Monday, June 8, 2009

Leisurely Sunday with Mom


Yesterday my Mom and I went to the Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion in downtown St. Louis for their 19th Century Ladies Crafts Day. The original farmhouse that was on this spot was built in the 1840's by Henri Chatillon. It was sold to Dr. Nicolas DeMenil in the mid-1850's and was completed to look, as it does today, in 1863.
The Mansion was saved by an association who bought it from the State of Missouri Highway Commission who was going to tear it down to build Interstate 55. It is one of the only remaining examples of Greek Revival architecture in St. Louis.
We toured the home inside and was amazed at the beauty of the architecture and details. The ladies that were showing off and demonstrating crafts and that would have been done during the time period around 1850 included White Work (a particular embroidery), Crocheting, Spinning, Ribbon Work and Doll Making, Knitting (this gal was really talented, she was making socks), Hairwork and Cameo Carving, and Wet Plate Photography. There were also two ladies that were preparing to play period parlor music. It was nice to chat with all of them.
We left to have lunch at Bread Company....Pannera in other parts of the country. It was nice to have a day alone with Mom. She is doing her best to get life going again. All I can do it pray for her, offer to help her with various things and just be there when she needs to talk.
Hope you had a great weekend and hope your week goes smooth!
Happy Crafting!!
Cindy

6 comments:

  1. Looks like a wonderful place to visit, and they were doing CRAFTS! Now I know I would want to visit. Glad you had a nice day with your Mother.

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  2. Cindy glad you and your mum had a fab time! xx jo xx

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  3. So happy you and your mom had a special time together... and lunch too! Yumm... :) Michelle

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  4. Sounds like you had a lovely day with your Mother. I am still thinking of you, and wishing you and your family well.

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  5. Interesting post. Glad you and your Mother had a fun day.
    Joyce

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  6. The building looks fabulous! Glad that it got saved. I hope it was a great day with your mom.

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