Twenty years ago, a group of dedicated volunteers saved an 1892 mansion from the swing of the wrecking ball. The grounds were overgrown with foliage and weeds; even raccoon and deer were able to find themselves a temporary home inside the mansion.
Since that time, the property has turned into a unique, historic, and beautiful place to host conferences, meetings, and weddings. Fundraising efforts continue today to maintain the gardens, keeping them idyllic, beautiful, and serene.
One of those efforts, "Crafts for the Mansion," will be held on Saturday, October 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Usually held at Mooreland Mansion, this year it has relocated to the Athletic and Fitness Center at Lakeland. Admission is $3 per person; children 12 and under enter free.
“The event has outgrown the size constraints of the mansion with over 100 craft tables and an average attendance of almost 2,000 people each year,” said Diana Yount, lead volunteer for the Mooreland Restoration group who also spearheads the event. She added that a bake sale and raffle, featuring donations from each crafter, are also part of the event.
In addition to holiday staples, some of the other unique items available will be wine bottle lights, stained glass, gourmet foods, and many other hand crafted works. Items will be available in all price ranges. All proceeds are donated to the Mooreland Restoration fund.
New this year, historic tours are included with each paid admission to allow visitors an inside look at the mansion, and stroll through the gardens (weather permitting) the same day as the craft show. A free shuttle bus will transport visitors to the mansion throughout the day.
“We know a lot of people will miss the event at the mansion, it’s a truly special place” said Yount. “But we know they’ll understand that the craft show just got too big for it, but that’s a good thing.”
The Mooreland gardens include the rose garden which has been restored to Mrs. Moore’s exact specifications (no red roses). Original architectural and landscaping plans found in the mansion during restoration allowed the volunteers to be faithful to the vision of the Moore family. Volunteer/hobby gardeners are welcome to join the Mooreland restoration group.
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Twenty years ago, a group of dedicated volunteers saved an 1892 mansion from the swing of the wrecking ball. The grounds were overgrown with foliage and weeds; even raccoon and deer were able to find themselves a temporary home inside the mansion.
