the United States. When Victor Purse approached her majesty, she reached out for his hand and embraced him. This was very unusual because it is forbidden by tradition to touch the Queen of England. Victor Purse considered this moment, among others in the presence of the royal family, as a special moment, showing him the appreciation the queen had for their friendship.

The “Happy House” was a simple lake front cabin with simple amenities. This 1959 photograph shows the boat dock before the summer retreat was transformed into a luxury home. Victor Purse used a rope tied to a tree to climb up and down the hillside during the early years. Water skiing on Lake Jackson became popular in the 1950′s. During the 1980′s Manassas area residents (myself included) spent summers water skiing, cliff diving, and flying over lake waters on rope swings at Lake Jackson. Having friends living in the Lake Jackson community had benefits. Boat cruises and fishing from shore lines were always great times after sunset. It was easy to see the vision of Charles W. Alpaugh after gathering with friends at Lake Jackson.

Victor Purse also discussed working with President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Several stories of his relationship with the President of the United States (George C. Marshall, Secretary of State) always ended with Victor Purse stating Eisenhower was like a father to him. Purse commented he respected Eisenhower more than anyone. I was surprised to learn Victor Purse never discussed a relationship with King Saud of Saudi Arabia. But he did mention he didn’t like complying with the directive of the State Department to return the luxury vehicle given to him by the King of Saudi Arabia. Victor Purse also remained bitter about his assignment to the administrative branch after working as the Deputy Chief of Protocol.

The swimming pool overlooking Lake Jackson.

Victor Purse intended on using the highest terrace (front yard) for a heliport to avoid traffic on Shirley Highway. He moved to Lake Jackson intending to commute to the State Department Building in Washington, D. C. by air. But it never occurred. When I asked why the change in plans, Eowana Jordan explained, “Like a lot of things, Victor had great ideas but often moved on to other projects before developing past plans. She described him as hyper, while refusing to talk to many neighbors. He liked attending and hosting parties, and built “Alvictus” (meaning Alice-Victor-us) for entertaining dignitaries and friends. He was intimidated by nobody, and caught the attention of people by doing peculiar things like driving an amphibious car. When it came to his career he seemed different from most people. If he was responsible for something he became focused and was determined for it to succeed. But it had to be done his way. He did not care if someone disagreed with him, he was intimidated by nobody, and he was going to do things his way.”

The story of purchasing the “Happy House” is unusual like everything else about the history of this home. Charles W. Alpaugh the developer of Lake Jackson, had three sons. They were Luther, Walter, and Woodrow Alpaugh. All three of them worked for Lake Jackson Hills, LLC while living in the Lake Jackson community. The sales office for Charles W. Alpaugh building company was at 11415 Mercury Drive next to Dumfries Road across from Lake Jackson Drive. It later served as a general store, and is now a sales center for Outdoor Home Center. On September 13, 1958, Richard L. Lester, Sr. (age 70), was murdered in the upstairs apartment of the sales office where he was living as an employee of Charles Alpaugh. His son, Luther Alpaugh was charged with murdering Richard Lester after William D. “Billy” Gavin reported witnessing the murder.

While researching this incident, I found the Associated Press report on the trial of Luther Alpaugh. The October 4, 1959 article Tell me, do you consider your Realtor Freed Of Murder Count (MANASSAS) reported, “A Prince William County real estate executive was cleared of a murder charge Friday despite the testimony of a witness who claimed to have seen the shooting. Luther A. Alpaugh, 54, won directed verdict of acquittal at his trial here before Circuit Judge Harry L. Carrico. Alpaugh was charged with killing Richard L. Lester Sr., 70, sales manager of the real estate firm owned by the Alpaugh family. Lester was shot to death in September of last year in his apartment at the real estate development.” The Free Lance-Star in Fredericksburg, November 24, 1959 newspaper edition, reported the trial of Luther Alpaugh and continuing murder investigation after his arrest. The article stated, “William D. “Billy” Gavin, an employee of the Alpaugh family, was a witness during the murder trial of Luther Alpaugh, 54, testifying he heard the fatal shot in Lester’s apartment, saw a figure he said was Luther Alpaugh, and dispensed of a pistol he found on the scene. The trial ended abruptly last month when Gavin refused to give a sample of his handwriting to corroborate his tale that he had written an account of the shooting. The court directed a jury verdict clearing Alpaugh.” Billy Gavin eventually confessed to the murder. I couldn’t find details related to a motive, but Billy Gavin was facing unrelated burglary charges in Manassas when he committed this murder. Billy Gavin was a person of questionable character. He was a professional horse jockey before he came to Lake Jackson looking for work after he was caught fixing races.

