Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1910-04-08

the famous master of Monticello ZCOOE
The nucleus of Thomas Jefferson's
Virginia estate he inherited from his
father, the tract comprising 800 acres.
At that time the best highlands of Albemarle"
rated worth not more than So per acre.
but the earning capacity of the property Is ind-
Gated by the fact that from the outset it netted
Jefferson not less than $4,000 year. The found
er of the Democratic party gradually increased
his holdings and in the year 1774 possessed
more than 5000 acres. Then several fine farms
came to him his wlfes dover and thus the
period of the Revolution found him one of the
richest landed propretors in the south.
Jefferson chose as the site of his home the
crest of hill which he designated Monticello,
the Italian for Little Mountain. Assuredly
more beautiful inspiring location could be
imagined and veteran travellers all agree that the
magnificent panorama which lies spread out be-
fore the gaze of the observer this height Is
unsurpassed anywhere In the world. The little
mountain the apex of which Jefferson placed
his residence is $50 feet high and in the form
of q cone. 1t slopes eastward one and one-half
miles to the Rivanna river.
Jeffersons birthplace is In sight of the por
tco at Monticello. Seemingly almost directly
below is the University of Virginia. which was
founded by Jefferson, President Monroe lived
eight miles down the valley and the home of
President Madison was but few miles north
Incidentally 1t may be mentioned In passing that
these three eX.presidents of the United States
assembled at Monticello to welcome Lafayette on
the occasion of his visit to the United States
From the cupola of his mansion Jefferson could
gaze upon 12 of the richest counties Of Virginia
and in direction the view extends to the
Blue Ridge mountains, nearly so miles away
The top of the hill which Jefferson had desig
mated Monticello he had eveled off for a build
ing site 600 by 200 feet In size. On this he
erected his spacious mansion, which. with Its
wings colonnades. Is in the form of gigantic
letter E. The center of the letter Is the
sion proper, while extending from 1t In positions
somewhat corresponding to the arms of the e
wings, the fiat roofs of which form prone
nades. The arrangement of the house In so far
as these wings or colonnades concerned is
very similar to that Of the restored White House
at Washington, In the designing of which Jefer
son had hand.
The mansion at Monticello is of the Dorc or
der of Grecian architecture, with heavy cornices
and massive baustrades. The interior Is in the
Ionic style and 1t must be admitted that there
is little about this magnificent home suggestive
of Jeffersonian simplicity The front hall re-
cedes six feet within the wall of the building
and a portico projects about 25 feet with stone
pillars and steps.
In the interior the hall or main room of the
house extends to the full height of the building
and Is typical Of the spacousness of the house
There is gallery under the ceiling where the
ladies of the household could observe all that
went on at the receptions which Jefferson fire.
quenty gave and where the band was stationed
when he gave ball. Opening from this hall are
the salon or drawing ROOM the library where JEFF
ferson housed the major portion of his famous
collection NJ 1000 books, the dining room and