Stranica 381 [381]
HISTORIC GARDENS OF VIRGINIA
progress. Several of the guests of the preceding day were killed
in this battle.
The servant bells attached to the windows at Gay Mont deserve
mention only as relics of by-gone days. Each room had its bell,
rung by means of a cord within, to summon a servant whenever
wanted. One wonders how many servants were required and where
stationed to catch and locate the sound of these bells, hung into
space from any window of the rambling old house.
Like many Virginia homes, Gay Mont suttered severely during
the War Between the States and the years following, when the labor
necessary for its upkeep could not be obtained. But so well had
the original plans been carried out and moulded into terraces and
other enduring landmarks that today Gay Mont reflects honor on
those who planned and those who carried the plans to completion.
In the division of the estate, Gay Mont was bought in by Helen
Struan Bernard, youngest daughter of John Bernard, who in 1865
was married to Philip Lightfoot Robb, whose children still make
it their home.
JOHN BERNARD ROBB.
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