History 101

Posted by Cheryl on Jun 27 2008 | 5. Photograph on Friday

So, is it a problem that what the Kiddies know about American history comes from ‘National Treasure’? Ehm, perhaps we ought to ‘supplement’ their education…

Warning: Sad Representation of US Tourism Brochure to Follow
In other words, poor attempt at a little Board-Failte-American-style for my Irish friends.

We live 8 miles from Mount Vernon.
Mount Vernon is the home of George Washington.
George Washington was the first president of the United States.
Having the same first name does not make you related.
Having the same job does not make you related.
Contrary to what Son-Alex thinks, George Bush is not related to George Washington.

Living so close, it had to be one of our first Sunday afternoon outings.
Mount Vernon enjoys a beautiful prospect overlooking the Potomac River.
Of course photo is from opposite-non-river-view-side of house.

Being firstly a farmer, George Washington created a unique 16-sided grain-threshing barn.
Toss in grain sheaves.
Let horses walk round and round, trampling sheaves.
Kernels fall through cracks in floor to level below.
Example of good ol’ early American ingenuity.
Wonder if the flour had a faint ‘hoof’ taste?

Couldn’t experience it all in an afternoon.
Good thing we live close.
Good thing we bought an annual pass.

8 comments

8 Responses to “History 101”

  1. # Christina

    That ROCKS! being a little history buff myself, i am SOOOO jealous of you right now you cannot believe it. How lucky you are to be so close!

    27 Jun 2008 at 6:38 am

  2. # bea

    OH I remember going there as a kid. I thought it was actually quite fun!

    27 Jun 2008 at 6:44 am

  3. # Jo

    Now are you certain that having the same first name doesn’t make you related? Look at George Foremans sons…. lol

    27 Jun 2008 at 7:22 am

  4. # queenie

    I have yet to go to Mount Vernon. OR to Monticello! Must. Do. Both.

    Nice as it is to read over your shoulder, I should be seeing these things m’self, dontcha think? Thanks for the incentive.

    27 Jun 2008 at 8:03 am

  5. # Laura

    We will be moving to that area soon also, so I must put Mount Vernon on our “first” to see lists.

    Thanks for sharing your new adventures.

    27 Jun 2008 at 8:47 am

  6. # Denise

    oooh wait till you get to the house with all the spinning wheels! ooooh! It makes me want to go back!

    27 Jun 2008 at 10:30 am

  7. # T2

    I recently talked with college students who didn’t realize George H.W. Bush was related to George W. Bush. Yeah…

    27 Jun 2008 at 5:41 pm

  8. # Coastal Aussie

    That barn is ingenious, and looks cool.

    30 Jun 2008 at 8:13 am

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