Geo. Washington Remembered
As you approach the front entrance to the Hancock House there is an large slate paver informing one about the house and its former Boston resident, John Hancock. At the end of this paver’s script “Horace Moses a Son of Ticonderoga” and benefactor of the building had inscribed ~ “..presented… to perpetuate American Traditions in History and the Fine Arts.” On this traditional day of celebrating the birth of George Washington we remember a time when his life was honored in a number of ways through-out the land. As a tribute to those days we share some writings and visuals gleamed from various sources relating to the George Washington Bi-Centennial Celebration of 1932 here in the North Country.
George Washington THS Collection
“The United States of America – the entire world, in fact is paying homage to the memory of George Washington upon the occasion of the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of the “Father of His Country.” Years, decades, yes, centuries have passed and will continue to do so as time passes steadfastly on – but the name of George Washington and all it implies will always remain livid and undying in the heart of every American.
This country which he strived successfully to establish became a reality only after Washington and his courageous followers had overcome seemingly impossible and insurmountable obstacles and difficulties. His splendid ideals, his patience and fortitude and spirit of willing self-sacrifice are emblematic of the loftiest and most praiseworthy principles of this country.
The nation at large honors him — not only on each February twenty-second, but upon every day of every year. The American people can never forget!
To residents of Ticonderoga and other communities in northern New York – we who daily tread upon the historic ground which once trembled under the marching feet of Washington and his gallant armies – there is even a closer, more intimate and more significant feeling of reverence.
Through the loyal cooperation of individuals and fraternal organizations of Ticonderoga and other towns and villages of the Adirondack Region, the observance of the Bicentennial George Washington Celebration has obtained a splendid beginning. It is sincerely hoped that the interest and enthusiasm will not falter and that throughout the year 1932 there will be no cessation in the program of events dedicated to the memory of one of the greatest of all Americans – George Washington.”
(Editorial, Ticonderoga Sentinel, February 25, 1932)
(Left) From The National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC a circa 1786 plaster bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon. (Right) On display in our Firemen’s Exhibit Gallery a similar styled bust. Above is a framed portrait of George Washington that is exhibited in our School Exhibit.
Crown Point – “The Champlain Chapter, D.A.R. held its February meeting at the home of Mrs. George Phinney. The program consisted of a talk on the Bi-Centennial by Mrs. Eaton, chairman of the entertainment committee: a reading by Mrs. Barker on “Washington in the role of inventor,” and three piano duets by Mrs. John Barker and Miss Faith Packard.”
“Washington’s Association With Ti Recalled by Flight” – George Washington’s association with Ticonderoga is again recalled with the announcement of the flight by Major James H. Dolittle, manager of the aircaraft department of the Shell Petroleum Corporation and holder of the transcontinenetial air record, who, on July 25th, weather permitting, will soar over the city on a 2900 mile flight covering the routes traversed by Washington during his life. Washington’s visit to Ticonderoga in the summer of 1783 gives us an insight to the Revolutionary leader’s constant desire to travel. In his notes, Washington records that the trip to Ticonderoga was made to break the monotony of the long wait for the signing of the final treaty papers with England. On the trip to Ticonderoga Washington was accompanied by Governor Clinton.”
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“WGY Program Feb. 20 Devoted to Washington” – It is particularly suitable that one of the counties named after our first President should do honor to him and at the same time express the interest that Washington showed in forestry. On February 20th six forestry club members in Washington county will broadcast from WGY AT 12:15 in the program of the WGY Fellowship. These club members are Winfield Arnott, Cambridge, Jackson Club, …… Ray Lauder ..who tells of Washington as a timber cruiser; Earl Roberson …giving a short account of his experiences on the Adirondack Forestry Tour; Wm. Roberson.. speaking on second year forestry work in tree identification and seed collection; William Wicks, president of Durkeetown Club and of the County 4-H Council, who tells of the planting of the county forest last fall by 43 club members…”
“Moriah Celebrates Washington Bicentennial” – Moriah Grange, school and community presented a pageant-play in honor of the 200th anniversary of the birth of George Washington …. “In the Hearts of His Countrymen,” was under the direction of the faculty of Sherman Collegiate Institute and consisted of four episodes and nine parts. Two parts showed Washington as a boy drilling his “Cornstalk Brigade,” and making his decision not to go to sea, Robert Pereau and Rufus Rundlett playing the parts of Washington as a boy. Washington as the Virginia Colonel, as General of the Continental Army, and as President of the U.S., was played by Gerald Greenough. Scenes were laid in the homes of Lord Fairfax and Mr. Chamberlane, Virginia gentlemen, at Mount Vernon, at army headquarters on the Delaware and at Valley Forge, and at the President’s formal reception. The Thirteen Sisters, representing the colonies, were dressed in Grecian robes, red and blue sashes and silver crowns and formed effective tableaux in the play. They also danced the gavotte. Different groups played the old colonial game, “Roman Soldiers,” blind-man buff, drop the handkerchief, the Virginia Reel, and a negro plantation dance. The Grange orchestra of twelve pieces, under the direction of Homer Stone, furnished the music…”