In 1799, Revolutionary War veteran General Green Clay finished construction on a stately Georgian mansion he named Clermont. The home became a statewide symbol of prosperity, housing the farm of one of the largest landowners in the Commonwealth. Renamed White Hall by Cassius Marcellus Clay and renovated by his wife, Mary Jane Warfield Clay, it remained in the family for generations. Here Cassius Clay became known as the "Lion of White Hall," penning his fiery speeches against slavery and launching his tumultuous career as an outspoken statesman. After years of restoration, White Hall became a state historic site in 1971. Now, A History of White Hall offers a detailed look inside this expertly preserved structure and the people who helped shape its fascinating history.

In 1983 the author spent a year working as an exchange teacher at Rubicon School Camp, Victoria, Australia. This paper, written towards the end of that year, compared many aspects of Rubicon School Camp and White Hall Centre, Derbyshire, UK. The paper was digitised and heavily edited or rewritten in 2014.