(Jim and Mary Kinnear's Cedar Grove Plantation in Virginia)

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The March 16, 2011 Mecklenburg Sun boldly announced Jim Kinnear’s 1838 Cedar Grove plantation as the forthcoming “…scene of a celebration marking [its] … designation in the National Register of Historic Places.”  This certification is akin to proving bona fide familial ancestry for the purity of DAR certification and not lightly regarded.  The immediate occasion had commenced as the result of a search for a basing alternative in “retirement” and vacation home suitable for family and guests with mellower weather, than Connecticut winters where horses could be enjoyed; hunting, fishing and boating seasonally available; growing favored fruits and vegetables possible, along with wheat, corn and the like (to attract birds).   By 1992, a restoration project had been acquired –Cedar Grove--with spouse Mary’s encouragement and vision whose interior decorating and reconstruction efforts continue to be recognized despite succumbing to cancer en route to the fruition marked by this event. The classic Greek revival Palladian structure is unique as a post 19^th Century survivor and thus a much valued addition to National Register of Historic Places whose timing during the Sesquicentenial of the Civil War is most appropriate as the original owners were so deeply committed. 

Ever generous Jim invited Roy and Ann Snyder with Fran and me for a long weekend visit to attend the ceremony.  Acceptance was without hesitation.  The plantation is located in the quaint, peaceful town of Clarksville, just north of the Carolinas on the central Virginia border—not-quite a four hour drive from northern Virginia.  Southbound on I-95 about half way there a bad fleeting thought crossed my mind and I asked Fran if she had seen the case of champagne put in the trunk.  “No,” she responded,”…your messy garage is worse than ever…” with all the building materials gathered for an ongoing bathroom rehab.  A four letter word crossed my mind; Fran’s too. 

Jim had no reason to be aware that today, 25 March, was Fran’s and my 58^th wedding anniversary. After coordinating with Jim’s closest staff so as not to  interfere with his arrangements, my “great plan” had been to break out the champagne on seating for dinner and salute to Jim (unaware of any of this) for the wonderful anniversary present—a weekend and dedication at Cedar Grove. So much for great plans. 

The remainder of the trip was quiet--surprise, surprise. Fran serendipitously spotted Ann driving Roy making a turn ahead of us.  Thus, both parties joined prior to arrival several miles from the 1,000 acre estate.  We arrived in tandem to a warm greeting in front of the manor house by Jim and his staff plus Jim’s local manager--in chaps on horseback--and an invitation to ride.   After introductions all around we were informed that the bar would be open in the big house at 1800 while shown to one of the two  guest cottages each with its two double  bedrooms,  private baths, kitchen/bar gathering point and comfortably appointed living room with fireplace.

At preprandial cocktails we were joined by the other over-nighters by Jim’s surrogate hostess, Debbie, and office assistant staff  in the drawing room followed by a delicious dinner much that had been “home” grown.  

The conversations were erudite and diverse as might be expected from a former CEO of Texaco (and his classmates—of course), plus the former Chairman of the National Trust (who had interested and assisted  Jim and Mary in their search) with her husband, the CEO and President of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and Jim’s Greenwich, CT neighbor who, lauding the virtues of  P-47 ‘bombing and strafing’ for Roy and Me, was a retired Madison Avenue ad executive who had come down with Jim and staff in a Net-Jet Citation along with the two Boykon Spaniels. 

Ten table-mates with empty champagne glasses and my case of champagne is in the garage 200 miles away in McLean!  I stood and duly confessed my embarrassing delinquency while moving on to Jim’s wine cellar for an opening toast. Dinner concluded after Jim asked the galley staff to be recognized by the guests which was gracefully handled; they were introduced to a genuine applause.  A nice human touch by the “Boss” and happy employees, too. Gratified guests, too. 

The following day’s activities started with breakfast at 0800 after which we either tried to lend a hand or got out of the way as preparations were made for 48 luncheon guests and the formal dedication.  The grand hall would be packed with guests and servers sipping, mixing and lunch after  the dedication and unveiling of the bronze commemorative plaque with appropriate remarks.  

Five large round tables were set up in the hall extending from foyer-to-foyer along the main axis of the architecture.  Execution was interesting with the majordomo directing table location and instructing local girl/waitresses on serving and removing dishes, placement of silver, side of guest to deliver on, care in reaching over the table from a right side take-away,  folding cloth napkins, etc.  This included assigning the more slender waitresses to cramped areas.  The contemplative planning was priceless; the friendly cooperation productive and readily apparent solid teamwork rewarding. 

Jim made remarks in noting distinguished attendees and lunch was served.  Acknowledgments were gracefully exchanged.  Again, locally grown fresh vegetables with assorted meats were served with individual care far all guests.  I don’t do the creator of the menu(s) justice with my limited culinary descriptive efforts—all was delicious, right down to the fig (grown next to our cottage) ice cream dessert.  To my left sat one of the great-great-grand daughters of the original owner of Cedar Grove who himself had been a close relative of Lewis of Lewis and Clark.; to my right the local Episcopal Church minister.

After lunch the dedication of the 100 acres of Cedar Grove ceded to the National Trust occurred after the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those gathered.  The gift included the manor house and two guest houses plus five homes occupied by employees, barns, tobacco drying sheds (no more tobacco growing), ice houses and cold cellars.  With the unveiling of the bronze plaque Jim noted the contributions of the National Trust, local officials and suppliers the greatest of which were the tireless efforts of Mary in the restoration of the manor.  It was obvious that much love and appreciation was acknowledged in thought but left unsaid by locals who had worked with Mary. 

That afternoon we toured the lake with Jim at the helm of a Honda powered four cycle propelled pontoon party boat despite the sprinkling which Fran and Ann used as an excuse to skedadle.  It was only 42 degrees, water 52 degrees so there was some legit reason.  The dogs came of course and Jim sweet-talked his staff ladies into “line-handling.”  Eagle-eye-Jim pointed out five eagles’ nests, as well as some nice looking lake-side homes.  It had been Jim’s land originally and he has proscribed commercializing of the shoreline.  En route, to the float from the mansion we passed what appeared to be a nice sized workable still.  Jim claims he made only one batch of homebrew (samples) in order to apply for a still license which was subsequently disallowed.  He didn’t contest it…said there was enough brew locally available.  He also says the coil was cut.  

Our final dinner was a winner with the kitchen crew again honored.  We were joined by Jim’s very interesting estate manager. He was also a breeder of horses and dogs of some note and had been our horse-borne greeter aboard Rooster on arrival. He also oversaw the welfare of the two mules used on the hay wagon next to the still—Amos and Andy. 

Sunday morning, following coffee our party of eight attended Episcopal communion services in town where we re-met many of the preceding day’s attendees.  The ladies’ hats would have been competitive in the boxes of the Kentucky Derby. Gracious, friendly people who complemented the grace of Cedar  Grove’s. 

A fond memory of an association and friendship started 65 years earlier between two kids discovering one another on the Toonerville Trolley from Baltimore to Annapolis reporting to the U.S. Naval Academy hopeful of induction as midshipmen in the Class of 1950 into a lifelong friendship.

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