Weekend Wonders: Autumn Perfection

We’ve passed another  busy, blustery weekend here at Locust Grove! With tour buses, a Tiger Scout troop, two weddings, families taking photos on the grounds, and the October meeting of the Jane Austen Society of Louisville, we were never bored this weekend. So prepare yourself for a nice, long, newsy post! Here are some faces and photos from Saturday and Sunday.

Another beautiful day at Locust Grove!

Our Saturday morning docent is Charlie, a retired dentist who has been with us at Locust Grove for one year. Charlie’s wife and daughter both have volunteered at Locust Grove and sparked his interest in become a docent himself. His “lifelong love affair” with history started in middle school when he became interested in the Civil War . The Civil War period of American history remains his favorite, and he has visited most Civil War battlefields. He also appreciates GRC’s vision of conquering the Northwest territory with only two hundred men against the British. Stop by on a Saturday morning to meet Charlie and learn more about the escapades of the Illinois Regiment!

Like all of our docents, Charlie possesses a wealth of knowledge of George Rogers Clark!

If you visit on Sunday afternoon, you’ll get to meet Nancy, a retired teacher who has been a volunteer and docent since 1993. Originally from Bowling Green, KY, she became interested in history when her grandmother talked about her ancestors while she was growing up. When she taught fourth and fifth grade, Nancy brought her classes to Locust Grove because in fourth grade she taught Louisville history and in fifth grade she taught US History. Students still get the benefit of Nancy’s knowledge–she also gives school group tours during the week! But if you want Nancy all to yourself, Sunday is a perfect time for a tour.

Nancy lends a gracious presence to our docent staff.

The museum store also saw some excitement with a new stock of Locust Grove logo shirts and hats, as well as some lovely embroidered scarves.

Christmas is only 65 days away!

On Sunday afternoon, we also had the pleasure of hosting the monthly meeting of the Jane Austen Society of Louisville. Our own Marketing coordinator Bonny Wise is the Regional Coordinator for the Jane Austen Society of North America, and these ladies and gentlemen meet monthly at Locust Grove for afternoon tea and discussion to keep Regency life alive! This month’s topic was film adaptations of Mansfield Park, and next month, on November 16, Anne Fischer will speak on The Education of Young Women. If you’d like to learn more about JASNA-Louisville’s activities, you can visit their website here! I hope to see you in your Regency finest next month.

JASNA Louisville member and Locust Grove costumed interpreter and hearth cook Melissa brought yummy lavender shortbread to share at afternoon tea, and she shared the recipe with us! She modified it from this recipe to give it that Jane Austen flair.

Lavender Shortbread

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tbsp lavender, dried or fresh

DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). 2. Cream butter and brown sugar. Add flour and lavender. Mix well. 3. If dough is too dry, add 1 tbsp or more of water. Knead briefly and then press into a disc on baking sheet, about 1/2 inch in thickness. Sprinkle lightly with sugar and lavender. 4. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 20 to 25 minutes. When it is still warm from the oven, cut into strips.

I have tasted this recipe, and I can attest to its deliciousness! Thanks for sharing, Melissa!

Jennifer and I were also amused by a squirrel at our front door who seemed intent on licking every single brick on the walkway. It may seem mundane, but this squirrel could be a descendant of a squirrel the Croghans may have known! Or if not, at least he was cute.

I’ve named this squirrel Edmund Nicholas.

All in all, it was a lovely weekend at Locust Grove! I hope you’ll get the opportunity to visit us soon. In fact, next weekend is the perfect time! The 18th Century Market Fair is next weekend, October 25 and 26, from 10-4:30pm. We’ll have reenactors, mock battles, entertainment, food, drink, and so much fun! You can find more information here. I know I said the Antiques Fair was going to be awesome, but the Market Fair is going to be just as cool. We’ll see you then back in 1790!

With kind regards,

Hannah

Come visit Locust Grove! Don’t give your friendly Weekend Manager and blogger time to model merchandise and knit!