Comments on: George Washington: Simplicity seeker

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:37:16 +0000

Not only did poor George have to put up with strangers at his table every night, he had to feed them lavishly as well, as the custom of the time dictated. I’ve read historical accounts that say both he and Jefferson would have so many uninvited guests on a daily basis that their farms were hard-pressed to furnish enough food for them all, and what it cost them to provide sufficient wine, claret, port, whiskey and other and spirits in those hard-drinking times almost broke the bank.

By: Pam R.

Pam R. — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:33:51 +0000

As a child, I thought of Washington as “boring” — perhaps this thought was encouraged by those dreadful portraits of him that hung in all my elementary school classrooms. Your excerpts from this book have awakened me to the fact that my childish impression of the man was thoroughly wrong. I am ashamed to admit I never read anything about the man other than what was in text books (also “boring”). Thank you so much for opening my eyes. I am going to the library tomorrow to look for this book and read it!

By: Hippolyta

Hippolyta — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:02:28 +0000

Just adding my “me too!” to the other commenters: thanks for the great post!

By: Just Breathe

Just Breathe — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:53:59 +0000

That was wonderfully enjoyable!

Thank you for providing us a glimpse at days gone by.

By: Laurel

Laurel — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:44:23 +0000

Wow, fascinating! I’ve spent this last month getting caught up on my Jane Austen novels and BBC “bonnet dramas”, and reading about his life here in the US adds to that education. More of this, please!

By: BAW

BAW — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:08:40 +0000

Erin, what a lovely way to honor Washington and also give us a glimpse into the daily life of such a man after he left public life. Clutter was around long before higher technology; we’re just more “efficient” in creating more of it these days!