 Happy
Hollow in Roanoke County VA
(1908 to Present) |
| Bernard and Ellen Burgess Wharton purchased a mountain cabin
and the surrounding acres in 1908. They made additions to create
a comfortable home. They expanded the yard and enhanced the
surrounding area to create a garden. They named their place
Happy Hollow. |
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Front View of House in 1999
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| Ellen was the fourth Daughter of John Henry and Mary Foster
Burgess. When John Henry died in 1914 and her brother John Abe
sold the Old Home Place in Henry County, her mother came to
spend much of her time at Happy Hollow. The place became the
gathering spot for the 10 Burgess children and their families.
Virtually every child came to spend time in the summer and be
taught to love nature by Aunt Ellen. It was the sight of many
family reunions. |
Burgess Family Reunion in 1932 |
| Grandmother Mary Foster Burgess is the lady at the right near
the bottom. Aunt Ellen is seated left and a little above her
Mother. John Abe Burgess is third from left on bottom row. Jack
Airheart is the boy in the front right. His Mother Aunt Posye
is behind Grandmother Burgess. |
House and Gardens From South – Fall 1999 |
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Walter and Cherie Burgess Shindell retired to build a home
at Happy Hollow in 1945. Cherie was the oldest daughter of
John Abe Burgess, Ellen’s younger brother.
Bernard started a wholesale nursery business and used Happy
Hollow to grow many plants. It was particularly suited for
azaleas.
Bernard’s business thrived and the Whartons spent winters
in Florida. During the winters Grandmother Burgess spent most
of her time with Aunt Posye Airheart in her Roanoke City Home.
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The Whartons celebrated their fiftieth anniversary
at Happy Hollow on August 9, 1956.
Bernard Wharton died May 11, 1965. Around 1970 Ellen
moved to a Nursing home in Salem VA, where she lived
to be 100 in 1981. Various members of the Burgess family
spent weekends and weeks in the Wharton home.
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In 1974 Cherie’s sister Mary Jane Burgess retired to
Happy Hollow and made the Wharton Home hers. Mary Jane
invested much effort maintaining and improving Happy
Hollow. She encouraged visitors and organized their
efforts to work on the grounds.
In 1985 Cherie and Mary Jane donated Happy Hollow to
Roanoke County for the promise that it would be maintained
as a County Park. The park was named Happy Hollow Gardens.
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Roanoke Times Article May 19, 1996 |
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Mary Jane’s Great-Great Niece Althea visits the Memorial
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Cherie died in 1996 at age 87. Mary Jane died in 1998
at age 84. Memorials were built in the park and memorial
services held for their dedication. This and the following
photos were taken during the October 17, 1999 service
for Mary Jane's Memorial.
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Family at Memorial Service |
| The unveiling was performed by four generations
of Burgesses. Her sister Charlotte is holding the ribbon. |
Mary Jane Burgess Memorial Unveiling – 10/17/1999
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Mary Jane Memorial Plaque
In memory of Mary Jane Burgess,
"Self-appointed, Acting Superintendent"
and co-founder of Happy Hollow Gardens Park
Her dream was to share nature’s
beauty with others – Happy Hollow Park
is the fulfillment of that dream!
October 1999
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A View of Happy Hollow from the North |
Living Room Fireplace |
Dining Room |
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| Happy Hollow has been the source of pleasure for five generations
of Burgesses. This special place is now positioned to bring
pleasure to many Roanoke area families for many generations
to come. |
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| The Roanoke County Park’s Web site that lists Happy Hollow
Gardens: http://www.co.roanoke.va.us/Parks/parks.htm |
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