The Brick House of the Shelburne Museum

Even before we entered this historic house, I had my camera ready and I began taking photos. "This is a great place for taking pictures," one of the guides said to me.

The Brick House was the summer home (and frequently a fox hunting retreat) of Electra Havemeyer Webb, the founder of the Shelburne Museum. It is located at the Shelburne Farms in Vermont. Our guide said this house may be seen as a microcosm of the Shelburne Museum because it is furnished with pieces from the founder's collections.

Once inside, I turned to see the view from the front entrance, the tree-lined drive.

   Here's a close-up of the reproduction of the original wallpaper.

         We took the very elegant staircase to the second floor.

The family's bedrooms were on one side and the servants quarters on the other. All rooms were comfortably furnished. I do think each bedroom had its own full bathroom.

In one room I spotted a quilted fabric chair. (I was surprised it wasn't a lot more well worn!) One of the rooms had fabric "wallpaper."


















One bedroom has a photograph from 1938, showing how the room looked at that time. It's easy to see the similarities and the changes that have taken place.

  

I like the image of the lily on this wooden mirror.

The doll looks quite at home here.

What I really like are all the arched doorways. I wish we would have these in our home!

 This open door is leading into one of the many bathrooms.

         The photographer at work: 

                                                                                                                  

         We returned to the first floor.

This is the very first item Electra collected at age 15. Apparently her mother, not as appreciative of folk art, was quite dismayed at her purchase.

The room for entertaining is very much like a den or family room. The guide pointed out that the "curtains" are actually made of wood. (Hmm, fabric on the walls and curtains made of wood!)

                  The living room is also comfortably furnished.

       From the dining room we can peer into the breakfast area.

             I again note the arched doorway.

Here's a centerpiece of glass globes.

This view is of the oldest portion of the home. It had been the site of a circular drive and where the foxhunters would gather with their horses.

From the patio there are stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. It is not hard to imagine the family and guests gathering here to enjoy the summer breezes off the lake.

Not far off is a little cemetery for the hounds. I was told there is also one here for the horses.

Our tour concludes with refreshments.

Tours are available at appointed times during the summer by reservation. This was our first visit.

Walking "The Circuit"

Jenn has been challenging me to do more walking, and I'm taking her up on it.


This morning I did a four mile "circuit" around our neighborhood. I took my camera with me to capture some of the sites along the way.


I head east and pass the Village Green with the statue of Vermont's first Governor, Thomas Chittenden.

I go by the library in front of the school, and then I pass the Brick Church.

Yikes, I almost stepped on...roadkill?
               

At the Federated Church, I turn north. 





I walk on the bridge over Allen Brook.

There are some wetlands here, some cattails, and lots of Queen Anne's Lace in full bloom.

I stop to take lots of photos of the flocks of birds in the hayfield.

This is right across from the local golf course.

Someone is selling "chicks and hens" plants for 25 cents each. Leave your cash in the box.

I see that it is trash and recycle pick up day. Even the trash can makes a statement! 






At the intersection, I turn west. I remember when I used to walk on the road here before the pathway was put in. It's so much better now, and safer.

Uh-oh...This may have happened during the storm we had last night.


At Adam's Market, I turn south and begin to head toward home. (This view is looking east, the direction I just walked.)

I see the progress of the construction on this road. The town is extending the walkway for pedestrians and bikers. Again, it will be a lot safer than walking on the road.

And now I'm almost home. 

This is one of my favorite photos of the day. Thank you for sharing my walk with me.

Lunch at Otter Creek Brewery and Pub

Adriene won the prize and we all were the winners when she invited us to share  an all-you-can-eat lunch at the Otter Creek Brewery and Pub in Middlebury.


It was Saturday noon and 90 degrees ~ definitely a perfect day for a visit to the brewery. 




Otter Creek brews a variety of organic ales. Their pub has been serving food for about a year-and-a-half.

With local ingredients, the food did not disappoint. We were impressed.

After studying the menu, we selected appetizers of cheddar ale soup, nachos, and a meat and veggie platter. This was going to be a real treat!  

The beer sampler was an opportunity to try a taste of each. 

We went on to order hummus with veggies, burrito wraps, and dilled grilled cheese. 


The service was great with a friendly staff. I'd like to come again.


Thank you, Addie, for inviting us. We had a wonderful time!