On Saturday, Brett and I headed to Montpelier to celebrate James Madison’s Birthday. We were excited since it was the first time we would see the wreath lying at his tomb. Little did we know it would be a day we would never forget.

As we drove down Constitution Highway, just before arriving at the main gate, the sky threaten us by dropping a few rain drops on the window. Brett and I looked at each other and it was as if we were communicating the same words, “We are going to get wet today.” But as we drove up the long drive with the Montpelier Mansion as a backdrop, the rain stopped and we both breathed a sigh of relief.

Montpelier

We parked in the overflow parking lot having arrived with just fifteen minutes to share. I quickly gathered my important items and Brett grabbed our umbrella. We made our way down the road to a side road. From here we could see the family cemetery in the distance. There was a crowd of people already there. We could also hear music. I smiled at Brett as we head to the path.

Just as we arrived at the path which is located across from the Slave Cemetery, we saw a gentleman talking to what we assumed were exchange students from James Madison University. He was explaining to them the roles of the slave on the plantation. I caught myself smiling thinking about the history that would be shared today.

As we walked down the path, you could see just over the ridge a small hill and fence line. I looked up just in time to see a herd of horses running over to the fence line. It was as if they too heard the music and wanted to come and see what it was all about.

When we arrived at the family cemetery, we realized that the ceremony was going to include the United States Marine Corps. If you have been following the blog and have read about us, you know that I am a former Marine and Brett is a retired Navy Corpsman. It was such a wonderful surprise to see these young Marine honoring such a great man.

Kat Imhoff
CEO of Montpelier

The master of ceremony was the new CEO of Montpelier, Kat Imhoff. The ceremony started off with remarks from her followed by the Marine Color Guard and Invocation. There was a presentation give to James Madison and the people of Virginia by Governor McDonnell through one of his representatives declaring Saturday to be James Madison Appreciation Day. In the remarks it was really quite exciting to hear the governor state that James Madison was born in Port Conway, Virginia. I looked at Brett who was video-taping the ceremony on the other side of the wall and gave him a smile and thumbs up.

Jonathan Alger
President of James Madison University

The main speaker was Jonathan Alger, President of James Madison University. In his speak, Mr. Alger called for a “Return to Madison”. There were birthday wreaths presented by several public organizations and locations in honor of Mr. Madison as well as a wreath presented by the Marines by order of President Obama.

After the ceremony and just a small passing sprinkle, Brett and I had a chance to meet Mr. Alger and Ms. Imhoff. We also had a chance to say “Hello” to some of the other staff members we had met during our visit in October. One of them was Tom Chapman, one of the staff that works with the archaeology department. We renewed our invitation for Tom and others to visit us at Belle Grove.

Afterwards we headed to the Visitor Center to purchase our tickets to tour the house. We have seen the mansion many times and could almost do tour ourselves. But we were more interested in seeing “Mr. and Mrs. Madison”. We skipped the film and headed to the Mansion hoping to get into one of the tours. There we were greeted by a staff member helping to direct people. When we asked where the Madisons were, he told us that they were meeting people in the Constitution Room located in Nelly Madison’s wing. We asked if we could skip the tour and go straight there and we were happy to hear that we could.

Reproductions of Dolley’s Clothes
in the Visitors Center

Reproductions of Dolley’s Clothes
in the Visitors Center

Reproductions of Dolley’s Clothes
in the Visitors Center

Reproductions of Dolley’s Clothes
in the Visitors Center

Reproductions of Dolley’s Clothes
in the Visitors Center

Reproductions of Dolley’s Clothes
in the Visitors Center

As we entered the room, we observed Mr. Madison sitting with a young girl on one side of the room deep in conversation. Her father was sitting across the aisle tapping the conversation on his cell phone. Mrs. Madison was on the opposite side of the room also holding a conversation with a young boy. It was really fun to watch the children interacting with these two actors as if they were the real people. Of course I can’t say anything about that. When I met them in December, you would have thought I was meeting the man himself then too!

