Circa 1900 'The Old Virginia Homestead': 2010

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Residence History

WELCOME TO THE OLD HOMESTEAD!
I recently was contacted by two of the female children who grew up in this home. I will be posting photos and information as I acquire them. There are many questions I have about the residence I now call home and am so excited to have this opportunity and look forward to documenting the history of the 'The Old Virginia Homestead' located along 'The Trail of the Lonesome Pine'.

History Provided by great granddaughter Catherine Light

Winter Exposure

Winter brings its own delight. The wildness of the ivy lays dormant, the granduer of the walls exposed we can enjoy the workmanship more clearly. We are constantly uncovering new areas of interest, discovering portions of intesecting walls, stone staircases, benches and barrels hand fashioned from mortar and stone. I constantly find glass marbles, bits of pottery, old glass bottles and artifacts such as hairpins and such from past occupants. The soil on the left side of the house is a beautiful dense clay, while the soil on the right side is a dark rich soil.

Property is now a Certified Wildlife Habitat

The property was certified by the National Wildlife Federation and the Virginia Game and Fisheries as a 'Backyard Habitat in 2008. I record the various wildlife visitors through photography and by data base listings. We have many 'human' vistors as well asking about the Italian stone walls and terraces throughout the property. We are continually adding nesting boxes, bird houses and plantings to attract and support the breeding and health of our wildlife friends. It truly is a labor of love and a priveledge to be a part of the history of this home.