What would you say is the oldest presidential residence still in existence? If you said it was the Deshler-Morris House in Germantown, Pa., you would have been 100 percent correct. But I’ll bet you didn’t. I know I didn’t. I learned if from reading the DAR Magazine American Spirit back in 2002. George Washington resided there in 1793 and 1794. It was first occupied by its builder David Deshler and later by Gen. Howe after the battle of Germantown. The house did not become the temporary residence of Washington until a yellow fever epidemic hit Philadelphia in 1793. The second owner, Col. Isaac Franks charged $131.56 for Washington’s stay.
The residence is called “The Germantown White House” because the President conducted national business there and actually took his family there in 1794. While there, Washington posed for the artist Gilbert Stuart.
The house is kept in excellent repair. Samuel B. Morris purchased it in 1834, and his descendants cared for it “until 1948 when it was donated to the National Park Service and became a remote site of Independence National Historical Park.”
Because of its historical significance, the house was restored to the appearance it had when Washington resided there. The house retains its “original pale gray stucco” which gives it a European flair. Also “authentic” are its “yellow-beige shutters.” A tour through the interior of the house reveals original fireplaces and many period furnishings, including a “red camelback couch” said to have belonged to the Washington family. Of course, there are many original portraits and window treatments popular in that day, including venetian blinds. Can you believe it?
A person can almost imagine Washington working at his desk in his office on the second floor and hearing hoof beats of a horse and rider approaching. Maybe the President would glance up and see through the window close by, the blinds being open to let in the light, that a messenger had arrived.
The messenger would dismount, tie the horse to the rail, grasp his letter pouch and stride up the steps to the front door of the stucco villa which gave the appearance of being constructed of granite blocks.
Some of the 19th century special features of the home are an outhouse in the backyard. This accommodation was referred to as a “necessary” or “privy.” It contains “four separate rooms” and provides 10 seats. This should give “history enthusiasts” something to talk about for a while.
Personally, I am more interested in the “beautifully landscaped garden,” also located in the backyard of the house. The focal point of the garden for many visitors to this historical home is a holly tree planted in 1999 by a local DAR chapter to commemorate the bicentennial of George Washington’s death. The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution always includes the date of his death on the DAR Calendar each year. This is another traditional way to show respect for a founding father of our country.
And don’t forget that Corsicana is a George Washington Bicentennial City. We had our commemoration in 1999 also with a special ceremony and music by the Collins Middle School Band, directed by Mr. Dick Felts. The City of Corsicana was presented a flag which had flown over the capitol, and the colors were posted by the AFJROTC Color Guards, directed by retired Lt. Col. Bobby J. Payne, USAF, instructor.
The ceremony was sponsored James Blair Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Mayor Wilson Griffin made the proclamation of Corsicana as a George Washington Bicentennial Community, and District Judge John Jackson gave the tribute to George Washington.
The Elizabeth L. Gillispie Genealogy Room at Corsicana Public Library contains early scrapbooks and genealogical research as well as many reference books and other historical items donated by members of James Blair Chapter, DAR.
—————
Gelene Simpson is a Daily Sun columnist. Want to “Soundoff” on this column? Email: soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com
Opinion
Related Photos
-
Gelene Simpson is a Daily Sun columnist.
Discussion
Presidential history lesson
- Opinion
-
-
I am so cynical
Cynical: “...believing that people are motivated in all their actions only by selfishness; denying the sincerity of people’s motives and actions, or the value of living...sarcastic, sneering, etc...pessimistic implies an attitude, often habitual, of expecting the worst to happen...”
-
Dumb people in the news
In the news this week was an on-line press release from the Department of Environmental Protection for the state of Pennsylvania that they’ve lost a nuclear device off the back of a truck somewhere between Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The Troxler Model 3430 is a radioactive gauge that takes measurements in the ground. The press release from the DEP states that anyone finding the box should not “tamper” with it.
-
Editorial: Seizure of AP phone records insult to independent press
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
This amounts to spying on an American news organization — common practice in dictatorships but scary conduct in a democratic system that prizes the public value of an independent watchdog press. -
Flying the “Delta Connector”
I had an unfortunate fall earlier this week and wrecked my back to the point where I cannot spend much time sitting up at my desk to write. Therefore, I am recycling a piece I wrote many years ago about our first trip from Corsicana back to Denver.
-
It's my job
A couple of weeks ago, some chowderheads released a study saying that the worst job in America is that of newspaper reporters because of the low pay, long, odd hours and stress.
Number two on the list was lumberjack, which makes sense because trees kill.
-
Message from the Mayor: Safety first
The tragic incident that recently occurred in West serves as a stark reminder that disasters can occur at any time or place.
-
Angels among us
The winds have dispersed the mushroom cloud that hovered over the small town of West. The dust has settled. The President of the United States, the Governor of Texas and other dignitaries have come to join in the memorial for those who lost their lives.
-
Missing the fun
Sad to say, in the 11 years The Little Woman (don’t call me that!) and I lived in Navarro County, we never attended the annual Derrick Days festivities. We followed all the events in the Daily Sun, but we never schlepped into town to “walk amongst em.” I guess, if I were to be honest with myself, I am the reason we never went.
-
Need a job? Leave the cat at home
The USA Today has printed an article this past week of advice to newly minted college graduates on how to get a job which basically boiled down to “don’t be stupid.”
This is excellent advice for any situation, but particularly that crucial job interview. -
Plenty to do
I don’t wanna hear anyone griping about “there’s not anything to do around here.”
In fact, there’s SO much to do around here, I’m not sure how anyone can get to it all! - More Opinion Headlines
-
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
