A p p l e o r c h a r d s

Volume 3 Issue 2

517 Old River Road , Williamstown, WV 26187 PH: 304-375-2129

Editor: Randy Modesitt rmod2@outlook.com

LOOK

• Apple orchards

• Honey Bees

• Civil War re-enactment

• Pioneer Antique Auto Show

• Henderson Tea

• Girl Scout Projects

• Music Event

• Upcoming Events

Thanks to many individuals and organizations, Henderson Hall now has over 70 apple trees outlining the property. Three orchards, named for each of the three Henderson brothers, Henry Clay, Jock Bedell, and Arthur Taylor, are now planted and doing well. The trees were paid for by sponsorships by individuals and organizations, many in memory

of loved ones. Early in April, students from Ritchie County High School, under the supervision of their VOAG instructor, Wendy Knopp, and sponsor Rodney Ritchie, worked in small groups to plant over 70 trees and install protective screening. The students completed the planting in a little over 3 hours. They made an overwhelming project a learning experience and provided hands on experience. The trees will be harvested for the sale of apples, apple butter, and apple jelly in the future. This is a great addition to the hall and the community. It will also provide income for the hall to continue restoration projects and maintaining this incredible historical landmark. A large placard has been placed at each orchard recognizing the generous contributors of the project and the men who made Henderson Hall the most prolific plantation in the area for many years. Plans are already underway to add an heirloom apple orchard in the spring 2019. This orchard will consist of trees from the era Henderson Hall would have been a working plantation. To help in the pollination of the orchards, there are now 4 honey bee hives on the property and more are planned in the spring. In addition to Henderson apples, visitors will be able to purchase Henderson honey, along with bees wax candles, and other related items. The bees are currently doing great and being maintained by a local bee-keeper.

July - 2018

HENDERSON BOOK For the past two years, Henderson Hall research coordinator, Pam Brust has been pouring over thousands of documents related to the Henderson Family. In addition, her research has taken her to Scotland, countless local historical sites, and to Virginia. Her book will be an in depth look into the lives of 5 generations of Henderson’s. The book promises to be an informative look into the lives of a family that left it’s mark on local, state and national history. Pam was a former writer for the Parkersburg News and Sentinel and published author.

ARCHIBALD HENDERSON DAY

Henderson Hall, in celebration of “the grand ole man of the Marine Corps”, Archibald Henderson , will offer free admission to the hall for all veterans and a guest the weekend of November 3-4. Archibald Henderson was the uncle of the builder of Henderson Hall, George Washington Henderson, and the longest serving commandant in the history of the Marine Corps. He held that position for 38 years and served as a Marine for 54 years. All visitors will receive a handout outlining the commandant’s life and his service to the Marine Corps and our country. The hall will maintain regular hours of 12:00—5:00 during this special event weekend.

Honey Bees

HENDERSONHALLWV.COM

V o l u m e 3 I s s u e 2 P a g e 2

G i r l s s c o u t s c o m p l e t e p r o j e c t s

Two girl scout troops, Troop 34016 and Troop 35830, led by troop leader Jennifer Floyd worked hours

enhancing the grounds of Henderson Hall recently. A great deal of planning and research was required for each

of the gardens, as each was required to include perennials and annual flowering plants. In addition, the largest

and most complex of the gardens was to be a pollinator garden, which required flowering plants that would be

attractive to bees and butterflies. Another garden, an herb garden, required research to determine needed sun

and shade for each of the herbs to be planted in a desirable location.

The project included ground preparation, purchasing flowers, planting and mulching, and using garden tools

to complete the work. Ritchie County High School VOAG classes donated some of the flowers, but many

were purchased through fund raising efforts of the scouts. Each of the scouts were required to log a certain num-

ber of hours on the projects and complete all necessary paperwork.

This project was certainly not an easy one or one that would be completed without research and a lot of prepa-

ration. It was impressive to watch these young ladies and their leader undertake this rather large project and to

complete it successfully. It was an honor to work with this dedicated group of young ladies. The projects are

beautiful additions to Henderson Hall. Many thanks to this group of young ladies for a job well done.

Henderson Tea a Huge success On Saturday, June 9, the volunteers of Henderson Hall hosted the third annual Henderson Tea. As in the past, the afternoon event was a huge success and an enjoyable day for all in attendance. Many thanks to Nancy Daughtery for her organizing the event and the volunteers who helped make this a special day for the forty-two visitors who attended. All participants enjoyed an afternoon of great food, a tour of the hall, a ladies hat display by Charlotte Modesitt and a special appearance of Lorna Henderson, portrayed by Debbie Fenton. The event is held in the spring of each year.

J u n e a t t h e h a l l i n p i c t u r e s

V o l u m 3 I s s u 1

HENDERSONHALLWV.COM PAGE 3

ROSALIE HENDERSON ( 1883—1966 ) Rosalie Henderson's legacy is Henderson Hall. The oldest daughter of Jock and Anna left her mark in nearly every room of this historic home, from the wallpaper, drapes, and antiquities to lending her artistic charm to the painted china and other handiwork she left behind. After a lengthy visit to her younger sister Lorna in California and inspired by the Spanish architecture she had seen, Rosalie decked out one of the upstairs rooms of the Hall in the Spanish hacienda style. She shared her love of fashion and antiques in literally thousands of letters written between herself and Lorna. She was like a second mother to Lorna's son Paul and although she had a number of suitors throughout her life, Rosalie never married. She devoted herself to caring for her family and the home she lived and died in at the age of 83. Rosalie took the time to document the family history as well as labeling and identifying handmade items so future generations would know their origin and significance. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Pioneers, Daughters of the American Revolution, West Augusta Historical Society and Williamstown Methodist Church, often hosting the various organizations' social gatherings and meetings at the Hall. Rosalie is buried with her other family members in the Henderson Family Cemetery, but the love and tender care she took of her family and her lifelong home is evident throughout the Hall.

June 8 ******************************* Jeff Fox enlisted the talents of local Musicians Todd and Morgan Stubbe and the unique, talented and nationally acclaimed singer / song writer and former Marine, Chuck Hawthorne. This annual event is used to support the WV Children’s Home Society. Plans are now under way for the next event.

June 16-17 ******************************* The third annual Civil War reenactment filled the grounds of the hall with the sites and sounds of the Civil War. Over 100 reenactors set up camp and spent the weekend . Union and Confederate troops engaged in two skirmishes and entertained and educated a large number of visitors to the hall.

June 23 ******************************* On Saturday, June 23, the Pioneer Antique Auto Club rolled into Henderson Hall. As always, it was an amazing display of antique cars and trucks and a great time for all, Many visitors made their way into the hall as well. Others spent time reminiscing, sharing stories and revving up their engines.

Adults $10.00

Students $5.00

School groups: $3.00

Bus Tours: $8.00

6 and under FREE

UPCOMING EVENT SCHEDULE September 22 Henderson Cemetery Workshop Nov. 3-4 Archibald Henderson Day All Veterans and a guest admitted Free December 8 Christmas at the Plantation For more information: 304-481-5178 “ A one of a Kind Historical Treasure!

Visit us on the web at: Hendersonhallwv.com

Like us at: Henderson Hall Plantation

Also visit: oilandgasmuseum.org

Henderson Oil Field— circa 1893