Luther Alpaugh owned the “Happy House” and surrounding 2 acres. It is one of the best views of Lake Jackson. His plans for it included building a luxury house for himself.

“Alvictus” overlooking Lake Jackson during summer months. The stairs leading to the dock are on the right. The house faces the dam and the Dumfries Road (Route 234) bridge.

During this time Victor Purse was searching for a lake front property in Northern Virginia. According to Eowana Jordan, Mr. Purse heard about the legal problems of a member of the Alpaugh family, and directed his search to Lake Jackson hoping the misfortunes of Luther Alpaugh would lead to available property. He was right. Although Luther Alpaugh didn’t want to sell the property, he needed money for legal fees associated with being charged with murder. Victor Purse searched for property under the name of Luther Alpaugh and discovered the “Happy House” met all of his needs. It was lake front and out of sight in a hard to find place. The cabin earned the name “Happy House” because Victor and Alice Purse were happy to buy it. After selling the most commanding view of Lake Jackson, Luther Alpaugh was found innocent of any wrongdoing.

Eowana Jordan and Katherine Peters moved into “Alvictus” and made several upgrades. They added an air-conditioning system, renovated the entire house, built a stairway into the hillside leading down to the boat dock, and added 125 azalea bushes. The biggest problem involving renovations was getting contractors to find “Alvictus” before the existence of global positioning systems for directions. After this work was completed, the Manassas Garden Club included “Alvictus” on a list of premiere homes during a home and garden tour where hundreds of people parked at the community restaurant, and used shuttle buses to visit the luxury home overlooking Lake Jackson.

The land plat for “Alvictus” of Lake Jackson.

In 1993, Katherine Peters health was declining, and the mother and daughter residents began to look for a home closer to Manassas. Larry Lomax became the new owner of “Alvictus” by purchasing a home for Katherine Peters in Manassas, and then trading homes. Once he took possession of the Lake Jackson home, he connected the in-law suite with the 1960 addition by closing a car port between the dwellings, and changing the space to a reception room. He then made several upgrades including turning the “Happy House” into a stone structure, and replacing the lake side deck with a sun room. Inside the sun room are castle doors taken while he was in England searching for antiques. He also added security gates and changed the name “Happy House” to “The Lodge” because it was originally a one room vacation cabin.

Shortly after Larry Lomax completed renovations and additions to “Alvictus” he began experiencing health problems and his weekend home and gallery was passed to his estate. He was buried at Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D. C. The current owners were already living in Lake Jackson when “Alvictus” became available. They attended social events organized by Larry Lomax, and they were already acquainted with the house known by community residents as the safe house for spies. They eagerly purchased it, and have enjoyed living and entertaining in such a unique home in the Lake Jackson community. This lake front home of mystery will continue to serve its owners with views and entertainment amenities rarely matched in Northern Virginia.

Below is a United States Information Service report titled King Saud visits President Eisenhower. It documents the 1957 official state visit of King Saud of Saudi Arabia. Victor Purse is shown throughout the video while serving the State Department as the Deputy Chief of Protocol. After arriving at the Blair House with President Eisenhower and King Saud, Victor Purse is recognized by the narrator by name at 10:40.

Dwayne Moyers researched, arranged, and published this article. He was born and raised in Manassas (1983 Osbourn Park Yellow Jacket), and is now part of a real estate team with his wife, Associate Broker Maryanne Moyers.