Hildene Mansion - Lincoln Family Home

The Robert Todd Lincoln house (The Hildene Mansion ) is located in Manchester, Vermont - about 30 minutes away from where we are staying. Robert is the only child of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood. He became chairman of the Pullman Car Comany and was a true American success story. The house is a spectacular example of Georgian Revival architecture with beautifully manicured gardens encompassing over 400 acres. We enjoyed touring the house and grounds of the mansion, which offer amazing views in every direction.

My favorite room in the house was the dining room, decorated with WHITE pumpkins on the table. Also, we especially liked the old fashioned cast iron waffle maker, which had to be a necessity with Vermont syrup in great supply!!

However, the most spectacular item in the house was an Aeolian Pipe Organ, which was a gift from Robert to his wife. The 1,000-pipe organ, installed in the entrance hall at Hildene in 1908, is believed to be the oldest residential pipe organ still in working order in the United States. When they played the organ for us, it reverberated throughout the house with such majesty, that it brought tears to my eyes. It is an impressive piece of art!

We also visited a local family store on the side of the road - The Dutton Farm Stand. They have the most wonderful gords and pumpkins. In addition, they harvest the famous Honeycrisp apples and we couldn't resist buying a bag full!!

Mainly, we enjoyed just spending time with family in the Vermont house. It's been a great week together and I am sorry for it to end!!