Newsletter

                                            Handy’s Memo

From the Friends of

Poplar Hill Mansion

117 Elizabeth Street

Salisbury, Maryland 21801

410-749-1776

www.poplarhillmansion.org

curator@poplarhillmansion.org

Newsletter No.VIV, Fall 2008

New Tours…

Stop by on the first and third Sundays of the month between 1:00 and 4:00 PM for a free tour, or call to make an appointment for your family or group to visit at a nominal charge. (Friends always tour for free). 

The Mansion is closed on Tuesdays and Holidays.

The Board has instituted a docent training program and has volunteers looking forward to telling you the history and stories of the Mansion. 

We now offer tours especially geared toward children. Ask your child or grandchild’s teacher to make Poplar Hill Mansion their next field trip.

Thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, and the donation of a video camera from Salisbury University, we will soon be able to present a virtual tour in Spanish and those with disabilities will be able to sit in the parlour and view the tour on a laptop. Thank you Salisbury University and thank  you CFES!

Thank you…

Thanks to Linda Davis, of Davis Design, a new Friend of PHM, we were gifted with six dozen linen dinner npkins and five large tablecloths.  Salisbury Brick Company gave us a sizeable discount on bricks for our Heritage Gardens where Four Seasons Garden Club planted the herbs.  The Jeweler’s Bench, Head Over Heels, Sobo’s Wine Bistro, M. Rita Tiso, Stephen L. Bassford and Associates, and Joseph Lauren Hair Classics all donated gift certificates or prizes for our Music at the Mansion raffle or silent auction. 

Speaking of Music at the Mansion, we thank Susan Zimmer, keyboardist and Aleta Davis, Mezzo-Soprano for doing on outstanding job representing the songs of Cole Porter and George Gershwin last month.  It was a great show and enjoyed by an audience of over 35 guests.

On September 28^th, Ms. Zimmer and Ms. Davis will be joined by John Allen as they sing the songs of Broadway. More information about this concert is listed on the website and in this newsletter.

The Heritage Gardens, after months of researching appropriate plants and herbs, had the preliminary work begun this summer thanks to The Newtown Association, The Four Seasons Garden Club and the Wicomico Garden Club underwriting this vast undertaking.  Successful completion is scheduled for early summer 2009.

Currently, we have basil, St. John’s Wart, pennyroyal, thyme, spearmint, rosemary, parsley and tarragon.  In 1805, all of these herbs would have been used in the kitchen and had medicinal purposes as well.

Our Gift Shop…

Support the Mansion by purchasing our nicely boxed painted glass ornaments of PHM at $10.00 each (perfect for a holiday gift), or note cards (a package of 4) for $5.00 and we now have post cards, too.  In the very near future we will sell Jason Illari’s comprehensive book “Unlocking the Past: A History of Poplar Hill Mansion 1795-2005” for $20.00.

Our Website…

www.poplarhillmansion.org is almost complete.  Our new site will allow for real time updates and changes.  Please enjoy all the new photos (again our thanks to the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore Technical Mini-Grant for our digital camera), our calendar of events, and feel free to add your comments to the blog page.

Rent the Mansion…

We are pleased to offer a special rate of $450.00 for parties between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.  This is a reduction off the regular price of $600.00.  Our occupancy rate is 97 guests. 

Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion

Board of Directors…

Marshall Zugehar, Chair                                            

Bill Gore, Vice Chair

Steve Bassford, Treasurer

Anne Lampert, Corresponding Secretary

Gina Boobar, Recording Secretary    

Aleta Davis

Marge Duer

Personally, I thank my board members, and their spouses, who are often called upon to cook, bake, clean, paint, polish, address envelopes and assist me with doing just about anything I need.  Your support is very much appreciated.

Upcoming Events at Poplar Hill Mansion…

Music at the Mansion…Broadway Comes to the Mansion*

     Sunday, September 28    2:00PM                $10.00PP / $15.00 Couple  

FREE for Friends of PHM.

     Your favorite songs from Broadway musicals performed by John Allen, Aleta Davis and Susan Zimmer.

