By Jessica Hendrickson

September 1, 2006, marked a very special day for Historic Georgetown, Inc., and the Hamill House. Dick and Bobbie Bennett celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary by returning to the Hamill House, which they owned between 1945 and 1970. The Bennetts were married on this day in 1946 in front of the fireplace in the parlor.

As part of their celebration, the Bennett family shared with HGI staff their fond memories of the home and the restoration that they completed while residing here. Mr. Bennett related a story about the fernery in the conservatory.

He noted that when they moved into the house the fernery had been dismantled, and the statue and top area of the fountain were held in place by wood scaffolding. The cast-iron fernery pieces were scattered throughout the town, including some that were buried in the back yard of the Hamill House. One piece was even embedded in a local gentleman's sidewalk to serve as a shoe-scraping device. Thankfully, each piece was recovered and lovingly restored to its proper location.

The love and appreciation that the Bennetts have for the Hamill House was apparent as they toured the home and shared their stories. We look forward to celebrating future anniversaries with them!