Back in '17 when we narrowed our home search, Tom expressed concern re. the empty lot next door:
What's the story behind the debris field ... and what might be erected in its place?
Assured that the parcel was not zoned commercial, we went forward.
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Facing what would become our house ... before Tom built the fence.
So -- aside from the owners' annoying neglect to keep the lot mowed regularly -- I gave it little thought.
Then, in a curious twist, I began chatting with a priest following a recent grave-side service. Learning where we live, he exclaimed, "Oh wow, we're neighbors!"
(Not exactly 'next-door', but his brother owns the lot.)
Long-story short, I went to investiGoogle my new priest friend. But rather than learning his address, I stumbled on an interesting article detailing the land's history.
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Excerpts ...
ONCE THE CENTER OF A LARGE PLANTATION, THE BUILDING WAS CONSTRUCTED AROUND 1830 — MAKING IT ONE OF THE FOUR EARLIEST SURVIVING DWELLINGS IN ELMORE COUNTY.
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| Joel Zeigler was sure a handsome dude, wasn't he? |
THE BUILDER WAS WILLIAM ZEIGLER, ALSO A FOUNDER AND BUILDER OF THE ROBINSON SPRINGS METHODIST CHURCH WHERE NINE GENERATIONS OF ZEIGLER BABIES HAVE BEEN CHRISTENED).
(Crazy, that's where we attend church! Pastor Janet had no idea!)
The present owners had hoped to restore the home. Unfortunately, deterioration and decay was so extensive they'd no recourse but to demolish it … only months before we arrived.
The view from our drive.
I've a fascination with kudzu.
At the rate it grows, I suspect it may have been the inspiration for "Jack and the Beanstalk."
Unfortunately, it's impervious to all attempts to kill it … even wrapping itself around Tom's weed whacker.
Naturally-occurring ringlets.
OK, these have nothing to do with nothing ...
but I fell in love with this galvanized tray at the antique mall.
… and these dish towels!
Thinking they'd make a great new house-warming gift for Tom's sis.
Thanks so much for visiting!
Have yourselves a fun Friday … be safe!
Hugs, Myra
It's always so much fun to come and read your posts. Did I ever tell you I like the way your mind works?! I do! LOL Enjoy your day and the weekend ahead!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you so much!
DeleteOH MY, just more proof it's a small, very small world. who would think the land would have a connection with your church and a priest you would meet at a service. wow... it pays to be a chatty cathy… you find all kinds of connections and interesting info. I just found termite wings all over Bob's bathroom sink/counter. just wings. I found a few last week, he swore they were hairs because he will not wear his glasses. I just veriyed them on the internet. nooooo
ReplyDeleteOh, no! I hope it's a quick fix!
DeleteYou know, YOU are my inspiration to chat up strangers.
I like where you live. It looks very nice.
ReplyDeleteTalking of Jack and the Beanstalk. That story had an effect on me as a child. I was afraid of eating beans in case one of them was magic. Then a beanstalk would grow inside me, come out of my bottom, and shoot me up to the sky!
BTW - Thanx for your kind e-mail. I have responded.
God bless you. Keep smiling.
Yeow, that sounds painful! Your e-mail has touched my heart; thank you!
DeleteWhat a fascinating story - and the plantation house was located so close to you. That first old photo of it suddenly reminded me of "Gone With the Wind".
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame the owners couldn't salvage/restore it - but it would have undoubtedly been far too costly and too much trouble. I'm glad you were able to find this historic information - it makes your own property more interesting (it must have originally been part of the plantation).
I wonder if there are any old graves buried around there?? Just a thought......
I never heard of kudzu, but it very well could have inspired Jack and the Beanstalk. It reminds me of the horrifying "weeds" on my property. They won't stop growing and are indestructible.
I wonder, Jon, if your weeds are kudzu. Jack (below) rightly calls it the southern curse.
DeleteIf you're interested, here is a link to the home's history and why saving it wasn't possible:
https://www.elmoreautauganews.com/single-post/2017/08/23/Zeigler-House-on-Chapman-Road-demolished-owners-say-deterioration-over-many-years-made-saving-it-impossible
Thanks for the link. The article is fascinating! I'm glad they salvaged some of the old wood.
DeleteOh yeah, Kudzu, the souithern curse. That stuff if tough! But great soil stabilizer on hills if one can keep it a bay, nigh impossible though.
ReplyDeleteAnd wow, the research in you. Good stuff and very interesting.I must say AMEN to Stacy's comment!
Rain here,
Sherry & jack
Thanks, Jack! The only thing Tom hasn't tried (to kill it) is Agent Orange. I don't suppose it's available at our local Ace Hardware.
DeleteNow that is one very interesting story!!!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it? The article said they were all originally Lutherans; in fact, Martin Luther's mother was a Zeigler.
DeleteWouldn't you have loved to see the house before it was destroyed? Lots of history I'm sure went with it!
ReplyDeletebetty
Oh yes. What stories those walls might tell!
DeleteI am a Methodist too. So interesting you on are on the original property for it. You have a pretty view. Kudzu will choke out and kill everything including trees!!!!
ReplyDeleteI know, right? I like to imagine ...
DeleteLoved the unexpected history lesson, Mevely! So sad the old house was too far gone to be restored . . . Wish the nasty kudzu could learn a lesson from that - lol!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Good point, Martha! Blessings!
DeleteOh the things we learn! I like to think I learn something new each day. Such interesting facts about your neighbor's lot. I enjoy my visits here. Which is why I do not get around too much because I love playing catch up and reading all the posts I miss. Have a splendid HUMP Day!
ReplyDelete