April 26, 2009
by jmcclaren
The George Washington Teaching Ambassador was scheduled to spend the day at the Oklahoma Christian School, so I left my house at about the same time George Washington started making his rounds on the farms (the General got up at 4:00—I slept late—until 4:30!). It was a beautiful day as I ventured into the school’s parking lot, wondering where to stop and unload my equipment. Suddenly I noticed a giant “blow-up” Uncle Sam beckoning me with his arm to come forward (O.K., so maybe it was the “wind sweeping down the plain” that was making his arm move). As I looked closer at that American icon, I noticed a large sign that said, “Welcome Jan McClaren.” What a delightful salutation! The BEST parking spot had an American flag flying, reserving the space for me. Janet Bass, the school’s Media Specialist, came running out to greet me.
As I entered her library, I was amazed to see the entire domain was decorated in red, white, and blue, dozens of books about Washington were displayed, tables were covered with crisp, white tablecloths, and beautiful budding red flowers adorned each one. After explaining Washington’s innovative farming techniques to the youngest pupils, singing, “General Washington had a Farm in Ol’ Vir-gin-i-a” to the tune of Old MacDonald had a Farm, and discussing the first President’s leadership qualities with the older students, the school provided a wonderful faculty luncheon in my honor. In the afternoon, winners of a reading contest were invited to a Tea with “Martha Washington” (me). The students bowed and curtsied as they entered the room. The children (and Martha) enjoyed tea and biscuits while listening to some of Washington’s favorite music. As I repacked my car and backed out of the parking space, I noticed that the wind must have changed for Uncle Sam was now waving good-bye to a tired, but happy, George Washington Ambassador as she sailed away to her next Oklahoma destination.
Category: George Washington
April 22, 2009
by jmcclaren
Washington would have enjoyed Mike Adkins' Rough Rider re-enactiment
As I have traveled across the state as the George Washington Oklahoma Teaching Ambassador many educators have asked, “How were you selected for this ‘dream’ job?” Although many experiences in my life have led to this opportunity, I can trace the roots back to an encounter with an early mentor and friend, Mike Adkins.
Washington stepped onto the page of history in his early twenties and I met Mike at about the same age. During my first year of teaching in Oklahoma Mike was the head of the Social Studies Department. The students were always eager to attend his classes and that made me curious…What was this guy doing in school that made the teens so enthusiastic? I asked if I could observe his classroom and Mike agreed. What a wondrous experience that was! Mr. Adkins was portraying a Union soldier from the Civil War, complete with tent and supplies. The students and I were mesmerized. Mike was a natural storyteller and he hypnotized his students (and me) with his re-enactment and his vast knowledge of the details of history. He brought history to life! That day changed my life as a teacher.
Continue reading A Tribute to My Friend »
Category: George Washington
April 15, 2009
by jmcclaren
All these locations have busts of George Washington—and the first four sculptures are made by Jean Antoine-Houdon. Although I was privileged to see Mount Vernon’s clay model last summer, recently two of the above mentioned works came to the attention of the Oklahoma Teaching Ambassador.
Gilcrease Museum is known for its collection of western art, but few realize it has a wonderful exhibit of our nation’s beginning. One of the centerpieces of the exhibit is Houdon’s Seravezza marble of George Washington. Carole Klein, the Associate Curator of Art at Gilcrease wrote an amazing article about the French artist in the recent Journal of Gilcrease Museum Vol. XVI 2. Just like Mount Vernon’s video recreation of Nelly (Washington’s granddaughter) giving details of how Houdon worked with the General, Klein explains how the sculptor “took careful measurements of his sitter’s face with calipers…and (also) made life masks…to cut to the core of his sitter’s personalities, portraying individual character with remarkable truth and physical accuracy.” The Associate Curator described why Houdon’s works always seem so animated, “…he carved a deep bowl for the iris of the eye then bored a deeper pupil in the base of the iris…” The clay bust at Mount Vernon is supposed to reflect the real Washington. The marble at Gilcrease is the closest likeness to the one at Mount Vernon.
Continue reading What do Mount Vernon, the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, Tulsa’s Gilcrease Museum, and Mark Twain Elementary have in common? »
Category: George Washington
