Day 31: Mary’s Desk

Mary’s desk occupies one corner of the Haywood Hall parlor, and it’s not one of the items we typically highlight on the tours.  In fact, it sometimes seems to blend in to the background.  Yet I think it’s one of the more interesting items in the house because it still bears Mary’s fingerprints.  Open a drawer and you’ll find snippets to remind you of her life — a program from a Colonial Dames meeting, a letter acknowledging her donation to a scholarship fund, a faded newspaper clipping. 

Mary’s desk reminds me that Haywood Hall was a home and that real people lived here.

 

 

Mary Haywood Fowle Stearns was the great-granddaughter of John Haywood and the last Haywood to live at Haywood Hall.

Historic Oak View County Park

Here’s another Wake County treasure.  Through Historic Oak View County Park, Wake County has beautfully preserved a 19th century cotton farm and created a wonderful education center.  For more information, visit their website:  http://www.wakegov.com/parks/oakview/default.htm. 

 

Historic Yates Mill

Happy New Year, everyone.  Here are some shots I took recently at Historic Yates Mill Park.  I’ve photographed the mill before, but last week was the first time I’ve dared go into the spill area.  There’s a sign asking visitors not to disturb the water snakes.  As many of you already know, such a request will typically send me running full speed away.  But somehow having the camera in my hand gives  me just a little more courage.