Historic Gardens of Virginia 



progress. Several of the guests of the preceding day were killed 

 in this battle. 



The servant bells attached to the windows at Gay Mont deserve 

 mention only as relics of by-gone days. Each room had its bell, 

 rung by means of a cord within, to summon a servant whenever 

 wanted. One wonders how many servants were required and where 

 stationed to catch and locate the sound of these bells, hung into 

 space from any window of the rambling old house. 



Like many Virginia homes, Gay Mont suffered severely during 

 the War Between the States and the years following, when the labor 

 necessary for its upkeep could not be obtained. But so well had 

 the original plans been carried out and moulded into terraces and 

 other enduring landmarks that today Gay Mont reflects honor on 

 those who planned and those who carried the plans to completion. 



In the division of the estate. Gay Mont was bought in by Helen 

 Struan Bernard, youngest daughter of John Bernard, who in 1865 

 was married to Philip Lightfoot Robb. whose children still make 

 it their home. 



John Bernard Robb. 



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