davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-02-16

The rooms OF beautiful Mount Vernon
are furnished simply enough, and even
the masters bedroom in the mansion
Is an almost tiny one, the reverse OF
luxurious, while the chamber known
as "Lafayette's room assuredly would
be disdained by the guests Of a modern
American country house.
woodlawn, eight miles from Mount
Vernon, which George Washington
gave to his adopted daughter, Nellie
Custis Is the most pretentious Of the
old plantation homes remaining in
Fairfax county as memorials Of Wash
ington's time. and its rooms are far
larger and more elaborate. But there
was little of luxury anywhere, as we
understand luxury. Coaches, none
too large, that labored over roads none
too good. provided the only means .of
conveyance besides saddle horses. As
a matter OF fact, the coaches were, as
a rule, reserved for the women while
the men rode.
But it was spacious and dignihed
though simple life, with little that was
sordid or dreary. and the owners Of
the spreading acres lived no life Of
idleness despite the free black labor
that they owned. FairfaNes and
washingtons, Masons and Broadwa-
tiers, Fitzhughs and McCartys were
Ytrue 10 the principles OF citizens OF a
republic. They busted themselves in
projects of roads by land and water
to open up the country round about.
| They sat in Legislature and local as
semblies. They rode to court and sat
as Magistrates and court officials.
Fairfax county had a monthly court.
| This monthly court system was 100
! years old when George Washington
was born, for II had begun in 1928 II,
the original county from which Fair
fax was formed. 1t lasted for 27b
years. till II was abolished by the Con-
stitutional Convention OF 1903. Among
/ the Justices were Washington and his
neighbors OF that day-William and
! George Fairfax. Barons no longer
Charles Broadwater. Lewis Ely, John
West, Daniel McCarty and John Tur.
ley.
| Good citizens as they were. there is a
little record in Fairfax court house
which suggests that eminent early
Americans were not always superior TO
the frailties Of ordinary flesh in mat
tiers Of taxes. On May 81, 1850, the
Grand Jury handed down a report
we present George and William Fair
fax, George Washington, John Carlyle
land thirteen others) for not entering
their wheel carriages agreeably to
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-02-16
Half Century Has Wrought Few
Changes in Picturesque Section

ers. Technology and Netherlands clubs
have sent every man who could go.
In the Park is the Barrymore
"home." or as 1t il more Familiarity
known the Gramercy Park Club, an
apartment house formerly the domicile
- Lieasi, Jack and Ethel Barrymore,
Its number is SO. and In years gone by
1t has housed many dignitaries OF the
stage.
An interesting relic OF another age is
the old Quaker meeting house, on
whose forum Mayors and Governors
never fail to appear TO address the
small gatherings of Quakers. Adjoin-
ing is the Gramercy apartments, the
bridge and Joseph p. Day.
And there is tho exclusive Hotel
Irving. owned by Dave Knott, Manhat-
tan's Sheriff and a multiple hotel pro-
prietor. Ner to the north Of tho park,
at No. USkipRton avenue, " the old
homesits OF Cyrus w. Field 'of Allan
tic cable fame.
Just recently was unveiled statue
of Edwin Booth. the eminent TRACE
dian, whose name was ever synony-
nous with Gramercy and the Players
Club. He organized the club, and II
was his desire to model It after. the
Garrick Club of London. retaining the
late Stanford White to do the interior
decoration. At a formal ceremony on
New Years eve, 1888, Booth presented
q deed Of conveyance of the property
vesting the title forever in the Players
The house was the home OF Booth
during his last years and until his
death, June 7, 1898. and he filled It with
objects OF art, There still remain his
old canopied bedstead and many per.
sonal belongings highly treasured by
| the members of the club.
| Grave displeasure was laid upon the
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-02-16
FAIRFAX 0ssY gEcsc a2 eGyssTgsGs FINS
Picturesque Region in Virginia Made Famous by First
President Still Retains Atmosphere of Colonial
Times and Customs

