Swannanoa Mansion

[JEANETTE]

I volunteer as a tour guide at Maymont, in Richmond, the Dooley's main house. most of the facts stated in the post are indeed correct. I am not sure about the price of the Tiffany stained glass window.
The property was purchased by a group of businessmen, who turned it into a golf club.
I believe the house was completed in 1913, but what's a year!
I have a paper on Swannanoa, I should dig it out of my Maymont stuff.
Swannanoaloven Sherando - have you been to Maymont?
You'd love it.

[SwannanoalovenSh erando]

Jeanette,

I absolutly love Maymont, I want to go at Christmas time this year. I really enjoy seeing all of the amazing furniture, and the Dooleys had such a great taste, I love how each room is different, different wall paper, different ceilings, same with Swannanoa. It is beautiful!!! If you find your paper on Swannanoa, I would love to hear about it! I caught a presentation, presented by a historian from Maymont about Swannanoa, and they had the best pictures, they even had some of it being built. It was at the Waynesboro Library. It was great!!

[JEANETTE]

Yes, I know who you are talking about, that gave that presentation. I do not want to mention her name on this site, without her permission. she has been at maymont for over 30 years and is FANTASTIC!! She and her incredible staff has done alot of research on the Dooley's, Maymont and Swannanoa.
the paper i was referring to, about Swan. was written by Dale. It is 7 pages long.
Here is a paragraph that i cut and pasted.........

Upon Mrs. Dooley’s death, the estate passed to Major Dooley’s sisters. Many Swannanoa furnishings were bequeathed to the City of Richmond to be exhibited at Maymont, some were given to nieces and nephews, and within six months of Mrs. Dooley’s death, an auction was held dispersing other Swannanoa pieces. By July 1926, the Dooley sisters had sold the property to a Richmond syndicate which developed and promoted the estate as Swannanoa Country Club. An 18-hole golf course was added at this time. In 1928, President Calvin Coolidge and his wife spent Thanksgiving weekend as guests of the Country Club. A Valley Virginian headline read,“Coolidges Rave Over Swannanoa.” The venture however did not survive the Great Depression , and in 1930s the Country Club closed, and the title reverted to the Dooley family. The property was virtually abandoned until 1945, when a group of 12 Charlottesville businessmen led by A.T. Dulany formed the Skyline-Swannanoa Corporation in order to buy the property. This corporation built a motel and restaurant near the primary road. In 1948, Walter and Lao Russell leased the house and gardens from Skyline-Swannanoa Corporation as the location of their “University of Science and Philosophy.” Dr. Russell died in 1963, and Mrs. Russell in 1989. The Russell Foundation vacated the estate in 1997. The heirs of Skyline-Swannanoa Corporation are now in the process of renovating the property.

[SwannanoalovenSh erando]

Thank you for that, how interesting. Anything else you would want to share would be great, and much appreciated.

[TBrammer]

I visited Swannanoa back in the late 70's and met Lao and talked with her on several visits. I remember the huge guest book for visitors to sign, people from all over the world. The place is beautiful, Lao signed her book "Love" for me, I treasure it. The mansion will be giving public tours this Saturday and Sunday Nov. 7&8, 2009. I will be there. I did have a strange experience there alittle over 6 yrs ago, I took a friend who wasing dying from cancer to see the mansion, half way up the drive was met by armed guards and motioned to leave which I promptly did. Otherwise all experiences there were wonderful, peaceful.

[Just Wondering]

It has been interesting reading these posts. I used to live in Virginia and had never heard of this place.

Are there any water areas around the house? Like ponds, reflecting pools, etc?

[SwannanoalovenSh erando]

There is a meditation pond, of course now it is grown up and almost dry. Its pretty good size, and has a small bridge that crosses it. This pond sits between the garden and the tower. I dont think it was something the Doolyes put it, I think it was made by the Russell's, I bet it was really nice!!!!

[trish]

if theres anyone who knows the story on how the girl died i would love to hear it. it has peeked my interest so much i just want to learn more and more about it not only is it a beautiful place it is also a historic place with alot of past email me at [e-mail]

[SwannanoalovenSh erando]

Thats a new one for me, what girl died, or can you share what you know?

[Megan]

I only JUST heard about Swannanoa this week, and as a VA girl, I can't believe I didn't know about it before. I drive between Richmond and Roanoke all the time over Afton Mtn!

I was hoping to go walk the grounds with some friends in a weekend or two. Anyone run into any issues with visiting the grounds during a non-tour weekend? I figure it's not a big deal to visit, but just was curious.

Thanks for all of the background and special stories in these posts... seeing Swannanoa and the Crozet tunnel will make a great day trip from Richmond!

[AmberB]

If Anyone On Here Has A MySpace, I Have All Of My Swannanoa Pictures Uploaded Onto My MySpace. Feel Free To Add Me, Here's The Link: http://www.myspace.com/amby_bambi38 If No One Has A MySpace But Wants To See The Pictures, I'll Repost My Album With The Pics On My MySpace So Everyone Can View Them.