I received a flyer from George Washington's Mount Vernon asking for money. Unfortunately, property taxes and a new air conditioner says no at this time.
However, I found information in the flyer of particular interest.
Back in 1853, Louisa Bird Cunningham of South Carolina was on a trip on the Potomac when she passed Mount Vernon and found the scene distressing. The weathered paint was chipping, the piazza roof held up by masts of old ships, and lawn overgrown with weeds.
Her daughter, Ann Pamela, formed the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, the first preservation organization in America.
Ordinary people from all across the US donated money and the dream to return the house to its former glory came to be. By 1858, the remnants had been acquired.
Today, Mount Vernon's 14 original structures make up the most complete 18th-century plantation in America.
Some of the projects needing to be funded: cupola $35,000; roof $600,000, large dining room $120,000, mansion steps $36,000 and small dining room $40,000.
A Worthy Project. --Cooter
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