the grove

{photo by ken badgley}

Today I had the pleasure of attending a "book club" at the Governor's Mansion. We were delighted to have Jane Aurell Menton, author of The Grove and granddaughter of former Governor LeRoy Collins and Mary Call Collins. Jane wrote this wonderfully fascinating book on the family home her great-great-great grandparents built in the mid-1800s on what was then just acreage in a non-existing state and today is in the midst of the bustle of Florida's capital city. It's a story of the generations that shaped the state of Florida and even included close friend former President Andrew Jackson - which also happens to have been Florida's first Territorial Governor.

It's a hidden jewel. A secluded plantation home so beautiful and organic - built from land it resides on. The 33rd Governor and his wife resided at The Grove for over 50 years and their family is richly endowed in Tallahassee's history. Mary Call bequeathed the home and land to the state of Florida when she passed. She was 98 years old when she passed away this past November. In time, the home will become a museum and the public will be allowed for the first time to share in the timeless story of the home and "first family" of Tallahassee.

I encourage those in Tallahassee to stay tuned to the community impact of The Grove in the next few years and those outside of Tallahassee to come visit this historical home {and to visit me of course!}. Also, be sure to get your hands on a copy of the book. My copy sits on the bedside table in my guest room and I can't wait to sit down and re-read it.

As Jane herself so graciously put it today to conclude our get together, "My Grandfather { Gov. LeRoy Collins} always said 'may they come to our home with a hardy welcome and leave with a lighter heart.' " May that be the ever present theme as The Grove evolves as a home museum - gracious and endearing.