Wilmington, Delaware is home to a rare survival of a Victorian rural Gothic mansion, and a tribute to Joseph Shipley, a Quaker merchant who built the house between 1851 and 1854, and his descendants, the Bringhurst Family, who preserved the house and gave it to New Castle County. It now sits in a 6 acre County park, with hiking trails and a Carriage House/ Barn which has been turned into a caterer run party facility.
It is fully furnished and contains much family furniture and clothing, which is in remarkable condition. But one of the things that is in need of help is the conservatory, which is a rare American survival of this type Victorian structure.
There are two public events coming up which sound like a lot of fun. First is the Annual Rockwood Holiday Open House, December 3, 4, and 5. It will feature entertainment, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a holiday gift shop, and a ceremonial tree lighting and a special reading of "Twas The Night Before Christmas" in the mansion. The event is free but please bring a non-perishable food item or mittens, hats or gloves for the less fortunate. Details on www.rockwood.org.
An event to benefit the restoration of the conservatory is a Victorian Costume Ball on Saturday, February 26, 2011 to be held in the Carriage House. Details are on the website in the Happenings Guide on page 24, and reservatiions must be made to 302-761-1722.
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