|
|
|
| Tue, Dec. 01 - - Mobile - RSS | |
|
|
Idlewild: In ruins, but still proud
A year ago this month, a 19th-century Fredericksburg mansion, Idlewild, suffered a devastating fire. But the historic treasure still clings to life, especially in the hearts of preservationists. Idlewild: In ruins, but still proud
Date published: 4/17/2004
ANEW SERIES debuted last week in Town & County titled "Lost Fredericksburg." This series will focus on lost architecture and historically important structures in the city of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, Stafford and other nearby counties. This article is not quite suitable for the series. Although it was almost completely destroyed by an arsonist's hand just a year ago this month, Idlewild still remains, although tenuously. The local city government will take title any day and perhaps, at that time, fate will smile on this long-embattled structure. In the early dawn hours of April 14, 2003, an alarm was called in by a northbound motorist on Interstate 95 for what was presumed to be a brush fire. Upon arrival at the fire scene, off State Route 3 just east of Interstate 95 near Home Depot, local fire units found their worst nightmare: the glorious Idlewild mansion, a gem of the Fredericksburg area and a very important element of the local Civil War arena, was engulfed in flames. For most of the morning, firefighters bravely and continuously struggled to bring the inferno under control. At the end, the poignantly beautiful brick walls remained, mute testimony to the fight that had once again ensued within its boundaries. After the barrage of cannon and bullets in May 1863, Idlewild remained standing, although in need of dire repair. Idlewild stood for the next 140 years, serving as the family home of its original builders until the last son died in his 90s in the late 1940s. In 1950, the house was sold out of the family and served as a family estate for its second owners until the property was recently sold. However, after the death of its last owners, Idlewild sat for quite some time alone and abandoned on its beautiful hilltop, falling victim to both nature and the relentless attacks of vandals. Just a year or so before the devastating fire, vandals broke into Idlewild and proceeded to smash its mahogany banisters, all of its windows, and to pull down a large side portion of its porch by attaching a chain to a motorized vehicle. It was an act of such violence and hatred that preservationists in the area were dumbfounded.
Date published: 4/17/2004
|
 |
|||
|
|||
