Vermont – Dorset & Manchester – 6/27 – 6/30/25

Our decision to visit this area came about after reading an article in “Yankee” magazine featuring historic gardens and estates, one of which was Hildene, the summer home of Robert (Abraham’s son) and Mary Lincoln.  We visited Hildene yesterday (6/28), and the beautifully restored home and gardens had my phone’s camera running constantly until the battery ran out. 

Below are pix from our stay thus far.

This is the beautiful entrance to our current campground.   As with most places we’ve visited, we don’t *really* know what we’ll find until we get there (websites can be deceiving).  We were greeted with a warm welcome and helpful suggestions on what to see and do while we’re here.
Our first stop after getting set up at our campsite.
Second stop
Another interesting swimming hole, though with temps in the low 60’s today, there was only one brave soul in the water.

                                   *  *  * 

Our visit to Hildene, so named from the Old English words “hil” (hill) and “dene” (valley with stream).

Walking up to Robert and Mary Lincoln’s home from the visitor’s welcome center. 
Golf cart transportation is provided throughout much of the estate.
After a brief welcoming introduction by a docent, visitors will hear the 1,000-pipe player organ upon entering.
Robert’s Office.  He began his career as an attorney, then became Secretary of War; Ambassador to the United Kingdom; and Counsel to, President of, then Chairman of the Pullman Corporation, the largest manufacturing company in the U.S.
Secretary’s Office
Kitchen
Pantry
Laundry/Seamstress
Staff Bedroom
Staff dining space
Mary Lincoln’s bedroom suite of three rooms
The text of Lincoln’s second inaugural address appears in sections on the walls and above the exhibits on display.
View of the gardens from the second floor of the house
Heading downstairs
The Observatory
Interior of observatory
Restored 1903 Pullman car “Sunbeam” – this car was from the production line in operation during Robert Lincoln’s years as president of the Pullman Company.
After leaving the Pullman car, our docent driver took us past the goat farm
As we walked back to the parking lot via the kitchen garden, we passed the event center on the property.

Pictures from the remainder of our stay in Dorset will be posted in a blog update that will follow this one – there are already too many pix (and I left out dozens).

4 thoughts on “Vermont – Dorset & Manchester – 6/27 – 6/30/25”

    1. Hi Betsy and Bob, many thanks for your comments, though they seem to be cut off most of the time. Regardless, we appreciate your traveling along with us in spirit. Hugs, M&D

      Like

      Reply

Leave a reply to bobrien1 Cancel reply