TJ’s Legacy of Words, Pt. II

Jefferson‘s last words were:

“Is it the Fourth? I resign my spirit to God, my daughter, and my country.”

 

Source: Constitution Facts
Photo by milleniumistic

The First Handshake

President George Washington would bow to guests at presidential receptions to avoid physical contact and the tradition lasted through the presidency of John Adams. Washington would rest one hand on a sword and the other holding a hat to avoid the remote possibility of anyone forcing a handshake! Thomas Jefferson ended the tradition of “bowing” by shaking hands when greeting people.

Source: Constitution Facts
Photo by Cliff1066

Thomas Jefferson – Renaissance Man

“I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered together in the White House—with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.”

-John F. Kennedy

Thomas Jefferson was one of America’s first Renaissance Men. 

Madison (Skyline) Drives ahead of Monroe

This week in Founding Fathers Football:

Yes! Another clever title! Its down to the wire as Madison High uses Skyline as a buffer to pad its slim lead over Monroe. Hamilton remains in the hunt in 3rd place. Thomas Jefferson, Columbus and Independence all remain unchanged from last week, despite having only one loss between them.  

Source: HighschoolRivals
Photo by John-Morgan

This Month at Monticello

Monticello Events remaining for the month of November…
Wreath Workshop Reservations
As far as I know, reservations are still available at $45 a pop. This is the 21st year its being held (which means it can now legally drink some of that potent holiday cider!), and the first in the new Smith Education Center. Call 434-984-9822 or click here to order tickets (scroll down to November 11). 

Schedule

• Thursday, Dec. 4, 9:30 a.m.
• Friday, Dec. 5, 9:30 a.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 6, 9:30 a.m.and 2:00 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 7, 11:00 a.m.
• Monday, Dec. 8, 9:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m.
• Friday, Dec. 12, 9:30 a.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 13, 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

The Jefferson Library is hosting two talks, one on the 20th and another on the 24th. The talk topics are Thomas Jefferson and States’ Rights and The Flames of Insurrection. Both are free but you need to register by email. Click here for the address and info. For directions to the Library, click here.

Source: Monticello
Photo by mawal

TJ on Friendship

When Thomas Jefferson died, he left to his friend and protege James Madison

“my gold mounted walking staff of animal horn as a token of cordial and affectionate friendship”.

 

Source: Constitution Facts
Photo by Simon Davison

This Chair Feels Awfully Campeachy!

Some people retire to a rocking chair when they get older. Thomas Jefferson retired to his Campeachy Chair. