Jefferson maintained a 1,000-book library , many of which were kept in the parlor . Many books were pocket-size that he could take along during his travels .
Jefferson designed the central dining room as a perfect cube .
One of two octagonshaped outdoor privies at Poplar Forest .
Poplar Forest , a nonprofit organization with a goal of restoring and relating the story of Thomas Jefferson ’ s personal retreat .
We found Poplar Forest considerably more intimate than Jefferson ’ s Monticello . The villa at Poplar Forest is considerably smaller and experiences fewer visitors ( about a tenth the number of visitors as Monticello ) resulting in a more personal experience . During our most recent visit we were fortunate to tour with Mary Massie , the facility ’ s director of programs and education , who has worked at Poplar Forest for more than a dozen years . Docent-guided public tours of the first floor last from 45 minutes to an hour and are offered four times daily from mid-March through the end of December as docents are available . Other elements of Poplar Forest , including extensive exhibits in the villa ’ s lower level and a slave dwelling site , are accessible for self-guided tours . Visitors may explore the property at their own pace using a cell phone audio tour . Weekend winter tours are offered from mid-January to mid-March .
Our return to Poplar Forest was as rewarding as we had anticipated . During the initial visit we explored Jefferson ’ s villa in the wide-eyed wonderment of children . Following our return home from that trip we talked about what a delightful surprise it would have been to have strolled into the parlor to discover a living Thomas Jefferson . In our imaginings Jefferson would glance up from the pages of a book with a welcoming smile and ask if we would like a glass of wine . The remainder of the afternoon would be spent with the former president and author of the Declaration of Independence captivating us with his experiences during the creation of our country . This didn ’ t happen during our return visit , of course , but while strolling through the villa we seemed to sense Jefferson ’ s spirit in this special place he loved so dearly .
The organization ’ s excellent website www . poplarforest . org should answer most questions and includes a listing of special events . A link offers a virtual tour of the villa with Mary Massie . An fascinating villa tour via a drone is available on YouTube . TS
David and Kay Scott are authors of “ Complete Guide to the National Park Lodges .” They live in Valdosta .
36 TiftonScene | SEPTEMBER 2022