History Lesson and Hamilton Reunion

On Thursday of last week I learned that the Rome Historical Society was going to offer a walking tour of the downtown area on Saturday with a focus on homes that participated in the Underground Railroad efforts of the mid 1800's.  I was not going to be able to take the tour, but since our house is rumored to have been a more northern stop for fleeing slaves, I wanted to see what information was going to be imparted.  I wandered into the Historical Society and as luck would have it, the two young interns charged with the tour were there researching pertinent material and writing up their notes.  They were very kind to sit with me, and when I began describing the 1834 house and the hiding space behind the fireplace, one of the young men pulled out this article from the Rome paper back in 2003.  There it was!  Our house and our fireplace with a whole story pretty much confirming that it was a safe haven for slaves heading to Canada and freedom.  Other people from the Historical Society supplied me with pamphlets and folders on the Wardwell family and their influence on commerce in the area.  One of the educators also found an old map from 1874 which documented the names of local property owners.  He pointed out our home, and I was surprised that the name listed was not Wardwell.  Apparently, I need to research a Moses T. White as he owned our home and the house next door well before the Wardwells.   It seems that one of Moses's descendants married a Wardwell, whose family then owned and lived in the house for generations.  One last coincidental tidbit to this foray into the history of the house...my dad called me late that same day to tell me that the Westernville Town Hall was sponsoring a talk on the Underground Railroad that very night.  Joel and I rearranged some plans and attended.  I was excited to see that more than half of the presentation was based on our house and it's role in the abolitionist movement!  We met several wonderful people who are rallying to put us in touch with various Wardwell children who are willing to share stories, memories, and pictures of the 1834 house.  I will share whatever fun facts I learn in the coming weeks!

The reason I was unavailable to take the historical tour on Saturday is that many of my Hamilton besties came to town to celebrate the marriage of everyone's favorite friend, Scott Brinitzer!  The weekend could not have been more perfect...great weather, fabulous company, and a lively, fun wedding on the Hill.  We took time out of the nuptial festivities to show everyone the house.  Once again, I do so appreciate the outpouring of interest and support, sprinkled with awe and perhaps a little amusement??!