Michael Bedenbaugh was there today doing a walk through for the Richland County Conservation Commission and invited me out to see what was going on. Of course I was thrilled to have the chance to walk through the house again and show it to my children. I got to show them the bannister where I used to slide down the stairs!
Also the room that I used to sleep in when I visited.
I was a bit overcome with emotion when I first walked in the house. I was a little bit caught off guard with my feelings. It's been 15 years since my father died and he moved away from here the year before he died. This was my first time ever being back in the house without my father being here and it just seemed natural to walk in and expect to see him in his favorite chair. But he wasn't there.
His chair sat in this spot to the left of the fireplace. This was actually the dining room but my 3 aunts used it for a dining room/family room. They had their rocking chairs and special chairs lined up and a television in this room. The long dining room table used to go here.
The table sat to the right of the fireplace longways in front of the door that leads to the kitchen.
They have had some major clearing of the overgrowth going on. This area to the left of the house was once a beautiful garden area. It can be again!!!
Here we are looking out the back from the top floor. This area used to be a nice manicured grassy lawn where we played croquet and horseshoes. The cane has literally taken over!
Myra, I first noticed this home when looking for historic homes for sale. Can't tell you how excited I was when first seeing it. Although I realize the condition it's now in, i can truly see the beauty it once was & can be again. To put it simply, it's my dream home! Unfortunately, with times as they are, it's financially unavailable to me at the present. Still hoping & dreaming though! In 2008 I lost my oldest son, age 19, in a car wreck. Since then, my life has forever changed. But, I can remember one of our last talks with me telling him how much I wanted to move to my dream historic home & how I wanted him to join us. Maybe one day this will happen and he will join me there, in spirit. Thank you for sharing Laurelwood. Deneace Reel-Ms.
ReplyDeleteLaurelwood is one of those places that we just happen upon that takes our breath away. It is the kind of home that not only touches our heart, it speaks to our very soul. I am so happy to know that there are others who also see past the peeling paint and crumbling plaster to the beauty and potential of Laurelwood. Thank goodness this lovely home will be protected and restored.
ReplyDelete--Adrienne