Dear ladies,
June 9th, 2021 was a happy day for members of the AGC! Our beloved annual field trip, cancelled in 2020, was finally enjoyed by 22 members with a rescheduled trip to Poplar Forest. The house built by Jefferson between 1806-1826 was destroyed by a devastating fire in 1845, leaving only the brick walls. The interior was rebuilt as a comfortable farmhouse. After two intervening owners, the house and gardens were purchased by a nonprofit foundation in 1983. It is still, after many years of work, being lovingly restored to its original condition and landscaping.
We were welcomed by Mary Kesler, Coordinator of Themed Tours and Historic Information. She sent half the group to Dr. Eric Proebsting, Director of Archeology and Landscape; the other group went with her to view the interior reconstruction. Then, the groups reversed. The recently completed restoration of the Carriage Turnaround was examined and admired for its beauty, and with appreciation for the years of research and hours of hand work spent in bringing it back to its original splendor. Plant and seed archeology research changed the prevailing theory of where exactly the Oval Beds were located within the center of the roundabout and identified what was planted. Inside, Ms. Kesler and J.C. Frost, restoration craftsman, gave presentations on the history of the house, the ongoing work to restore it, and an in-depth tour of the main floor.
Many thanks go to field trip hostess Laura Nordstrom and coordination by Deneen Brannock. A spectacular way to finish our 2020/2021 year. Also, many thanks to the Poplar Forest staff as they made us feel very special.
Anne
