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Sunday, May 31, 2015

Presidential Spotlight: George Washington

George Washington
Birthdate: February 22, 1732 in Pope’s Creek, VA
Death: December 14, 1799 in Mount Vernon, VA



George Washington was the first to serve in our nation’s highest office. How much do you know about one of the first founding fathers? Here are some fun facts and tidbits you may not have known that are featured in the first Presidential Spotlight.

Washington was a huge dog lover. He had more than 30 dogs. A few of their names were: Drunkard, Tipler, Sweet Lips, Tarter and Tipsy. I am a huge dog lover. I own two German Shepherds. I do not know if I could own 30 at one time.

Washington liked to chow down on: peanut soup, mashed sweet potatoes with coconut, and string beans with mushrooms. These are very different menu items then what our presidents eat today.  

Washington did not have a middle name. His name is simply George Washington.

He married at age 26. Martha Dandridge Custis was a widow with two children when they were married. They do not have any children of their own. Some historians think that he may be infertile. His step-children, Jacky and Patsy died at young ages. Jacky died at age 27 due to camp fever. He had traveled to work as a civilian aide to his step-father. Pasty, died eight years earlier as a teenager after suffering from a seizure.

Washington also holds the highest rank in the US military. No one will ever outrank him. His official title is: General of the Armies of the United States.  He was also the only sitting president that went into battle. On September 19, 1794, George Washington led the militia on a march west over the Allegheny Mountains to the town of Bedford.

He inherited 10 slaves after his father’s death. Washington was just 11 years old. When he died, he owned more than 300 slaves.  

He did not wear a wig. His hair appeared white due to being powdered. You can see a picture of Washington’s Hair here: http://statemuseumpa.org/locks-george-washington-hair/
There is a hair sample that is in possession at The State Museum in Pennsylvania.

George Washington stood at 6’2 and weighed about 174 pounds.

We owe a thank you to his mother, Mary Washington. George had wanted to join the Royal Navy when he was 14 years old. His mother, after talking to neighbors and others decided this was not a good move for him.

Mount Vernon was where parts of “National Treasure: Book of Secrets was filmed.” I visited Mount Vernon while it was being filmed. If you ever get a chance to visit Virginia, this is one place that is worth the stop. Mount Vernon is very unique when it comes to places to visit. 

Book Recommendation: 
  1. His Excellency: George Washington  - Book by Joseph J. Ellis
  2.  George Washington By:  James MacGregor Burns and Susan Dunn


Works Consulted:
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/7-fun-facts-about-george-washington




Thursday, May 21, 2015

Playyyyyyy Ball!!!!!

My husband, my 13 year old daughter, and I visited Texas in April. We originally went to see the Duck Commander 500. I also wanted to take in sites and see some tourist attractions. One of my favorite pastimes is BASEBALL!!!! I am a huge Cleveland Indians Fan. Win or lose, I will always be a Cleveland Sports fan. While we were there, we visited the George W. Bush Presidential Center. They were offering an exhibit that was based on America’s favorite past time. This exhibit is entitled: Baseball: America’s Presidents, America’s Pastime. Two of my favorite things – presidents and baseball. So, Thursday after a nightmare commute from the airport Wednesday night we were rested and ready to go. Off to Dallas we went. I have never visited a Presidential library before. I would love to see as many as I can. It was easy to find – and easy to access. If you are in Dallas, it is a cool place to visit. The baseball exhibit starts with a short video about different Presidents and throwing first pitches out. The one that gave me the chills is the pitch that George W. Bush threw out after September 11. It was nice to reflect on how America had come together and exhibited Patriotism. There are giant pictures of various President’s throwing the first pitch out. Harding, Coolidge, Hoover, FDR, Taft, Eisenhower, Kennedy, LBJ, Nixon, and Ford threw the first pitch from the baseline in the Presidential box. Regan, Bush Sr., Clinton, Bush, and Obama all sent hurlers from the pitching mound. I do like seeing our President doing normal things. The exhibit also had jumbo size baseball cards that had the president’s picture on the front, and fun facts on the back. It was fun to walk through the past and see President’s enjoying a good ballgame. They even had a exhibit for the All American Girls Professional Baseball. I LOVE “A League of Their Own” and it was cool to see the pictures and items that became familiar thanks to the movie.  My husband was very excited to see George W. Bush sporting his favorite baseball team – Cincinnati Reds.

My favorite baseball player of all time is probably Jim Thome – who is yours?









Welcome

Hi! I am Connie Tillman. I am a 30 something mother of 4 wonderful children. I am married and live in a suburb of Cleveland Ohio. I am a huge Cleveland Sports fanatic. I am starting this blog to reach out to those who may like history, may hate it, want to know more about it, etc. I am currently working on my Masters in Military History. I would like to teach college level when I am done. I am also working on two books. One is a Christian Historical Fiction book, based in the Civil War. The second is a book focusing on Warren G. Harding and the good that he did during his presidency. I hope to post book reviews, reviews on apps, documentaries, short articles, and blog about my historical journey. Invite your friends. Let's look back and explore. I can be emailed at: connieshistoryclassroom@gmail.com