Not trying to be offensive or disagreeable, folks. But, the idea that the Collinwood mansion existed in the 1600s is simply rationalization --an admirable attempt to bring all of DS's continuity mistakes into reality. Respectfully, I don't buy it.
I can accept most of the differences between "our" DS time and parallell time. I accept them because, for the most part, they were written intelligently and intentionally. Having said that -- I do not believe that ANYTHING GOES in parallel time. There must be some level of consistancy between "our" time and parellel time. Otherwise, it all becomes silly. If anyting goes in parallel time, then we could have Mickey Mouse, Rush Limbaugh, and the Reverand Al Sharpton engaging in illicit behavior in the foyer of Collinwood, and none of us could complain, because -- ANYTHING GOES in parellel time. Go AT IT, boys!!
Sorry, but I just can't rationalize the existance of the Collinwood mansion in the 1600s. I'm not going to try to excuse something that was so obviously a mistake on the part of TPTB. It was THEIR continuity error, and not our job to figure it out or to somehow rationalize it into official DS cannon.
Some have said the Old House set had already been destroyed when this scene was taped. Others indicate that is incorrect. Either way, it doesn't matter. In the mid-1600s, it's unlikely that even the Old House would have existed. The set designer should have designed a small simple "hut-like" set for the 1600 scene. The entire thing could have been buiilt for $250 (1970 money). In other words, there is simply no excuse -- creatively, logically, or even fiscally, for this continuity error to have made it to broadcast. No matter why TPTB may have chosen to use the Collinwood set for that scene -- there is no REAL excuse for it, and it shouldn't be rationalized. It is really sort of sad to see long-time DS fans (like myself) thinking-up excuses for this lazy writing.
Not trying to start an arguement -- but seems to me, using the Collinwood set for the 1600s scene (parellel time, or not) was a great big stupid continuity mistake in the part of TPTB. It is most certainly not the resonsibility of the fans to "figure-out" or rationalize. Let's face it, TIIC screwed-up.