In terms of 'literary' content, this book has none. It is, more or less, akin to a pamphlet telling a generalized story of Mount Vernon (George Washington's home) and the association of ladies (the Mount Vernon Ladies Association) who saved it from deterioration.
The story goes - and not all of this is relayed within the pages here - John Augustine Washington, a descendent of George Washington, owned and lived in the residence in the 1850s. The estate, as well as the residence, reached the point of maintenance he was unable to maintain. A developer made him an offer for the property; but he, recognizing the historical significance of his family name, sought to have it retained as the historical site it was - something he was unable to do.
Therefore, he goes to the federal government, offering to sell it to them.
They say no.
He turns to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
They also say no.
Then, one day in 1853, a steamboat is giving tours down the Potomac River, which - of course - passes directly by Mount Vernon. The captain brought to the attention of his passengers the 'home of the father of our country' - or something similar to those words.
One of the women traversing the river that day on tour was a socialite from South Carolina named Louise Dalton Bird Cunningham. She was so shocked by the condition of the general's home, she wrote her daughter Ann Pamela Cunningham with the immortal words in Mount Vernon lore:
"If the men of America have seen fit to allow the home of its most respected hero to go to ruin, why can't the women of America band together to save it?"
And that is precisely what they did.
They raised the money, bought the home, and year by year have gradually been restoring it to its former grand prestige. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association owns and operates George Washington's home, giving honor to his significant contribution to this great country we call home.
I learned this tale from my own visit to Mount Vernon, being literally thrilled over private citizens tackling such a monumental task as restoring George Washington's home. It serves as an inspiring testament to the human will. 'With God all things are possible'. These ladies proved it.
Thus, hearing of the story, when I bought my NOOKColor a month after visiting Virginia, I decided I needed to learn more. This book is what I discovered. While it does not tell more of the story in depth (it runs a mere sixteen pages), it does offer a perspective from the people who lived closer to that time period. What did they think? This little book offer a glimmer of a clue.
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