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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 furnishings, having the home charm about them. ‘The gardens, enclosed 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 [317]
