Existing comment:
John James Audubon at Oakley Plantation:
From June to October of 1821, John James Audubon resided at Oakley Plantation tutoring the Pirrie's youngest daughter Eliza in music and art. While he was here, he took the opportunity to explore the grounds and the surrounding areas. Audubon was able to observe, hunt, and draw many of the species that would comprise his Birds of America series. He recorded many of his observations and experiences in his journal.
"Three months out of the four we lived there were spent in peacable tranquility; giving regular daily lessons to Miss P. of Drawing, Music, Dancing, Arithmetick, and some trifling acquirements such as working hair and hunting and drawing my cherished Birds of America."
-- Audubon Journal, 1821
"Martin's Hirundo Purpuent (purple martin) that leave this place daily, congregate with a parcel raised near Thompson Creek, about give miles from this and I have no doubt will take their flight from thence for their winter resort."
-- Audubon Journal, 1821 |