Real estate blog entries tagged with carolyn roland historic homes by Carolyn Roland- In Delaware and S. Chester County PA, Carolyn Roland, GRI, CRS (Independent architectural histor'n)

Home : Blogs : Carolyn Roland- In Delaware and S. Chester County PA : Carolyn's Delaware and Chester County Blog : Tag "carolyn roland historic homes"

carolyn roland historic homes: DuPont mansion on the hill overlooks a mixed history - 12/21/19 06:50 PM

Eleuthere Irenee Du Pont arrived at the site of Eleutherian Mills on the Brandywine River outside of Wilmington, Delaware in the spring of 1802 to begin the construction of a black powder mill, barn, and a home for his family along the Brandywine Creek. His wife and three children joined him in July 1802, and by 1803, the residence was complete. Their home served as a center of business and social life at Eleutherian Mills for years to come.
Today, visitors to Eleutherian Mills and the adjacent Hagley Museum and Library find a National Historic Landmark home which has survived despite being … (2 comments)

carolyn roland historic homes: Nemours is a palatial home in tiny Delaware - 12/13/19 08:06 AM

Most people know that the duPont family was very influential in Delaware and have left their mark with many beautiful estate homes now open to the public. Most have heard about Winterthur and nearby Longwood Gardens, but how many know about Nemours, located just north of the City of Wilmington?
Owned and developed by Alfred I. duPont (1864-1935), Nemours Estate comprises an exquisite, 77-room mansion designed by Carrère and Hastings of New York, the largest formal French gardens in North America, a Chauffeur's Garage housing a collection of vintage automobiles used on the Estate, and nearly 200 acres of scenic woodlands, meadows … (3 comments)

carolyn roland historic homes: The British marched through town and stopped to chat! - 09/11/19 12:51 PM

Yesterday was the 242nd anniversary of the day the British and their Hessian mercenaries marched through Kennett Square, Pennsylvania on their way to meet General Washington's army ending up the next day on a farmer's field in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.

Last night, September 10, residents of the area around Kennett Square (which was little more than a wide spot in the road in 1777 and home to the Unicorn Tavern, now the oldest building in town) donned British uniforms with Quaker ladies peacefully looking on.

They told stories of how the tavern was looted and the tavern keeper (far right in top … (3 comments)

carolyn roland historic homes: Stonum, a National Historic Landmark Awaits New Owner - 08/15/19 11:08 AM

Visitors to the historic town of Old New Castle in Delaware admire the many historic homes in this deed protected area. They visit the shops with artwork, gifts, antique books and tidy small restaurants. But very few visitors know about Stonum, a home just a one mile walk away which was the mid-eighteenth century home of George Read I, one of Delaware's three Signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Many years ago, I worked as a museum guide at the George Read II House, the c 1800 home of the son of The Signer in Old New Castle. A grand Federal style home, … (4 comments)

carolyn roland historic homes: Sad Fate for Historic Forwood School - 07/30/19 12:41 PM

After many years of neglect, the Forwood School has met a sad fate, the bulldozer. The land had been donated by Forwood ancestors for a school in 1799. It was believed to be the oldest extant building in the original 13 states that had been used for a school.
This strikes me as such a sad sign that the almighty dollar still rules when a developer sees dollar signs when preservationists see our living past being destroyed. As a preservationist and homeowner in the adjacent neighborhood, South Graylyn Crest, this strikes me especially hard. And I really don't look forward to … (0 comments)

carolyn roland historic homes: June Historic Homes E-Newsletter - 05/28/19 01:10 PM

DELAWARE EVENTS
Dover-First Saturday free programs on June 1 are open 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., except Woodburn, Hall House and the Kent County Courthouse. From 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Join the Biggs Museum of American Art for their "Biggs Kids: Kazoos" program and make and decorate your own musical instrument. From 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. sing along at the John Bell House on The Green during our "Music and Song in a Public House" program, tour Legislative Hall to experience Delaware history and join the Johnson Victrola Museum for guided tours celebrating African-American Music Appreciation Month with music played … (0 comments)

carolyn roland historic homes: My Garden is Sending Out Heat Waves of Color - 05/21/19 04:36 PM

Looking out of my kitchen window this morning, I was pleased to see my new Vivienne Clematis has bloomed. I love the large purple flowers, especially since my other Clematis turned out to have tiny purple blooms.

