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Contact: Jenni Brockman Phone: 804-443-3357 Fax: 804-443-6781 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tappahannock (March 8, 2004) - St. Margaret’s School is doing the right thing in preserving historic Brockenbrough House, said well-known architectural historian Calder Loth. 
Photo left:
Architectural historian Calder Loth presented remarks at a Blandfield reception announcing restoration plans for Tappahannock’s Brockenbrough House. Behind him is Head of School Margaret R. Broad.
“The bean counters would say ok, nice old house, but it’s too far gone and it’s not cost-beneficial given the required capital outlay. But consider what you have. You have something few other people or institutions can have. High-style colonial mansions don’t grow on trees.” Loth made his remarks to the more than 120 guests who attended a February 29 gathering at Blandfield that was sponsored by the school and underwritten in part by Ingleside Plantation, Inc. The Upper Essex home of Mrs. James C. Wheat, Jr., holds several things in common with the Brockenbrough House, Loth added. Both structures stand on land once owned by Robert Beverley, one of the most powerful men in colonial Tidewater. They were built within a few years of each other. Perhaps most important, St. Margaret’s is approaching the task of restoring the Brockenbrough House with a commitment that echoes the Wheat’s dedication to Blandfield. “Brockenbrough House can be an elegant, welcoming entry and ceremonial place, not just for St. Margaret’s, but for the whole community,” he said. “I think it’s great that you can share this asset and continue this tradition of Virginia hospitality, just as Wiley has done with Blandfield.” Thanks to a gift from Southside Bank, workmen now are waterproofing the Brockenbrough House’s brick foundations. Other recent support has come from private donors, the Roller-Bottimore Foundation, the Marietta McNeil Morgan and Samuel Tate Morgan, Jr. Foundation, and the Northern Neck Branch of the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities. St. Margaret’s is seeking additional gifts from foundations, businesses and corporations before it implements the remainder of the restoration plan. For more information, contact SMS Development Director Maureen Neal at 443-3357 or mneal@sms.org |
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