Friends of Forest Hill Park shared some lovely images of the old Brookside Estate (click for larger version on Flickr):
Brookside was the estate of John C. Robertson (1848 – 1921). Built circa 1888 it was demolished in 1929 (click for larger version on Flickr).
A short history of the property (click for larger version on Flickr):
The text reads:
Brookside
Estate of John C. Robertson (1848 – 1921)
This grand old home once stood alone on the knoll overlooking Reedy Creek on one side, and Forest Hill Park on the other.
After it was demolished in 1929 the property was divided and smaller homes were built along the semi-circular drive that once led to Brookside for which the road was named.
John C. Robertson was born in Amelia County, served in the Confederate Army during the later years of the civil war.
After the war he became an attorney and was active in Reconstruction efforts. He married Ms. DeGraffenried Taylor, daughter of Doctor Samuel Taylor of Fonticello, the Taylor estate in Manchester. The couple had three sons and a daughter.
In 1888 Mr. Robertson was named General Manager of The Southside Land and Improvement Company which promoted suburban development in Spring Hill, Woodland Heights, and Forest Hill.
The firm also developed the electric trolley system that ran along Semmes Avenue to its terminus at the Old Stone House in Forest Hill Park.
Beyond his success in real estate, coal and timber enterprises, John C. Robertson had the foresight to promote long distance telephone service in the Richmond area through his role as founder and early president of the Richmond Telephone Company.
Brookside photocopy and map donated to Friends of Forest Hill Park, 2004. Gift of John A. Robertson, grandson of John C. and DeGraffenried Taylor Robertson.
Many thanks for sharing! Friends of Forest Hill Park will be at the park on Saturday, 1/9/2010 to begin the Forest Hill Park extreme makeover. Let’s all turn out on Saturday, 1/9/2010 to help them out!