Having grown up in Richmond Virginia I'm very proud of my birthplace. I am from a long line of Virginians. My ancestors came to Virginia in 1610. That is a story for another day. Today I'd like to show you a pewter chocolate pot that was owned by my great-grandparents. I never met them but my Daddy told me that my great-grandfather was the station master at the Broad Street Train Station.
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| Broad Street Train Station - now The Science Museum of VA |
The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond is a very fine and exclusive hotel in the downtown. Lewis Ginter, a wealthy tobacco baron, had the Beaux-Arts hotel built in 1892 and opened for business in 1895. Many presidents have stayed at The Jefferson as well as celebrities such as Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley. If you are famous, you have probably stayed at The Jefferson.
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| The Jefferson |
It is said that when Margaret Mitchell stayed at The Jefferson (while writing Gone with the Wind) she was inspired by the staircase there for Tara.
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| The Jefferson staircase |
In 1901 a fire gutted the interior of the hotel. There were extensive restorations done and the hotel reopened in 1907. According to my Daddy, my great-grandparents went to the fire sale that was held at The Jefferson. It was there they bought this chocolate pot. It now resides in our home.
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| Chocolate Pot |
Very interesting Martha Ellen! I had no idea you were from a long line of Virginians. Your family must have some tales to tell about the Civil War. What a prize to possess--that chocolate pot from the Jefferson and the story attached to it!
ReplyDeleteCathy, the stories I've heard are not pretty! I used to argue with my Daddy about those issues. We've come a long way from those times. ♥
DeleteYour chocolate pot is beautiful...and how lovely that you know the history that is behind it!
ReplyDeleteI can certainly see Tara's staircase in this one at The Jefferson!
Cheryl, family heirlooms are so precious. I just wish I had been more attentive to family tales. ♥
DeleteWhy, your family must have arrived with the early settlers, yes? I cannot wait to hear that story! Such a beautiful chocolate pot and to know the provenance makes it even more special,and all the beautiful architecture on the train station and hotel too. Thank you for sharing it all.
ReplyDeleteDeborah, my family came to Jamestown in 1610. Samuel Jordan left on the Sea Venture from Plymouth, England. The Sea Venture as you may know crashed near Bermuda. The Tempest, by William Shakespeare, is said to have been inspired by this shipwreck. ♥
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