Friday, February 19, 2016

Jake and Selma Plantation

I may have been off work today, but I was out the door at my usual commute time to do what I seem to do a lot on my day's off, and that's going to the vet. It was once again Jake's turn for a follow up appointment.  The Holistic vet came yesterday to do acupuncture and cold laser therapy for Jake and Josh.  I was anxious for Dr. E to see Jake.  Last time she saw him, it had taken both of us just to get him outside because he could barely walk or stand up on his own.  Two weeks later, thanks to the medications, rest, and (especially) your good vibes and the POTP, Jake is now up on his feet and getting around pretty well!  He still sometimes needs help getting onto his feet and keeping his balance, but there is no doubt that he feels much better!  Both my vets are really pleased at how well he's doing, and how much happier he seems!
The vet visit wore Jake out, and he slept through the errands afterwards.
On my way home, I decided to make a slight detour.  A couple of weeks ago, I was really intrigued by a story I came across about a deserted plantation not far from where I live. From a distance, the 110-year-old mansion known as Selma retains much of its grandeur and charm.  Preservationists say the far-off view of the mansion, which is on the list of endangered historic sites in Virginia, belies what sits inside: the ravages of time. With its three stucco-covered stories nestled against Catoctin Mountain and a portico entrance with Roman Doric columns, it is a pristine picture of the Old South.
Taking away from its beauty are newer homes which surround it.  However, it is on a 50-acre conservancy lot, which means the property can't be subdivided.  But unfortunately, there is no protection for the home itself.
Some of the out buildings are still standing as well.
The former plantation was best known as the home of Armistead Thomson Mason (1787– 1819), a U.S. Senator from Virginia.  He built the original house and lived there until he was killed in a duel in 1819. His widow and young son stayed on until a change in fortunes forced them to sell. The original house was destroyed by fire in the 1890s and the current mansion was built in the early 1900s. Despite passing through several owners and developers, nothing seems to come of efforts to bring life back to Selma.  I think this is really sad, because there's no denying its historic beauty.
And because there is no doubt, that just like Jake, it's worth rescuing.

36 comments:

  1. ah mom just wanted to hug his little sleeping face, we also loved that beautiful old home. stella rose

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  2. Jake we are glad you are doing better! Oh that old house, looks like it was a beauty at one time. Your right it needs rescueing also
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

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  3. Jake, great news of your progress, heaps of TLC doing the trick. I, too, look at old historic homes, wonder about the history, and know they should be preserved.

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  4. I wish some of our billionaires would get the idea to restore historic places, just for the love of history and to help maintain our communities.

    So glad Jake feels better. It is so touching to see the picture where he is sleeping in the car.

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  5. Happy to hear Jake is doing better. He is such a sweetie.

    Love the old mansion, oh, to be rich and put that one back in circulation with the balls, the hunts, and the grandeur.

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  6. Great news about Jake!!! And look at his happy smile:)

    Our Dad would love that house - too bad it has been left in such disarray.

    Woos - Ciara and Lightning

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  7. So happy about Jake Kim, happy happy... What a grand home, should be preserved. Have a great weekend..Blessings Francine.

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  8. the last picture says it all. Worth is hard to measure, but treasures should be well cared for. Jake is a true example of that.

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  9. Talk about a Rickety Old Farmhouse! What a beauty :-) k jGreat news about Jake. Acupuncture kept Bart comfortable for at least a year and a half...

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  10. I'm happy about Jake but can't understand how Armistead Thomson Mason (1787– 1819) was so great because he only lived to 32.

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  11. It's all good! Love the news about Jake and that mansion is incredible. Too bad some historical society can't take it on.

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  12. Were happy that Jake has gotten some relief. He looks very content and happy.
    The old mansion, yes how sad.. Thinking back on all the memories that happened inside those walls and outside the walls,, years ago.. Happy and sad memories,, time changes things.. It is a beautiful mansion, even if the walls are silent now. If kit could talk.. I bet it would thank you for stopping and thinking about it.
    love
    tweedles

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  13. So many of those old Virginia mansions seem to be allowed to fade away....or have been torn down. Sad that no one wants to restore them. Glad Jake has his own restoration team.

