We recently had a meeting in Va Beach. How wonderful it was to see the waves crashing into the shore after a long winter. The ocean has always been a special place for me and my family. My parents loved the ocean and definitely passed their love to their children. My children feel the same way!
We arrived a little early for our meeting so we walked a block down to the DeWitt Cottage. It now is home to the Atlantic Waterfowl Heritage Museum. The cottage was built in 1895 by Bernard Holland. His wife didn't like the sound of the ocean and he built her another home across the street. The DeWitts bought the cottage in 1909 and the home stayed in the family until 1988. The home is quite large and has 14 inch thick brick walls. When I was a teen I can remember many cottages like this one that lined the ocean front. Most of these cottages have now been torn down and replaced by high rise hotels.
Inside the museum there were three men that were carving duck decoys. The museum is filled with many antique decoys. One of the gentlemen carvers told us about the decoy he was holding. It belonged to his great grandfather. He told us he had bags full of these decoys. One similar recently sold for $23,000 dollars! I had no idea that duck decoys were that valuable!
Here are some photos from the museum that now houses memorabilia from the club.
This is a little gem of a museum tucked among the high rise hotels. We enjoyed our visit very much and of course look forward to summer when we come to the beach again and see the beautiful ocean!
I did enjoy taking a walk with you and visiting the museum. What a wonderful place with so much appreciation of crafts and handiwork.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Amalia, It was a short but lovely visit for us. We learned that decoy carving was a craft once practiced by and started by Native Americans! They made the first decoys with straw. ♥
DeleteDuck decoys can bring in some big bucks!
ReplyDeleteI love the cottage. In my dreams, seaside towns would be filled with these, not with high rise hotels. (Not a realistic dream, mind you...but wouldn't it be charming?)
I would have that dream also, Cheryl--and I would be living in one of those cottages by the ocean.♥
DeleteDear Martha Ellen ~ I once lived in Virginia Beach! It's a small world after all! I did not know of this museum, I wonder if the museum was established yet when I was there in the 1980's? It is truly amazing the price put on certain pieces of art work, isn't it?
ReplyDelete~~~Deb in {very windy} Wales
It is a small world, Deb! You lived in Va Beach--that's a long ways from Wales! The Back Bay Wildlife group learned in 1992 that the DeWitt cottage was bought by the city of Va Beach. So they proceeded to obtain it for their museum.
DeleteHold on to your hat today! ♥
I'm glad you got to the beach. Can you imagine not liking the sound of the ocean? It would lull me to sleep each night if I lived there. That looks like a nice museum and I wonder who is learning the craft of decoy carving from these older gentlemen?
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine not liking the beautiful sound of the ocean, Dotsie! It's so calming and soothing to me. The gentlemen there told us that their children had no interest in decoy carving! What a shame--it could be a dying art form. Hopefully not! ♥
DeleteWhat's the story behind the dollhouse? Is it a replica of a house that once existed before the highrises? We went to VA Beach years and years ago, probably before the museum existed, or else I would have sought it out.
ReplyDeleteI could not find much info on the dollhouse, Cathy. It has a small card on the back that was written in ink that is quite smudged. On the top of the house it indicates it is a decoy carver's home. It has quite a bit of detail in it---Being enclosed in glass and overhead lights, made it difficult to photograph. There are many wonderful places to visit in Va Beach that don't involve the beach. ♥
DeleteAcross the street to avoid the sound of the waves crashing?! That's a new one on me. To each her own...she must have been an ultra sensitive to sound sort. I must say that the charming cottages had a lot more going for them over those high-rise hotels, yet far more people get the opportunity to enjoy the beach with the hotels. Those decoys are amazing! I'd love to be able to afford one. I think it would fit right in at my place.
ReplyDeleteVee, I can't relate to Mrs. Holland--The beach is one of my favorite places to park! Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all could have a lovely cottage to enjoy in the summer? ♥
DeleteWhat a wonderful little museum, Martha Ellen! It's hard to imagine not liking the sounds of the ocean! You live in such an interesting part of our country, with so much wonderful history. Is it a long drive to the ocean from your house? Although we can drive to the beautiful Lake Michigan shore in thirty minutes… it's just not the same! Thanks for taking us along on this adventure! ♡Dawn
ReplyDeleteDawn, we live close to the mountains (about an hour) and the ocean (about 3 hours) . We are fortunate to be able to enjoy many different historical places right in our city and much more within our state. I remember seeing Lake Michigan and thinking it looked big enough to be the ocean! Our vast country is so beautiful with uniqueness around every corner! ♥
DeleteOh Mary Ellen! You were down here and you didn't call me??? We need to exchange numbers. As I am a Mermaid I am down at the beach often…I feel bad that I don't drive to the mountains more.
ReplyDeleteMargot }~~~O
Margot, our trip to the beach was very short, but sweet! How lucky you are to live near the gorgeous ocean. I'd be down there to walk and enjoy for sure.! ♥
DeleteHi Martha,
ReplyDeleteOnce again you brought us along on an interesting place and lovely visit!!
I much enjoyed all of the pictures! Thanks for another great look at another hidden treasure!!
Many Blessings and much warmth, Linnie
Thank you Linnie! So glad you enjoyed. I hope things are warming up for you, dear one. Happy Easter to you and your family! ♥
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