Tranquil Space

To call MacCallum More Museum & Gardens a "treasure" would greatly undersell the depth of beauty, history and value this venue has to offer the region.

Located in an out of the way residential area of Chase City, Va. you would never know it was there were it not for signs pointing the way. From the moment you arrive you’re filled with a sense of wonder and awe. From Hudgins Street, near the gift shop you’re greeted by a fieldstone wall, dotted with recesses filled with stone work of animals, religious symbols and other characters. Griffins and lions perch atop the wall with all other manner of magical beasts. Windows of ornate iron filigree give opening to peer inside and leave you with the impression that the wall is not so much to keep people out but to provide a sense of privacy for those inside that come to meditate or just commune with nature.

The sound of trickling water draws you to its music well before you reach the venue office and gift shop at the Edens Entrance. The small fountain and stone seats beckon you to sit for a while and you wonder if it’s even necessary to make your presence known. The words “tranquility” and “serenity” come to mind as you peer out through the well shaded garden strewn with streaks of sunlight.

Making your way to the building you are greeted by the fragrances of wood and age when you open the door. The office is connected to the Hudgins house and holds information about the gardens, museum and area, as well as small mementos to carry home. The Edens Entrance was named for Alice Leigh Edens Hudgins but it could just as well been named for that little slice of heaven we’ve heard so much about. This five and a half acres of artistry within the natural elements was the vision of Lucy Morton Hudgins who started the formal gardens in 1929. Lucy married Edward Wren Hudgins, former Chief Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, and as a tribute to her husband the Edwardian Entrance on the north side is filled with obelisks and Roman statuary.

The garden was Lucy’s life work and according to Liz Lowrance, Executive Director, she was inspired with a vision. Placards in the garden detail the regional plants including roses, hydrangea, yucca, ivy and azalea, trees including maple, oak and pine and over 300 herbs and wildflowers are sown.

Lucy, being of Scottish descent and related to the First Duke of Argyle, named the garden after the seat of the head of the Campbell clan, “MacCallum More,” according to Liz. “She was a genealogist and she researched all that stuff." she said.

Inside the wall, surprises greet you on every turn. Greenery on every side melds into Coats of Arms, battle scenes and even a primitive clock connected with the wall. The subtle lines of the Greek statuary along the western wall at Spencer Street and Watkins Way play nicely with the linear edges of the walkway that gives way to the chiseled structure of Roman statuary. The Moon Gate, a circular opening ornate with wrought iron filigree, offers a window to the outside world.

The garden paths made from stones, slate, brick and other materials meander through the Rose, wildflowers, Pink, Joy and future Children’s Gardens, taking you to magical and breathtaking places named for family members and those of influence. This particular path leads

to Spencer Street. Kiosks and plaques provide information about the family, their ancestry and their inspirations.

In the spring, said docent Terry Fletchum, the pink of the Azaleas and other blooms are breathtaking but even in the recesses of summer when the blossoms are scarce, the quiet tranquility and lush green lend an allure all their own. The natural beauty is inviting and calming to the nerves.

On the east side of the garden near the museum is the Spanish Cloister and Pink Garden which is accented by the 12 Granada Lions fountain. “It’s a replica of a fountain in Spain,” said Liz

The sunlight plays gently on the Cloister side, while the fountain plays in the shadows. The sound of the water is refreshing as you sit along the stone benches watching the goldfish play. An occasional splash from the giggling water feature adds a momentary surprise to the experience. According to Liz, Lucy’s vision was expanded

by her son, Commander William “Billy” Henry Hudgins, who added the more statuary, ship anchors and other decoration. “Lucy wasn’t really interested in all that,” said Liz. “She just wanted her flowers.” She explained that originally the property was just a field and that Lucy wanted to build terraces with flowers. It was Billy who built the wall and expanded the garden after financial issues halted Lucy’s work.

His most notable contribution to the garden was the Samurai Warrior statue, a Meiji period bronze figure. Dating to Tokyo in the 1890’s, Billy purchased it while serving there. Fletchum advised that the warrior was originally located in the garden. It was damaged during a particularly bad storm and was relocated to the museum where it now stands in all its fully restored glory. The handicap accessible museum is located on the east side of the garden along Woodson and features local artist exhibits through the summer as well as five

permanent exhibitions.

The Arthur Robertson Arrowhead Collection, one of the permanent displays, is an impressive collection of projectile points spanning the Archaic through the late Woodland Periods but it’s more than just arrowheads. Soapstone cooking vessels, clay and stone pipes, bone and shell tools, polished stone pendants, atlatls, as well as chipped stone and ground stone axes are all part of the collection. Robertson, a Chase City native, began collecting as a child and continued for the next 70 years. The collection houses more than 50,000 points including those made of beautiful clear crystal. You can’t help but wonder if they are magical.

Outside on the Bishops Byway and Church Circle, stone tablets reminiscent of the 10 Commandments line the walkway leading back to the Hudgins house and office. Visiting the MacCallum More Museum and Gardens is well worth the time.

The gardens open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m., closed on all major holidays and are available for meetings, educational classes and group tours for a small fee. Members get in free. The venue is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) and welcomes members and supporters. To learn more visit www.mmmg.org.