Follow along as we head to the Gramercy Mansion in Baltimore, trek through some trails in the woods, and stumble upon a huge dump site where we are digging bottles. This is a historic mansion that was built by the president of the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1902. Imagine the parties they have! At the end, I’ll also give a tour of this mansion!
The Gramercy Mansion is a historic and elegant estate located in Stevenson, Maryland, USA. It is renowned for its stunning architecture, picturesque gardens, and luxurious accommodations. The mansion is a popular venue for weddings, special events, and bed and breakfast stays.
The mansion was originally built in 1902 as a country home for Baltimore philanthropist Alexander Brown’s daughter, Miss Bessie Reese Brown. Designed by the notable architect, Edmund G. Lind, the mansion combines elements of Tudor, Gothic, and Jacobean styles, creating a unique and visually striking structure. Its distinctive features include steeply pitched roofs, tall chimneys, ornamental woodwork, and stained glass windows.
Gramercy Mansion sits on 45 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, featuring lush gardens, winding paths, and a serene pond. The property offers a tranquil and romantic setting, making it a sought-after destination for weddings and outdoor events. The gardens are meticulously maintained and showcase a variety of flowers, plants, and trees, providing a picturesque backdrop for photographs and gatherings.
In addition to hosting events, Gramercy Mansion operates as a bed and breakfast, offering luxurious accommodations for overnight stays. The mansion features individually designed guest rooms, each with its own distinct charm and character. The rooms are tastefully decorated, blending antique furnishings with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and memorable experience for guests.
The mansion’s common areas include a spacious dining room where guests can enjoy gourmet breakfasts, a cozy library filled with books and a fireplace, and several elegant sitting rooms for relaxation. The property also offers outdoor seating areas, including a terrace and a gazebo, where guests can unwind and take in the serene surroundings.
Overall, the Gramercy Mansion is a cherished historic landmark that combines architectural grandeur, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Whether for a special event or a peaceful getaway, it offers a memorable experience for visitors seeking refined elegance in a tranquil setting.
Ever go bottle digging?
Bottle digging, also known as bottle hunting or privy digging, is a hobby or activity that involves excavating and searching for antique bottles buried in the ground. It is a popular pastime among collectors, historians, and individuals interested in uncovering artifacts from the past.
The practice of bottle digging typically involves locating old dumpsites, landfills, or areas where discarded household items were buried in the past. These locations can include old homesteads, ghost towns, or rural areas where early settlers lived. Bottles are often found in these areas because they were commonly discarded or thrown away as waste.
Bottle diggers use a variety of tools such as shovels, trowels, probes, and metal detectors to carefully excavate the soil and locate buried bottles. They search for signs of bottle fragments, broken glass, or the presence of a bottle dump. Once a potential dig site is identified, the digger begins the process of carefully removing layers of soil to reveal the bottles.
When digging, it is important to exercise caution and respect for the environment. Bottle diggers should obtain permission from the landowner before excavating any private property. Additionally, it is crucial to be mindful of preserving the historical context and archaeological integrity of the site. This means documenting the location, taking photographs, and keeping records of the artifacts discovered.
Bottle diggers often have a keen eye for identifying different types of bottles based on their shape, color, markings, and embossing. Antique bottles can be categorized into various types, including medicine bottles, soda bottles, beer bottles, ink bottles, and more. Some bottles may bear the names or logos of old companies, providing insights into the history of local businesses or industries.
The value of antique bottles can vary widely depending on factors such as rarity, condition, age, and historical significance. Some bottles may be worth only a few dollars, while others can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars among collectors. It is important to research and learn about the different types of bottles and their potential value before embarking on a bottle digging expedition.