land, and Prince William from Stat
ford, and Fairfax. TO which George was
brought by hts father when he was
years old, had been Just hewn from
Prince William
In Fairfax county his half-brother
Lawrence, son of his fathers first
marriage Ito Miss Dandridgel, ac-
quired big tract on the banks OF the
Potomac from the Fairfaxes, into
which family he married. He named
the estate Mount Vernon. in honor or
Admiral Vernon of the British navy,
under whom he had served as volun-
teer at the siege OF Carthagena; and
IL was this estate which appears to
have been the first really large and
rich possession that came into George
Washington's hands.
Lawrence Washington died shortly
before the French and Indians wars
began. and when Major Qater ColopeD
George Washington Of the Virginia
militia returned in 1854 from his first
unlucky expedition against the French
at Fort Duquesne, on the Ohio, he
went to Mount Vernon. which had
become his by inheritance. and there
began that painstaking study Of agrl-
culture. systematic land Improvement
and continuous acquisition OF new
land, which at last made him the most
extensive planter OF farmer in the re-
public and one OF its richest men.
Washington's Great Holdings.
His total land holdings in 1893, when
he died, we're 56,475 acres. OF these
$500 acres were "a Fairfax county
alone and about 1000 were in various
other Virginia counties. He had $4,000
on the Ohio and Great Kapawha
rivers, 5000 in Kentucky and 1000 In
New York State. The value OF the
Virginia lands averaged $40 and $50 an
acre, and the others averaged IS and
$40 an acre. Altogether the value of
his estate in land alone (without
counting his Fairfax county lands,
whose value was not estimated in the
wilD was set down at $444,S03.
According TO memorandum that he
drew up in 1897 his home plantations
had $50 acres in grass, 400 in oats, 700
in wheat and 700 in CORN, while several
hundred were given over to barley
buckwheat, potatoes. peas. beans and
turnips. There were $50 or 800 negroes
, continually busy a. field hands. The
live stock consisted OF 40 horses, l20
| cows, 226 work oxen, heifers and
| steerA 500 sheep and countless hogs
The whole value Of our FIRST Presi-
dents estate as set down in the docu.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-02-16
Gramercy Park, City's Beauty Spot

initial members of the club by the old
conservative residents. 1t was looked
upon as an invasion which might spoil
the aristocratio atmosphere of the
neighborhood. However, the unques-
tionable character and integrity OF the
organizers dispelled all fears. and the
Players Club became as exclusive as
the park itself.
Samuel j. Tilden, whose home ad-
Joined that Of the club, was its stanch
supporter. and did many things TO de-
termine its place in the parks society.
Mr.. 7fildcn's home a few years ago be-
came the seat OF the National Arts
Club.
The cost OF the Booth statue, s26,-
600, was raised by the Players Club.
The sculptor was William Quinn.
Without Jim Hannah it has always
seemed as II the park, that little cen
tire OF old New York. would be barren
and cold. Jim has seen three genera
tions grow from infancy to manhood
and pass out amid the business of
the metropolis and out OF his life
leaving only pleasant memories.
For three generations he has staged
snow fights, football games, bicycle
races, always acting as official UNI
pire. His favorite punishment for alb
ject disobedience to his lawful DEGREES
in the park Is that of putting a recall
citrant youngster on one OF the park
benches for fifteen minutes. The
effect upon the youthful mind i'm
pressed the writer when from the
other side of the enclosure came a
high, piping voice:
"Can l get up, Jim?"
With wave OF his hand in assent
and a smile at his watch Jim said
Hes been walking in the flower bed
And then Jim talked of years age
In Gramercy. lie spoke OF the Scud-
der. Gerard, Harper. Fish, Van Rens.
salaer, Blagdon "kids" lie has scot
them all enter the walks OF life. Their
names are prominent in business
finance, philanthropy OF to-day. Al.
ready there has been completion ot
their &,es, as far as he is concerned.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-02-16
TIME and progress have altered
the skyline Of lower Manhattan
again and again, hut old Gram

