I will have to polish the toaster

We live in an area called Herron-Morton place. During the civil war the whole area was a Union army camp – and a prisoner of war camp for captured Confederate soldiers.

It is close to the city and has many very old homes – some of which are a bit dilapidated - and many – such as ours which have been lovingly restored to their former glory.

Our house was originally built in about 1900 and was known as the ‘Wishard Mansion’ after Doctor Wishard who owned it – and after whom a local hospital was named. We have installed a ‘Wishard Mansion’ plaque on the front porch.

It has a long and sometimes sordid history. At one stage it was divided into apartments - and this probably accounts for the seven bathrooms.

It then fell into a state of advanced disrepair and was restored over a couple of years by a local builder – who lives just down the road from us.

The exterior looks much as (we think) it did when it was built. We are having a local historian rustle up some information – and we hope some photos of the house it its early days.

Inside has been completely renovated – and we are not sure what – apart from the front and back stairs – is original.

Anyway - the local Herron-Morton Place association has asked us to participate in the annual ‘historic homes open day’ and we have somewhat hesitatingly agreed to this.

I think this will involve a lot of cleaning, dusting and gardening in preparation for the event. I will certainly have to polish the toaster.