This gorgeous home is Oak Alley, one of the first to be refurbished
along River Road in Louisiana. It is completely fixed up and
every room looks like people from long ago might be inhabiting them.
Originally a fir trader had a home on this sight. He planted
the oak trees about three hundred years ago because he wanted people
traveling down the river to notice his establishment. About a
hundred years later someone noticed and liked the prospect so much
that he bought it and built this mansion.
We weren't allowed to take pictures inside so these postcards are
all we have. I would love to have a spacious front hall like
this that's more of a room than an entryway.
The front room, beautifully fitted up.
We liked the old piano.
My mom would love a table like that! The big thing hanging
above is a fan attached to a rope which a servant would stand in the
corner and pull. This served two purposes: it gave off a
slight breeze and kept the flies away.
This was the sick room. Fairly superstitious, they would hang
a veil over the mirrors so that the soul of the dying person
wouldn't see its reflection and, confused, remain to haunt the
house.
Fancy bedroom.
The children's nursery.
I think that one of the last owners of this house fitted this room
up when she became sick and bedridden. Since then, it has
remained "The Purple Room."
Beautiful view from the upstairs terrace.
Since the river is so close - just at the end of the alley - I bet
that a mysterious fog like this often covers the premises.
The family graveyard.
An English mansion through and through, the elegant Oak Alley was
quite a contrast to the Creole Laura Plantation.
