Day #1 - Milton and Miss Brody's

Milton

The first place we visited was Milton. We ate at Aunt Millie’s and I should have taken a picture of the pizza. It was like the pizza we used to get at Shakey’s – big thick crust and tons of cheese. It was delicious! I’m sure Mom and Dad will be back.

The pizza parlor is located in a strip of antique stores. As we walked down the sidewalk, everyone stepped out to talk to us. Everyone was kind and friendly. The kids were a big hit.

Founded in 1796, Milton is notable for being the home of Thomas Day. A renowned cabinetmaker, Day was a free black man in the days of slavery. Above is his workshop. His work is found throughout North Carolina

The Milton State Bank served as a bank during the Civil War.

Other cool buildings in Milton.

Stephen Dodson Ramseur “Lee’s Gallant General” was a distinguished Civil War hero and the nephew of Caleb Hazard and Mary Dodson Richmond. He stayed with them while recuperating from injuries received in the Battle of Malvern Hill. While there he fell in love with their daughter, Ellen, and they were married in the parlor. Ramseur was killed almost a year later at the Battle of Cedar Creek. Three days after his death, their only daughter was born at Woodside.

Romulus M. Saunders was a Senator and later minister to Spain. Keep in mind that I’m only posting the highlights – there are so many more interesting buildings to be seen all over the countryside. 

Miss Brody's

After dinner, we went to visit a member of Mom and Dad’s ward at a historical home he owns. The grande dame who lives here, Miss Brody, is in her 80’s and apparently doesn’t usually like kids, but she and Baylie became fast friends. The home is spectacular and filled with museum pieces. Tim (the ward member) is an encyclopedia of North Carolina history. You boys would go crazy talking to him and walking through this home and his farm (more on the farm later). This house is said to be haunted by a woman who died after falling down the stairs. (There are stories of other ghosts as well.)

 Look at how beautiful this place is!

 Fishing spot

Below are just a few pictures of this amazing place.

 Beaver skin hat

 Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite – refers to tightening the bed ropes.

Baylie tried not to prick her finger on the spindle. Note the candle in the window. Homes all over the area have candles lit in the windows. Usually they are electric, but Tim had lit real candles for us.

 Pop goes the weasel.

It was such a peaceful, beautiful place. We could have stayed for hours.