Next Friday, February 22nd, will mark the 287th birthday of George Washington, the first United States President.
My featured postcard today for my series “One Postcard Saturdays” depicts his inauguration which took place on April 30, 1789. He served for eight years (two terms) until March 4, 1797.
This postcard was postmarked on February 22, 1909 from Providence, RI and was sent by “Frances” to Aunt Etta (Mrs. Etta Hooper), in Franklin, Mass. If you would like to learn more about Aunt Etta, please read one of my previous posts, including: Intro to Aunt Etta And Her Great Adventures.
The publisher of the postcard was Raphael Tuck & Sons’ and it is noted as Post Card Series 156 “Washington’s Birthday”, and it was printed in Saxony.
Born on February 22nd, 1732, in Pope’s Creek, Virginia, George was the son of Augustine and Mary Ball Washington.
He married Martha Dandridge Custis on January 6th, 1759.
In 1761, Washington inherited Mount Vernon. I have been fortunate enough to have visited Mount Vernon during a trip made with my Girl Scout trip way back in 9th Grade. During that trip, we also went to the top of the Washington Monument.
While doing a little research for this blog posting, I visited the website for Mount Vernon (mountvernon.org) and learned that on Friday, February 22nd, as part of their birthday celebration there will be a Naturalization Ceremony for 85 people that have come from 41 countries. This ceremony is such an important part of our country.
Recently, I came across my maternal grandfather’s Naturalization papers, which are dated September 21st, 1918–he came over from Great Britain (England). To learn a little more about my grandfather, Thomas William Watts, please see my previous blog posting: LeValley Homestead, Fairview Ave and Moore’s Motor Service Postcard.
Speaking of the Carr-LeValley Homestead, I will be writing a follow-up blog posting to that initial one in the very near future–I have come across more pictures to include.
In the meantime, back to George…the Revoluntionary War lasted eight years, starting on April 19, 1775 and it ended on September 3, 1783. General George Washington was Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, having been appointed in 1775.
Washington was the first to sign the Constitution.
He died on December 14th, 1799 at the age of 67.
In closing, I have another Washington’s Birthday postcard from 1910 that shows a George Washington quote on the front side which I will reprint here. Although I have also seen it worded a little differently, I will print it as shown on the card.
I have always labored to keep alive within me that little spark of celestial fire called Conscience.
Until next time…
Reference Material
Facts listed were found on the Mount Vernon website: mountvernon.org
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