Woodburn Historical Plantation

Woodburn Plantation Historic Home

By Laurie Epps

I'm fortunate enough to live in one of the original 13 colonies that is steeped in rich American History. Something about this home near my daughter's college just spoke to me, so I took a drive by to inquire about the hours, and returned with her little sister to take the tour.

My Fashion:

Mint Green, Keyhole back dress --
Lane Bryant
Metallic Sandals --
By Sketchers, purchased at Rack Room Shoes
Black Handbag & Watch --
NY & Co. 
Chunky Green Stone Necklace & Bracelet --
Lane Bryant
Metallic Headband --
CVS Drug Stores

Woodburn Historical Plantation

Woodburn Plantations History

Woodburn Plantation Historical Home was built in 1832 by SC Lieutenant Governor Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. This location was largely a family estate until the Pendleton Historic Foundation acquired them in the early 1960s. However, this was a summer home for the Pickney's since there was no air conditioning back then. (For visiting purposes, there still isn't.) The rest of the the year, this prominent family lived in the low country near Charleston.

To learn more about the history of the house, feel free to visit their website at:
http://pendletonhistoricfoundation.org/resources-woodburn/

Back Staircase

Chloe's Fashion:

Watercolor dress & Floral headband --
The Children's Place
Sparkly Silver Sandals --
by Candie's, Kohl's

Visitor Information

Woodburn Historic Plantation Home is only open from 2-5 pm on Sundays (except special events). They are also available for weddings in the fall or spring. Admission is $6 for adults and $2 for kids (5-10). To book weddings or inquire about private tours:
(864)646-7249.

Or you may visit their website at:
http://pendletonhistoricfoundation.org/visit-woodburn/

Some of the Interior Rooms

Interior of the Woodburn Historic House

Seeing the interior, as a visitor, you can see very definite seams on the walls, especially in between rooms. This is a tell-tale sign of the history of the multiple residents during both world wars. The owners would "let" out the house for rent into many apartments to make ends meet. Also, the distinct feature of a door existing below a window to evade horrible taxation was prevalent during the time it was built till the turn of the last century. If it was below a window, it's not really a door, and thus, was exempt from additional taxation.

The Lady in White

Ghosts

Slowly, I'm learning that most historical sites have some sort of paranormal activity, or sightings of ghosts. The Woodburn Historic Plantation Home is no exception. I hope to do the sightings justice, although, the identities of these apparitions is unknown. In the lower quarters, where the Pickney's or tenants would dine, along with the cooling room, and outside patio, a man in brown suiting and a curled up mustache has been spotted. Usually he appears to contractors, or workers but is painfully camera shy. The story is always the same about how he vanishes when one of them tries to get his picture. However, the lady in white doesn't have nearly the same reserve. Not only has she been spotted at the upstairs window peering out, she's even tapped our tour guide on the shoulder! The lady in white also seems to like little girls, and is known to play with their hair and hum. I'd really love to have an investigative team go out there to uncover their identities.

Outside the Carriage House, Woodburn Historic Plantation

Carriage House

Out to the back of the house, there's the Carriage House, the cooking house, and a typical tenant sharecroppers quarters. My young daughter and I were most taken with the carriage house. Perhaps it's because of the horses element, but nonetheless, it was a lovely way to spend the afternoon.

Laurie Epps is featured in dozens of news articles, and literary journals both on and off the web. Laurie is also included in a number of short story anthologies, and does some ghostwriting for prominent professionals nationwide. Laurie is also active in a number of writer support groups and networks with writers from all over the country.

Laurie is a single mom with two grown daughters, and a little one still at home. Laurie has a passion for art, literature, history, museums, and the theater. A self-proclaimed fashionista, Laurie finds beauty in everything. When not teaching or writing, Laurie gets in as much beach time as her budget will allow, and spends her leisure time with family or hiking. This particular column, gives Laurie an excuse to indulge in the past times she loves.