The Bartholomew County Historical Society was scheduled to hold a Columbus Homes Tour (Oct. 11 & 12, 2008) which would feature eight historic homes here in Columbus, Indiana. Apart from the 8 homes, the tour would also include the Visitor's Center, the Historical Society, and the Crump.
Devoted volunteers that we always have been in many events here in our city, we have arranged early on in the race our part to help in this most awaited tour. As the event neared, we got a call confirming our participation, but to where we will be stationed, was yet to be decided upon. For some reason, we never got a call back. Our attempts to reach them back, for some reason, has also never been successful. I guess there was really a reason for everything....
The sun was already starting to set when Cim finished her practice for the coming Ethnic Expo. We were hurrying home because Jonathan has to go to work in an hour. Passing by Washington Street (like we always do), we saw one of the houses that is going to be part of the historic homes tour, the same house that we had been admiring all this time ever since we arrived here in Columbus. We thought, "What the heck. Let's go take a shot."
We asked permission from the "caretaker" out on the shed at the back of the house before positioning our camera for a quick shot of the home's facade. He came out front and offered to take the picture for us instead.
Just before we head back to the car, we introduced ourselves and gave our thanks. He introduced himself as Mike Darlage, son of the famous Robert Darlage, 4th owner of this mansion behind us (since 1973). Oh yeah, were we surprised! With the camera still on his hands, he asked us to back up for another shot.
Again, he motioned us to take a step back further. With this shot, we already knew that he was warmly welcoming us to his home.
The inside was just as amazing as it was outside. There was a special nostalgic feeling all around.
Totalling to 4 years (1910-1914) in the making, the mansion is a 3-storey with a basement. With so many rooms, I totally lost count halfway.
One of the rooms has a window-like passageway that leads to the second floor balcony.
Still on the second floor, he led us to another balcony on the side of the building. There, he showed to us one of the posts on the ledge that was cemented upside down intentionally. "In American tradition and beliefs, it represents luck and prosperity," Mike explained. Can you see it?
Like a lot of other old homes, many of the furnitures and fixtures in this home has been modernized. However, I was glad that there were still a number of antiques left and in pristine condition....
This piece was bought by Robert Darlage from one of the churches in the Philippines, which seems to us, dates back to the Spanish regime. Unfortunately on the way back to the US, her arms were cut off in airport immigration for security purposes.
Though may need a little gentle polish, this antique silver chandelier still looks absolutely elegant.
The set of sinks has always been kept in the basement. You can see an old washboard in there too.
"The throne" as Mike's family has always called it, has been in there ever since they acquired the home in 1973.
If not for Jonathan's work, we would have stayed much longer. The mansion embodies so much history that cannot be contained in just an hour or a few hours.
For all of those who were wondering about Mr. Robert Darlage, he is currently enjoying his retirement touring the rest of the world.
To know more about the Robert Darlage mansion and the other 7 historic homes that were part of the tour, visit http://columbushomestour.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html.
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