It is always good to see Elmwood. Lovingly looked after by its current owners, only the fourth family in its two-hundred-year history, Chris and Anita have done better than simply restoring their property. In many regards, Elmwood has been improved. Crown molding was added, restrooms were built for the ballrooms, and murals were painted in the center hall. All of their work has been carefully thought out with consideration given not just for how things were but for how things could be.
There has been a great sensitivity to its history, so much so that relatives of the original family have taken an interest in their activities. Until recently, there has only been one known painting of Hugh Caperton (the original owner) which Chris had copied from a black and white photograph for his library. However, a descendant out in San Francisco contacted them to say he had another painting of Hugh along with a companion portrait for his wife. I regrettably failed to catch her name in conversation, and Hugh was married twice, but I believe it was his second wife Delilah. Aside from this, the relative reached out to Chris and Anita about possibly returning these paintings to Elmwood which they were more than happy to accept.
Especially interesting to note, according to Chris, the artist who painted these portraits also painted one for Abraham Lincoln. George Peter Alexander Healy, I believe. Until somewhere special in Elmwood speaks to Chris and Anita, they have placed the Capertons on easels in their ballroom. The two seem pleased to just be home again for the time being.
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