Get ready for Mason Social, a new restaurant in Parker-Gray, opening next week.
We are liking what we see so far - the mere fact they are located in Parker-Gray and did so in an older building.
They are also reaching back to the roots of not only Alexandria but Fairfax County.
According to their website:
the restaurant design honors the history of the neighborhood and creates a relaxing place to gather on any night of the week, in any company. The name Mason Social is derived from the former farm owner and mayor of Alexandria, DC, Thomson Mason.
Mason, a grandson of George Mason, is best known for owning Historic Huntley and Colross. It’s less known he owned other prominent properties in Alexandria.
But there’s no question Colross was the most fascinating story. Described by Smith and Miller as a “colonial masterpiece,” it rose up at the corner of Henry and Oronoco in 1802. Its first owner was Jonathan Swift – merchant, diplomat, and lodge brother of George Washington.
Mason renovated the mansion in the 1830s. He died there in 1838 and was buried in a brick vault behind the house. His remains were re-interred.
Damaged by a tornado in 1927, Colross became neglected. John Munn of New Jersey swooped in and had it moved brick by brick to Princeton. It became the home of Princeton Day School.
In his book, "Ghosts of Alexandria," Michael Lee Pope pens a chapter on Colross.
Is the site of Colross (corner of Henry and Oronoco) haunted?
The good news for Mason Social and its diners is its three blocks away ...
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