Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-12-28
a Graveyard of Colonial Mansions"

I EGALLi, Virginia is in no wise respon-
l. Sihe for any negligence that may have
resulted during the last few years in the
destruction by fire OF many of its famous
old Colonial mansions. Morally, the uucs-
iion arises: Has not the State been careless
to the point OF culpability in its continued
neglect OF these fine old treasures which. once
reduced 10 ashes, never can be restored?
And there is n further question: Is there
nothing Virginia can do to preserve the re-
naming landmarks of a glorious past either
through acquired ownership or in cooper
alton with the private owners? In the
number OF fires which have laid low many
OF these mansions recently there is that
which should arouse the State to sense OF
its moral guardianship and cause ii TO take
some sort of action before it is too late
Virginia itself may not realize how it is be-
ing robbed Of the most precious OF its
treasures hut the nation at large realizes
ii. as is patent from the following editorial
in a recent issue Of the New York Sun:
The destruction by ire of l.ansdowne. one
of the most interesting of the Colonial resi-
G l In which NirEtn'a is so rich will occa-
Was once the home OF Lord punsmorc. Tic
tionists.
1t would seem that some steps could be TAX
Ell 10 prevent the loss by fire OF such priceless
relies OF the nations past. In Virginia cspe-
Within the past few years Edge Fiji and Dun
lorn both DESIGNED by the hand OF Thomas
famous Burwel! family Roosevelt, built by
have burned to the ground. Throughout the
STATE scores Of nlaekened ruins or solitary
Immediate steps should he taken TO pre-
Ola Do!nin!on. How irrcrarablc would he the
,ir, Of WMS,oysr or Montirello, or Mount
or Kenmore Ii tho Cestractiom goes on ui-
o oT ,r AirEimln VIII soon acquire the name
Does Virginia want to become known as
the graveyard OF Colonial mansions? If
il does not. then it should adopt a definite
policy toward their preservation. 1t NAV
prove difficult problem to approach, mas
much rs practically all these historic struc-
lures are in private possession. few such
as the John Marshall House. have heen
taken over and are being preserved to pos
tcrity by patriotic organizations, hut scarce
II start has been made and the funds of
such organizations necessarily are very lin
tied.
TO commit the State to 4 wide policy OF
acquiring these ancient properties per-
haps would be impracticable or. at the pres-
ent time, impossible. and still that object
might be accomplished in limited way
There are certain shrincs to which Virginia
should have title, and from time TO time
they might be acquired with q reasonable
outlay and preserved at the public expense
Should such Il policy be adopted and the
various famous mansions taken over as pr-
vate ownership was willing to relnquish
them. i'll the course Of years Virginia would
find itself in possession of landmarks in the
making OF history such as no other state
could boast, and more and more as they
NIr,. nr,. ,lAI
become the Mecca for every person inter
cEted in tho beginnings Of America
SHOULD policy OF gradually acquiring
ownership be deemed inadvisable now il
might be possible TO cooperate with the pri
vatc owners in the way OF inspection NJ
stated intervals and thus at small expense
reduce the risk of destruction by fire or
other causes. Certainly il is subject that
demands tho best thought of the State and
TIC formulation OF a definite program for
acton al the next meeting OF the General
Assembly.