Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-03


~ Capital during the fast-appxoach-
ing Biccntennial none will date
farther back into history than the
Marshall home At Marshall Hall, Nd, almost
opposite Mount Vernon, where lived the nrst
Presidents friend and supporter, Thomas Han
son Marshall . captain in the Continental
Army
There Is no certainty IS 70 the exact age OF
the mansion which may even date back 70
$780, or earlier. william Marshall, We are
told, purchased In 1878 2oo acres OF land here
about from the emperor Of the Piscataway, or
Conoy Indians and that this part Of the for
mer's estate descended to his son, William, and
that the Iatter's third son. Thomas Marshall,
was born within its walls in 1894, fact sub
stantiated. it is said. by the family Bible
Naturally, there is no one alive today VINO
can remember SO far back, but there are many
people with us today who recall visits to the
place as q Summer resort and remember the
old mansion house for at least half century
and who only knew it then as an ancient
dwelling close by which a small burial
plot with a limited number of headstones tell
ing the story Of its early owners with whom
we're largely buried the facts regarding the
mansion and the history of the people who once
lived there In the style of lords and barons.
The dancing pavilion had a smooth floor
and the music was in keeping with the good
reputation of the place, the proprietor OF which
for many years Col. Joseph A McKibbin
who died July l. 1896. These were the days
when every steamboat that passed Mount Yer
non toed its bell in honor of the Father of
his Country who sleeps beside his consort IN
a sacred tomb on the estate which was in
life so near and dear to his heart. On YES
sells carrying bands of music it was also Gus
tomary to play, in passing the national shrine,
Nearer, My God, to Thee" or some other
fitting piece but few years ago when the
writer went down the Potomac, the vessel did
not even salute. Perhaps this was due TO care
lessness for it would hardly be conceivable
to believe patriotism is dying out.
THIS reminds me of the songs we used to
sing on the excursion boat on the way
back home. Fifty years ago the boats were
not lighted with electricity as they are today,
and consequently the decks not so bright.
and as we gathered in group in one end OF
the boat where everybody looked the same,
someone would start to sing: II saw the ship
go round the bend, good-by, my lover good-by,"
and soon everybody the ship would be sing
ing some familiar strain, such as, MY Old
Kentucky Home" "Old Black Joe" "Old Folks
at Home" White wings they never grow weary,
they carry me cheerily over the seas the
words to White Wings ran-at that period
q new and popular piece.
In the Cleaning" still popular, one of
the favorites, was Meta Juanita." Il
Wander Today Ger the Hills, Maggie" was
never omitted, and usually there were America"
Battle Hymn of the Republic" The Star
Spangled Banner" Empty Is the Cradle,
Baby's Gone" another new piece at that time;
"Iarboerd Watch" Little Church in the Wild
wood" and, as the boat nearing the dock,
you could almost always depend on Home,
Sweet Home" or
Home again home again.
From foreign shore,
But oh, it fills my soul with joy
To meet my friends once more
For here I dropped the party tear
To cross the oceans foam
But now I'm once again with those
VINO kindly greet me home"
A very beautiful sentiment even today par
tscularly for those who have returned to Wash
ington to spend the holiday season with their
relatives and friends.
Samting Mount Vernon by means
custom confined to the period Of half a cen
fury ago, but originated during the lifetime of
Gen. Washington when armed merchantmen
sailing from Alexandria always Saluted when
passing this historic home on their way to meet
the enemy, during the maritime with
the first gun, the general would leave his
library, and, taking position on the portico
that fronts the river, remain there uncovered
until the firing ceased.
Still other occasions recorded at a early
date when similar marks OF veneration were
corded the master of Mount Vernon while he
was living and could appreciate them. One
particular salute, told was
homage of the heart, for 1t was paid by old
companion in arms, while its echoes called up
the memories Of the past A small vessel would