Mr. Madison holding a conversation with a young girl

Mr. Madison holding a conversation with a young girl

Mrs. Madison holding a conversation with a young boy

Mr. Madison holding a conversation with a young girl

Once the conversations were done and the family made their way out the door, we sat down and spoke to the Madison. All I can say is, “Wow!” It was really a lot of fun discussing history with them and talking about our plantation and his birthplace. Both were just so knowledgeable about the Madison that I could see why other people have told us that these two re-enactors were the best. We talked about the possibility of them coming to Belle Grove for a birthday celebration next year. Mr. Madison even made the suggestion that we have them come to Belle Grove in September to celebrate his  and Dolley’s anniversary. He explained it would be good because his father and mother, James Madison Sr and Nelly Conway Madison were also married on September 15^th. This would be one of many things I would learn from Mr. and Mrs. Madison during our visit. He even asked if he could provide a menu for the dinner!

I think the best part of the visit was when we were discussing our final upcoming public hearing on Tuesday, March 19^th with the Board of Supervisors of King George. Mr. Madison offered to come and speak on our behalf. Now wouldn’t that be something! To have Mr. Madison walk into the board room and give his blessings for our business. We were so touched!

We also asked Mr. Madison if he would consider giving us a list of books he would like to see in our library. We most definitely need a shelf of “recommended reading” by James Madison. We also discussed our Cookie Contest that is currently going on. We explained that the theme is “a Cookie James Madison would like”. This seemed to please them both.

All told we spent the better part of an hour talking with them. For Brett and me, it was truly the highlight of our whole trip. While I know that this isn’t really Mr. and Mrs. Madison, it really makes me wish I could have really known the man and woman. What great things he must have said and what a wonderful personality she must have had. But if this is as close as we could come to the real persons, I have to say, we got the best that there could have ever been.

Flowers at Montpelier

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December 12, 2012

Governor and Mrs. McDonnell Launch Year of the Historic Home Website

RICHMOND—Governor McDonnell and Mrs. McDonnell are pleased to announce the launch of the Year of the Historic Home website.  In September, Governor and Mrs. McDonnell signed a proclamation recognizing 2013 as the Year of the Historic Home and the new website, www.historicalhomes.virginia.gov, features information on the participating houses around Virginia and tools for citizens to interact with Virginia’s rich cultural history.

The Governor and First Lady are pleased to initiate this new effort to recognize the importance of the many historic homes around the Commonwealth as they commemorate the bicentennial of the Executive Mansion. Virginia has more than 100 historic homes that span from pre-Colonial times through the Modern era, all of which provide an abundance of cultural, historical, and architectural information and promote an understanding of, as well as an interest in, Virginia’s story. Most of these homes are open to the public as museums and historic sites, and have drawn visitors from around the country and even from around the world.  Included on the new website is a video PSA graciously donated by PixelDust studios in Washington DC, featuring First Lady Maureen McDonnell and the voice of Salvatore Vecchio, a voice actor of many National Geographic series.

In addition to the interactive features on the new website, the Virginia Time Travelers Program has also been revived for this initiative and students and families are encouraged to participate. In order to achieve the status of Master Traveler, students must download a passport from the website, visit eight participating homes in Virginia, and mail the completed passport to the Executive Mansion. All Master Travelers will be recognized on the website, receive a certificate signed by the Governor, and be entered to win additional prizes.

Both the website and the Time Travelers Program are part of the initiative supported by the Secretary of Natural Resources, the Department of Historic Resources, the Virginia Association of Museums, and the historic homes in Virginia. By highlighting the educational value of these homes and promoting tourism to the sites, the Governor and the First Lady intend to ensure their vitality and enhance their value as Virginia cultural assets.

Managers of historic homes that should be included in this celebration or are currently listed and would like information updated should contact Audrey Trussell at audrey.trussell@governor.virginia.gov.

Check out the Year of the Virginia Historic Home Video!

Belle Grove Plantation ~ Birthplace of James Madison

Made the Video!

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Virginia State Capital
Richmond, Virginia

On Thursday, after a great night’s sleep at our friend Terri’s home, we headed out for our next big adventure.  We had scheduled a tour at the Virginia Executive Mansion, but that wasn’t until 3:30pm. So we had a little time to waste. So being on vacation, we slept in and took our time heading out.

Gates Antiques
Jay and Jo Gates
12700 Old Buckingham Rd Midlothian, VA 23113
www.gatesantiques.com

Our first stop was at an antique store that I had visited before with Terri. Gates Antique Store is located in Midlothian, an area of Richmond. They were the store that graciously donated the Blue Ink Well, Meat Mallet, Jello Mold and the Limoges Gravy Boat. I wanted Brett to have a chance to see some of the wonderful treasure they have there!

Lot 1
Blue Ink Well
Who is going to win this sweet little jar?

From there we headed to downtown Richmond. After several minutes trying to find a parking space, we located a public parking lot just under the Historic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Grace Street and 8^th Street.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Richmond, Virginia

When we came out from the garage, we decided to look for some lunch. It was almost 2pm and we both were getting a little hungry. As we headed down 8^th Street, Brett caught sight of a Subway Sandwich Shop just on the corner of 8^th Street and East Franklin Street, but as we walked towards it, I saw on the opposite side of the corner another deli shop called “The Wall Street Deli”. Now you know how we like to take the road less traveled, we had to try the other deli. And what a surprise we had!

The Wall Street Deli
Downtown Richmond

When you walk in, you can almost imagine yourself in a deli on some corner in New York City. The furnishings weren’t top of the line. The chairs metal folding chairs. It didn’t have that interior designed look you would expect with the name “Wall Street”. But what it lacked in interior views, it more than made up in service.

The Staff at the Wall Street Deli
Downtown Richmond

As we walked in, we were greeted by Deborah, who quickly found us a table towards the back. As we looked over the menu, she took our drink order of two iced teas and return not only with the teas, but brought us a dish of homemade sliced dill pickles to munch on. We could see the kitchen staff as they worked to prepare other guests’ dishes. And behind the counter was a kind looking man who assisted take-out orders.

Homemade Dill Pickle Slices

Brett enjoying his hot dog

Michelle’s hot dog

Brett and I both ordered hot dogs, his was Kosher and mine was with cheddar cheese and bacon. (Hey, I’m on vacation!) While we waited, I watched guests coming and going with their orders. But one guest caught my attention. She came to just use the restroom. (Now I know I’m not in New York City) As she was walking back out, the kind man behind the counter stepped out and stopped her. My first thought was that he was going to ask her to not come in unless she was purchasing something. But to my surprise, he walked her back to the drink counter where he poured her a drink cup to go. She smiled and thanked him and went on her way. Throughout our meal, I watch random acts of kindness from each of the four staff members. Each of them, as they walked by our table, stopped and asked how we were doing. It was such a wonderful experience. You know I have to say I can’t remember if the food was great or not. But what I remember is the way these kind people treated others. It really made the meal worth the stop.

Ray
The Wall Street Deli

As we finished up our meal, we had a chance to chat with Ray, the kind man behind the counter. He told us how he came up with his recipe for his “Greek Spaghetti”. When I asked if he was Greek, he told me no, that he was from Lebanon. We told him about our plantation and about our blog. We were even able to get some photos of the staff! So if you find yourself in Richmond at lunch time and don’t want the standard every day food, I would recommend a stop at the “Wall Street Deli” on the corner of 8^th Street and East Franklin!

Fountain in Capital Square

Roses around the fountain

Once we finished our lunch we headed a block over to the Capital Square. Here is where you will find the Virginia Capital building. It houses the oldest legislative body in the Western Hemisphere, the Virginia General Assembly, first established as the House of Burgesses in 1619. The current building is the eighth building to serve as the Virginia State House.

