Just prior to the outbreak of the war in 1775, Sir John Johnson and his wife, Lady Mary (Polly) Johnson, inherited Johnson Hall from Sir John's father, the famous Sir William Johnson.

Built on the Mohawk River, the house was the seat of power in the Mohawk Valley area of New York. From its erection in 1762 till its confiscation by the d*mned Rebels in 1779, the graceful Georgian halls were frequented by a constant flow of important political, business, and social guests, both red and white.

In 2003, Johnson Hall's Market Fair hosted our Polly Johnson day. As if Lady Johnson threw her doors open herself, a lovely day was spent going over the house and the grounds. We were incredibly fortunate to experience the generous hospitality of all of the staff, and in particular Wade Wells, whose own fashionable presence was an inspiration to all.

As loyal guests of Sir John and his lady's house, Janice Lang (our inimitable genius photographesse) and one of her 'prentices captured some of the moments in this modest gallery.

Not recorded here is the degenerate debauch that followed in the evening. Illuminated by candlelight, Dog Cubbison's faro table was dragged out for the first time, hooking everyone into a wicked down-spiral of immoral sin.

Lady Polly 'Watts' Johnson