Story and Photos by Ken Hulsey
Yesterday, our family journeyed to New Iberia to spend the afternoon immersed in the captivating Joseph Jefferson House and the surrounding Rip Van Winkle Gardens - undoubtedly one of Louisiana's most beautiful and intriguing destinations. This historic site seamlessly blends the past with breathtaking natural splendor, transporting visitors to a world apart from the remote southern Louisiana setting. Situated on the shores of Lake Peigneur on Jefferson Island, the impeccably manicured gardens brim with lush, vibrant flora, luring the senses and inviting one to lose themselves in the illusion of exploring an exotic foreign locale. The property was once owned by the famous Victorian actor Joseph Jefferson, who starred in numerous plays, including his iconic portrayal of Rip Van Winkle. In 1865, Jefferson captivated London audiences with 170 consecutive performances of the play. The following year, he brought the production to the United States, where it became an instant hit. For the latter half of his career, Jefferson never tired of playing the Rip Van Winkle character that had made him famous, delighting audiences time and again. Occasionally, he would perform some of his other notable roles, but it was always the Rip Van Winkle character that thrilled him the most.
The tour of the former Jefferson estate was especially delightful. The exquisitely preserved house was fascinating, filled with an abundance of period items from the Jefferson family. It felt like stepping back in time, with hand-crafted French furniture and hand-painted Chinese linen-covered walls - a perfect example of how the upper class lived in the 1800s. The home also displayed several paintings by Jefferson himself, which our guide was quick to point out often included hidden animal imagery. One particular painting of a waterfall that I admired featured rocks shaped like horse heads and falling water resembling a sheepdog. While the home was not as eclectic as one might expect from such a creative owner, it was a beautifully crafted structure with impressive architecture and incredible woodwork. I was eager to document these artifacts with photographs, but unfortunately, taking pictures inside the Jefferson home was not permitted.
The property was a true delight, filled with historical artifacts, beautiful gardens, and a section that felt almost magical. As I wandered into a large grove of bamboo trees, I stumbled upon an open clearing that seemed to transport me to Japan. There stood an exact replica of a traditional Japanese house, complete with a Japanese gateway and an adjacent garden adorned with stunning Buddhist statues. The illusion only grew stronger as I approached the water, where a Taiwanese stone gateway and three impressive warrior statues stood guard. The entire scene was simply breathtaking - the flora, the statues, the architecture - it was as if I had been whisked away to Thailand.
Check Out These Images:
Check Out:
No comments:
Post a Comment