My hot red/orange poppies needed some brassy neighbors, and I think Vivienne is going to give them a run for their money. Not that the bluestars don't think they are the most glorious flowers in the garden! They keep spreading their wings and crowding out other plants every year, probably looking for global domination.
… (9 comments)

carolyn roland historic homes: Day in Old New Castle Celebrates 95th Birthday - 05/20/19 08:50 AM

Located on the Delaware River and founded in 1651 by the Dutch as a military fort, New Castle bounced from being part of the Netherlands, Sweden, and England during the 17th Century. (the Delaware River seen from Battery Park)

In the 18th and 19th Centuries, wharves and merchants lined the shores of the river for the commerce generated by vessels at their doorstep headed out to the ocean or the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia. (photo: colonial tradesperson in Battery Park) Today there is a new pier for visiting recreations of historic ships such as the Kalmar Nyckel, now berthed in Wilmington. … (4 comments)

carolyn roland historic homes: Against all odds, Greenbank Mill survives and throws a party! - 04/27/19 03:15 PM

Today was the 15th annual sheep shearing day and herb sale at historic Greenbank Mills and Phillips Farm in Wilmington, Delaware. I had not been to the Mill in many years, and was anxious to meet the sheep and the people who volunteer to staff the complex.

The first mill at Greenbank was reportedly called the Swede’s Mill dating from 1677. Not much is known of this mill except a vague description and undeciphered archaeological remains. In the 1760’s, the present gristmill was built as a merchant mill to export flour. According to local legend, George Washington posted a guard at the … (4 comments)

carolyn roland historic homes: April 2019 Historic Homes Newsletter - 03/31/19 10:29 AM

DELAWARE EVENTS

At 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, “The Constitutional Convention and Ratification” will be the subject of New Castle Court House Museum historical interpreter Nicole Worthley. She will explore the debates, compromises and writing of the U.S. Constitution during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. Complimentary coffee and cookies provided. Part one of a series of lectures on the U. S. Constitution at the State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 302-744-5054.

Thursday–Sunday, April 5–14, 2019 you can join the Lewes Tulip Celebration. Series of activities at downtown Lewes locations including the Zwaanendael Museum, located at 102 Kings Highway, where tulip … (2 comments)

carolyn roland historic homes: Chesapeake City Historic Home on C and D Canal - 03/03/19 12:28 PM

The Captain Marshall House, Circa 1870, has long been one of the most distinctive homes in North Chesapeake City Maryland, built facing the canal. Sit on the front porch and watch the ships go by or view a town fireworks show without driving anywhere. As you enter the gate through the hairpin fence don't forget to pull the original doorbell to the right of the door.
The front door of this Italianate style home still has the original molded panels and the handsome walnut post and banister which retain their original stained finish. With 9 foot ceilings, with oak and pine … (3 comments)

carolyn roland historic homes: March 2019 Historic Homes E Newsletter - 02/27/19 01:00 PM

DELAWARE EVENTS

The First State Heritage Park will explore the stories and contributions of Delaware women March 2 for the park’s monthly First Saturday in the First State program. The day’s schedule will feature various free events and activities marking Women’s History Month, with the focus on how women have changed the state in different ways. (photo:Woodburn)
Programs and activities for First Saturday in the First State:
Whatever Shall I Wear?: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., John Bell House, 43 The Green. Legislative Ladies: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave., Dover. Participants will tour Delaware’s State Capitol building. Biggs Kids … (1 comments)

carolyn roland historic homes: Preservationists vs Developer in Chester County - 02/09/19 11:31 AM

Sometimes it's not always what you know, but WHO you know. Luckily for the New Garden Twp. PA Historic Commissiion, they have a friend in Richard Gaw of the Chester County Press.
Richard came to the Commission a couple of months ago to investigate a controversy brewing with a local developer who, in the past, always seemed to get projects approved in New Garden. He had a property under contract which, in addition to a c. 1790 house (1913 photo) , had a possibility of subdivision for another 7 houses. But a demolition permit for the historic house and some outbuildings was … (1 comments)

carolyn roland historic homes: Ben Franklin:Another Good Idea Comes Alive in Philadelphia - 01/28/19 09:08 AM

