Customer Reviews

George Washington: First President 1789-1797 (Getting to Know the U.S. Presidents)

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I am a teacher of middle school students with learning disabilities. What a treasure Mike Venezia's many books are. They are well-written, funny and accessible -- while being factually correct. The students really learn a lot from these books. The early childhood of George Washington, and the fact that he was an outdoorsman who liked the American Indians, really impressed my students.

Lacey Culpepper was born on Washington's birthday, February 22, which made her special. One of her ancestors was at Valley Forge with George Washinston's troops. My sons and I were there in 1976 for a special celebration on our way to Longwood Gardens in Northeast Pennsylvania. The first president of America appeared to Lacy on her 6th birthday. She'd wanted to see him and he came as a 12-yr-old. He explained that the had lived at Ferry Farm, when Mt. Vernon was the inheritance of his half-brother, Lawrence, on the death of their father. He was tall for twelve, and grew into a 6'2" adult. At age 15, he was a surveyor.

Five years later, he was a major in the Colonial Forces. By the time he got to the crossing at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, he was a general. It was winter when they crossed the river at night, perhaps close to his birthday. He was a good leader of men and helped to convert the thirteen colonies into the country where he was elected as president. He married Martha and had wooden false teeth which irritated his mouth and made it hard to eat.

Now, he is honored with a brand-new gold dollar coin. Whatever happened to the Susan B. Anthony coin which a retired teacher gave to all babies she knew. His face is on postage stamps all over the world to compete with the profile of Queen Elizabeth. Even his portrait by Stuart was in the movie, "Bundle of Joy," right by the door of the shopgirl's apartment. His portrait is on our one-dollar bill and other U.S. currency. From 1869 until 1923, his profile faced to the left, then it was the opposite for some unexplained reason. He was in his sixties when most paintings were made; some tried to make him look like a perfectly formed hero.

Instead of losing height like I am, he went from 6'2" at age 45 to more than 6'3" at age 67 (for coffin measurements). He always claimed to be six foot. Abraham Lincoln was 6'4". At age 26, George Washington weighed 175 lv. up to 210 (lost to 190 at 66 because of illness). He had blue eyes, a pale complexion, and large nose and hands. He wore spectacles from 46 on. He had a leadership appearance indicating power, energy and strength; he moved with grace and dignity.

His personal servant was named Christopher (no last name). He was a good master to his slaves, although some reports were that his were badly clothed. Runaways always caused problems for him as with all planters, but Washington offered rewards for their return. His advertisments described in detail what they were wearing. He tried to have his slaves educated and baptized. He reportedly disliked slavery and yet he owned 300 on his properties in 1797 at his death.