The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1889-08-01
The Oaks


Hctcllliss, situated in the eastern section
of the city. and takes its name from the
splendid oak grove i'll which the build
/ Snys are located Nature has been avish
| In its work ut THE Oaks, and culture,
refinement and good taste have added
/ to make it one of the most charming
! homes in our city. Protected from the
chilling blasts of winter by Il range of
h oh hills to the north, its open front to
the south, invites the soft and balmy
breezes which make it delightfully."- cool
| and pleasant in the hottest season.
Maj Hotchkiss has greatly improved
THE Oaks" Where once there was an
unsightly gorge, is now a lawn well set
in grass and ornamented with trees and
flowers The ruggedness of nature Oh
the hill sides. has been turned into invit-
ing slopes and terraces, and all around
pleasant little hooks show a refined and
cultured taste in all the exterior arrange
ments.
The interior of the three-story brick
residence, lately erected under Maj.
shows what can be done for comfort and
ele gance, with home talent, and our own
native products, when directed by skill
full hands guided by educated and cul-
tivated talent.
You enter the house by Il large and
handsome hall 22x35 feet. The ceiling
finished in Virginia cedar. To the left
of the front door is a window, with a cir
cllar top, in which is a broad band of
stained glass, the figures of which are oak
branches, leaves and acOrns 1t is win
dow emblematic of 1.-The Oaks" The
stairway in this hall is in keeping with
the grand design of the hall itself 1t is
wide and easy of ascent. The rail is of
native walnut, and the banisters of ash.
The Newell posts are of unique design
ami highly ornamental. In the hall is a
lrge fireplace, in the old English style,
S , useful and cheerful in the chilly, damp
weather of autumn and winter You
pass from the hall into the library. In
this ROOM there is cabinet mantel OF
black walnut, finished in the most elabor-
ate style. 1t is beautiful in design, and
the workmanship is equal to any we
have ever seen This style of mantel
prevails throughout the house Some
are of ash. Black Birch, american Ma
hogany) and oak This is all native
wood; part of the walnut grew on the lot
where the house stands. The doors on
the first floor are of solid walnut The
woodwork was all done at the shops of
the Messrs. Lushbaugh Bros. For excel
lence and beauty of finish, it will com
pare favorably with any we have
ever seen. We do not remember ever to
have seen its superior. even in the most
expensive public buildings. 1t stamps
the Messrs. Lushbaugh Bros as superior
wOrkmen, and takes from our people the
excuse of going away from home when
they want good work done A look at
the work in the house at The Oaks
will satisfy any one that we have at
home wOrINnen who can meet the de-
nands of the most refined taste.
| The brick work was done by Messrs.
Maj. Hotchkiss seXpresses himself Il
| greatly pleased with it, and pronounces
| it very SUPERIOR both as to material al d
workmanship. In the parlor is a SPLEEN
did job OF painting from the hands of
/ our .fellowtownsman, E. L. Jessup. We
were specially pleased with the excellence
| of this work. Mr.. Jessup did all the
work IN his line in the house
| The plumbing in the house is a mar
vel OF completeness. Each floor is fitted
up with water-closets, bath-tubs and
/ Washstands- The wafer arrangements are
50 adjusted that the greatest comfort
is assured, and the sanitary conditions
are most perfect. The tinishngs are all
nickel plated. The joints are perfectly
solid and made with the greatest care.
In all the details of the arrangements,
necessary for health, comfort and com
pleteness OF finish there is a simplicity
which enables even an unskilled person
to keep everything in perfect order and
removes the care and anxiety so gener-
ally attaching to the intricate details of
plumbing in a large house. The work
is done in superior style, is a model of
neatness and simplicity, and gives entire
satisfaction. The whole work connects
with a sewer lately put in by the city, on
East Beverly Street. The plumbing was
done, by Mr.. Louis Warner, Jr, No 100.
North 9th Street Philadelphia, and from
the trap at the street up to the building
and throughout the entire house, reflects
credit upon the workmen employed. The
tin work was done by Mr.. f. w. Hagar,
No. South Augusta Street.