By Hannah Thome
What is Adaland?
Adaland Mansion, previously known as the Modisett Mansion, is a Greek Revival house set at the top of the hills in Philippi, WV. Nearby attractions include Audra State Park, the Philippi Covered Bridge, Barbour County Historical Museum and the site of the first land battle of the Civil War. The barn and nearby land were in the hands of Augustus Modisett, a prominent farmer and county sheriff. He ordered the construction of the house, and it was completed in 1870. After changing hands many times in the 1900s the house sat vacant and in disrepair for twenty years, until the 1990s.
Adaland Mansion
Before it was restored by dedicated community members and reopened in 2001, the house had a succession of owners. Each brought something different to the 23 room homestead, barn, and surrounding farmlands. Now it is a beautiful landmark that hosts a combination of historically inspired and modern events, such as weddings, tours, educational classes, private and public dinners and more!
Who am I?
My name is Hannah Thome and I have had the joyful experience of serving at Adaland Mansion as one of my AmeriCorps sites since the beginning of June. Learning the various histories of each owner and caretaker of Adaland has taken some time, but everyone here really feels like family. In early November the site closes to the public for a few weeks so volunteers can fill every space with glad tidings (and tinsel). Each room has a themed tree with shining ornaments to prepare for the free Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 3rd.
Surprise donations
The Christmas cheer is here early at Adaland Mansion as the director, Jolynn Powers, excitedly opened a surprise donation. The items turned out to be clothing owned by the late Ira B. Robinson, a WV Supreme Court of Appeals Judge. Robinson owned the historic site from 1920-1950. It is Robinson who renamed the house, after his first wife Ada and daughter Ada Mae. The family of Ira Robinson’s second wife, Loretta Malone, graciously donated two hats, one of his judge’s robes, and a child’s bracelet likely belonging to Ada Mae. These objects will be displayed at the house in the 2023-2024 season, as Adaland Mansion is closed from January to May.
Jolynn opening the package
Our historic tours include a wealth of information on Robinson and his life because he placed the house on the National Register of Historic Places as well as spent thousands of dollars to renovate and upgrade the house during his time here. With his governmental work in the Federal Communications Commission and many writings on law, we have more archival ephemera from his life than most other owners of Adaland. Now we will be able to view his immaculate professional fashions, highlighted by a top hat in its own leather travel box!
Join us in celebrating the holiday season and our new donations by visiting Adaland at one of our many events! Contact adaland1@adaland.org, visit our website adaland.org, or check out our Facebook!
Jolynn with leather hat box
