Stillness In The Late Afternoon Chill

It was a cold day but I love the cold...to paraphrase Rhoda Morgenstern, "I like the cold, I figure I keep better!" And on a day like this, a walk was in order. I love to get out and take little strolls around my small town. There are so many lovely old stone houses, some that are now sweet shops, some museums and even more that are still private residences. I also stopped by Benham Grove.

Benham's Grove is situated on land that was originally part of a 50-acre farm owned by Aaron Nutt, one of the founding fathers of the City of Centerville, and transferred to his son in 1813. A later owner of the farm, Lawson Allen, sold the 10-acre tract that would become Benham's Grove in 1843.

In 1844, Joseph A. Benham, prominent Centerville merchant, acquired the property at an auction. Benham built the present farmhouse on the tract about 1885. In keeping with its rural setting, the house was built in a less ornate, more functional Victorian-era style that relies on subtly elegant details.

My city purchased the property in 1991. After renovations, the facility opened in 1992 as a community gathering place. It is a popular site for weddings and parties of all sorts. You can see why!

The last golden leaves of Fall... Beauty is found in each of the four seasons. And there is one of those beauties now!