Saturday, October 22, 2022

Blennerhassett Island Under a Full Hunter’s Moon Story & Photos by Sandra Russell

 

Blennerhassett Island, Ohio River, West Virginia

Blennerhassett Island Under a Full Hunter’s Moon

Story & Photos by Sandra Russell

My sister and brother-in-law recently celebrated a three decade+ anniversary by going to a special dinner on Blennerhassett Island in the Ohio River. The night they chose coincided with a full moon conjunction with the planet Jupiter, the winter's evening star. They took a ferry boat from Belpre to the island and as the sunset turned to darkness, the candle lights on the island were the only illumination for the guest's arrival, creating a magical sensation, floating slowly over water aiming for a puddle of golden fires. 

This evening was a special event for the island as well. This weekend was also an anniversary for the Blennerhassett settlement and residence of the tiny island. Tonight was a special feast and a reenactment of a 'servant's party' staged for the year 1805. Guests were encouraged to dress in period clothing as well in order to keep the illusion going of stepping into the shoes of the settlers.  Besides a dinner of traditional turkey, vegetables, and gingerbread, there were performances by costumed dancers and musicians. Some listened to storytellers telling 'ghost stories' and historic information about place, such as the rarity and value of the glass window in an Ohio cabin of the day. After dinner they strolled the grounds outside the house, found gravel walkways lined with fire baskets to warm hands along the paths. They also managed to catch a ride in a horse drawn wagon before returning to ferry home. 


Blennerhassett Island, Ohio River, West Virginia


Blennerhassett Island, Ohio River, West Virginia



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