     Underwritten in part by The Farmers Bank of Willards.

Candle Light Ghost Tour and Halloween Costume Party*

     Friday, October 31    9:00PM                      $10.00PP   Ghost tour.  Refreshments.

     Do you dare attend, perhaps to encounter a ghost?

President’s High Tea and Fashion Show*

     Monday, November 3   11:30 AM              $15.00PP   Fashions from “Head Over Heels”.

Poplar Hill Mansion Second Annual Art Show & Sale

     Saturday & Sunday,   Nov. 22 & 23     FREE Admission

     Jewelry, Photography, Candles, Soaps, Artwork, Pottery, Candy and more.  Silent auction.

Poplar Hill Mansion Holiday Open House / Music at the Mansion …Christmas

     Sunday, December 7   1 – 4PM   FREE EVENT.  Refreshments.  Live musical performances.  

     Come see the Mansion beautifully decorated by the Four Seasons Garden Club.

Tea with Santa*

     Saturday, December 13    1- 3PM                $5.00 PP Includes tea, sweets and a photo with Santa.

Newtown Holiday House Tour

     Sunday, December 14      3-7PM

 $10.00PP in advance, $12.00 at the door.   Tour several homes in the Newtown Historic District.

     Refreshments.  Live music.

*Reservations suggested. Checks, MC, Visa, and cash accepted. Call Nancy at 410-749-1776.  Call today.  Don’t be disappointed as a lot of these events will sell out.

The funds raised from these events help to continue the interior paint restoration project.  We are a 501 (c) (3) corporation and will be happy to write a letter for tax purposes for your donation.

Keep watching for the continuation of Music at the Mansion in the coming months.  Do you have a suggestion for the genre of music you would like to hear next? 

Music at the Mansion…Broadway comes to the Mansion, is underwritten in part by the Farmers Bank of Willards.  If you would like to sponsor live music that features local artists, contact the Mansion at 410-749-1776. 

To continue this series, we are looking for an electric keyboard.  If you have one you are willing to donate please let us know.  The Mansion’s acoustics are amazing and we want to fill the rooms with the sounds of melody.

The View from the Second Floor…

On October 7, 1971, thirty-seven years ago, after months of dedicated energy and masses of paperwork by volunteers, Poplar Hill Mansion was accepted to the National Register of Historic Places. 

This past year we have successfully increased awareness of the Mansion which has brought about positive results in fundraising.  Grants have been written and awarded; “Friends” have continued to be supportive by becoming and renewing their membership; in-kind donations from craftsmen have been appreciated; we realized a 32% increase in renting the Mansion to celebrate special occasions.

Through the years there have been changes all guided by a volunteer Board of Directors, now seventeen members strong, and implemented by the Curator.  We continue our goal which encompasses our mission statement: 

The Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion, Inc. is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the fostering and perpetuation of the Federal Period heritage of Poplar Hill Mansion, a public property located in Salisbury, Maryland, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Now perhaps the greatest project left to complete is the historic restoration of the interior paint on the first floor and the second floor hallway and staircase.  Through the paint analysis of Croxon and Ward, we know the colors, textures and treatments of these areas as they appeared circa 1805.  Lead abatement and encapsulating, plaster repair work, painting flat work by brush, (there were no rollers in 1805), the fine art of reproducing the faux finishes seen on the baseboards, mantelpieces and window trim are a time consuming and costly expense.

There was great excitement in April when the work on the small dining room was completed.  The Ribbon Cutting ceremony was attended by a lot of loyal supporters and several new friends.  Mayor Barrie Tilghman officiated along with representatives from local, county, and state governments.

Share our excitement.  The next room in the project is the large dining room, slated for January, 2009.  Please consider making a donation specifically earmarked for the historic painting.  There are no administrative fees associated with project.  100% of your donation goes toward the painting.

Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion, Inc., is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization.  Your contributions may be wholly or partially tax deductible.  You should consult with your tax advisor.

                                                  Handy’s Memo
                                            From the Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion
                                                        117 Elizabeth Street
                                                    Salisbury, Maryland 21801
                                                            410-749-1776
                                                   www.poplarhillmansion.org
                                                 curator@poplarhillmansion.org
                                               Newsletter No.VIII, Summer 2008


Upcoming Events at Poplar Hill Mansion…

The Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion is pleased to announce the second in the series of Music at the Mansion. The concert will be held on Saturday, July 26th at 7:00 p.m. This is a free concert, (donation suggested), featuring the songs of Cole Porter and George Gershwin as performed by Ms. Susan Zimmer on keyboard and Mezzo-Soprano Ms. Aleta Davis. Come dressed in period costume to make the evening even more enjoyable. There will be a raffle with a lot of goodies from your favorite local merchants and businesses. Light refreshments will be served.

Last month’s concert with the Salisbury Chamber Singers was outstanding. A huge thank you goes to Mr. Doug Smith, Director, and the performers who donated their time. How great are the acoustics in this beautiful old home?

The funds raised from these events help to continue the interior paint restoration project. We are a 501 (c) (3) corporation and will be happy to write a letter for tax purposes for your donation.

Keep watching for the continuation of "Music at the Mansion" in the coming months. Do you have a suggestion for the genre of music you would like to hear next? Why not consider sponsoring/underwriting "Music at the Mansion". It is not as costly as you might think. Call us…410-749-1776

Save The Dates…

Heritage Fest  ***CANCELLED***
Saturday, September 13th

President’s Tea and Fashion Show
Wednesday, November 5th

Poplar Hill Mansion Holiday Open House
Sunday, December 7th

Tea with Santa
Saturday, December 13th

Newtown Holiday House Tour
Sunday, December 14th

Book your special holiday event now while there is still availability.

Stop by on the first and third Sundays of the month between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. for a free tour, or call for an appointment for your family or group to visit at a nominal charge. The Mansion is closed on Tuesdays and Holidays.

Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion
Board of Directors…

Marshall Zugehar, Chair
Bill Gore, Vice Chair
Steve Bassford, Treasurer
Anne Lampert, Corresponding Secretary
Gina Boobar, Recording Secretary
Aleta Davis
Marge Duer
Anita (Tutie) Foskey
Kathryn (Taffee) Hajko
Charlotte Langrall
Louise Nock
Carol Smith
Ann Suthowski
Rita Tiso
Wirt Wolfe
Jane Youngk
Mary Zugehar


How You Can Help…

Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion is earning a penny every time you search the Internet. GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up!

Please help us by adding this site to your tool bar and letting your friends and family know how easy, and painless, it is to support Friends of Poplar Hill Mansion.

***The last newsletter included the above information and was well received, HOWEVER, we want more of you to sign up so, we are offering a new incentive. If you live within 50 miles of the Mansion I will personally come to your computer and add this search
engine to your tool bar***
Call me:
Nancy Marasco, Curator 410-749-1776




This is a hard economy for a small non-profit. Consider alternative ways to lend a hand, to help us continue to restore this beautiful home to its Federal style beauty.

How would you like to adopt a specific project? You could sponsor a Clara Gunby painting restoration, or have one of the Eli Terry mantel clocks brought back to working condition.

The following is my wish list of items we really need. Hopefully you can help.

We need several dozen linen napkins and a few tablecloths, especially round and larger sizes. These would preferably be white or off white. Glass pitchers and a few ice buckets would be helpful to add to our kitchen inventory.

In September, PHM will play an active role in Urban Salisbury’s Heritage Fest. We are looking for federal period costumes for children to wear for photographs. We are particularly in need of outfits for boys.

Maybe you have a special talent to share. Do you like to do electrical, plumbing,
scrapbooking, light painting, carpentry, silver/brass polishing, or furniture restoration work? Again, call us.

A Little History…

One of the most frequently asked question is about closest taxation.

Here at the Historical Society of Frederick County, Md, we have a very active docent training program and part of that is to investigate museum myths so that we do not pass on erroneous information. The closet tax myth was one of the first ones we attacked. It is indeed a myth, which like most myths, when you apply some common sense to the tale, it does not prove out. Also, historical research, when done correctly, is done with the premise of interpreting the presence of information - not the absence of information. So, when you do research you are looking to find information about taxes on closets - people now, and in the past will record the presence of things more often than the absence of them. For instance, you wouldn't write in your diary that you didn't fly on a plane today, instead you would write when you did indeed fly on a plane.
Whenever taxes are mentioned in relation as to why someone did or didn't do something, it should raise a red flag of skepticism. How many of us do, or don't do something because we have to pay a tax? When reading diaries or letters of people from the past how often do you find them writing about taxes? Also remember, up until the federal income tax laws in the early 20th century, there were no, truly nationwide taxes in the US. States, counties and municipalities were able to tax their citizens as they saw fit. So, it would be highly unusual that every place in the US would tax the number of rooms in homes. To check if your locale did, just go to your county courthouse, or city hall, or state hall of records, or even your public library and look at the tax laws for the time period you need.
In addition to taxes, you also need to look at how people stored clothing in the past. The first hangers were invented by the Shakers and were wood with a leather thong to be hung on a peg, flat against the wall. Commercially-made hangers were not widely available until the turn of the century or later, depending on your locale. Reading women's proscriptive literature, like household management books (Catherine Beecher comes to mind), and magazines (Godey's, Peterson's, Leslie's, Arthur's) will help you find out how the "experts" suggested clothes be treated. Reading these books you'll find that most clothing was folded carefully and put into case furniture (blanket chests, chests of drawers, wardrobes, etc). Clothing that was worn daily was often hung on hook or pegs inside or outside of a closet.
You also have to look at building practices. Closets are easiest built where there is a naturally occurring "dead space" in a room, such as next to a chimney or under stairs. Also remember, closets did not have to be a certain size or depth unlike modern closets that are built to accommodate the width of a hanger. Historically, the term "closet" could refer to something different than what we know it as, a closet could be a small room where someone works or lives. In addition, what we would today call a closet, people in the past also called a cupboard. We have found that doing careful, scholarly research into what people did do- usually dispels the myth in question.

Reprinted with permission of Heidi Shoaf, Historical Society of Frederick County, Maryland.

The View From the Second Floor…

Each month I indulge myself with my own version of an editorial. So here I go, on the one year anniversary of my employ.

I am your Curator, the resident history geek. However, the past several weeks have shown a side of me not seen since my days in summer stock in the late 1960’s. I have somehow become the star (?) of stage, screen, print and the radio waves. I have had great fun, and it was certainly my privilege to represent Poplar Hill Mansion, the Board of Directors, the Friends, and the past residents of this home. Thank you to my interviewers who made me feel quite welcomed.

Recently I attended a training session at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and was told by a guest panelist that we all have goals but if they weren’t written they were merely a wish list. I wrote that down thinking it was a clever thought and later found those words to be profoundly genuine.

While I have several goals, some self imposed and some directed by my board of fifteen, the ultimate objective is to share this house and its history with more than a hundred plus friends and family who receive this newsletter.

My intent is always to dismiss the idea that we are one of Delmarva’s hidden treasures. While that title gives us some notoriety, I don’t necessarily view it as a flattering remark.

So here is the top goal for my next year. Each one of you reading this newsletter will bring one person to the Mansion for a tour and that one person will join as a Friend because we have taught them something they didn’t know an hour ago. Then they will do the same in kind. And as the shampoo commercial of decades past exemplified viral marketing techniques..."They'll tell two friends... and they'll tell two friends... and so on, and so on...".

Taking no offense, there are members of the board who have called me shameless in hawking the Mansion. Not only do I take no offense, I take this as a compliment.

Come see me, and bring a friend or two.







Nancy Marasco, Curator






In Memoriam…

Margaret Vander Bogart Stone passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2008, in Severna Park, Md. Mrs. Stone was a lifetime resident of Salisbury. She was an active Friend of Poplar Hill Mansion where she was responsible for several successful fundraising events.