Henry Eichelberger visited us yesterday. Henry grew up in this house and, after an academic career that took him to Scotland for many years, he has returned to live in Lexington. At our invitation, he came with his wife to tour the Inn that used to be his home.
The tour proved a delight all around. We were so pleased to have the Eichelbergers exclaim over room after room, thoroughly enjoying the Victorian decor and all the quaint details that make the place feel like home to our many guests. Although the details are different, most of the original structure remains unchanged, and Henry told us what he remembered of the various rooms when this was his home.
As we ended our visit standing on the front porch for lingering conversation, we asked if it were true that Henry had planted our magnificent--and namesake--magnolia tree. Indeed he did! He was about eight years old, and the year was about 1943, and the tree was about five feet tall. Which answers the question so many people ask us: How old is the magnolia tree? We now know it is about 70 years. Long may it live, welcoming guests with its shiny green leaves year round, and blessing us with platter-sized creamy-white and fragrant blooms every June.
Come again, Henry--this house will always welcome you home!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
