St. Francisville Monday

St. Francisville history: In the 1730's, Spanish Capuchin monks established a church along the Mississippi River, naming the area after their order's patron, St. Francis. late in the 18th century the King of Spain issued land grants to settlers from all over, developing the charter and plot plan around 1807, described as "a town two miles long and two yards wide". (A side thought.... in considering the age of Israel and Europe, this is like yesterday!) Click on St. Francisville for their website, and especially check out the photos. They are fabulous and it is just like you are here.
Any way, we took the self guided tour of the town, finding a cute little shop in an old bank building, Grandmother's Buttons. In the vault were some fabulous buttons dating back to the 17th century. as well as jewelry made from buttons... not the common variety, but very elegant! very interesting. There were beautiful historic homes along the route as well. This bed and breakfast was interesting: the builder could not decide which railing to use, so the irownwork on each level is a different design. I can see why he could not decide; both are gorgeous!
and the oak tree, amazing size!

This home was a gift to a judge from his wealthy plantation owner brother-in-law! Hint, John and Dan, if you ever become wealthy!

As in all of these historic towns, the churches are fabulous, Grace Episcopal is the stand out church in this town, along with the old cemetery.

You could see in under this headstone, with stairs going down into a room! Looked empty, don't know the story, but it was unique!

More ornate ironwork!


In the afternoon we visited Audubon State Historic Site, home of Oakley plantation. (Click on the underlined to see more pictures and get more information!) We are actually in a campground almost directly across the road. The original owners were the Bill Gates wealth of the time. Built in 1806, it was the only three story home in the area. It does look more modern than early 1800's. This is where J.J. Audubon stayed for three and a half months as a tutor in the morning, artist in the afternoon and evenings. During this time, he painted 32 of his Birds of America.
With all the wealth, the kitchen was still separate from the house.

The floor of the first floor is brick and during a renovation was pulled up, cement poured, and then original bricks replaced. During this, they found maybe twenty buttons, the fancy brass and metal ones, as seen in the store. This must have been a button-themed day. Or maybe I am looking for a use for all of those buttons I cannot seem to let go of.