Virginia State Capital

The building was conceived by Thomas Jefferson and Charles-Louis Cherisseau in France. The center section was completed in 1788. The two wings were added in the early 20^th Century and it was placed on the list of National Historic Landmarks in 1960.

The first capital was in Jamestown where the House of Burgesses met in 1619. Jamestown would go through four buildings in the time that the capital was there due to fires. In 1699, the capital was moved to Williamsburg and completed in 1705. It burned in 1747 and was replaced in 1753.

One little note of history here. On June 29, 1776, Virginia declared its independence from Great Britain  and wrote the state’s first constitution, thereby creating an independent government four days before Congress voted for the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in July 1776.

It was Thomas Jefferson who urged that the capital be moved to Richmond. The building was last used in December, 1779 when the Virginia General Assembly adjourned to reconvene in 1780 in Richmond. The old capital in Williamsburg was eventually destroyed. The capital you now see in Williamsburg is a reconstruction of that old one.

Virginia State Capital

The design of the current capital was taken from the Maison Carree at Nimes in southern France, an ancient Roman temple. The corner stone was laid in 1785 with Governor Patrick Henry in attendance. It is only one of eleven state capitals without an external dome.

This building would go on to serve as the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. It was the second capital for the Confederacy. The first was in the Alabama State Capital in Montgomery, Alabama.

Equestrian Statue of George Washington
Capital Square

Just behind this wonderful building you will find several points of interest. The first one we came to was a large statue just to the left of the Capital Building. This large equestrian statue of George Washington was conceived to honor Washington and to glorify Virginia’s contributions to independence. Virginia’s role in the Revolution is depicted by six of her sons surrounding General Washington, who is dressed in a military uniform. Just below each of the six pedestrian statues are inscribed with themes reflecting each patriot’s contribution: Andrew Lewis, Colonial Times; Patrick Henry, Revolution; George Mason, Bill of Rights; Thomas Jefferson, Independence; Thomas Nelson, Finance; and John Marshall, Justice.

General George Washington

George Mason, Bill of Rights

Patrick Henry, Revolution

Andrew Lewis, Colonial Times

John Marshall, Justice

Thomas Nelson, Finance

Thomas Jefferson, Independence

Old City Hall

As we passed by this wonderful statue, you can’t help but notice what looks like a gothic style building just behind Capital Square. At first we thought it might be a church due to the look, but when we asked a passing government worker, she pointed out that it was the Old City Hall building. The other worker with her told us that we must go inside. The way she described it was that it was like going inside a Fabergé egg. Looking at the time, we were down to just 30 minutes before our tour time, but we just had to see what it looked like.

Old City Hall

The building is still a working office building and you are only allowed on the first floor. But really that is all you need to see! As you walk in you are greeted by this room filled with painted columns, walls, rails and stairs. It really was like a Faberge egg! Built in 1886, this building served as the City Hall from 1894 to the 1970s.

1st Floor
Old City Hall

1st Floor
Old City Hall

1st Floor
Old City Hall

1st Floor
Old City Hall

1st Floor
Old City Hall

1st Floor
Old City Hall

1st Floor
Old City Hall

1st Floor
Old City Hall

1st Floor
Old City Hall

We headed back over to the Capital Square and started making our way to the Virginia Executive Mansion. It is really a nice view of it as you walk down the roadway that leads from the entry gate to the mansion. Along the way we came across the Civil Rights Memorial. This is a four sided memorial with wonderful statues depicting different unsung heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. The memorial which was installed in 2008 honors the student protest at the Robert Russa Moton High School in Farmville, Virginia. Their organized walkout in 1951, and subsequent lawsuit, became one of the cases joined with and argued before the Supreme Court as Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka. On April 23, 1951, a brave 16-year-old girl named Barbara Johns led a walkout and demonstration with her fellow students at Robert R. Moton High School in Farmville, Virginia, to protest the intolerable conditions at the school. Moton High had twice the number of students it was designed for and offered no cafeteria or gymnasium facilities. Teachers were poorly compensated compared to those in the all white high school.

