Page 520 [520]
THE VALLEY OF THE DAN
OAK RIDGE
TAK RIDGE, Pittsylvania County, Virginia, about
ten miles from Danville, is owned and occupied by
4] Mrs. Jessie Wilson Word and Mrs. Lizzie Wilson
§| Hall. Ihe house was built between the years 1840
and 1850, by their maternal grandfather, Mr.
John Adams, and Justina, his wife. Oak Ridge is
splendidly kept and retains to a remarkable degree its pristine
beauty. [he only occupants are the two widowed sisters, who
manage personally and successfully their large estate—tobacco being
the money crop.
The approach to the house from the gate is through a wide
driveway of smooth, white sand, on either side of which tower huge
oaks, maples, holly and other varieties of our native trees, many
of which are entwined with ivy and some with wistaria. The house,
which is delightfully spacious, is filled with rare and exquisite fur¬
nishings, having the home charm about them. ‘The gardens, en¬
closed by a hedge of cedars, lie to the right of the house and must
be seen to be appreciated. The cedars seem to protect the endless
variety of beautiful flowers, vines, shrubs and evergreens which here
reach a degree of perfection and loveliness rarely ever seen. Nut
and fruit trees also abound.
BRIARFIELD
Briarfeld plantation, which is owned and conducted by Mr.
Harden Hairston, is situated in Pittsylvania County, about fifteen
miles from Danville, Virginia. The plantation is a very old one,
having belonged to this branch of the Hairston family for four
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