October 3, 2010 Ashland, Virginia Maymont

Captain’s Blog

Sunday, Day 19

KOA

We woke to overcast skies today with rain predicted for later this evening. We got a late start and had planned on two separate activities today but probably will only get to do one.

We left for Maymont Mansion Museum around 10:30 am. Upon arriving at the complex we were first taken by the many lovely structures that are part of the complex.

Our first stop was at the Carriage House with several pristine carriages and sleighs on display. Then we ventured over to the Mansion but were too early for a tour so decided to take advantage of still calm weather and tour the grounds.

The Mansion sits on acres and acres of rolling hills overlooking the James River. The gardens and parkland is an oasis in the center of the city. It is said that Maymont is one of the most elaborate Victorian landscapes on the East Coast.

We decided to trek to the animal and nature exhibits, the furthest from the house, and work our way back. In the animal and nature exhibits we saw lambs, black bear, multiple birds of prey, owls and a beautiful gray fox.

 

We then walked to and enjoyed the Japanese Garden with its 45- foot waterfall, huge koi fish in the koi pond, multiple fountains, gazebos and the Japanese Grotto. Then it was on to the Italian Garden with its multiple terraces and blooming flowers. 

We stopped at the mausoleum where the previous owners of Maymont are buried and took in the wonderful views from the hilltop. Thankfully, despite the dark clouds overhead the rain held off for the three hours we walked the grounds of Maymont.

LINK: Maymont Mansion

http://www.maymont.org/Page.aspx?pid=217

Maymont Mansion has 33 rooms that reflect the lavish lifestyle of American millionaires in the 1890’s. From 1893 to 1925 Maymont was the residence of James and Sallie Dooley. A native of Richmonder and son of prosperous Irish immigrants James Dooley made his fortune after the Civil War in railroads and other business ventures. Sallie Dooley was a published author and an amateur horticulturist and played an active role in many women’s organizations.

LINK:  PHOTOS OF INSDE

http://www.travelphotobase.com/s/VARHR.HTM

In keeping with the taste of American millionaires of the Gilded Age, the Dooleys created Maymont with its elaborate gardens, spectacular outbuildings and in the middle of it all, their 33-room mansion.

There are thirteen rooms available for viewing and they are – to say the least – incredible. Every room is done in a different wood with walls painted soft colors. Mrs. Dooleys receiving room is glided in gold with a magnificent fresco painted on the ceiling. There are transom windows in every room and the transoms are done in Tiffany stained- glass, with different motifs and colors in each room. On the ground level we visited the drawing rooms, library, dining room with a 12’9’’ armoire with Presidential china and living hall the mansion’s principle reception area.

On the second floor we were amazed at the beauty and size of the stained glass window that lights the hallway. There were three bedrooms, one with a magnificently carved swan bed in Mrs. Dooley’s bedroom.

Of interest are the chandeliers throughout the house. Besides being extremely ornate they were set up to run on electricity and gas. There is a gas pump in the basement that looks scary. Given that wiring was not as well insulated as it is today and the thought of gas and electricity running through the same lamps leads one to think that this was definitely a potentially dangerous situation.

The basement houses a reception room, kitchen, pantry, laundry room, cold room, butlers bedroom, wine cellar, maid’s room, drying closet and butler’s pantry. The household employees cleaned the 12,000 square foot mansion, fed seven to twelve people on a daily basis and hundreds on occasion, washed and ironed all the clothes and linens, helped the Dooleys dress, and performed ceremonial functions such as serving at the table and answering the door.

The majority of the furnishings in house were acquired by the Dooley’s on their many trips to Europe. Maymont today provides an unusually complete representation of a Gilded Age estate.

This was another estate/mansion that both of us thought we could live in quite comfortably given the opportunity.

We then went to the Nature and Visitor Center where several fish tanks re on display with the local fish from the James River.

On our way home we stopped at the River City Diner for lunch/dinner. We not only got great service with a more then friendly waiter but great food as well. Another good day for both of us.