NINE ana progress have altered
the skyline of lower Manhattan
agsin and again. hut old Gram
ercy Park with quaintness still re-
mains. Fifty years have wrought lit
tie change in Gramercy Park save
perhaps few new name plates on the
doors OF the trim homes that sur
round It.
Only during the morning and eve
ming, when thousands OF workers pass
to and fro, is the quie. OF the park
disturbed. During midday, when chill
dren play in the park enclosure
nothing abuses its repose; at night
the distant rumble Of the Third ave
nue. elevated momentarily breaks the
stiffness.
Amid the swirl Of the busiest city
OF either continent, hemmed in by
scores OF lofts, shops and factories
and yet isoiated-alone, there is a cen.
W uiio aUN
In the mind Of Jim Hannah, veteran
caretaker Of the park. these memories
are carried back to the days wher
Jimmie Gerard. Ham Fish. the Scud.
der boys and tho Bigelow girls lived
In Gramercy.
But 60 back further still! Samue
B. Ruggles, an old Tory from Massa
chusetts, bought the land. Thereafter
1t was known as the Ruggles farm
Suburban as It then was, Ruggle.
thought TO develop 1t. He set II apsr
in 1881 in perpetuity for those whit
would maintain II as q park and Of
fered Inducements to those who wouit
Inconvenience themselves by abiding
so far out Of New York city.
And so persons came and built Tha
Is, the best blood OF Manhattan; ant
they kept It apart until in 1850 4
became an exclusive section.
The land grew valuable and the cit,
brought suit TO collect taxes, but tn,
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-02-16
VY COURTROOM w'TH PoRTESTs Or FAMOUS
Court House Wherein Are Preserved the Wills of Martha
and George and Portraits of Many Noted
Men Who Lived Near By

Commemorative, .,,. -, u,,r,.
Countv Virginia and such other at.
torney or attorneys a, the board Of
supervisors Of Fairfax County may re-
quest TO he associated with him. pro-
Of such associate attorneys shall be
provided for by the said board of su-
pervisors Of Fairfax County.
3.'Upon the recovery Of the possess
SION OF the said document, 10 shall be
aelMereo 10 the c,erk OF tne Slrcul.
dsnos,t 90 CO.. Lann;,a an,onc ,h.
NSDSs "'' SCI Sop1"e "e '''~
urchNeS Oh ralrfdH Couhty.
In view OF the Importance OF the
immediate restoration Of the paper to
Of the clerks ONCE of the County of
Fairfax, an emergency Is declared to
exi,, ana this oct shall n. In foroa.
80 .s ~ '1'' "e " AVN
-o-.
suit was nieo III the onlteo STATES
supreme Court put there was no triai
OF IL. MT Morgan proposed 70 Gov
stuart OF Virginia 10 return 'he VIII,
proViaihs were placed III houht
vernon Oh the ground that fartaA
county nau no auequate sateguaros
TOT IT, inc county Board or super
,iso,s oechi'ea the proposal natiy' ana
IN the ehu the VIII was returned 70
. INC Governor. VINO ror"ardea ~ 10
...e .ou",y "ne'e llow Is ca'eiu'ly
Wy .. '''e o'u .ou'. .ou'.
"' inc ''i ""r'
Besides its Washington records,
Fairfax court house has the mourn
full honor OF commemorating the first
Southerner TO die in the civil war. A
monument erected before the building
records 1t with this epitaph:
MARI.
operinx sou, onne, d1af ~ me ssshs or s ,ns
1866, when
c.n,.i, -. JOHX O. MAER
was tho frst soldier killed in action.
a re- 200 rect - Isst W. (masJ
Erected by Mari Camp, c. v.
june ieof'
county and brother 70 Fannie Mari
the Southern moot The old court
house bears on it's arched doorway
the mark of bullet from a Northern
cavalryman's rife. which was fred In
! this engagement, and which Is said
| to have been the first shot fired in thu
war
Later in the strife Col. Mosbv the
famous Confederate guerrilla leader.
| crept into Fairfax town and kidnapped
Gen. Stoughton Of Vermont from the
Episcopal rectory without even alarm
| ing several thousand Northern troops
| under Stoughton's command.
Fairfax county also was the scene Of
the famous killing OF Major Ellsworth
OF the Ellsworth Zouaves. He tore
| down a Confederate flag from the Mar
! shall House in Alexandria, and the
proprietor, James w. Jackson OF Fair
| fax, who had sworn that il should not
| be taken save over his dead body, shot
him as he ran down the steps, only to
fall dead himself. shot and bayoneted
| by Lieut.. Frank Browneu of the
| Zouaves
The Land of our Hi,torv.
/ .
| "" ,"e Ioaus iuauile 'nIousn .na'
- ~ ~
80 49, anu ueep' ie' w
80. >. Nv" WIN ~
80 s., ~ ~ eS
a,n u :" Nv, 'ia. 80 w
$40 us 49, ''e eu'e' s'eeper'
"a - " ~,
! 4, 800 - SUI anu pe"u' VI nc Wv"
- ~ ., - .o9' 90
-, 20 -" ..'' ~,
W. W. - ,oue ''u Wv opoN''e%oou WIN
.nts ',a -, t"o e.un ~ ., s.siue
49, s,Hn.so,io 49, 'oI p"eS ,,,'ous !.
~ T-ase! go $500 .'.u ~ s"oSs %.
~ ,r,raad %moi,s,,,n .nS. - .o,n ns
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-02-16

