12/05/2019
On this day eighty years ago my grandfather bought Shandy Hall. I am glad to say that it is still in the family and enjoyed by all. Here is an article written about Shandy Hall in 1852.
ALEXANDRIA GAZETTE
AND
VIRGINIA ADVERTIZER
THE GAZETTE:
WEDNESDAY MORNING, JULY 28, 1852
REMINISCENCES OF OLD VIRGINIA
Among the many beautiful residences that dot the Rappahannock, there are few, if any, better known than Shandy Hall, the seat of one of Virginia's true-hearted and whole-souled sons. Several years ago during the writer’s sojourn in this part of Virginia, Shandy Hall was the resort of the gay and fashionable, and many a happy party he has had the pleasure to meet under its hospitable roof.
The gentlemanly proprietor was never so happy as when his mansion was filled with guests, and no gentleman ever had a more felicitous manner in the entertainment of his friends. His welcome was one that left you in no sort of doubt as to its sincerity. It was warm and cordial in the extreme,and the “Welcome to Shandy Hall” was given with such a hearty shake of the hand, and brightening up of the countenance, as to make the visitor at once feel that he was in the house of a friend.
This seat was most favorably known to all the country round about. Its hospitality, and its elegant and profuse entertainments, were household words. The proverbial character of its head for social and refined enjoyments, drew around him choice spirits and hosts of friends, who would oft-times linger at his mansion from day to day,as if spell bound. At this seat you would find the real true old Virginia hospitality in its broadest sense, limited in no respect, but expansive as the heart of the dispenser of these social pleasures.
The plantation is an extensive one; embracing several hundred acres and methinks I see the proprietor now on some gala day, with spy glass in hand, looking out for the approach of his guests, his bright eye happy in the anticipated gathering; and as he greets his friends as they arrive, his fine open countenance and the smile that plays around his mouth,tell more plainly than words,of the happiness within. No lady or gentleman ever visited Shandy Hall for a day, or week, or month, without regretting their departure, so entirely devoted of their comfort and happiness was gentlemanly and cultivated proprietor. Ask the neighbors, the residents of the adjoining counties, and such of the citizens of Baltimore and Philadelphia, (and they were not few) who have visited Shandy Hall, and without doubt they will endorse everything that can be said in its praise.
Among other good things for which this establishment was celebrated, was its fine oysters, which grew in abundance along the river shore in front of the mansion. They were transplanted from Boulware’s Rocks immediately opposite, (where they grow in inexhaustible quantities) carefully separated, and thrown into water from four to six feet deep. Here they would soon expand, and increase rapidly in size. They were known all over this part of the country as the “Sand oysters,” and esteemed highly on account of their enormous size, and delicious flavor. The oyster suppers of Shandy Hall were highly appreciated, and in the season of such luxuries, were very frequent. You would find stewed oysters and raw, and when the weather was sufficiently cold, frozen oysters,on the table at the same time, served up in the most tempting style.
An anecdote is told of a gentlemen of the neighborhood, who had traveled much and was a dear lover of the good things of this life; whose philosophy (and by the true one) was, that a raw oyster should never be cut, however so large. He was invited to Shandy Hall on one occasion. The proprietor fully understood his views, and had some of his very largest oysters opened and served up raw, two or three of which covered the bottom of a dining plate. Our friend was remarkably fond of raw oysters.. He looked at these in amazement — his mouth watered and his courage failed at the same time. This was all noticed by the other guests and enjoyed. He finally determined to try them. He plunged in the fork, and with a look of desperation carried the oyster to hie mouth. A moment more, and ’tis gone — no, the animal has made a lodgment on its passage,and the scene that followed was ludicrous in the extreme. The timely aid afforded enabled the gentleman to recover from his awkward position, and when he could breathe freely again, he as strongly as ever persisted in his notions how a raw oyster should be eaten, amidst the continued merriment of his friends, who were nearly convulsed with laughter. This gentleman subsequently was a frequent guest at Shandy Hall, and was often did the raw oysters stare him in the face; though he would eye them most wistfully, he was never again known to eat a raw one at the table of this establishment.
The gentlemen of this neighborhood were fond of the fox chase, and frequently indulged in the sport. A fine pack of dogs were kept at Shandy Hall, and the woods were often made to resound with their inspiring cry, as they bounded forth in hot pursuit of the straightforward red, or doubling grey fox. As fish dinner was given at this establishment on one occasion, at which meats of all kinds were excluded; but fish, oysters and crabs, were served up in handsome style in every known variety. A particular and full description of this memorable dinner was given by one of the guests, which was published in the New York Spirit of the Times.
Many other establishments in this part of the State were celebrated for their elegant hospitalities, and the frequency of their entertainments; but none excelled, and few equaled Shandy Hall in the attributes that constitute a well appointed and hospitable mansion.
Balt. Patriot.
