Beautiful mountains, gorgeous streams, and a rich heritage all describe an historic town. The town of Elkins, West Virginia is filled with so many examples of history throughout. There are so many magnificent things to see and learn about in the wonderful town of Elkins. If you drive from the south in Elkins headed toward Davis and Elkins College, at some point one of the historic landmarks you will observe that stands out to you is a glimpse of the beautiful Halliehurst Mansion sitting up on a hillside. The sight of it majestically placed upon the hill gives any observer somewhat of a curiosity about the building. One may begin to wonder the stories that it holds, the person who built it, and who occupied the place both in the past and now.…show more content… In Senator Elkins younger days, Elkins enlisted in the Union army. He fought in the Civil War and supported the rights for all people regardless of skin color, and preserving the foundation of government (bioguide.congress.gov). As I think about the values of what a senator is expected to uphold, I think of their duty to serve other people around them. The values of a senator's home should contain these values or in a way be visible physically. Upon entering the main door of Halliehurst mansion I became intrigued with the grand rooms the first floor of the mansion possesses. I think about their probable uses and what went on in them. History tells us this space served as a place used for social gatherings, political debates, and various other occasions (dewv.edu). On the third floor of the Halliehurst mansion is a great big ballroom. This space was the sight of many dances, receptions and parties. Not only social because it was also used for basketball, badminton, and other sporting activities (Your Guide to Halliehurst). The third floor's past uses further show how Halliehurst has the value of serving others. It was the site of many socials for people as well as how it was used to serve children’s athletic interest. Today, the first floor of Halliehurst is still the site of debates; organized by the college debate team. They carry on the rich history of a will to serve others through conversation and problem solving. Also, Halliehurst still carries on the uses of social gatherings. The public uses this building for weddings and it is used by the college for special dinners, open houses, presentations, and forums. In this notion the values of such have always been in existence both for a family and ultimately an entire college family. In 1923, Hallie Elkins, wife of Senator Elkins offered the deed of Halliehurst to Davis and Elkins College. Some time after this happened the location of the
