Contemplating.

Contemplating.
Wayzata, Minnesota

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Sepia Saturday - 7 June 2014 Polly Wasn't the Only Cracker Eater!

Lately, Blogger has been (my least favorite playmate) frustratingly slow, as it has for many of you too.  I wish they'd get it together, quickly.   


Today, I'm excited to play at our Sepia Saturday camp with an open prompt this week!

It's our own choice! 


SEPIA SATURDAY

Stepping back to Civil War days, we stroll upon a bit of Minnesota history right in Hastings, Minnesota.  Although, the photo of the LeDuc Mansion below appears like a long time ago, I actually took this yesterday.  The house is open for tours and it offers a rich history well worth a visit.





General William Gates LeDuc was famous for, Opening of the Union, "Cracker Line" read about here.

"Here's coffee, boys; here's sowbelly!  Build a fire!  Hurrah for the bully little streamer!"



William G. LeDuc House explained here.





Mary, General William LeDuc's wife and two their three daughters, Alice, Mary and Florence and one son, Willie.


General W. G. LeDuc was often described as appearing much like Abraham Lincoln.  This article here, clearly shares that likeness in a photo included at the end.


Of course, what would an old mansion be if it wasn't haunted as well?  For those of us that love a good haunted house story, read here, and also see a few photos from inside the LeDuc Mansion.

21 comments:

21 Wits said...

Yep it's working!

Mike Brubaker said...

Something's not working?
A beautiful old house and worthy of preservation even without the historic figure of General LeDuc or the ghosts.

Nancy said...

Karen, the home is absolutely beautiful. I love the colors they chose, that fire-red against the goldenish brick. Is the first photo (with the grey building with windows on the 2nd level) of the barn or back of the house?

Anonymous said...

I wonder what the people who lived in these houses would think of some of the houses which are being built today, which might be practical but are completely lacking in grace.

Filip and Kristel said...

I realy like your second picture and the last one. The women had to wear such long cloths.

Greetings,
Filip

21 Wits said...

Yes Nancy the first photo is the back of the barn. It's in really good condition too!

21 Wits said...

You're absolutely right and I fear many of them won't come close to surviving as these mansions are!

ScotSue said...

A fascinating history with great photographs.

genepenn said...

it is good to see this residence has been so lovingly restored - I'm sure the ghosts must be very happy to. Was interested to see your comment about Blogger being slow, I've found it so frustrating trying to read the posts. Glad it is not at my end.

ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© said...

I wonder if ghosts like company?
~

21 Wits said...

Thunder, Yes they do! The more the merrier!

21 Wits said...

Genepenn, it seems it's been happening to most everyone I know on blogger. It's an on and off again thing. Seems it's beginning to act up again right now!

Leovi said...

Really wonderful home!

Naquillity said...

what a beautiful house. glad you had the chance to tour it's rooms/ halls. hoping you didn't bump into any of its ghosts... :)

luvlinens said...

Beautiful place would love to visit someday.

Postcardy said...

The two-foot thick stone walls sound impressive.

I haven't really had any unusual trouble with blogger recently.

abrianna said...

Lovely sepia photos. I have been considering leaving blogger for another plat form...still thinking about it actually.

Alan Burnett said...

How very interesting. We know so little about the Civil Way in this country, it is fascinating picking up detail in posts like yours.

Wendy said...

You have the coolest houses to tour.

Jofeath said...

Nice to see the photographer took a more natural looking photograph of the general's wife and family, rather than the usual formal style of the period.

Little Nell said...

I love hearing stories about the Civil War. Wonderful restoration here. By the way I thought it was just me with blogger!