Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-11-04
Wakefield MANOR
COMPLETION NEAR
Washington Birthplace Res
toration to Be Ready in Time
for Celebration Feb. II.

Restoration of George Washington's
birthplace at Wakefield Manor, Va. will
be completed in about three months, in
time for the celebration on February IL
1882. marking the bicentenary OF his
birth, according to the old-style calen-
OAR. This was made known today by H
F. Caemmerer. secretary of the Fine
Arts Commission. following a visit yes
terday by the commission to Wakefield
Manor to observe progress
Location of rest house. as an ac-
commodation for visitors, similar to the
terminal house at Mount Vernon, was
decided upon. This new structure will
be erected to the north of the ancestral
nome In the section known as Duck
Hall. The architect, Edward w. Donr
j., Of Washington, who designed a
house similar to the one built by Angus
tine Washington. the father of George,
as regards both external appearance
and interior finish and arrangement
mouse, which will conform architectural
~ to the other buildings in the group.
Pleased With Progress.
The commission was pleased with the
progress of the work MIR Caemmerer
said, explaining that the inspection tour
was made in conjunction with repre-
sentatiyes of the National Park Service
OF the Interior Department.
Special treatment is being given the
historical burial ground of the Wash
ington family at Bridges Greek, located
about quarters of mile from
ropes Greek, where the homestead was
situated. The father of George WASH
lngton and his family are buried in
the graveyard which was long per-
united to be overrun by brambles.
Restoration of Wakefield Manor and
the surrounding grounds, including the
Colonial garden, was initiated by the
wakefield National Memorial Associa-
ton
Upon it's visit yesterday to the his
toric landmark, the Fine Arts Commits
sion found that the ancient kitchen
near the mansion has been rebuilt and
the Colonial garden reconstructed. A
mansion house of the dimensions of
tnat burned IN 1880 has been construct
ed entirely of brick made by hand
from clay taken from the Washington
land and burned on the place.
Ine commission found that the
original vault OF the Washingtons has
Deen uncovered and reconstructed and
that the remains, which were impossible
OF identification, found in the vault and
adjoining graves. were carefully put In
large easket and placed within the
rebuilt vault. Over the vault, monu-
ment has been erected, for John Wash
ington, the immigrant Four table,
stones have been erected for the
descendants of John Washington.
known to have been buried there. A
brick wall has been built around the
grave yard, trees and shrubbery have
been planted by the National Park
Service and tree-bordered walk leads
to 1t.
Ceremony to Be Feb. IL.
On February IL, 1882, the restored
Wakefield Manor will be turned over to
the National Park Service, in accord
ance with law. to be maintained and
administered by the Federal Govern
ment. The names OF thousands of
contributors to the restoration, includ-
ing the States OF Connecticut, Illinois,
Indiana and Virginia, will be comment
Grated in the Golden Book of Wakefield
The Wakefield National Memorial
Association will continue to cooperate
with the National Park Service and will
build the rest house from its funds.
Charles Moore, chairman Of the Fine
Arts Commission who is a vice presi-
dent Of the Wakefield National Me-
mortal Association. has jtirt prepared
a sketch entitled Wakefield. the Birth
place Of George Washington" showing
the origins Of the Washington family
and their history, revolving around the
establishment of the home at Wake
field Manor.