January 8, 2010
Hospitality in Hominy (and Mount Vernon)
Washington looked forward to his private life under his “vine and fig tree” at Mount Vernon when he retired from the presidency. Unfortunately, a quiet existence would not be the case. “He once wrote, ‘I am alone at present… Unless someone pops in, unexpectedly—Mrs. Washington and myself will do what I believe has not been done within the last twenty year by us—that is to set down to dinner by ourselves.’ Washington never knew when he came in from his afternoon inspection of the farms what company would share his table. Often there were strangers who ‘come as they say, out of respect to me (pg. 714 Freeman).’”
As I have traveled throughout Oklahoma I have often thought about Washington’s visitors. These “strangers” were always extended kindhearted hospitality by the General and Martha. Oklahomans have them same type of considerate generosity. Last week I was driving to Hominy in the icebox-like weather the state is experiencing. I stopped at a store to get a cup, lid, and some hot water for my tea bag. When I tried to pay at the counter, the cashier smiled and said, “No charge, keep warm, and have a great day!” It made my day! It is great to know that, like Washington, Okies are generous, friendly people.
Hominy students "rock out" about Washington
Anderson students "go nuts" over Washington
Category: George Washington
In November I visited the National Cathedral. It is a phenomenal structure with a Darth Vader carved grotesque, a stained glass window that contains a moon rock, and, of course, a statue of our first President. George Washington was a life-long member of the Anglican/Episcopal Church. Although he never traveled to Europe to see their Gothic Cathedrals, I think the General would have been awed by the structure built by his denomination today. The National Cathedral is “a great and beautiful edifice in the city of Washington, an indispensable ministry for people of all faiths and perspectives, and a sacred place for our country in times of celebration, crisis, and sorrow. Although it was not until 1907 that the corner stone of the Church was laid, Pierre L’Enfant, the gentleman commissioned by President Washington to create a plan for the nation’s capital, had imagined ‘a great church for national purposes.’ The building of the place of worship took 83 years! Washington National Cathedral is the sixth largest cathedral in the world.”* Anyone who walks into the Cathedral cannot help but be moved by the serenity and harmony that surrounds you. This idea was also expressed by George Washington:
Napoleon (that would be me) came to my AP European History Class this morning. I am always amazed at the little Frenchman’s (Yes, I know he was born in Corsica) ego. For World History or Western Civilization Classes it is a great learning tool to compare Napoleon with Washington. There are a number of pictures of the two in similar poses: Swords in hand, standing with their hands in their vests, on horseback, etc. Have the students compare them physically, as military strategists, political leaders, and egos or humility. It will make the students realize how fortunate we are that Washington was an American. Vive la Liberte’!
Every December I think of Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River on the night of Christmas. This was a CREATIVE idea! The General was thinking outside the box! He needed a morale boost for his army and he had skedaddled out of New York with Howe on his heels. He came up with this ingenious plan to attack the British –hired Hessians. I love imaginative, innovative and inspired people. In fact, my favorite Christmas ornament was an ingenious creation from my youngest child. He brought two ornaments home from school in second grade. Why two? His teacher did not like the first one because it “did not follow the rules”—the expected angelic look of all the other students’ cherubs. I love it because it reminds me of that young, blonde “Dennis the Menace” that is a grown man today. Washington won the Battle of Trenton and, as we all know, the Old Fox (as he was called after that event) won the war, too. So teachers, ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY—-It is what made America . . . and cherished Christmas ornaments!
Union 8th Grade Center received a special Holiday Present—-A George Washington Portrait. Although schools can request and receive the large, FREE paintings all year long, it is especially nice to be given the General’s likeness this time of the year. The school’s Librarian, Tracy Keeley, the Principal, Marla Robinson, and Social Studies Teacher Shelley Zevnik-Breece, received the portrait from the George Washington Teaching Ambassador.
George Washington loved to dance. “In fact, he paid for his own dance lessons so he would be competent and confident on the dance floor. As noted by historian Edward Lengel, ‘Dancing grew to become one of Washington’s favorite pastimes, and his skill in the ballroom. . . made him a welcome guest in the homes of politically influential neighbors (Rees, pg. 20).’” “During the Revolutionary War, Washington apparently danced with Kitty Greene, the wife of General Nathanael Greene, for three hours straight. When he was president, Mrs. Washington sometimes had to greet guests at the door because there was a queue of ladies waiting for a pin around the dance floor with her husband (Rees, pg. 93).” Thomas Jefferson once said that Washington was the “best dancer in Virginia.” Imagine the connection I saw when I walked into Millwood Schools and saw fifth grade students doing the Fox Trot, the Cha Cha, and the Quick Step! The students have been learning to dance for the past few months and are going to a competition this weekend. The General will not be in attendance, but I know he would have loved it!