Woodlawn Plantation Tour and Luncheon, Clover, Virginia
A few weeks ago I posted an article about my visit with friends Mark and Jeanene Krogh, who have been restoring Woodlawn Plantation in Clover, Virginia. Their dedication to this restoration is admirable, and the time and effort they have invested in this 18th century Virginia plantation home is impressive. Read the article about Woodlawn Plantation here.
This weekend marks 150 years since the Battle of Staunton River Bridge, an American Civil War battle, and thousands of people are at the Staunton River Battlefield State Park this very weekend to commemorate this historic event. The Kroghs opened their home this weekend in conjunction with the commemoration for a luncheon and tour of the property. They invited our family to attend as their guests, of which we were all very appreciative. The Kroghs are a lovely family, and we have enjoyed getting to know them better and learning about their home, their stories, and their history.
To read more about the Battle of Staunton River Bridge and the Staunton River Battlefield State Park, go to www.stauntonriverbattlefield.org.
The Krogh Gentlemen,father Mark and son Matthew, dressed in character as the Coleman family who originally resided at Woodlawn Plantation during the 18th and 19th centuries. They guided groups through the home while explaining the history and the restoration process.
Mrs. Krogh (left), her daughter Jaclyn, and daughter-in-law Juliann (right) served as a tour guide, photographer, and in the kitchen as well. Mrs. Krogh prepared deviled eggs, chicken salad, barbecue, baked beans, cole slaw, rolls, refreshing mint tea, and for dessert, a divine Virginia Walnut cake and the fitting Robert E. Lee cake, for both of which I will be requesting the recipe. Yesterday may have been my first experience with Robert E. Lee cake, but I assure you, it won't be my last.
Mark Krogh, Mark Thackston (my husband), with Jim Luedtke, who is not only a friend of ours and the Kroghs, but is a very talented builder and woodcrafter who handcrafted the replica dentil moulding on the exterior of Woodlawn Plantation. My husband told me after we got home home last night, that he sure was glad Mark Krogh changed out of his costume after the tour and joined us on the lawn for lunch. While the men were talking about man things, Carrington and I explored the old Henry Coleman family cemetery. We almost decided to not walk down to the cemetery, because it is so badly grown up with weeds and vines that we feared for chiggars and other critters, but I am so glad we opted to go. What an incredible little grown-over jewel! And talk about a photo op!
Well, you know what they say, a picture says a thousand words. I recently bought a Canon camera, and I have been playing around with the features, learning a few lighting and focus tricks, and this really was a playground for me and my new toy. I learned that you don't have to be a professional photographer to have fun with your camera, and that with a little inspiration and a creative eye, you can take some blog worthy photos to be proud of. To sum it up, I will let the following photos tell the story and convey the feel of this picture perfect day.
Antiquity meets modernity, as my daughter Courtland finds a quiet spot underneath the hanging lantern by the old horse drawn carriage to check her text messages on her iPod.
Our family had a wonderful morning and afternoon, and are so appreciative of the opportunity to spend the day here at Woodlawn Plantation in Clover, Virginia. I can not say enough nice things about this family, their efforts to renovate this beautiful old Southern Virginia home, and of course, Mrs. Krogh's cooking! Thank you, thank you Jeanene and gracious Krogh family for allowing us to be your guests!
SoVA Mom, Erin, enjoying a beautiful day with son Carrington at Woodlawn Plantation. Thanks so much for stopping by to read about Woodlawn Plantation. Read more about how our family of four loves making the most of life in Southern Virginia at SoVA Mom Home.
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