December 3, 2018
We apologize for not getting this out on the 1st, but Lynne didn’t get it done before heading to Houston for the Southern Region Irish Dance Championships. Since she didn’t bring home any “hardware,” she’ll have to try again next year when the event is at The Gaylord National Harbor.
This month we wanted to focus on a recent restoration effort. Before and after photos are below. These gorgeous mahogany and maple chairs were stripped and refinished. The joints were also tightened. What a difference!
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One of the things we enjoy during the holidays is seeing how historic homes are decorated. Last year we went to Morven Park in Leesburg, which has holiday tours on weekends all month and weekday tours the 26th through the 30th. This year we may try something different. Possible options include:
- Oatlands, which is also decorated for the season; rather than conducting guided tours, they’re allowing visitors to enjoy the mansion at their own pace this month. In addition, they’re having candlelight mansion tours the evenings of the 8th and the 15th. What an authentic way to see an old house! Check their website (oatlands.org) for details on holiday teas; there are many to choose from, though some are already sold out.
- Dodona Manor. Also known as The Marshall House, this was the home of General George and Katherine Marshall from 1941 through 1959. While the house dates from the early 1900’s, over 90% of the furniture in the house was owned by the Marshall’s. Interesting tidbit: The couple who sold the house to the Marshall’s were Northcutt Ely and Marcia McCann Ely. Maybe a distant relation??? Tours are available on weekends.
Consider combining a visit to one of these houses with the Leesburg Christmas Parade that will be held at 6 p.m. on the 8th; it starts at Ida Lee Park, going straight down King Street. If you prefer a daytime parade, Purcellville’s is on the 15th, but they have a whole list of holiday activities at https://purcellvilleva.gov/799/Holiday-and-Christmas-Activities.
Finally, as for holiday hours, we’ll be closed the 23rd through 25th (Sunday-Tuesday) for Christmas and the following week, the 30th through the 1st (Sunday-Tuesday) for New Year’s. We hope your celebrations are happy ones!
Bob and Lynne McCann