The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-06-05
Where Washington Danced

Washington, D. C., June 4.-(Special)- "Belvoir, Va., where George Washington danced, where Martha Washington was enter tained at weekend parties, and where Lord Fairfax rested after his fox hunting, now is popularly known among Washngtonians as destination of interest for the motorist and "a luncheon place for the motor boat enthus- fast" says bulletin from the Washington, D. C., headquarters of the National Geographic society
 Though today there is just small pile of bricks made in England and foundation which is almost imaginary to tell where the historic mansion stood, the very spot itself speaks of the romance of which early Virginia history is redolent. Not painting nor authentic plan remains to tell what the old house looked like, but it's location on high green bank, where the Potomac bends gently southward just be- low Mount Vernon, and within sight of Gunston hall, the home of George Mason, the father of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, was enough to inspire it's preservation by transferring it to the United States army. It is now posted as an animal reservation and picnic ground.
 ''The estate stretched in the old days for 10 miiz along the river, and the house site is high point which juts out into one of the ueepSSb placeS III JHe rlVer cnanneI.
 From Washington it is easily accessible by boat down the Potomac or by an excellent mill tary road leading to Camp Humphreys, built during the World war as station for engi- neers.
 These stately gentlemen of Virginia had from their front windows or front yard, a magnificent view of the curving banks of the river, and of the soft blue hills on the Maryland shore. Though the 200 or 300 yards of land that stretched off on the right toward the intake from the river are now overgrown with trees and brush, they must have been cleared out then so the planters might have good view of the vessels from England that put in at their wharyes.
 'tThe house built, evidently in the early eighteenth century, by William Fairfax, the cousin and colonial agent of the owner of the land, Lord Fairfax, who at that time having graduated at Oxford, was basking in the sun shine of courtly favor and ladies' smiles in England contributing, as fancy pleased him, to 'Addison's Spectator and moving in the inspir- ing and intellectual atmosphere of London so- eety.
 When his lordship was tilted at the altar fo. a suitor with higher title, he decided to seek surcease from his chagrn by visiting his cousin William, who seemed to be enjoying life on his vast holdings in the colonies. So pleased was he with what one early writer terms 'beauti- full prospects and sylvan scenes, transparent streams and majestic woods,' that he afterwards took up his residence on part of his estate in the Shenandoah valley.
 Ut was at Belyoir that Washington came un- der the influence of the polish of an elegant t.I oLo o1J L. tues and simple morality he had learned under his mothers care, but in the Fairfax home and on his long hunting trips with Lord Fair fax and in his fireside talks with this veteran of experience, who could tell him the opinions of the learned men at Oxford and of the gayety of English societx, he gleaned much that stood him in good stead in later years
 Lawrence Washington, Georges older brother, had married Anne Fairfax, the older daughter of William Fairfax, and it was for her that Mount Vernon was originally built Later when the house was being remodeled for the coming of the bride of George, it was William Fairfax who went over every day or two to be sure that the carpenters were getting every thing in apple-pie order
 Situated as Belvoir was, so close to Mount Vernon and to Gunston hall, it was the center of great social activity. Often whole parties would move from one large colonial mansion to another in a continual round of festivities. One amusing and delightful indication of the affection existing between the Fairfax family at Belvnir and George Washington is note written by William Fairfax to Washington after the campaign against the French at Fort Du- quesne begging hin, tn come over on next Sun day, 'or else the Lad0's will try to get horses to equip our chair or attempt their strength on Foot to Salute you.'"
 HMMll Hn AIn1nnc T;nl, z