The Little Washington's RelativesRoy, Lillian Elizabeth
General
The Little Washington's Relatives
Roy, Lillian Elizabeth
Children -- Juvenile fiction; Families -- Juvenile fiction; Washington, George, 1732-1799 -- Juvenile literature
“Yes, we will see many interesting things belonging to General
Washington, from the time he first became owner of Mount Vernon to the
day he passed away forever. Since the organization formed to protect and
hold this place sacred to the memory of the illustrious Washington many
things not originally belonging to the estate were received and placed
on exhibition there for the public to see. Among some of these relics
are the treasured articles belonging to descendants of the friends of
Washington, and the interesting narratives of how they came into the
possession of the articles furnished historical stories.”
Questions and answers about the general and his home so soon to be seen
by the children occupied much time, and when these historical facts
began to lose interest for the juvenile members of the party Mrs. Davis
suggested that they stop and have their picnic lunch, after which they
would conclude the trip.
This met with great approval, and soon every one was busy munching
chicken sandwiches or enjoying juicy fruit. Half an hour was the time
allotted for lunch, and then Mrs. Parke gave the signal for every one to
climb back in the automobile.
When they arrived at the stately mansion they were impressed by the
elegance of the place, and the children were overawed to find visitors
there from every known part of the world.
They followed the official guide about and heard the descriptions of the
articles exhibited. In the kitchen, the old-fashioned fireplace, the
crane, the pot-hangers, iron pots and teakettles amused the girls. The
ladies admired the old china kept in the cumbersome cupboards, and the
boys smiled at the heavy solid chairs and tables once used by the slaves
and servants of the Washingtons.
In the general’s private den, or study, were still found the yellow-aged
papers, pens, ink horns and other items used by him in the management of
his properties.
In the chambers the visitors found many interesting things to
see—four-posted beds, quaint chairs, low rockers with most uncomfortable
straight backs, queer dressers and wardrobes.
The garments and toilette articles were carefully protected in glass
cases, and everything was labelled plainly so all could read the
descriptions and dates when used.
On the homeward ride Martha said: “Well, both those ancestors seem more
real to me now than ever before.”
“Yes, but it won’t be any fun playing war with broomsticks again, after
seeing the great swords and other weapons shown there,” said George,
feeling that he had lost much of the delusion of boyhood.
“Why don’t you ask your father for real guns—I mean the pea-shooters you
can buy at a toy shop,” suggested Jack.
“Why, of course, mother. Will you ask him about it?” said George
eagerly.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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