Four Years Working and Living at Rose Hill
By Mel Oles, Visitor Services and Program Manager at Rose Hill Mansion and Johnston House
The month of May means we open Rose Hill for the season and another year for me working and living onsite. It will be four years which is hard to believe. As we open, I reflect on my time at Rose Hill. This past off season was very different from the usual, but it led me down a path I’m very grateful for.
Over the last few months, we have had some major projects plus new developments. One was the interior painting project. Many objects had to be moved and period rooms cleared out. I spent a lot of time in the mansion which led to a few positive outcomes. First, I found evidence of squirrels. The squirrels decided to store their nuts in the basement and attic. In addition, to filling in holes with steel wool and doing some minor repairs, I learned how to trap squirrels. As I crawled around in the basement looking for holes, I began to look at the electrical wires and became very interested in electric wiring. To learn more, I started taking electrician classes through the Finger Lakes Community College GRIT Program so I would have a better understanding of residential electricity. One thing led to another and now I am learning new skills because of Rose Hill.
A second outcome of spending so many hours in the mansion was “discovering” objects in closets and other storage areas. The objects were photographed, and their locations updated for our records. I was also able to do multiple deep cleanings of the mansion which was overdue.
I enjoy working and living at Rose Hill, especially working with the tour guides and watching the site grow. Seneca, my dog, has also grown up onsite. She gets attention from the tour guides and visitors. There are acres of forest and fields for her to run through. It’s a magical place and I am grateful to be a part of it. I’m looking forward to another year at Rose Hill.
Kudos to you Mel for all the work you do at our beloved mansion Rose Hill and for becoming an electrician through the GRIT.
Thank you for all you do for Historic Geneva and my feeling is that you do it with joy.
Best wishes
Pim
Thank you Mel for all the work you have done at Rose Hill. Over the past couple years I have noticed a significant improvement in the way that various objects are placed in the mansion. It feels more realistic and more like an actual home. You do a fantastic job! It’s also fun to play ball with your dog, Seneca. Thank you for providing the care that this beautiful home deserves.