a hot diet with
small beer or
cider .,.,...., shilling
cold diet ....... . pence
a quart OF madeira. shillings pence
a gill OF rum made
into punch with
loaf sugar....... pence
n gallon of corn or
oats ........... pence
stableage and fod-
der for a horse
81 hours. ...... pence
nights lodgin
with clean
sheets, 6 pence,
otherwise moth
ing.
Travellers OF any social standing did
not need to burden their purses with
even these modest charges In Virginia
The hospitality OF the landed proprie
tors was proverbial and literally
boundless, and none would suffer that
any stranger OF any distinction should
stayfin. any inn while there was a
room in any Virginia gentleman's
home. Horses, servants. everything
were at the guests disposal.
Few Real Luxuries Then.
Yet, famous as the lavishness OF the
province was, 1t was lavishness IN food
and drink rather than in other Injuries
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-02-16

A court order dated 1855 fixing prices
Of lodging and entertainment for man
and beast in the Virginia inns is pre-
served in the Fairfax records and is:
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1919-05-12
OF
CLERKSISSTARTED

The work Of reclassifying employees
Of the District government began to-
day.
DR.. c. willard Camalier, secretary
to the Board Of Commissioners, issued
instructions today to the heads Of the
various local government departments
to have all recIassification work COM
pIeted and in the hands of the Dis
trict Commissioners by noon tomor-
row
In a letter sent to all OF the depart
ment heads today instructions as to
the procedure TO be followed in filling
out the official forms provided were
given by Dr. Camalier.
THE Congressional joint commits
SION" the letter says, ION reclassif1-
cation Of salaries has requested the
Commissioners Of the District OF Co
Iumbia to lend their assistance to-
ward the contamination OF their stu
pendous task Of reclassifying the sal
aries OF Government officials and
clerks, with special reference to those
employed by the government OF the
District Of Columbia and to this end
the Commissioners have placed at the
disposal of the commission the ma
chinery of the municipal government
The Commissioners request your per-
sonal cooperation in this work
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1919-05-12
ASK ST. RITATO
CURE THEIR ILLS