It had been a place I had always wondered about, and here was my chance last week to gain entry to the historic Library Company of Philadelphia at 13th and Locust. Imagine yourself in 1731 Philadelphia, with few books available to the public. Then along comes Ben Franklin and his friends who were members of the Junto, his “society of mutual improvement,” whom he convinced to pool their resources and purchase a collection of books. Each of the 40 members contributed 50 shillings.
Today, a majority of Library Company members are shareholders who have purchased a share that has been passed through … (1 comments)

carolyn roland historic homes: Colonial Era Homes Shine in Odessa Night - 12/28/18 08:41 PM

The other night was the last candlelight tour for the year of the Historic Houses of Odessa, Delaware and my friends and I took the opportunity to first have dinner at Cantwell's Tavern and then tour the 3 houses decorated for the season.

First came the c. 1769 Wilson-Warner house, which had Christmas trees decorated by various groups such as the DAR. One of the trees was decorated with ladybugs, the State bug, another with nutcrackers (both from the collection of the woman who took us through the house).

Our next stop was next door at the Corbit-Sharp house, c. 1774. This home … (1 comments)

carolyn roland historic homes: Getting up close to William Penn in Philly - 12/18/18 01:47 PM

Yes, this morning we went up 458 feet to the viewing deck under the statue of William Penn at the top of Philadelphia City Hall, the largest municipal building in this country. The most stomach curdling part was the ride up in the elevator from the 7th floor. The door is glass, so you can see yourself hurtling skyward and passing the inside of the giant clock face which looks out over the city. I had only done this once before, and the inside of the clock still makes an impression. (photo Wikipedia)

But the biggest thrill is looking over the City … (6 comments)

carolyn roland historic homes: When Delaware was famous for Holly and a B and O RR train - 12/13/18 09:05 AM

It all started when I was doing some yard cleanup today and noticed that my holly tree was full of berries, for the first time in ages. I always thought the birds got there before I did, which is probably part of the reason. Another thing is that although it's been cold, it hasn't been sub-freezing yet, so the birds probably still have the bugs and whatever other living things they feast on in abundance.
Then I remembered 2 holly related stories in Delaware lore. The other day, robin brown, who posts photos from the State Archives, posted a photo and story … (1 comments)

carolyn roland historic homes: Can you top these Pennsylvania gingerbread houses? - 12/06/18 01:41 PM

For all you creative types out there, we are not talking your average Hallmark pretty gingerbread house, but one made by actual architects and architecture students that recreate famous Pennsylvania buildings such as Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater (yes, the blue is falling water).

Here is John Haviland's Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia by Drexel University students.
Last year, University of Pennsylvania students recreated Frank Furness’ Fisher Fine Arts Library in gingerbread.

All these pieces of art came from suggestions made in a post by
Pennsylvania Historic Preservation
… (3 comments)

carolyn roland historic homes: Yuletide at Winterthur Opens - 12/03/18 02:58 PM

Yuletide at Winterthur Museum north of Wilmington, Delaware, opened last week. It is a guided tour and you are grouped with about 10 people (the max for the tiny old elevator).

Before entering the exhibit, there is a dollhouse and Christmas tree with needlepoint ornaments, all designed by Nancy McDaniel. I especially liked the grouping of Santas she had made.

There is a little more emphasis on table settings, in keeping with the theme of the Dining by Design exhibit in the galleries. The tables were grand, starting with the duPont dining room table. It was centered with topiaries and each place … (1 comments)

carolyn roland historic homes: Woodburn, the Delaware Governor's Residence - 12/02/18 01:59 PM

Yesterday I visited Woodburn, the Delaware Governor's residence in the State Capital, Dover. This home, built c. 1798 by Charles Hillyard III, is one of the finest Middle Period Georgian houses in Delaware.

Decorated for the holidays by a "friends of" group, a guide explained the history of the house to the group of visitors who walked in during the First Saturdays in the First State program, when the residence is open to the public.

There are many lovely antiques and silver pieces in the house, and the dining room was set up with punch and some very yummy homemade cookies. I come … (0 comments)

Related Links: