No, the photographer didn’t get real close to this chair. It’s a giant Adirondack, and found in a particular place. Have you ever seen it, or recognize where this photograph was taken? Send in your thoughts to elliott@gwinnettforum.com and be sure to include your hometown.
The troops easily spotted the last edition Mystery Photo, taken by Roving Photographer Frank Sharp. First in was Kitty Pinson of Lilburn, saying: “The angle of the photo looks like the Biltmore House in Asheville, N.C.” Then came people from all over with the correct answer.
George Graf of Palmyra, Va. told us that “It took 1,000 men six years to build the house. Vanderbilt had fallen in love with Western North Carolina’s climate and scenery, and in 1888 he began purchasing land that eventually amounted to 125,000 acres. Construction began a year later by what is reported as 1,000 talented craftsmen, and Biltmore House opened to the family at Christmas 1895. To expedite the shipments of building materials, a special railroad track opened directly to the construction site from the main railway, though it was demolished once the home was complete. (And don’t forget, Vanderbilt’s grandfather Cornelius made his fortune in the railroad industry.)”
Lou Camerio of Lilburn identified it, saying: “Thanks for an easy one after St. John’s.”
Then came many correct answers, including Jon M. Davis of Duluth; Sara Rawlins of Lawrenceville; Kay Montgomery, Duluth; Bill Barks, Norcross; Dan O’Neil, Norcross; Ruthy Lachman Paul, Norcross; Faye Hill, Lawrenceville; Susan McBrayer, Sugar Hill; Michael Wood, Peachtree Corners; Margaret Halbert, Duluth; Lynn Naylor, Atlanta; Gary Rowe, Lawrenceville; Bob Foreman, Grayson; Tim Sullivan, Buford;
Michael Green of Milton says that “The mystery photo shows the front facade of Biltmore House which is part of Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Meant to be self-sufficient, the estate comprised over 100,000 Western Carolina acres. The magnificent interiors and gardens are immaculately maintained. The Cecil Family, descendants of G. W. Vanderbilt, still own and manage this hugely popular vacation destination. I presented my wife with her engagement ring there forty years ago.”
Harriett Nicholls of Trickum has her own story: “It is still a private estate being held by a descendant. Not only is it a beautiful piece of architecture, but the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah Forest are special. It has been many years since I visited there with a toddler and one “in the oven”. My husband made pictures, but the film was lost.”
LAGNIAPPE
Rocking a sweet potato
TATER BABY: That’s an eight pound sweet potato that Polly Holt, now of Jefferson, but previously a Suwanee resident, is holding. She and husband Joe Holt grew this baby in their garden.
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