Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1886-12-03
A MODEL CoUNrnY.sEAr.
MARrrxsBuRe. W. Va. Nov. ODD, 1886

One of the most attractive country
seats In the eastern portion Of our Noun
tain State, is the tirne-honOred manor of
the we'll known Shepherd Estate, four
miles north Of ShepherdstOwn. in JET
fersOn county.
Looking out from gently reclining
hill, on the picturesque Potomac with
it's varied and beautiful scenery, this
old Virginia homestead is one Of those
well remembered resorts which in ante
bellum days were the pride anG boast Of
the people of the South.
This part was then owned by the late
Mr.. r. d. shepherd, a wealthy and dis
tinguished member of the family. by
whom il was chrstened wild Goose
Farm"
This magnificent estate, which Alto
gether embraces about thousand acres
of the most fertile and productive land
in this section Of the country. has since
been purchased by Mr.. Henry Shepherd,
who is its present owner, and by whom
it has been greatly improved, especially
that portion upon which he and his
family reside, and which he calls his
Upper Farm.
Passing up long avenue OF well
grown and careful selected forest trees.
beech, linden. maple and Cthers,-we
approach the mansion. Here on knoll,
empowered mid profusion of waving
willows, stately poplars, aud quakins
aspens, stands the residence, built In
quadrangular shape, with two extended
WINGS pretentious frame structure
of comparatively modern architecture.
TO some it may not seem effectively
grand, but around it is woven web OF
early family history, Of intense interest
to the living representatives OF ali aris-
tocratic ancestry, long since passed
away.
We enter, through Gothic porch, a
spacious hall leading to the parlors,
which are simply but richly furnished,
-skillfully rejecting mirrors and
choice paintings adding to the pleasing
effect.
The Library adjoining is most
unique and handsomely furnished room,
and the dining and bed -rooms in ele-
gance and taste correspond with the
Parlor and Library.
From wide piazza, in lovely
meadow in front, we look down upon
miniature lake on which sport the grace
full swan, lordly geese and countless
Muscovies.
A view of the Garden presents happy
blending of the useful and ornamental,
real vegetable gardening decorated.
In fact an observing eye will see at a
glance over the surrounding grounds,
beds, mounds and terraces, vines, shrub
berry and arbors, that Mr.. S. exhibits
the same fondness tor embellishment,
garden, park and landscape, as do the
English people of fortune and culture.
From the dwelling fine gravelly
walk leads down TO the dairy and spring,
while northwarC. TWO white shelly road
WAYS wind around diamond shaped
centre plat, converging at the barn.
The stables, in which the well bred
driving horses stand, are constructed
after the best models, and the managers
furnished with the latest contrivances
Tor sale feeding.
The carriage room, with oiled floor,
is equipped with barOuches, phaetons,
falling tops and village carts, while the
room connecting exhibits fine display
of harness, most admirably arranged
all together aifording the material for
several handsome turnoutS.
Around the stables are number OF
fox aud rabbit cages, while near by
howl pack of anxious hounds ready
for the chase-spor; in which Mr.. S.
sometimes INDUCES.
Across from The stables is all octagOn
japanese Pagoda, tastly designated and
painted, and surmounted by gilt ball,
weather cock and wild goose. Here
stands the morning sentinel who at APP
pointed hours strikes the bell, giving
signal and summons for all the workmen
TO repair to labor.
The barn and extended range of sta.
bles are planned and equipped with II
view to the greatest convenience and
ust fulness.
A long row of painted shedding con-
taiAs and shelters the various agricultu-
raj implements, all assorted and kept
with the same system and care which
marks everything about the premises.
Holsters and watchmen are constantly
on duty about the barn and stables, tax
ing care of the property and the large
herds of valuable cattle, sheep and
nogs,-all in quality and condition in
keeping with the fine order of things 80
plainly visible wherever you turn.
Passing down the avenue from Wild
Goose, we behold dotted here and there
over the farm number of modern
style cottages, where dwell the workmen
in plenty, comfort and contentmeEt.
Leaving the avenue, and entering
upon the well known Shepherd Grade,
a mile drive over fine stretch of wide
level road, long famous as the course
upon which the speed of many steed
was tried in other days, and we arrive
at another branch of the Shepherd
Homestead, now known as the Loper
Farm.
This was the life long residence Of
Mr.. Henry Shepherd, Sr., the father of