Check out these dates if you're interested in experiencing the Roff Home on important anniversary dates in the Watseka Wonder story. Otherwise, contact the Roff Home to book the home for a time of your convenience.
October 8, 1846: Mary Roff is born in Warren Co., Ind.
February 10, 1878: Lurancy Vennum moves into the Roff Home, supposedly possessed by the spirit of Mary Roff.
February 10 ? May 21, 1878: Lurancy Vennum lives as Mary Roff in the Roff Home, during which time they practice seances and otherwise attempt to communicate with the "spirit world."
May 21, 1878: Lurancy Vennum leaves the Roff Home, cured of her possession.
The month of May: Around the turn of the nineteenth century, the property experienced high turnover, with several families purchasing the property within a ten-year period. Nearly all families sold the property during the month of May, coinciding with the last month that Lurancy lived in the home. Coincidence? Or something more?
When to Visit: By the Ebb and Flow of Nature
Spring to fall marks one of the best times to visit the Roff Home. The five-acre property is beautiful as the seasons change and the flowering trees and bushes explode in color.
March, last two weeks: The 5 acres of grounds begin to turn green after a long winter's slumber.
Late March/early April: Begin spring plantings indoors for vegetable and fruit garden. Keep them warm and moist and in a sunny room. And plant them in peat pots sufficiently large to accommodate, and not stifle, their growing roots.
Mid March:Fertilize and aerate the lawn. Begin the annual effort to remove the oak leaves whose spiny leaves have sewn themselves together, forming a random winter quilt at the feet of the bushes and trees of the property. Mulch and place the leaves over the area to be this year's garden.
April, 2nd week: The magnolia tree is in full bloom.
April, first half: Early leafing trees and bushes begin to sprout their season's leaves.
April, mid: The lilac bushes blossom with their fragrant flowering cones, in shades from light to deep, dark purple.
April, second half: The several oak trees to the west of the Roff Home, originally planted by the Roff family, begin to leaf.
May, first week: The bridal wreath bushes burst forth with thousands of dainty, white flowers. Duration: approx 2 weeks
May, first week: The hydrangea bush blooms. Duration: approx 2 weeks
May 9: Average date of last frost. Time to plant the garden!
May, first half: The 50+ catalpa trees that line the property, thought to have been planted by Judge C. W. Raymond, sprout their large, heart-shaped leaves.
May, last week: The catalpas, which are 70+ feet tall, explode with white blossoms that touch the ground and kiss the sky. In 2010, the blossoms peaked on May 31.
June 1: The mottled leaves of early spring that sheltered the oak trees begin to be replaced by fresher, younger leaves, unscathed by the insects who do nature's bidding.
June 20-21:Summer solstice. The date varies depending on the year.
October, 3rd-4th weeks: Autumn foliage usually peaks in the range of October 20-25. The many oak tress to the west and north of Roff Home burn bright orange at their height of color. Check predicted frost and peak foliage dates for the Watseka area if planning on visiting during this time.
Oct. 31: Halloween. Some believe that this is the peak of spirit activity in this world.
Dec. 20-21:Winter solstice. The date varies depending on the year.
