Sunday we took an afternoon tour of the Lamon House! Sometimes you just have to get out and explore your own town. And, that’s just what we did – Sunday afternoon after spending time with the grandparents for Grandparents Day.
The Lamon House
The Lamon House is a Greek Revival Cottage built in 1850. The cottage was built by Joseph and Melissa Beckwith Lamon and is believed to be the oldest frame house in the Danville area.
As we began our guided tour, we learned that Joseph Lamon was the cousin of Ward Hill Lamon.
The Lamons Relationship with Abraham Lincoln
While, Ward Hill Lamon was Abraham Lincoln’s friend and bodyguard; Joseph Lamon was a Danville attorney. He was also the law partner of Abraham Lincoln for four years.
Joseph later went to Washington, D.C. with Lincoln to be a friend and bodyguard during the Civil War from 1861-1865.
Apparently, not much of this went down in many history books, but it was a nice history lesson for a Sunday afternoon!
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The Lamon House (Past and Present)
As we continued our tour, we learned that the Lamon House originally stood near downtown Danville. Later (in the early 1980’s) it was moved to its current location and was completely restored. The house is now located in Lincoln Park.
While the house looks rather small on the outside, it is actually quite larger inside. As time went on additional rooms must have been added on. It is furnished with pieces primarily of the 1850 – 1875 era.
We learned that the fireplace grate is original to the house. There is also a wicker chair which sits next to the fireplace that belonged to the family. Other than those items, furnishings have been donated throughout the years.
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Participation On the Tour
The boys really enjoyed the tour and being able to point things out that they have learned in school.
For example, when we were learning about Victorian style dining, the tour guide asked if we knew what the larger platter was used for. My youngest son responded with ‘fish”. He was correct! Whoohoo!
Later, as we entered the bedroom, my oldest son pointed out the hair weaving keepsakes on the wall. He explained how hair jewelry was weaved and framed in memory of those who had passed. He was right, as well! Whoohoo!
I knew neither. Wonk! Wonk!
At Home and Afternoon Tea
As we ended the tour, signed our names in the Guest Book, and left our donation, an interesting thing happened. I was gifted with a dainty little bag which contained tea and a calling card.
I was confused at first until I learned about being “At Home”.
In Victorian times, being “At Home” and having an “At Home” day was when women of “gentle” status would receive visitors on a specific day of the week. The woman would print calling cards indicating she would be “At Home” and her acquaintances who had received the card could then call on her that day.
My understanding was that this gesture signifies (a costumed) Melissa being “At Home” and available once per month for visitors. Therefore visitors receive a calling card and tea when leaving. Super cute!
Final Thoughts
After spending a piece of our afternoon taking the tour of the Lamon House, I am overly convinced that people should get out and explore their own hometown before taking off and exploring the hometowns of others (us included).
The house is open Sundays from 1:30 to 4:30 (May thru October) or by appointment for you to take your own guided tour.
