Friday, December 20, 2013

Historic Haile Homestead at Christmas

We drove out to this Florida cotton plantation last weekend for their holiday event.

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It was a beautiful day and the house was decked out in natural splendor.

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They used fresh greenery all through the house

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and every window had a beautiful wreath.

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The 6,200 sq.ft. home was completed in 1856 and the homestead was once a 1,500-acre Sea Island cotton plantation. (I know, it’s not what you expect in Florida!)

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All of the people there were volunteers and they were dressed in period dress

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and so helpful and friendly.

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We had a wonderful afternoon and learned a lot, too.

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My new banner was a photo taken there.

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And don’t you love these sweet stockings?

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They had 12 boys and 2 girls in this big family. (they lost one girl before they moved there)

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For more information about the Haile Homestead click HERE.

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Don’t you love to learn more about the history of our country and the area you live in?

I’m joining  Sundays in my City.

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*Happy Holidays*

35 comments:

ann said...

The old plantation is beautiful. I have always wants to hang wreaths in the windows. They look so festive. Have I wished you Merry Christmas yet? I have enjoyed your Christmas posts and am looking forward to see what you have in store in the New Year, Diane.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

What a lovely old plantation... their decorations are beautiful.

Diane said...

No wonder the house was so big-- 14 kids?! Lovely decorations and costumes too. Really like the new banner!

Jane and Chris said...

It seems a world away from where I live...but the decorations are really pretty much the same!
Jane x

Susie said...

Diane, I love this post...yes, I love learning the history of our own area and others. Love that deep porch, don't you? I went to the Magnolia Plantation and another while in Charleston one year. So interesting. LOve the mittens,I thought those were yours when I first saw the banner. Have agreat weekend, xoxo,Susie

Musings from Kim K. said...

What fun! That plantation is absolutely beautiful. Such lovely decorations and period clothing.

Curtains in My Tree said...

I never could get use to a warm Christmas in Florida my grandparents moved there after retirement and Grandma didn't like the warm sunny Christmas in Florida either we both liked snow and cold for Santa LOL

It was a beautiful house and liked the girls period dresses

Merry Christmas

Pamelyn said...

You visit the most interesting places! Thanks for sharing this ~ I love the simple decorations!
~Pamelyn

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

I love historic home tours, thanks for sharing this one Diane. I'm in love with those floors!

kathyinozarks said...

I loved the tour! thank you for taking us along.I love the banner with the mittens too.

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

So pretty!

TexWisGirl said...

very nice natural decorations. like those cute mittens.

Vee said...

No, I didn't expect to see that kind of a home in Florida. It looks as if it would be right at home in Connecticut or someplace. I love seeing all that natural decor. It just looks so right in such a beautiful home. Thank you for taking us along. I do love your cheerful header!

Olive said...

Beautiful home. I have joined a primitive antiques club and that is just what they like. Happy Christmas

Poppy said...

Diane,

A truly beautiful and historic home!I can sense a quiet elegance here. The fresh greenery and festive touches are charming. I'm sure you had a marvelous time. You are always on the go!

Thanks for sharing and have a Merry Christmas!

Hugs,
Poppy

Linda aka Crafty Gardener said...

We love visiting historical homes. The fresh greenery decorations in this one are lovely. We are in the midst of a snow and ice storm so wisking down to Florida to visit your site makes me feel warm inside.

Noelle the dreamer said...

Lovely Diane, thank you for sharing!
Nifty banner,

Freckled Hen said...

Historical places are my favorite kind of field trip...this looks like a lovely place! I love your new banner--that's a lot of mittens for Florida! Hope you are well this holiday season!

GardenOfDaisies said...

How beautiful! I love the fresh green decor. Sometimes I think I should give all my decorations to my kids and nieces and nephews and just decorate with greenery. Gosh, what would I store in my basement if I got rid of all those tubs of holiday decorations!!?? :-)
Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!!

Unknown said...

beautiful tour you gave. I love all the natural decor. make me long for days of long ago.

bj said...

O, I know this must have been fun.
We have an old, restored house here that we love to visit at Christmastime.
Have a blessed and fun one.
xo bj

Pondside said...

What a pretty place to visit at this time of year! Like you, I like to experience the history of a place, and an old homestead, decorated for the season is just the perfect way to learn!

Kim@Snug Harbor said...

I really enjoyed this post. I love places like this.

n/a said...

Simplicity at its best ... so serene. Thanks for sharing!

cynthia lee designs said...

Looks like a beautiful place!!

MarmePurl said...

I do love history. Everywhere. Many thanks for the tour.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

All decked out and so pretty. Merry Christmas!

valerietilsten59.blogspot.com said...

Very interesting Diane.
I did not know they grew cotton in florida.. did they have slaves!
the house looks so lovely.
so beautifully kept.

wishing you a very happy blessed christmas
and lots of love.
val x x x

Simply Shelley said...

How wonderful...I would love visiting there...thanks for sharing with us. I just loved all the natural decorations...so nice. Blessings

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

I love to explore old places like this too, and a plantation would be new for me. It looked like an herb - maybe dill on the mantel. All the fresh greens must have made it smell heavenly inside.
Merry Christmas Diane.
Judith

Kathy said...

I love taking tours of historic houses. This is a beautiful house. I love the simplicity of the decorations. I never knew there were plantations in Florida. Being in an old house always makes me a little sad, though. I think of all the life, love and laughter that must have been there once and now it is silent with just some tourists looking at your things. Ah... life moves on.

Jeannie Marie said...

So lovely! I would love to take a ride up to see it. Your photos are beautiful! Love the banner!

Anonymous said...

Interesting indeed for Florida. What a special place. My husband and I toured many plantations in Louisiana when we first married.
My favorite here is again, SIMPLICITY.
Thank you for sharing with us.
xoxo's

molly said...

Oh my I love the period costumes. How cool is that

Mollyxxx

Claudya Martinez said...

It's beautiful. I love that there are people dressed in period costumes.