DCI was able to visit Claymont Court on our Friday Field Trip. Amy Silver, one of the curators, gave us a very informative tour. We learned that Claymont court was built in 1840 by Bushrod Corbin Washington, grand-nephew of George Washington, to replace a house that was originally built in 1820, but burned in 1838. Bushrod finished building Claymont for $30,000, a massive sum at the time; it was the largest house in the area, containing 59 rooms and 25 fireplaces.
We all tried to imagine what the amount of work would have been like had we been servants; in the words of one DCI Member “that would have been very very hard!” Amen to that!
DCI Members stood in the lovely ballroom, imaging themselves decked out in fancy dress, listening to the violins, and smelling the bunches of flowers. What intrigues, flirtations, and clandestine meetings must have taken place! Oh, if those walls could Talk!
Next we stood in the dining room, picturing sumptuous feasts, family meals, parties, and probably dinners with “persons of great importance” over the years. Then out to the rear patio, to imagine ourselves sitting and rocking, enjoying the sunset with a cup of tea or, in hot weather, perhaps something a little stronger!
Ms. Silver informed us that the movie “Gods and Generals” was filmed in part at Claymont Court. Tents were set up in the rear of the home and some scenes were filmed there also.
Over the years there have been several owners that have made changes to suite their life styles. Today The Claymont Society for Continuous Education functions as a non-profit, hosting retreat groups, with modern facilities and a conference room.