A continuation of yesterpost...
A docent lead us around James Monroe's Highland and into the upstairs of the Guest House where we saw some of the original furnishings.
First, we stopped at the archeological site where she described what the original house was like. The first house was rather small. She described it as their "starter house." Larger houses are on the other estates. This one had a nice, cosy feel. It burned down in the 1830s.
We walked over to the other side of the Guest House, with only the top floor visible from outside.
Inside several pieces owned by the Monroes were on display, including several items they brought back from France.
A lot of furniture from the late 1700s and early 1800s was influenced by the rediscovery of Pompeii, causing a bit of a classical craze. This desk was in an earlier style and has a removable hutch, presumably for ease of transport.
The bedroom has a dresser from the Monroes along with an ornately carved bed.
Since Monroe was president after the White House was burned down during the War of 1812, he and his wife did a lot of redecorating in the new presidential mansion. One tradition they started was purchasing their set of Presidential China, which they kept after they left office. Each new president commissions new china with new designs. Modern presidents do not keep the sets--they are in a White House museum or warehouse somewhere (probably right next to the Ark of the Covenant).
I was impressed by a small sculpture of a sculptor sculpting a bust.
The dining room wasn't terribly big but the table did have a leaf-system to make it larger or smaller, depending on the number of guests. Thomas Jefferson's Monticello is only two miles away, so the two men often visited each other.
In the sitting room is a tea set and a bust of Napoleon. This particular bust was one of twelve hundred commissioned by Napoleon himself and given out at his coronation. Monroe attended the coronation. Of the many busts, only five are still known to be in existence, this being one of the few remaining.
The docent also talked about the dendrochronology used to identify different parts of the building. By taking small samples of the wood used in construction, scientists can determine when the buildings were constructed.
She said that they plan to move the Massey House at some point so they can do more archeological research on the first house. They will move the building to another part of Highland.
The slave quarters are not far from the house and have a small, square smoke house on the end.
Further back are some livestock exhibits with actual livestock! My youngest son was fascinated by the roosters who crowed even though it wasn't morning.
Donkeys were used back in the day as work animals for the farm. Some obligingly walked by for photos.
Since we visited in April, many of the flower gardens were in full bloom, making some very fine smells and sights.
A docent lead us around James Monroe's Highland and into the upstairs of the Guest House where we saw some of the original furnishings.
First, we stopped at the archeological site where she described what the original house was like. The first house was rather small. She described it as their "starter house." Larger houses are on the other estates. This one had a nice, cosy feel. It burned down in the 1830s.
 |
| Docent with house description |
 |
| Layout of the house |
We walked over to the other side of the Guest House, with only the top floor visible from outside.
 |
| Guest entrance to the Guest House |
Inside several pieces owned by the Monroes were on display, including several items they brought back from France.
 |
| French clock |
A lot of furniture from the late 1700s and early 1800s was influenced by the rediscovery of Pompeii, causing a bit of a classical craze. This desk was in an earlier style and has a removable hutch, presumably for ease of transport.
 |
| Desk with hutch |
The bedroom has a dresser from the Monroes along with an ornately carved bed.
 |
| Dress and dresser |
 |
| Bed |
Since Monroe was president after the White House was burned down during the War of 1812, he and his wife did a lot of redecorating in the new presidential mansion. One tradition they started was purchasing their set of Presidential China, which they kept after they left office. Each new president commissions new china with new designs. Modern presidents do not keep the sets--they are in a White House museum or warehouse somewhere (probably right next to the Ark of the Covenant).
 |
| Presidential china |
I was impressed by a small sculpture of a sculptor sculpting a bust.
 |
| A bit meta, as they would say today |
The dining room wasn't terribly big but the table did have a leaf-system to make it larger or smaller, depending on the number of guests. Thomas Jefferson's Monticello is only two miles away, so the two men often visited each other.
 |
| Dining table |
In the sitting room is a tea set and a bust of Napoleon. This particular bust was one of twelve hundred commissioned by Napoleon himself and given out at his coronation. Monroe attended the coronation. Of the many busts, only five are still known to be in existence, this being one of the few remaining.
 |
| Tea set |
 |
| Napoleon's door prize for attending his coronation |
The docent also talked about the dendrochronology used to identify different parts of the building. By taking small samples of the wood used in construction, scientists can determine when the buildings were constructed.
 |
| Massey House (1870s), 1850 addition (1850s), and Guest House (1818) |
She said that they plan to move the Massey House at some point so they can do more archeological research on the first house. They will move the building to another part of Highland.
The slave quarters are not far from the house and have a small, square smoke house on the end.
 |
| View to the slave quarters and smokehouse |
Further back are some livestock exhibits with actual livestock! My youngest son was fascinated by the roosters who crowed even though it wasn't morning.
 |
| Rooster and hens |
Donkeys were used back in the day as work animals for the farm. Some obligingly walked by for photos.
 |
| One donkey |
 |
| A slightly faster donkey |
Since we visited in April, many of the flower gardens were in full bloom, making some very fine smells and sights.
 |
| One patch of flowers |
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| The bud just opening |
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| A full bloom |
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