Since we’ve completed our studies of the Gilded Age, we recently arrived home from Gilded Age vacation, which began in beautiful green Vermont!
Driving to Vermont from Saratoga Springs, we paid a quick visit to the American Revolution at Bennington Battle Monument, before proceeding to the Gilded Age.
Since our trips to New York always allow a detour for a day in charming Manchester, shopping, eating, enjoying the Candle Mill and the covered bridge, we sadly run out of time for Hildene.
HILDENE – HOME OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S SON
At the top of the list this year, we finally visited the summer home of Abraham Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln.
Built in 1903, Lincoln’s wealth was a result of his being president of the Pullman Palace Car Company.
Though technically built at the end of the Gilded Age, the opulence of Hildene was definitely Gilded Age.
When my daughter first saw a picture of the mansion when we were vacation planning, she said it looked like Colonial Williamsburg.
That is because Hildene was built in the Georgian Revival style.
Look at the size, far larger than anything but the Governor’s Palace in Colonial Williamsburg.
INDOORS TOUR
While not allowed to take pictures inside, imagine the Aeolian pipe organ which played for us.
On the other side of the house, imagine the elegant grand staircase begging a photo shoot of my Edwardian lace gown. (sigh)
HILLSIDE FORMAL GARDEN TOUR
After touring many fascinating sites indoors, we enjoyed the gorgeous gardens set against the mountains enshrouded in rain storm beckoning clouds.
OBSERVATORY TOUR
Our next stop was the observatory set on the edge of the hill on the grounds.
Inside we found a huge telescope, encased in glass to protect it.
While oohing and aahing over the magnificent observatory, the winds picked up and the rain began to pour.
With little room in the teeny observatory for the four of us, I opened my umbrella to protect me as I dashed to the mansion’s nearby portico.
UNDER THE GRAND PORTICO
Bending my umbrella into the wind to keep it from flying away or even turning inside out, I arrived to the portico drenched.
When the rest of my family joined me, mydaughter’s umbrella had blown inside out.
Dripping under the portico as the wind and rain blew, we received paper towels to dry off from one of the employees.
FANCY 1903 PULLMAN CAR
After the quick summer shower blew over, we walked to a Pullman car, the company for which Robert Todd Lincoln was president.
This particular train had been used by President McKinley until his death, which is where our history studies ended this past year.
This is the spiffiest train I’ve ever been on!
SENDING TELEGRAPH AT THE VISITOR CENTER
This is the old carriage house, now refurbished to be the visitor center and gift shop.
This was a telegraph my son got to use…a fun extension from the book we read, The Victorian Internet.
Above our heads, the lines lit up as yellow every time he tapped out a signal.
Here’s one of the old stalls for the horses that has been converted into an office!
To represent Lincoln’s career with the Pullman Palace Car Company, a train choo chooed around the store.
VERMONT MOUNTAINS
We drove back to New York, while yet a bit damp in attire but warm in spirit, on scenic two lane roads set against misty green mountains with a covered bridge tucked away here and there.
How I love Vermont!
