Drayton Hall

Last week, preservationists from Richard Marks Restoration made an unexpected discovery while working in the Great Hall. Tucked within a wall cavity between the Great Hall and the Graffiti Closet was a glass bottle that had become lodged between the walls.

Nicole Houck, one of Drayton Hall’s archaeologists, carefully retrieved the bottle for examination. Upon closer inspection, it was identified as a 1846 Pond’s Extract bottle. POND'S North America Extract was a popular witch hazel-based remedy that became a staple in many American households. It was commonly used to treat cuts, bruises, burns, inflammation, and other everyday ailments.

While it remains unclear exactly how the bottle came to rest within the wall, discoveries such as this offer fascinating glimpses into the lives of the people who lived and labored at Drayton Hall. As preservation work continues, even the smallest finds can help illuminate the home’s long and complex history, reminding us that the building itself still holds stories waiting to be discovered.