Lucy Morton Hudgins: Inspiration for the MacCallum More Gardens
Lucy Morton Hudgins' contributions to the community, passion for history and genealogy, and dedication to preserving local culture make her a celebrated figure.
Early Life of Lucy Morton Hudgins
Born on November 15, 1880, in Charlotte County, Virginia, Lucy was the daughter of Jacob William Morton and Anne Jones Morton. She grew up at Sunnyside in Charlotte County, where her father, J.W. Morton, served as the mayor of Keysville for many years.
Lucy graduated from Ward Seminary in Nashville, Tennessee, and later studied voice in New York. An accomplished musician, she performed as a quartet choir member and soprano soloist in several prominent churches, including:
- First Baptist Church in Richmond
- Grace and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Richmond
- Christ Episcopal Church in Nashville
- First Presbyterian Church in Augusta, Georgia
Her Contribution to Chase City
In 1910, Lucy married Edward Wren Hudgins, who later became Chief Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court. They settled in Chase City, Virginia, where they raised two sons, Edward Morton Hudgins and William Henry Hudgins. Lucy was deeply involved in the community, and her legacy is reflected in local landmarks, including Hudgins Street, named in her honor.
The Beginning - MacCallum More Gardens
Lucy started her garden in 1929 based on a design by Charles Gillette. It was a very formal sunken garden. Due to the economics at the time, she couldn’t afford a permanent gardener and did most of the work herself. She had been the major stockholder of the First national Bank of Chase City and when the bank failed and closed its doors, due to the laws at the time, she was liable for an equal amount in order for depositors to be paid. It took many years but depositors were paid over 90% on their deposits.
A Passion for Genealogy
Lucy was highly regarded for her genealogical research and dedication to preserving family history. Dr. Joseph Eggleston, former president of the Virginia Historical Society, once praised her as "an outstanding Virginia genealogist." She meticulously documented her family lineage, and several plaques within MacCallum More Gardens honor her ancestors.
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Legacy and Community Involvement
Lucy dedicated over 50 years to St. John’s Episcopal Church in Chase City as an organist, choir member, and Sunday school teacher. She was known for her warm personality, and former mayor Charles Duckworth fondly recalled:
“Mrs. Hudgins was always late in getting to church after the service started, and then she would come to each pew to speak to everyone.”
She was also deeply involved in various organizations, including:
- Board of the Children’s Home Society (30+ years)
- Virginia Historical Society (Life Member)
- Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities
- Colonial Dames
- Daughters of the American Revolution
- United Daughters of the Confederacy
- Chase City Womans Club
Honoring Her Memory
Lucy Morton Hudgins passed away on January 3, 1964, in Richmond after a prolonged illness. She and her son, Billy, purchased additional property in the early 1940s, which Billy added to in 1959 and 1971. With the exception of the sunken garden, the property laid dormant until Billy, inspired by his mother’s original garden, created the beautiful MacCallum More Gardens as a visible tribute to her memory. Today, visitors can explore the beautiful gardens and learn about Lucy’s lasting impact on Virginia history.
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