Evening star., 1934-01-14

overnight and who. In the early days. were his
companions Of the chase, IN later days his
trusted advisers In the War for Independence.
IT Is notable that among those who made
] their homes there was one who, in q certain
sense, vas the first President Of the United
States, namely Thomas Hanson; two who at
tended Washington in his last nlness-Dr.
0ustavius r. Brown and DR.. James Craik, and
another whose history is indelibly linked with
the times. Thomas Stone. signer Of the Decla-
ration Of Independence.
The houses IN which these men lived stin
stand, and well worthy they are of q visit, as
much for their architectural excellence as for
the fame Of their owners
Mulberry Grove, the old Hanson homestead,
with its steep pitched roof, wide chimneys and
dormer windows, has been pronounced one Of
the finest examples Of the Colonial period It
has been beautifully restored with faithful ad-
herence to the original design Gracing the
top Of . steep ridge, it gives q commanding
view over river and valley, and its well kept
gardens and lawns attest the interest, wen
as the prosperity. Of the present owner Mr..
Dana Stevens
Not far away Is La Grange which was the
home Of DR.. Craik before he moved to Alexan-
dria, to be nearer his great friend Washington.
The place was named La Grange In honor
Of Lafayette whose estate IN France bore that
name Connoisseurs highly praise La Grange
as well for the graceful proportion evident in
the staircase and other interior construction as
for the exterior
Rose Hill, DR.. Browns home, was, q few years
ago. almost in ruins, but new owner has
lately restored it. thus revivng the picture Of
its ancient glory. It is commodious and adapted
to generous hospitality. for which the Browns
were noted One room Is still pointed out as
that reserved for Washington whenever he
elected to visit there
Adjoining this estate is that of their rela-
tves, the Stones Habre de Venture is con-
adered by many the choicest Of the Port To-
bacco group: the interior is particularly marked
Tor its fne holdings and graceful, carved
paneling. The mantelpiece is work of art.
NEAR the mouth of Port Tobacco Greek
are two other splendid Colonial places
Mount Air. which belonged originally to the
Matthew family, and the Causine Manor. The
doors alone at Mount Air are said to be worth
visit. Causine Manor is distinguished by its
nne, enormous chimneys, q certain indication
In Colonial days of wealth and importance Of
the occupants.
Once IN this neighborhood. the visitor should
not neglect to see two other fine old Colonial
places not far away: Araby, the old Wills home
stead, with its terraced gardens and great double
chimneys, and Linden, the ancestral home of
the Mitchell family, notable for its steeply
pitched gable roof and its massive chimneys.
Take 1t all In all, where will one find within
q limited area SO much to delight the anti.
quarian. interested in Colonial history Co
lonid architecture, combined at the same time
with wonderful landscape settings and beautiful
water scenery. Few people, believe, realize that
a treat like this lies only IS miles distant from
the Capital City.
An easy hour -and-a-half ride over pleasant
country roads and you are at once in the heart
OF the old Colonial area you have, in eject,
made q Journey backward in time through a
space Of 200 years, for not only are there old
houses preserved in their original STYLE but it
Is remarkable how little the surrounding country
has changed with changing years.
No matter how much one may admire the
superb architecture Of modern days, some
times tires Of the sight Of imposing edifce and
towering monuments and may find q refresh.
ing contrast I'd the restful and 1T the same time
dtgnined and graceful abodes Of our vell-to-do