Eckert and Powell

[jonathan]

(07-10-2012 08:30 AM)Linda Anderson Wrote:  The Boston Herald reported on Jan 13, 1895 that the Seward/Blaine Mansion was "raided by relic hunters" when it was demolished in early January 1895.

"Relic hunters have made themselves particularly obnoxious, taking away whatever they could lay their hands upon. Some pocketed small tiles from the fireplaces. Naturally special interest was exhibited in regard to the room in which Mr. Blaine died..." There was a blood stain in the corner of the room said to be Seward's blood from when he was attacked by Powell. "One enterprising woman who visited the Blaine house a few days ago cut out of the wood the stain, or the greater part of it, together with a piece of the plank about an inch long.

"Another curiosity seeker asked to take a brick from a pile in front of the house, but it was refused, because it was believed that the whole dwelling would be carried away piecemeal if such a precedent was set."

That's very interesting to me. I've got a little bit of a fascination with the Seward mansion, and I think it's such a shame that it's no longer standing. What a great museum/tourist site it would be today. But I kind of wonder why they would care if relic hunters took things away, seeing that it was being demolished. Seems like they'd let anybody go ahead and take whatever they wanted.