On the roof of each wing arose a cluster of four great chimneys, which were joined together by arches of masonry. These clustered chimneys gave the appearance of two belfries, or towers. The space inside each group of chimneys was made into a summer-house. A member of the Lee family later described them thus: "Eight chimneys formed the summer-house pillars, From which were seen Potomac's sea-like billows...." In medieval times the use of the summer-house was functional, and so were these at Stratford--the activities of the plantation and on the Potomac could be seen from them. At first glance Stratford appeared to be a one-story building, but its main floor was raised to the level of a second story. Thomas Lee had an idea of his own about architecture which was remarkably modern, that was to bring the beauty of nature inside. He did this by having long flights of steps leading directly from the lawn to the front and rear entrances of the Great Hall. Doorways and windows framed the fields, forest and lawn. The manor occupied the center of a large square marked at the corners by four dependencies. A ha-ha wall ran across the front of the square, the purpose of which was to keep the cattle away from the house without obscuring the view. Stratford Hall was built between 1725-30. _GEORGE WASHINGTON_ It was about ten o'clock of a February morning in the year 1732,[9] when a baby's cry was heard in the dwelling at Popes Creek. A son had just been born to Augustine and Mary Washington. [Footnote 9: George Washington was born "11th Day of February 1732, Old Style," or February 22, 1732, "New Style." The latter is the now accepted date.] The baby was named George. It is believed that Mary's first born child was thus named in honor of her former guardian, Colonel George Eskridge. Neighbors, godparents and the minister assembled, probably at Popes Creek, for the christening. A notation in Mary's Bible recorded the event: "... and was Baptised the 5th of April following." George's godmother was his aunt, Mrs. Mildred Washington Gregory. George's first memories must have been happy ones--of woods, fields and water, and of animals, fowl and birds. His family loved him, and the dark faces were kindly. George soon had a sister, Betty, to play with, and then Samuel. The first three and one-half years of George's life were spent at the Popes Creek plantation. [Illustration: _The infant, George Washington at Wakefield, his birthplace._] _EPSEWASSON_ In 1735, Augustine decided to move his family from Popes Creek to his farm about fifty miles up the Potomac. This farm was part of the land acquired years before by John Washington, the immigrant, and Nicholas Spencer, husband of Frances Mottrom. Augustine had bought twenty-five hundred acres of it in 1726. This property was located on Little Hunting Creek, which flowed into the Potomac. It was still called by the Indian name, Epsewasson.