Posts Tagged ‘Investigation’

Ivy Cliff Plantation Investigation

Friday, May 25th, 2012

Ivy Cliff began as a modest two story home built in the 1790′s by Henry Brown In Bedford County VA near the town of New London. There were at least four additions through the 1860′s. Henry became very wealthy through business and land ownership and eventually owned approximately 3400 acres including Ivy Cliff. He served in the militia during the revolutionary war, was wounded at the battle of Guilford Courthouse, N.C., and eventually made captain many years after the war. Henry served as President of the Board of Trustees of New London Academy, Sheriff of Bedford County, and county tax collector. He even collected taxes from his neighbor, Thomas Jefferson.

Henry Brown’s descendants were activly involved in politics throughout the 1800′s and his grandson, Colo. John Thompson Brown died at the Battle of the Wilderness in 1864. JTB’s Frock coat he died in has survived all these years and was sold at auction in 2007 for over $100,000! Brown descendants lived at Ivy Cliff until 1923 when the house was sold at auction to the Miles family who lived here until 2005.

Today, Ivy Cliff is comprised of 17 acres, original chicken and carrier pigeon coup, corn crib, servants cabin, water well, early 20th century cow barn, tobacco barn, and chick brooding pen. Since Jefferson was a neighbor, It is the belief of some architectural historians that the triple hung windows were designed by Thomas Jefferson.

Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful weekend!

Lisa

The Ferry Plantation Investigation

Friday, May 18th, 2012

The year is 1826, The Walke Manor House has visitors that stay on the Plantation from time to time, mostly cousins. To set the scene, a huge brick Manor House, a race track, acres of fruit trees and a bounty of legendary oysters in the bay. The men indulged in gambling, drinking and card parties that ran into the early hours of morning. The women on the other hand enjoyed the beautiful countryside with games on the glorious green.

Tragedy strikes and a Lady in White is found at the bottom of the staircase, her lifeless body never to enjoy the fresh sea air on her face or hear the laughter of children that she governed for many years. Psychics have reported that her neck was broken and she died instantly. Some say her heel was caught on the hem of her dress, others blame the children at the top of the stairs for her fatal fall. It is rumoured that in her day she enjoyed the race track as she is seen even today wandering the fields where the cloud of dust and pony hooves were embedded for many years. She has also been seen riding on a two wheeled bicycle which cannot be mistaken for a modern bike as one wheel is much larger than the other. The whiskful layered light remnents of her clothing catch the breeze as she rides as if floating on air in the old roadway which was recently uncovered. This Lady in White has been seen by many.

Many visitors come and go from the Ferry Plantation House each year, but when some leave they have lasting memories they take with them. It cound be at any time of the day when visiting the historic Ferry Plantation House. You enter any room and get the feeling that you are not alone. Shortness of breath, heavieness on your chest, signs that some one from the past is trying to contact you. The owner calls them visitors “soul prints of the past”. They just want their story to be told.

Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful weekend.

Lisa