Leesburg, VA. 11/15/04. . . . Historic Morven Park has created a special Thanksgiving Hunt Mansion Tour and a special display of Governor Westormoreland Davis' turkey farm operation presenting original items and artifacts in honor of the national holiday of Thanksgiving, Friday through Monday, November 19-22 & 26-29 from noon until 4:00 p..m.

Morven Park, the historic home of Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis and his wife Marguerite Inman Davis, was in the early 1900's host to luncheons and receptions for "the hunt." Davis himself was elected MFH (Master of the Foxhounds) in 1906. Many photos, coats, boots etc. will be on display along with a Thanksgiving hunt breakfast spread in the informal dining room.

In the 1930's and 40's Morven Park was one of the largest turkey breeding farms in the U.S. Davis started his turkey farm with just 2,000 birds and within 10 years grew to over 20,000. Davis also entered some of his birds in competitions around the country where they won top prize ribbons and trophies, including the New York championship ten years in a row. Some of these ribbons, photographs, handwritten inventories, and his trophies will be exhibited during these special tours.

"What an appropriate activity to bring family and friends to this Thanksgiving holiday." states Tracy Gillespie, Director of Curatorial Operations at Morven Park. Ms. Gillespie believes many Loudoun County residence will enjoy bringing out-of-town guest to Morven Park for a local history lesson on the hunt and a very successful Virginia turkey farm.

Morven Park is located off Old Waterford Road north of Leesburg. It has acres of lawn, ample parking and an historic boxwood garden just to name a few additional things to do while visiting. For further information, call 703-777-6034.