please. good st. Rita. make me
well like I was before I was hurt by
the auto"
1t was the pathetic vail OF little
fellow who. with devoutly clasped
hands, knelt this morning before the
great shrine of st. Rita of Cascia, THE
Saint of Impossible Things" in st.
Martins Church, at North Capitol and
T streets. He hopes to be cured Of
his lameness during the great public
novena to the saint which will begin
tomorrow
The interior OF the church at an
early hour today was a strange con-
trast to the world outside. In prep
aration for the great novena or nine
day devotion in honor of st. Rita, the
shrine in st. Martins was ablaze with
candles and votive lamps lighted by
the faithful. Kneeling near the shrine
were business men who had stopped
in on their way down town, office
workers. and school boys and girls
well-to-dC people and poor people
all praying for the cure OF their
worldly ills or for some special per-
sonal needs that will be sought of the
saint during the novena.
Thirty thousand Catholics of the
District, ii is believed, will take part
in the novena to st. Rita this year.
Reports OF miraculous cures and
other forms of answers to prayers
during st. Rita's novena have been
published throughout the world within
the last few years, with the result
that the Pope has officially pro-
claimed st. Rita as THE Saint of I'm
possible Things" A number OF the
miracles are recorded as having been
effected in this city at st. Martins
Church, where the saints local shrine
Is established, and where there is pre-
served a miraculous relic OF st. Rita.
The initial service of the novena
will be conducted at $50 o'clock to-
morrow evening by the Rev. Eugene
a. Hannah, rector of st. Martins.
Father Hannah will also deliver the
sermon. During the services the mi
raculous relic OF the saint will be
venerated, and at the close benedic-
tion will be given. The novena will
be brought to a solemn close on St
Rita's feast day, May %.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1919-05-12
PLANT z TREES IN
MEMORY OF HEROES

Two memorial trees, commemorat-
ing the heroes who died in the world
war. were planted at the residenc
of Mrs. George Combs. 52OS Forty
first street northwest, yesterday af-
ternoon. The trees were registered
in the national honor roll OF the Amer
lean Forestry Association.
The trees were planted the di-
rection OF the League OF American
Penwomen. Mrs. Isaac Parson. pres
ident of the league, dedicated the
trees to 1.-THE memory OF the patriots
of the great war for civilization"
Miss Anais Pugh. the ten-year-old
daughter of James Pugh, sang Joan
of Arc" and Mrs. Paul Anthony An"
derson sang solos.
Mrs. Combs received an anonymous
poem from d contributor who request
ed that the poem be buried at the
root of one Of the trees. This was
done and now the League of Amer
lean Penwomen wants TO know the
authors name.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1919-05-12
GILLETT AND RODMAN
TRADE BOARD SPEAKERS

Congressman Frederick II. Gillett.
of Massachusetts. and Rear Admiral
Hugh Rodman will be the speakers at
the May meeting Of the Board II
Trade at the Willard Hotel Tuesday.
Reports of committees TO be made
at the meeting are: Municipal art,
Appleton p. Clark, ir., chairman; flag
for the District OF Columbia, DR.. Will
lam TindaIl. chairman; sewerage, DR..
Herbert Martin, chairman; public
health, DR.. Percy Hickling, chairman;
universities. Dr. William S, Washburn,
chairman; insurance. Ralph w. Lee,
chairman: public buildings and States
exhibits, Thomas Bradley, chairman.
A musical program has been pro-
vided. The meeting will close with
a buffet luncheon.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1919-05-12
BABY SHOW At HOPE
ANDHELP MISSION


