Graphic Enterprises - Home of the Pioneer Times - A Web Site for Living History
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Candlelight Tours at Historic Locust Grove
December 11 and 12, 2009
Visitors are welcomed to Locust Grove - the home of William and Lucy Croghan.
The year is 1809 and the Croghans are receiving visitors tonight as evidenced by the beautiful settings in each room.
2009 has seen some major renovations at Locust Grove. New documentation has led to new wallpapers and pain in many of the rooms. As the docents explained to visitors - the colors and patterns were more vivid then were first believed and the new decor reflects this. The only room left to be papered will be the second floor “great parlor” where the dancing was held.
A vivid green paint is in the main hall. On the wall is a portrait of General George Rogers Clark (Lucy’s brother) who spent has later years at Locust Grove.
The paint is carried over from the front hall to the office where William Croghan greeted visitors. He explained that this room is where he would have met with his farm manager, daily, and kept the books for all of his business enterprises.
Lucy Croghan saw to her visitors and was always the perfect hostess of the large estate. In addition to her own children the house was always full of Clarks and Croghans of several generations. Above right she sits with her brother George Rogers Clark.
Dancing in the great parlor.
The bedrooms were quiet as the family congregated in the downstairs rooms - but ready for weary children and adults when the dancing was done.
And what would a holiday celebration be without food from the busy kitchen at Locust Grove. Like most 18th century homes the kitchen was in a separate building.
