Those in attendance toured, visited with friends and neighbors in the beautiful setting, enjoyed light refreshments and toured some more. The smoke house and original kitchen in its own building were open for viewing for the first time. The boxwood garden under restoration on the east lawn and the seedling beds from the original stock supplying it drew much attention. Flowers from the property were arranged in large bouquets of magnolia, hydrangea, gardenia and day lillies to grace the entrances and dining room. The evidence of enemy occupation lent a sober reminder of the human toll in war. Flower beds and ferns, groomed shrubs and lawns, Confederate reenactors, shade trees and lounging on the porches with a cold lemonade made the hot day a memorable experience.
It has always been the desire of the family owning Valley View to maintain it in its original state as nearly as possible. Guests are transported in time by the environment to the early 1840s.
EVHS thanks the many volunteers and the Norton family for their contribution of time,money and labor to make possible the opening for this event.