This won't be an entirely wordless post this week!
This is where my class on singing and song performance took place during Augusta Heritage's Irish/Celtic Week. It was built by Stephen Elkins, who was a railroad developer and timber man during the boom days, at the turn of the last century. he built it for his wife Hallie and named the mansion Halliehurst. Most of the materials used to build the house were from West Virginia.
Our class was held in the library. (Lots of orbs in this photo...hmmm...)
The fireplace in the library. The carvings around the top are the zodiac signs.
Detail of the fireplace carvings.
The front entrance hall.
The ladies' room.
Playing with the camera! Both images are reflections of me as I took the photo.
Front staircase. The woodwork was stunning.
The fireplace in the "Veteran's room."
Halliehurst is supposed to be haunted, and a couple experiences we had there make me think there is some truth to the story. You can read more about the supposed hauntings of Halliehurst here and here.
I love Halliehurst - and equally impressive is the Graceland Inn next door. I had the great privilege to spend a a night free in Graceland when I took a group of international educators on a tour of WV colleges/universities. Of course being me, I spent part of the night searching for signs of the ghosts in Graceland!
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous place! I wouldn't mind having a class there - any type of class!
ReplyDeleteBet you had fun.
Jai
I have pics of Graceland to share too, Jason--you're right it's even more impressive if that's possible. Cass and I both had odd experiences in Hallie hurst but we were only in Graceland briefly so nothing to report there.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Jai! It was just beautiful. What a place to sing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a marvellous house, I shall follow the links later this week when I have time to read. I'm off out for the day shortly so am just doing a few quick comments. I'd love a chance to explore that house though, were you staying there or just taking classes?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, we did not stay at Halliehurst, Rowan. We stayed in the dorms, and those were pretty spartan! Had to go buy two fans because no AC. The other house, Graceland, is an inn and we could have stayed there but it's really pricey especially in the summer. But one day I intend to spend a couple nights there. Like Jason, I'll probably be looking for the ghostly inhabitants too.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful place.
ReplyDeleteI love snooping around places like this.