Hildene facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hildene
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Hildene seen from the garden
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| Location | 1005 Hildene Rd. Manchester Center, Vermont |
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| Architect | Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge |
| Architectural style | Georgian Revival |
| Website | www.hildene.org |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000095 |
| Added to NRHP | October 28, 1977 |
Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home is a special place in Manchester Center, Vermont. It was once the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln and his wife, Mary Harlan Lincoln. Robert Todd Lincoln was the only son of President Abraham Lincoln to live to be an adult.
Contents
The Lincoln Family's Summer Home
A Son of a President
Robert Todd Lincoln was the oldest of President Abraham Lincoln's four sons. He was the only one who lived to grow up. Robert first visited Manchester Center, Vermont, when he was 20 years old. This was in the summer of 1863. He, his brother Tad, and their mother stayed at a nearby hotel. They wanted to escape the hot weather in Washington, DC.
From Family Home to Museum
The Lincoln family and their descendants lived at Hildene for many years. The last Lincoln family member to live there was Mary Lincoln Beckwith. She was Robert and Mary's granddaughter. She passed away at Hildene in 1975.
In 1978, a group called the Friends of Hildene bought the property. This non-profit group works to protect and restore special places. They began to fix up the house, other buildings, and the gardens. Now, Hildene is open to the public. Visitors can learn about the Lincoln family and see how they lived.
Exploring the Hildene Estate
The Meaning of Hildene
The name "Hildene" comes from old English words. "Hill" means a raised area of land. "Dene" means a valley with a stream. This name fits the property perfectly. The main house sits on a hill about 300 feet (91 meters) high. From there, you can see the beautiful Battenkill Valley.
Gardens and Nature
About half of the 412-acre (167-hectare) estate is in the valley. This area has open fields and wet lands. A special formal garden was planted in 1907. It looks like a stained-glass window from a church. Hedges form the window pattern. Inside, colorful flowers fill the "glass" sections. This garden is famous for its collection of over 1,000 peonies. Peonies are large, beautiful flowers.
Farm Life and History
In 2008, the Rowland Agricultural Center opened at Hildene Farm. It has a herd of Nubian goats. You can even see where they make cheese! In 2011, a restored 1903 wooden Pullman train car arrived. This car is called "Sunbeam." It was built when Robert Todd Lincoln was the president of the Pullman Company. This company made fancy train cars.
Inside the Hildene House
Hildene is filled with furniture that belonged to the Lincoln family. You can also see special items that belonged to Robert Todd Lincoln and his famous parents. In 1908, a large Æolian pipe organ was put in the house. It cost $11,500 back then. In 1980, the Friends of Hildene group carefully fixed and restored the organ.
