Sunday, November 11, 2012

More Oak Alley

Last of the Oak Alley Plantation shots.



A unique, teacup chandelier in the gift shop.
This looks like a cannon, but the sign said it was used to put out fires.

The Courting Candle
When a suitor came to court the daughter, each was given a special candle twisted to a certain height.
The higher the candle, the higher the approval rating by the father. A short candle signified a brief date.
Notice how low the table and chairs are in comparison to our lovely guide.
The average height of people in the 1800s was just under 5 feet tall. I mainly took this photo for the red velvet table fan.
A slave stood in a corner with a rope and worked the fan while the guests dined.
 
Imagine the mosquito bites if they didn't use netting around the beds. 

The famous Virginia Live Oaks stretching 1/4 mile in front of the home. They are 300 years old; half their lifespan. 
Remembering our veterans today, and the huge sacrifices they and their families make. I honor and salute each and every one. My deepest gratitude goes out to them.

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41 comments:

Suzan said...

You know how much I love the live oak shots!! I have a courting candle, and such an interesting fan!! Bet it couldn't really cool them off in that late summer heat!!

TexWisGirl said...

i just love, love, love those trees! skip the inside finery hoopla. give me a good, solid tree! :)

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

My eyes were filled with wonder taking this walk with you. Thank you for taking us along and of course, your photography is a knockout. NOW....lets talk about that chandelier...... I have no place to hang one but WOW!!! that person that created it has talent!!!!

Tina said...

Hi Gail! What gorgeous images, the bedroom and baby room with the mosquito netting is lovely and of course those gorgeous 300 year oaks are majestic! Enjoy your week.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

That magnificent tree in the first photo is just...well...magnificent! I'm not a chandelier person myself, but I absolutely love that teacup chandelier. What a clever idea. You've outdone yourself on the photo of the checkerboard in front of the window. That should be hanging in a gallery somewhere.

Brian King said...

Wow! I had a hard time getting past the big tree! That's awesome! Beautiful shots! Love the last one, too. Really nice trees!

Jeanne said...

Lovely photos of this very special looking plantation! Love how you have seen so many details

Anonymous said...

Amen to veterans salute!

WoW! Those trees sure are amazing... Can you imagine living back then & wearing those big ol dresses & walking down that driveway under those trees... so romantic... except for the skeeters & no bug spray! lmbo! =) LoL! =)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful captures, Gail

Anonymous said...

Great captures. I love the big trees.

Evelyn S. said...

Oh, how lovely these scenes are, Gail! I would so love to visit this fabulous place. My two favorites are the window-and-checkers image and the bed-with-netting image. Every one is beautiful.

Patrice said...

Gorgeous, Gail - I particularly love the black and whites!

betty-NZ said...

It's always interesting to learn about times gone by. Thanks for the tour!

Barbara said...

What a fabulous place! And I love that teacup chandalier! Just the idea of really needing the mosquito netting makes me grateful I live now and not then!

Anonymous said...

these are such beautiful images! I just can't pick a favorite!! Big hugs, xoxo

Arti said...

The Oak shots are just wonderful! And I so loved that chandelier, its so pretty.
Have a lovely day Gail :)

BorneoAngler said...

Thanks for the post..really lovely.
Feel free to visit and follow our fishing blog in Borneo at http://kakinginti.rumahpanjai.com
Tight lines!!!

hootnonny said...

Fascinating place. I do love those ancient oaks!

Unknown said...

What a gorgeous place to visit. Your photos are amazing. I do love those trees...

Hugs~

Stewart M said...

Nice set of pictures. I like the chandelier! Keep an eye open for one on my blog in the next few hours!

cheers - Stewart M - Australia

Phil Slade said...

You took us on a grand tour there Gail together with some well thought shots and thoughtful commentary. That chandelier is just amazing - whoever came up with that idea?

Kathy said...

Really enjoyed this walk through yesterday.

Amy Burzese said...

I love this place. The window shot is my fav. Wouldn't you love to have those trees lining your drive or sidewalk. Every place I've been in like that, you aren't allowed to take photos. Lucky you. They are all great shots.

Rosemary Aubut said...

Wow you have captured this beautiful place so well! Makes me want to visit! Loved them all!

Starla said...

When I saw the shot of the fern (?) I immediately was thankful that you don't "the big pictures". Seriously, the little details that you capture are so much more telling!!

I have never seen such a fan....and had to giggle as I am barely over 5 ft, so I would have "fit" right in!!

Hilary said...

Those trees are just amazing and the indoor shots are fun and educational. I love the story behind the courting candle.

the wild magnolia said...

Love the plantation.

I am in awe of the men and women who serve our country, and those who gave their lives.

renae said...

Gail, hi! You are a very talented photographer, yes you are.

Those oak trees blow me away!!! I mean cause me to be blown from their images, not the leaves blowing in the wind, type. hahahaha.

Thank you for your kind words. I am getting more and more brave, thanks to your encouraging words. whew.

LindyLouMac said...

The first photo is magnificent, but I enjoyed them all, lovely selection and interesting as well.

Nancy said...

I always love looking at the old china, furniture, etc... such craftsmanship.

Anonymous said...

Those oaks are amazing! Your photography is beautiful. And that teacup chandelier is my kind of quirky!

Anonymous said...

mighty trees! the first photo and the last are exquisite. I love all about this post. thanks for the little tour, sweetie :) xxo

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Gorgeous shots! I have a friend who welds, and I once hired him to make a courting candle as a gift for another friend. It was so fun to watch him make it, and he did these delicate little leaves on the ends.

Lisa Gordon said...

Wonderful photographs, Gail.
I especially love that enormous tree.
It must be very, very old, and what a beauty it is.
Thank you for taking us along with you!
xo.

Nina said...

The oak is amazing - and the tea cup chandelier is so unique - beautiful!

Carletta said...

I have oooohed and awwwwed all the way down the page. A truly wonderful series of shots!
The trees are awesome!
LOVE the bokeh in the second shot!
I read your previous post and would just like to say you do these details exceptionally well. :)


Thanks for your wonderful comment on my butterfly macro.

Tricia said...

Oh, these are all so beautiful, Gail! I sure love that last photo...those trees are so gorgeous!

renae said...

I had to come back again and tell you you put a smile on my face today. I just may do a regular Monday thing from now on. Just on Monday. I don't have that many clothes....hahahaha.

Charlotte Wilson said...

Lovely collection of photos here! I especially love the one of the lace curtained window with the game below. And your "blush" treatment of the black and white is awesome. Really captures the time.

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

What a wonderful place to visit. The first oak reminds me of our massive Moreton Bay Figs. A delightful peak back into history.

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

Wonderfully captured, Gail. Breathtaking!