Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1902-07-08
In Historic Clarke County. Virginia.

4
It's Magnificent Colonial Mansions and Vast
| Estates. around Which Cluster Sach
| Rich Historic associations.
DEAR SPIRIT:
I 1t has been the pleasure of your cor
respondent to be a guest for some days
at alpine, the beautiful and comforta-
bic home of Mr.. and Mrs. F. NJ Thomp-
son. eligibiy situated on an eminence
commanding fine sweep OF lovely
scenery, near the Norfolk and Western
railway and Millwoods turnpike. two
miles south of Berryville. where Old Viz
ginia hospitality abounds and is extended
freely and abundantly to all visitors.
The large company who responded to the
kind invitation from Mr.. and Mrs. Thomp-
son to be present on the evening of June
10. at the brilliant reception given in
honor OF their daughter, Miss Ada, and
niece Miss Fleda May Ramey, will ever
remember it as an occasion of delightful
Djoyment. These two young ladies' who
were graduates at the recent commence
ment of the Eastern College, Front Roy
al, Va, have multitude of friends, who
were present to greet them on their re-
turn home.
Through the courtesy and kindness of
Mr.. Thompson, we were enabled to see
a great deal of the southern part Of Clarke
county that we had never before seen. -
With Mr.. T, handling the ribbons. and
seated IN comfortable buggy drawn by
his beautiful span of iron greys, Prin-
cess and "Daisey" we were rapidly
conveyed from one point of interest to
another without delay, and were received
everywhere with courtesy and kindness.
which is characteristic of the grand old
Virginians of this county.
AT grand old Carter Hall we were
cordially received by Mr.. Thomas Bur
well and shown through some of its spa
cious rooms. We entered this house that
has stood tor over a century through an
immense portico that reached ,aboye the
second story windows. supported by huge
white doric pillars. From the south
front the eye rests upon scene that fire.
quently changes here sweep Of green
sward, then cump OF old oaks and
other shade trees, through whose leafy
branches the azure blue of the Blue
Ridge greets you, then the rocky lodges,
and finally through the vista the clear.
cool waters of the famous old spring is
seen at the foot of the hill, from which
we took refreshing draughts. Mr.. Bur-
well has recently sold this fine estate,
containing some thirty acres, for $4,000,
to Missouri gentleman.
Nearby is the thriving village of Mill
wood. with its beautiful Christ Church,
whose people are ministered unto by the
able rector, Rev Mr.. Jones. Then pass
| ing through some fine farming sections,
we reached the fine estate of Mr. Hugh
Nelson, known as Long Branch" This
| fine mansion, built about 1910 or 1872, il
said to have one of the finest spiral stair
| ways III lHiS SOuutiy. iIiC SuilouAdihe
grounds are beautiful, with its inviting
shade. and everything indicated that car,
and attention had prevented old Father
Time from witnessing any waning of III
beauty. Mr. Nelson S farm is we'll stocked
with fine cattle and horses.
j At Montana Hall, the nome of Mr.
G. w. Conrad. the millionaire banker, O
| Great Falls. Montana. we saw perhap
one of the most magnificently and artist
icaliy furnished and decorated privat
homes to be found anywhere in the rura
districts. Through the courtesy an,
kindness of Mr.. Conrads efficient mana
ger. Mr.. John Carroll, we were show
throughout the house. 1t is three stories
with many rooms, corridors, cosy nook
and stairwaysa veritable bird
nest in its daintiness ard beauty. Beau
tiful thing floors in dining roon carpet
Of the richest fabrics and choice designs
rich curtains aud draperies, artistic an
richly decorated walls and ceiling.
costly and beautiful furniture. the a!cov
in the parlor, with IL statuarv. all CON
bined, make one Of the is,.,~t magnificent
and deliberately equipped private home
to be found anywhere. including moder
) conveniences. such as gaslight, wit
: handsome chandeliers, circular conserve
tory, with itsiountaiDs, veranda and ca
I.
riage porch. The outbuildings are sui
stantial and IN keering with the hous.
A lawn with profusion Of shade an
shrubbery aud winding walks. Fro,
the observatory on the roof one has a fin
view of the broad acres of s.Montan
J Hall, numbering 1900. Mr.. Conra
i makes specially of raising fine Gait
0 for the markets. and his herd of forty {
!, more of Hereford mich cows, with the
s white faces. We're perfect beauties. TT
. four little ponies that are driven by VI
n IS children. are also little beauties.
large reserve of field and timber is bein
enclosed with high wire fence, whic
Mr.. C..intends to stock with deer. NJ
e. and family are now in Montana,
Noon found US at . Providence" II
: home of MIR. Charles Copenhaver an
sisters. formerly owned by Mr. ]. Fran
Kerfoot. This also is one Of the cor
modIous old mansions. built in 1909. "
spent two hours very pie asantly with n
Copenhaver, and partook of an eIoga
dinner under his hospitable roof. VI
? {. and sisters make the stranger that
within their gate fee. welcome. Here '
were shown relic that was highly prizs
;. by the members Of this house--a for
representing bible made out of Il
wo- d of tree on the battlefield Of NJ
nassas-
Next we viewed Mountain View
with its magnificent scope of niounta
u scenery tor many miles. the home Of y