1914 photograph of Huntsman Charlie Carver (front), Master Joe Thomas, and hounds / Courtesy of Karen L. MyersThis year marks the one hundredth anniversary of the completion by Joseph B. Thomas of the stables and kennels at his historic estate in Middleburg, Virginia, aptly named Huntland.
On September 18, 2011, current owner Dr. Betsee Parker marked the anniversary with a luncheon for members of both the Piedmont and Middleburg Hunts. Newly uncovered photographs of the original structure were displayed, and people were free to wander through the stables and kennels.
Joseph Thomas came to Middleburg in the early part of the twentieth century from Boston and purchased this wonderful historic property, restoring the old house and designing one of the most palatial stables and kennels to be found in North America. Thomas was to become Master of both the Piedmont and Middleburg Hunts and the largest breeder of foxhounds for mounted packs in the country. He was also author of the classic Hounds and Hunting through the Ages.
Having fallen into disrepair over the years, Huntland was saved in 1997 by Dr. Parker who undertook an extensive restoration of the entire property. With restoration of the house and stables essentially completed, she has now taken on the kennels with high enthusiasm.
“We are researching and restoring as close to Thomas’s original plan as possible,” Dr. Parker said.
This endeavor has been made all the more possible with the surfacing of a portfolio of photographs of this kennel taken in 1914 .
“I feel as if Huntland should always be enjoyed by the entire community,” said Dr. Parker.
The event was a huge success, complete with bluegrass music and an interesting commentary on the achievements of Joseph Thomas and the history of Huntland in the Middleburg Community. What was amazing to me after Dr. Parker purchased the property and started her restoration were the dozens of people that came forward with stories of the farm. From the son of the original stone mason who built the magnificent walls that surround the house and gardens to families that had worked there for various different owners, to horse trainers that had utilized the equestrian facilities, it seems that everyone who lived in Middleburg in the mid-twentieth century and onward had a story to tell.
Posted September 26, 2011
Click any image below to start a slideshow. Photos by Janet Hitchen
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