Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1922-02-22
Story of Mt. Vernon.

ually unchanged, in memory ofsWasn-
ington, is the sacred trust Of the
Mount Vernon Association.
The nation owes the rescue, resto-
ration and preservation of this con-
secrated spot to a South Carolina
woman, Ann Pamela Cunningham of
"Rosemont, "Laurens County, who,
in 1853, founded "The Mount Yer
non Ladies' Association"
Mr.. John Augustine Washington,
who inherited the estate from his
Uncle, found himself without means
to keep up the property, and at last
felt forced to offer the historic place
for sale. He offered it to the United
States Government for 100000, but
the Government declined to purchase.
He then offered it to the state of Vir-
ginia at the same price. Virginia also
refused to buy. One of those Corpo-
r%ations, which cater to the entertain
ment of the people, then proposed to
buy it for 100000, with the inten-
ton of turning it into a place of
amusement and public resort John
Augustine Washington showed his no
BILE patriotism by refusing this offer
peremptorily.
About this time a South Carolina
lady, Mrs. Cunningham, travelling by
steamboat down the beautiful Poto-
mac to Washington, passed by Mount
Vernon and was much touched by the
solemn effect of the tolling of the
steamers bell in reverent salutation
Of the spot. She was writing to her
daughter at the time, and continued
with this sentence, "What a great
destiny it would be if the women of
America could buy this sacred spot
and preserve it as a shrine for the
nation"
Her daughter, Ann Pamela Cum
ningham, a great sufferer from spinal
trouble, read the letter while in great
pain, but was so struck by the sug-
gestion that she Immediately said 81
will do it." Her family and friends
tried to laugh her out Of the idea,
but in vain. She at once wrote a rous-
ing appeal to the Southern Women
of America signing it "The Southern
Matron" and sent it to the press.
There was a prompt response, not
only from the South, but from wo-
men all over the country, who were
anxious to join in the endeavor. Miss
Cunningham, whose vision and power
of organization were great, then
brought into being the first patriotic
association of women only, ever
formed in these United States of
America. From the moment the move
ment began, it never suffered a pause.
The enthusiasm grew steadily and
rapidly, and before the end of 1859
the huge sum of 100000 was raised.
Now came an unexpected difficulty.
John Augustine Washington refused
to sell to a party Of women. Miss
Cunningham then made the terrific
effort, for her, of journeying to
Washington, a portion of the time on
a cot, and laid before the owner of
Mount Vernon the plan and high
aims and ideals of the Association.
He listened coldly at first, but later
become greatly impressed, and on
the rext morning gave his full I'M
qualified consent to the sale. The
100000 was paid. over in 1850 and
Mount Vernon became the property
of "The Mount Vernon Ladies' As
ISOLATION"
During the War between the States
the Association had to face terrible
difficulties. The soldiers of the two
armies, however, respected and pro-
tected the place equally. There could
not be paid a greater tribute to the
universal love Of Washington.
AS soon as normal conditions re-
turned after the War, people focked
to the revered spot. The Constitution
of the Association had provided that
an entrance fee of twenty-five cents,
for the maintenance of the place,
should be charged at the gate. Owing
to the love and ~veneratioa of the
whole nation, so many individuals
sought Mount Vernon that in a very
short time the gate receipts began
to enable the Association to make
necessary repairs, and then to buy
back gradually, piece by piece, the
original Washington furnishings.