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  14. So pleased to hear that Jake is managing to get around. What a happy and contented boy he looks.
    There are so many old buildings that have sadly suffered from neglect. Even if they are restored, it's a question of who will live in them, and pay for their upkeep.

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  15. So happy to hear that Jake is doing well. Sad about the lovely home being destroyed by time. That which is not given love and care will not thrive. Thankfully, Jake found the perfect home where he can be surrounded with what makes life good.

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  16. this entire post.
    that last picture.
    so very beautifully told.
    tears in my eyes.
    love to you. and jake. and all.
    xo♥

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  17. Thrilled Jake is on the mend. The house is beautiful and I too wish it was taken care of the way it should be!

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  18. Yay! great news aboutJake - and all thanks to your care and commitment! It is sad that bulldozing and flicking up tricky-tacky box houses is so much less expensive than restoring a beautiful old lady like that. If it were to be saved, is there a "public good" use that it could be put to?

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  19. So glad to hear that Jake has a better quality of life. There's just something about Golden Pines and the loving care there.

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  20. Glad to hear Jake is doing well. What interesting parallel stories Jake and the plantation have.

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  21. I am soo glad to hear that Jake is doing well . As for the old mansion that is a shame it looks to have so much potential I do love historical buildings and wish they all could be restored to their full potential and shine their beauty through out the centuries ! Thanks for sharing , have a good weekend !

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  22. I am smiling widely about Jake's improvement. Your TLC has healing powers!

    That estate reminds me of a place that my best friend and I used to play when I was in late elementary school. It was an abandoned mansion that looked so much like that one. But it was private property, and we even once got caught by the police there... who just gave us a stern talking to (that had no effect because we were so fascinated by the abandoned mansion).

    I hope that Selma is saved, and I hope that sweet Jake continues to flourish!

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  23. That's such good news about Jake. It would be nice if enough money could be found to preserve the mansion. Fingers crossed.

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  24. Good and great SOUL you are . . .
    I liked hearing about Jake's good news, seeing and hearing about the mansion . . . and the "worth rescuing . . ." thought!

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  25. Hello, I am so happy to hear Jake is doing better. He is so cute! The mansion is beautiful, it would be nice to see it restored. Have a happy new week!

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  26. Dear Kim, Firstly so glad to hear that Jake is doing better-all your love helps too! I love the Selma-reminds me so much of the mansions in Natchez, Ms. In fact, the mansion reminds me of the Rosalee-where Gone With The Wind was filmed. I remember how tangible the atmosphere was at the old plantations-you could almost visualize the Southern Bells walking down the steps. What a shame that no on, including the historical society has renovated it and used it for income. So beautiful! Hope you have a fantastic day!
    Hugs,
    Noreen

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  27. Jake must be so thankful that your efforts have brought him more comfort. Thank you on his behalf.

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  28. So glad to hear that Jake is doing better under your sweet care!! What a cool find....that neat old mansion.

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  30. I hope the old estate gets some needed love.
    Great news about Jake!

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  31. That is such wonderful new about Jake, I'm so glad that he's feeling better! I hope they find some way to save that beautiful old plantation, there are far too few people willing to do what it takes to save our historic homes, whether they be in Canada or the U.S.!

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  32. So happy to hear Jake is doing better. That house is very neat. I wonder if the rebuilt house recreated the one that burned?

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  33. I read your post earlier but obviously forgot to comment or my comment didn't show.
    As I an am aged person I can emppathise with how Jake felt after his medical appointment. They can be quite wearing.
    That old home has me intrigued and rather reminds me of the mansion in Gone With The Wind. It would be wonderful if it could be renovated and brought back to life.

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  34. I'd buy Selma in a heartbeat if it were for sale!

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  35. When I lived in Myrtle Beach I was always saddened about the neglect of a lovely old mansion called Atalya. I was pleased to hear that the State finally stepped up and restored it before it crumbled. Now it's a museum.

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!