All around Missouri birds are chirping, trees are getting leaves, and flowers are blooming. These sure signs of spring mean that it’s time to shed the winter coat and spend time outside soaking up the sunshine and fresh air. Seize the opportunity to spend the day at one of the most beautiful estates in Missouri with a luncheon at Thornhill in Faust Park. After lunch, explore all that Faust Park has to offer!
The Thornhill Estate at Faust Park preserves the family residence of Missouri’s second governor, Frederick Bates. At the time, Governor Bates would set off on a one day trek to St. Charles where the state capitol once resided. Although the Bate’s lived in this grand house, life on the frontier was still challenging.
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The Bates Family moved to Missouri in 1807. Mr. Bates has a large role in settling the new acquired Louisiana Territory. On November 17, 1824, in St. Charles, Bates was sworn in as second governor of Missouri but died just one year later. He is buried in the cemetery near the house along with his wife, Nancy, and two of their four children.
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The estate is open on select weekends during the spring and summer seasons. This spring, one of the first events at Thornhill will be a luncheon complete with polite conversation and period dressed reenactors.
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You’ll be delighted to dine just as they would have in the early 1800s. The table is set with the finest china and linens for special guests and the ladies will certainly be wearing their best.
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Expect to dine on tasty finger sandwiches and pastries while enjoying fresh tea and lemonade.
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Don’t let the plate of sweets pass you by either. Each dish will be prepared on-site in the summer kitchen. Summer kitchens were essential in times prior to air conditioning to ensure that the house did not get too hot from the ovens.
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The luncheon at Thornhill will be held on May 12, so it’s the perfect Mother’s Day activity! Be sure to make reservations because space is limited for this lovely event.
Faust Park/Facebook Reservations can be made by calling 314-615-8328. You can also reserve you spot online at the St. Louis County parks website. The estate can be found inside Faust Park at 15185 Olive Blvd., Chesterfield.
Have you visited the Thornhill Estate at Faust Park? Have you visited the other great attractions in the park like the historical village, butterfly house, or carousel? Tell us about your time at Faust Park in the comments below.
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Reservations can be made by calling 314-615-8328. You can also reserve you spot online at the St. Louis County parks website. The estate can be found inside Faust Park at 15185 Olive Blvd., Chesterfield.
Interested in finding out more about the butterfly house in Faust Park? Check out our previous article about this magical destination!
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