The Dolores star., 1921-02-18
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tourists. Mt Vernon. of course is the Washing
ton shrine and 1t will continue be that so long
the republic endurcs. II the Virginia
home on the Potomac to which Washington took
his bride; there he made plans for his life work
plans that were rudely shattered by the events
of later years II from that refuge that he
went forth to command the armies of the Revo
luton, and II from the seclusion of that
attractive place that he answered the call to be
President. He returned to the old home re-
tiring from Office, and there he died. and there
his bones lie.
When the national capital city was laid out
and for many decades afterward, Mt. Vernon
was looked upon long ways orr from the
capital. 1t is only seventeen miles AWAY. Today
there are three ways of reaching Mt. Vernon
by boat, by electricity, by automobile. 1t is AN
easy hours travel from the business center OF
Washington With these facilities the number of
visitors has greatly Increased 1t is believed the
time is not far distant when II million and a half
OF tourists will annually visit Mt Vernon.
If you should happen be In Mt Vernon ON
the 22d of February you would, in Imagination
see Washington as he went about his country place
on his birthday. "rhe very atmosphere speaks
10 you of him. said distinguished Frenchman.
visitors marvel at the falthfuness with which
the buildings and their contents and the grounds
have been preserved There have been of me-
cessity. some requirements, but speaking In u
broad way, things are they were when Wash
ington last looked upon them. One can almost
see the house cat coming out of the hole under
the door that led to the room occupied BY Mrs
washington. And what sense of comfort one
gets as he sits in easy chair on the veranda
ana looks out the Potomac and across the
river to the hills of Maryland just as Washington
did! mo wonder Washington did not wish to
leave the place even to be President of his coun.
try one says TO himself.
The Mount Vernon Ladies' Aid society continues
to care for the Mt Vernon home and lands The
country owes a debt of gratitude TO this society
Tor preserving the property. Years ago when 1t
was about to fall into the hands of private spec
ulators this society formed and 1t has done
It's work well. Many persons believe, however
that congress should buy the estate in the name
of the government and throw 1t open to the public
Always under the management of the Aid society
a nominal charge for admittunce has been made
Many of the visitors linger in the country about
the old Washington home. OF course no one who
knew the Washington family is now living but
there plenty of descendants of the old families
In the neighborhOod who delight to talk of the
old days. The countryside has not changed much
In 12O years. Many houses built while Washing.
ton was alive still stand. Three miles south OF
Mt. Vernon the old Pohick (EpIscopaD church In
which Washington frequently worshiped is still
occupied by the Episcopal congregation Within
the last five years the interior of the old build.
Ing has been restored and today visitors NAV look
on the decorations precisely they were when
Washington attended.
Passing time has not served to take away any
ol the washington atmosphere ABOUT the old city
of Alexandria. seven miles south Of the national
capital and on the road to Mt. Vernon. The first
thing the writer Is told is that Washington "dId a
lot for u.s." "He established our public school
system" says the local guide, "and he gave US our
first fire department He was always doing some.
thing for u.s." Foremost Of the Washington show
places In Alexandria Is old Christ church. of
which Washington was n member for some 40
years. The church building Of brick has been
preserved unchanged. The pew that Washington
occupied is reserved every Sunday for strangers
who may happen along ut the service hour The
old sexton will be certain to relate numerous
stories Of the first President. He WILL first Of ALL
tell you how Washington always came up from
Mt. Vernon horseback followed by his faith
full black bodyguard in a bright red uniform:
how after services Washington likely to linger
in the church-yard to talk with his country neigh
bors. and how 1t was frequently necessary for