Tuesday, December 6-The Strigels took a day off of school and went with us to Monticello. It was a rainy day but we still enjoyed seeing Monticello. Thomas Jefferson designed and redesigned his estate for over 40 years and his creative genius is evident everywhere. The terraced garden is the length of three football fields with over 250 varieties of vegetables. Peas were his favorite, growing 23 kinds of peas. Inside the home showed more of his creativity. The great clock in the foyer had a face both inside and out. It dictated the schedule for the entire plantation and the gong rang so loudly, it could be heard 3 miles away. He had rigged the clock so he only had to wind it once a week so the clock was set for the day as well as the time. Saturday didn't fit so a hole was drilled in the floor. His foyer also contained elk antlers from the Lewis and Clark expedition , maps, indian artifacts and a mammouth jaw bone. He was interested in weather and recorded twice a day which Va still uses. TJ as affectionately called by Virginians believed reason and knowledge were the surest paths to human progress. He loved books and could read in 7 languages. He had a special stand that spun around so he could read five books simoutaneosly. We also saw his polygrah were he made a copy of all the letters he wrote. TJ also invented a cipher wheel to create secret messages. A favorite was seeing his alcove bed between the wall. He dipped his feet every morning in ice cold water and believed that this was good for his health.
TJ introduced vanilla ice cream to VA and also enjoyed mad cheese, french fries and the french cuisine of waffles. I wouldn't mind eating these in his elegant dining room. James Madison, his protege often stayed with his wife and we saw where they stayed. Martha Jefferson Randolph, his daughter and her 11 children lived with him. The Hemming slave family also were important. Pretty interesting seeing how the slaves lived in the dependencies down below the house. Another interesting fact: TJ died on July 4th as did John Adams. When Adams died, he reportedly said "At least Jefferson is still here."
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| The discovery center was excellent with lots of hands on activites |
December 8th, Thursday-Janae, Helen and I left early for a big day. First stop was Staunton, VA three hours away to see President Wilson's birthplace and museum. Since Janae did a report on thim, he is a very special president to her. She knew much of the material but we learned a few new things. Next to Teddy Roosevelt is the only other president who published as much. He wrote historical studies and a popular biographyon Washington. Wilson won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work with the League of Nations. A fun tip: Born on Dec. 28th, was 28th President, add these two together get 56. He was born in 1856 and was 56 when he became president. Mother's maiden name was woodrow and Thomas didn't learn to read until 11.
The tour of his birth house was great because we had a private tour. A benefit of off-season travel. Interesting that they had three leased slaves from the Pres. church. Learned where the saying don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Babies were last in getting the bath. The pie safe had the venting on the side and the hair receiver kept hair to later be used to make jewelry. Very neat hair necklace we saw. In 1855, they had the first Chistmas tree in Staunton.
Wilson's Pearce Arrow car-see the orange stripe. For his Princeton days.
Staunton: a cute town where we ordered some great to go sandwiches and loved exploring a couple of the little shops.
Montpelier: Our second stop of the day. Sure enjoyed seeing the beauty of the Shenendoah valley. The words to Oh Shenendo, take on a new meaning.
The Shenendoah valley
Beautiful farm on the road to Montpelier. Look at the date.
Montpelier, beautiful estate, home of James and Dolly Madison. This small, shy boy was the eldest of 12 children. They built this home but James would later add on. Being the oldest, he got all the education and property. Interesting to see TJ's influence on his home: campeechee chair, portico entrance, fossil from Africa, elegant carpet and wallpaper and the argant lamp that TJ found in France (Had brightness of 5 candles). Interesting that no chandeliers in home. In the drawing room, copies of exact pictures hung in the original spot. Considered the father of the Bill of Rights.
Love this front door, thanks Thomas Jefferson
The view from the room where he asked the question and researched all governments:
"How best can we govern ourseleves"
Drafted the Virginia plan here which was the forerunner of the
constitution.
Love this quote. Dolley was very influential in Washington and setting many traditions and styles. Her son would eventually send them to the poor house. She had to sell her most trusted friend and slave, Paul Jenning who would later on help care for Dolley.
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| The Shenendoah valley in the background |
A great day sealed with a gorgeous sunset as we left the visitor center.
