Peninsula Enterprise

"Wharton Place" - The garden and grounds have been carefully planted over a period of years. The sunken boxwood garden duplicates the Hepplewhite design in the plaster detail of the ceiling of the drawing room of the house and the dogwood plantings carry out the motif of the wood carving on the grand staircase. A large flock of peafowl add grace and beauty to the scene. Opened after a lapse of several years by the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Busch.

"Cropperville Farms" - Situated on Metompkin Bay, it is a part of the holdings of Capt. Edmund Bowman who held patent to the land in 1664. The house, the oldest part of which was built in the eighteenth century, is furnished with antiques, mainly of local origin. Also opened after a lapse of several years by the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene A. Smith.

"Gulf Stream" - On Bradford's Bay which forms a suitable background for a magnificent formal garden. A two-acre garden, used for testing and horticulture experiments, frame the house built around an original room which dates from the early 18th century. Furnished with a collection of French Provincial and early American pieces. Messrs. Jacques L. Legendre and Robert H. Talley, Jr., internationally known horticulturists, owners.

"Drummond's Mill Farm" Situated on two ancient mill ponds, the main part of the house was completed in 1820 (dated Brick), and the west wing includes the old "Quarter Kitchen" which was built around 1770. The owners, Mr. and Mrs. John A. Upshur, have recently restored this story-and-a-half house in an authentic manner, and visitors will enjoy seeing the interior woodwork and many lovely antique furnishings. An exceptionally fine hand-carved mantel graces the fireplace of the living room. Work on the yard has just commenced. Open to the public for the first time this year.

"The Kelso Place" - Owned by Mr. C. C. Belote. The house was built about a 100 years ago over part of an earlier one. It contains fine period furniture, porcelains and a collection of rare luster. Visitors may see next door one of the few remaining typical country stores, with its original pine counters and shelving, which has been continuously operated by this family for four generations. Also next door and run by Mr. Belote one can browse in a most attractive antique shop finding true gems of furniture, china, brass, pewter and glass which have been carefully selected.

"The Hermitage" - Near Craddockville at the head of Craddock Creek. This delightful house was built by Edmund Bayly in the last quarter of the 18th century, and is a "Mansion style cottage" with high ceilings and beautifully panelled rooms on the first floor; bedrooms with dormer windows upstairs. After falling into extreme disrepair, the house was purchased in 1958 and most attractively restored by the present owner, Mrs. Charles B. Mountcastle. Opened to the public for the first time.

"Mount Pleasant" - Magnificently situated on the banks of Occohannock Creek and entered by a lovely wooded approach. Built in 1941, this house follows closely the Virginia architecture around 1780. It is built on land granted to Richard Kellam in 1636. A charming door-yard garden adjoins the house. Mr. and Mrs. J. Lucius J. Kellam are the owners.

In Northampton County - "Oak Grove" - On land given to Sir George Yeardley by Debedeavon the "Laughing King", in 1621. The house and grounds have been completely restored and command a rare water view of Mattawoman Creek and the Chesapeake Bay. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Johnston, Jr., of Baltimore, Maryland are the owners.

"Eyre Hall" - Patent dated March, 1662, was granted to John, Thomas and Daniel Eyre by Sir William Berkley. The house was built in 1756 by Littleton Eyre and enlarged by John Eyre in 1804. It has never been outside the family. Woodwork, scenic paper and furniture are all rare examples of colonial times. The boxwood garden is considered by many to be the loveliest and most original in Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Henry duPont Baldwin are the owners.

The Eastern Shore is noted for its hospitality and its gracious living and nowhere in America can one find a truer glimpse into the past than in visiting these old homes.

"Vaucluse" - Located on Hungar's Creek, this is one of the most beautifully situated estates on the Eastern Shore. In 1635 the patent was issued to William Andrews for 750 acres. The oldest part of the present house was built by his son, John, prior to 1700. The next owner was Andrew Hamilton, "Manager and Governor of the general Post Office for and throughout all their Majesties Plantations and colonies." Later it became the property of Arthur Upshur and was the home of his descendants for 100 years, one of them being Abel P. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy and Secretary of State under President Tyler. The house contains rare furniture and priceless porcelains and is owned by Mrs. Verne E. Minich.

Visiting hours to these homes will be from 10:00 a. m. to 5:30 p. m. on the fourth Thursday and Friday in April. Tickets may be purchased by the block or individually and there is no charge for churches and other public buildings.

Luncheon will be served by the Junior Guild of Christ Church at "Ailworth Hall" in Eastville on Route 13. Luncheon will be served in Accomack at a time and place to be announced later.

Ferry service from Little Creek to Kiptopeke every 55 minutes and from Old Point Comfort to Kiptopeke three times a day.

Information centers: Old Courthouse on the Court Green is Eastville; Whispering Pines in Accomac.

Proceeds from Historic Garden Week in 1959 will be spent for the restoration of the 17th century garden at the Adam Thoroughgood house in Princess Anne County.