Civil Rights Memorial

Civil Rights Memorial

Virginia Executive Mansion

We arrived at the front gate of the mansion about 30 minutes early. To our surprise, one of the Capital Police Officers on security detail stepped out of the security hut to ask us if we wanted to go ahead and take the tour early. We were so excited. As we walked towards the mansion, the front door opened and out stepped Ms. Jones, our tour guide. A kind lady with great Southern charm spoke to us about the mansion and about our plantation. I have to say I wish I had her wonderful warm Virginian accent. We walked into the front hall and waited to be joined by others on the tour.

Virginia Executive Mansion

Front Door
Virginia Executive Mansion

Virginia Executive Mansion

The Virginia Governor’s Mansion which is better known as the Executive Mansion serves as the official residence of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. It was designed by Alexander Parris and is the oldest occupied governor’s mansion in the United States. It has served as the home of Virginia governors and their families since 1813.

Virginia Executive Mansion

Virginia Executive Mansion

In 1779, when Richmond became the capital of Virginia, there had been no residence for the governor. Governor Thomas Jefferson had to rent one. The law that provided for the construction of the current building was signed in 1811 by James Monroe and the building was completed in 1813. James Monroe’s term had ended by this time and the new Governor George William Smith succeeded him. However, Governor Smith was not the first governor to live in the mansion. He had lost his life in a Richmond Theater fire while trying to save others in December 1811. His successor, James Barbour was to be the first to live in the mansion.

Virginia Executive Mansion

Virginia Executive Mansion

Virginia Executive Mansion

During the War of 1812, Governor James Barbour and his family arrived at the Executive Mansion. It was during this first year in residence that British troops were ravaging the Virginia coastline and advancing to Williamsburg. In 1813, Governor Barbour and his wife Lucy would institute a tradition of hospitality that would continue for decades. They would have food and a punch bowl constantly kept in the dining room for legislators so that during sessions any legislator could come and make himself at home.

Virginia Executive Mansion

Virginia Executive Mansion

Virginia Executive Mansion

James Madison Portrait
Virginia Executive Mansion

General Lafayette would visit in 1824 and dine at the Executive Mansion. In 1852, the Executive Mansion was the sight of an angry mob that pushed through the iron gates and hit the house with stones, breaking windows. The mob was upset at then Governor Joseph Johnson’s decision to commute the death sentence of a teenage slave. The Governor held firm and the slave was spared.

Virginia Executive Mansion

Virginia Executive Mansion

Virginia Executive Mansion

Virginia Executive Mansion

In 1865, Governor William Smith fled Richmond just ahead of the Union Army, but his wife Elizabeth and daughter May Amelia stayed back a the Mansion to guard it and pack up personal and state property. A bucket brigade was stationed on the roof of the Mansion and saved it and the Capital Building from the fire that consumed much of Richmond.

This mansion has served as home for 54 Governors. Throughout the two hundred years of service, this mansion has had two major interior renovations and one exterior renovation. The wallpaper, drapes and carpets are all period for when the mansion was constructed. The current First Lady McDonnell has had the 1906 parquet floors refinished and is overseeing the total renovation of the front south garden.

Refinished Parquet Floor
Virginia Executive Mansion

Garden
Virginia Executive Mansion

Garden
Virginia Executive Mansion

Garden
Virginia Executive Mansion

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Virginia Executive Mansion
Richmond, Virginia

Governor and First Lady McDonnell Shine the Spotlight on Historic Homes around the Commonwealth of Virginia

Below is the information shared on the Virginia Executive Mansion Facebook Page

www.facebook.com/VAGovsMansion

RICHMOND – Governor McDonnell has signed a proclamation, recognizing 2013 as the Year of the Virginia Historic Home. The announcement was made today by the Mansion Director, Sarah Scarbrough at the Preservation Virginia annual conference in Leesburg, Virginia.