NEWS

Five facts about Adena Mansion

Special to the Gazette

CHILLICOTHE – School may be out for the summer, but the learning never has to end. Here are five little-known facts about one of the most historic locations in Chillicothe, Adena Mansion and Gardens, the home of Ohio’s sixth governor, Thomas Worthington.

1. Paint was expensive and it was a sign of wealth to have lots of woodwork in the house and paint it, like at Adena: Red/Pink made from carmine, a pigment made from powered cochineal insects; Blue, made from indigo, obtained from tropical plants; Green, made from verdigris, the natural patina of oxidized copper, brass or bronze; and Black, made from charcoal.

2. Lake Ellensmere, the lake that sits at the bottom of the hill, by the entrance gate. Worthington named the lake in honor of his wife, Eleanor. The lake is no longer a part of the Adena estate.

3. Floor cloths, as seen in the entry hall and the family dining room became popular in the early 18th century. They were canvas floor coverings thickly coated with paint and linseed oil. They are considered the forerunner of linoleum, and fell out of favor once linoleum was developed in 1860. Early floor cloths were hand painted in patterns imitating marble and pavement.

4. Benjamin Latrobe, who is known as the “father of American Architecture,” designed the Mansion. Latrobe designed private as well as large public projects. Only three of the homes he designed still stand: Adena (1806-1807), Pope Villa in Lexington, Kentucky (1811) and the Decatur House in Washington, D. C.

5. The Worthingtons had a terraced garden to the east of the mansion, in the spot where the garden csits. The Worthingtons hired German indentured servants to create their gardens. The gardens consisted of three terraces, each of which measured 100by 200 feet. A formal flower garden was planted on terrace one, a vegetable/kitchen garden was on terrace two, and fruited vines and shrubs on the third terrace.

The facility offers opportunities for various sized space rental, wedding and reception packages, and tours.

For more information or to set up a tour, visit the Adena Mansion and Gardens website.