Ep. 009 – The Snows of Snow Hill
Before the Robins christened their property Chinsegut, the Snow family had dubbed it Snow Hill. Charlotte Ederington Snow, the oldest child of the Ederington family who had first built the manor house, grew up there and then raised her seven children on the Hill. Even once the Snows sold the manor and bulk of the property to Elizabeth, they continued to own property right next to it and were pivotal in the Robins' renovation and restoration efforts. This double-length episode features two of Charlotte's descendants who provide insight into the still influential Snow family. The cover image was taken by Elizabeth in 1906 and features Ernest Snow on the left and his brother Mallory in the middle.
Related links & resources
Snow History with Ernest Snow grandchildren
Brooksville History Interview with Blake Edrington Bell and Andrea Hedick Read
Brooksville History Interview with Alfred McKethan & Roy Snow (1990)
Interview with Alfred & Roy at Alfred's home (starts at 30:10)
Listen to the full episode: Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon
Over Christmas break, my husband and I watched the Paramount series 1883 with our son Micah. Though it is about the western frontier, for me it provided insight into the similar journey Francis Ederington’s family made to Brooksville, Florida in 1851. Francis, his pregnant wife Precious Ann, and their four children made the arduous trip from South Carolina to an undeveloped frontier Florida. Their eldest daughter, Charlotte, was seven at the time, and would go on to run the estate after the early deaths of her parents. After her marriage to JR Snow, the couple would continue to run the estate and would raise their seven children there.
Understanding the challenges Florida pioneers faced every moment of every day helps me put into perspective the “difficulties” I think I face here in 2023. I think the closest I can come to a similar experience was the ten days we were without electricity after Hurricane Frances. Our four kids were little, standing water everywhere meant lots of mosquitoes, and one couldn’t escape the heat. Except we had one fan and the fridge plugged into the neighbor’s generator. And stores and hospitals had power and food so we were never in danger, just hot and bored. Even our “pioneer life” had modern conveniences.
It is difficult to imagine the isolation, deprivation, and inconveniences of pioneer life, but hopefully, this episode helps with that. Hopefully, it also shows you the courage and expectant attitudes of the Snow family and inspires you to dream and hope for yourself and the community in which you live.
- Natalie
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Credits:
References to Elizabeth Robins work printed/quoted with kind permission of Independent Age (Registered Charity No. 210729). Visit www.independentage.org to learn more.
Producer & Editor Lief Thomason, Odd Life Studios
Recorded at Profound Revelation Studios
Graphic Designer Barry Meindl, DaBarr Design
Web Designer and Social Media Manager Allisa Babor, Roots Creative Co
“Time is Whispering” Writer and Recording Artist Randi Olsen, Live Oak Theatre
Grant funding assistance by Florida Humanities
Rights to Elizabeth Robins materials owned by Independent Age
Host Natalie Kahler Natalie Kahler | Facebook
