WHEN bluegrass fans and history lovers gather Saturday at Menokin in Richmond County, they'll do so near one of the most historic ruins around.
Not far from a bandstand that will hold acts such as the Grammy-nominated Blue Highway sit the remains of the grand Colonial home of Francis Lightfoot Lee, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
The fourth annual Menokin Bluegrass Festival, from noon to 6 p.m., raises money and awareness for an active foundation's effort to protect the once-grand estate.
Last year, the bluegrass festival drew about 1,700 people to the farmland and forest near Warsaw. Passing on information about this year's event gives me a chance to mention what's new at the historic attraction.
Sarah Pope, executive director of the Menokin Foundation, said one of the most exciting recent developments is a growing belief that a shell of glass might be the best way to preserve and show off the remaining portions of the mansion.
That approach, little more than a vague notion last year, has moved to the point that a full feasibility study on the concept should start soon.
"What we're looking for is the best way to maximize what we have here that's unique," said Pope. "The fact that we have open remains of a house where visitors can see components from all sides is what makes us unique. Visitors can see from all sides how an 18th-century house really went together."
Pope noted that the open nature of the house, with more sections of walls and roof missing than in place, is also a problem.
Missing sections of walls and roof make it impossible to keep out moisture, wind and critters, despite a large cover that rises over the house.
An architect has suggested that strong, laminated panels of glass could fill in spots where wall or roof sections are missing.
With input from a national firm that includes glass in many of its buildings, the Menokin staff and trustees are interested enough in the notion to study the cost and possibility of using glass to make the house whole again.
"One of the thoughts is that we might be able to have panels that could pop in or out to suit our needs," said Pope. "You'd have the possibility of popping out a section to let students rebuild it, or to come back and reconstruct segments where we have enough materials pulled from the wreckage to do that."
Pope shared some other new discoveries and projects.
One of the most impressive is the reconstruction of a massive doorway that once welcomed visitors to Menokin. It's crafted from 27 pieces of woodwork among the more than 1,000 pieces pulled from the house and now stored in new building on the site.
Another is the discovery of artifacts and materials that indicated a particular room in the mansion contained a punkah, a large wooden fan hung from the ceiling, usually over a dining table.
A servant would pull ropes to move this big fan, which cooled the room and kept insects off food.
Pope said an upcoming class on the conservation methods at Menokin, offered through Rappahannock Community College, is just a first step in educational programming and partnership with learning institutions.
The course, open to all, will provide an overview of 18th-century framing and building techniques, and the conservation of historic masonry and wood.
Rob Hedelt: 540/374-5415| Menokin Bluegrass Festival When: Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., at Menokin estate near Warsaw Acts: Blue Highway, Infamous Stringdusters, Old School Freight Train, Barrel House Mamas and Gas Money Band Tickets: $20, available from Picker's Supply in Fredericksburg; Northern Neck Gourmet and Belle Mount Vineyards in Warsaw; Doc's Music & Rivahside Cafe in Tappahannock More: Tickets and info also available at menokinbluegrass .com or by calling 804/333-0512. |