The three-day baby exhibit of the
Florence Crittenton Hope and Help
Mission, 21S Third street northwest,
was opened this morning at Thir-
teenth street and Pennsylvania ave-
nue. northwest. Twelve babies, rang
ing in age from two months to five
years. who are being cared for by the
mission, will be exhibited daily from
IL to o'clock.
The object OF the exhibit Is to raise
funds enough TO tide the mission over
the summer months. Mrs. Flora NJ.
Freeman. superintendent of the mis-
sion, hopes to raise more than the
$1,000 that resulted from a similar
exhibit last year.
During the last year the mission
cared for III adults and % children,
43 of whom were born in the ma
ternity ward at the home. There are
"a OF these homes throughout the
country. founded by Charles n. Crit
tenton. OF New York. and they care
for more than 5000 women every
year. 1t is estimated that a thousand
dollars will care for about thirty
women for a year.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1919-05-12
MUTE TO BE Wed
TO MUTE BY A
MUTE PASTOR

An unusual incident occurred to-
day when Isaac Marshall, twenty
nine years old, eOIOred, from Bal
timOre, n deaf mute, applied to
Colonel KrOII, in charge of the
marriage license docket ut the
District Supreme Court, for a mar
riage license to marry Reva Bur-
ris, of this city, also deaf mute,
and gave the name Of the Rev.
J. Merrill. of Calvary Episcopal
Church, sos Fifth street southeast,
a deaf mute himself. as the min
lister who il to perform the cere-
money. Colonel KrOII administer
ed the oath to the applicant in
the deaf mute sign language, be-
ing himself an expert in that
manner of expression.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1919-05-12
AIDS 10000 YANKS
TO OBTAIN BONUSES

When he put through a batch Of
discharges today at the office Of the
zone finance officer, NJ. w. Pickering,
sergeant-at-arms of the Republican
Congressional Committee. increased
the number of additional bonuses he
had obtained for discharged soldiers,
sailors. and marines to 10000. This
totals 100000
"'If the request for the $50 bonus is
put through a Republican Congress
man, it can be sent direct to me. and
I will get the check in twenty-four
hours or better" Mr.. Pickering said
today.
Not content with rendering this
service, Mr.. Pickering today was ar
ranging to handle claims for men
taking advantage of the law which
permits them to receive additional
travel pay.
District boys who are entitled to
the additional travel pay may come
to my office in the House Office
Building, and will aid them in pre-
pairing the necessary affidavit" said
Mr.. Pickering. There will be no
charge whatever" he added.
The Potomac division Of the Amer
lean Red Cross today announced that
It would cooperate with the Govern
ment in preparing the proper afida-
Wits of discharged Yanks who are
entitled to additional travel pay.
The division has been furnished
$4,000 affidavit forms and $500 copies
of instructions.
The home service section, which
will direct the work, is located at soc
Kenois Building.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1919-05-12
"GOBS" NOW
ASHORE MUST
GO TO SEA
Members of Naval Reserve Now
Doing Land Duty Not to Be
Discharged.

Naval reservists doing shore duty
in Washington and in other naval
districts will be transferred to sea
going ships, and discharges of the
men doing shore duty are discon-
tinued.
circular letter setting forth the
orders received from Secretary Dan
iels has been distributed to the en-
listed personnel of the navy in this
city.
The order provides that the total
enlisted regular and reserve be re-
duced to 100000 prior to July l, 1919.
This reduction shall be Immediately
made in the enlisted personnel now
employed on shore"
Continuing, the order says, that in
making this reduction. personnel re-
lieved from shore duty shall not De
released, but shall be sent to sea"
Commanding officers of receiving
ships are directed to transfer these
men to seagoing ships to I'LL va
cancies as soon as possible
The order continues: Commanding
officers of seagoing ships are d.
rected to receive these men, whethe
they are regular or of the reserv'
force, trained or unframed.
The releases apply to members OF
the reserve force. to men enlisted for
the duration of the war, and to men
enlisted between April 6. 1917, and
November II, 1918 No men who en-
listed prior to April 6. 1917, or subse-
quent to November II, 1918, shall be
released in accordance with these in
strUctions.
Men shall be released in accord
ance with the urgency OF their rea
sons. other conditions being equal
those having longest service shall be
given preference"