Picket Post Mansion Discoveries

One of the best things about being the first resident volunteer groundskeeper at Picket Post Mansion is the opportunity to discover delightful beauties under the overgrown vines and bushes.

One day in December while pruning along the west stone wall , I decided to walk to the front of the Mansion and look at the overgrown vines that were streaming down the main entrance. Once there, I was quite surprized when I saw a large ceramic picture embedded in the stone above the front door. As I came closer, I thought I recognized the heads of Mary and Joseph and wondered if this could possibly be a nativity scene.

The next day with long handled pruners that stretch out at least 12 feet, I balanced myself on the front steps of the Mansion and began to cut the vines until a beautiful Nativity Scene appeared. It is believed that this artwork was made in Italy and placed on thePicket Post Mansion wall when it was built by Boyce Thompson in 1928.

I was thrilled to now see what Boyce Thompson had chosen for his entrance and thought what perfect timing to have discovered this spiritual treasure a few days before Christmas.