George Washington enlarged the original residence, built in 1743 by Lawrence Washington, by increasing its length and height, completing these improvements in 1786. In construction, its foundation walls are of stone and brick; the framework oak; the sheathing Virginia pine, cut, painted, and sanded to resemble stone. The roof is of cypress shingles. A spacious and well-drained cellar underlies the whole house. When the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association came into possession of this property, the Mansion and other buildings were found unfurnished and greatly in need of repairs. The story of the restoration cannot be adequately told in this short sketch. The work was divided by allotting to each Vice-Regent a room or some other feature to be restored. Gradually many articles of original furniture and personal effects of the Washingtons were recovered, some by gift, others by purchase, while several articles had only been loaned. The work has been attended with gratifying success and still progresses. Every effort is directed toward the complete restoration of each feature and condition as it existed in the days of Washington. The “Ha Ha” wall, shown in illustration, was, in 1896, rebuilt upon its original foundations through funds raised by Miss Amy Townsend, late Vice-Regent for New York. _Portico_ [Illustration: Portico] The east portico extends the full length of the Mansion, and its roof is supported by eight square wooden columns reaching a height of two stories. An ornamental balustrade surmounts the porch roof and adds height to its pleasing effect. The tiles with which the floor is still paved were imported from England by Washington and laid in 1786. In 1915, 1512 tiles were obtained from the original quarry to replace those so badly worn as to be unsafe. The dimensions of the pavement are: length, 95 feet 5 inches; width, 14 feet 6 inches, and, according to Washington’s own measurements, this pavement is 124 feet 10½ inches above the river level. The columns and balustrade are faithful reproductions of the original, the foundations of the building have been strengthened, weakened timbers renewed, and steel girders hidden between floors and ceiling for increased stability. In 1895 accurate architectural drawings of interior and exterior details were secured by Mrs. Mary T. Leiter, late Vice-Regent for Illinois, and placed in safe deposit vaults in Washington. In 1909 a skeleton model of the Mansion, showing its unique construction, was lodged for safe keeping with the National Museum. The outlook from the porch commands extensive and picturesque views of the broad Potomac. _Mansion Interior, Central Hall_ [Illustration: Mansion Interior, Central Hall]