Today we visited Monticello and took the tour of Thomas Jefferson’s home and the grounds. Obviously, it’s a very interesting place. The weather vain goes through the roof and points the direction of the wind on the ceiling of the porch. On the double doors, when one door opens, the other door will open automatically. The sides of the mantle on the fireplace in the dining room open and there are dumb-waiters inside that are connected to the wine cellar below. The kitchen, which is on the south wing, is impressive for the age of the building. There are separate fire boxes along one wall that heat individual pots and pans. If you look closely at the picture of the kitchen, you can see the individual holes above the small fire boxes on the outside wall. Jefferson loved French cooking and had his own cook (a slave) schooled in French cooking. Jefferson also had a taste for wine and beer. After the War of 1812, Jefferson had a British officer stay in the country, come to Monticello, and teach his slave (a Henning) how to brew better and more beer.
After Monticello, we drove just two miles to Ashland Highland, the home of James Monroe. They were such good friends that Jefferson wanted Monroe to live close by. What a difference in how Monroe lived compared to Jefferson, and Madison. Monroe’s home is very simple compared to the other two. But, Monroe didn’t end up financially ruined after being president. Jefferson was always in debt and the Madison’s were financially ruined because of Dolley’s son, an alcoholic and gambler.
There were no pensions for past presidents in the early years. I think the first pension that the Congress voted was for Harry S. Truman in the early 50’s. There were no book deals or speaker fees either. Even while in office, early presidents paid for most of their own expenses. I think we should return to the ‘old days.’
We also moved to another state park, James River SP, near Lynchburg, VA. Too many narrow, winding and hilly roads today. I’m ready for some interstate driving, but I think tomorrow will be a day of rest. This traveling is really a hard job.
After Monticello, we drove just two miles to Ashland Highland, the home of James Monroe. They were such good friends that Jefferson wanted Monroe to live close by. What a difference in how Monroe lived compared to Jefferson, and Madison. Monroe’s home is very simple compared to the other two. But, Monroe didn’t end up financially ruined after being president. Jefferson was always in debt and the Madison’s were financially ruined because of Dolley’s son, an alcoholic and gambler.
There were no pensions for past presidents in the early years. I think the first pension that the Congress voted was for Harry S. Truman in the early 50’s. There were no book deals or speaker fees either. Even while in office, early presidents paid for most of their own expenses. I think we should return to the ‘old days.’
We also moved to another state park, James River SP, near Lynchburg, VA. Too many narrow, winding and hilly roads today. I’m ready for some interstate driving, but I think tomorrow will be a day of rest. This traveling is really a hard job.
No comments:
Post a Comment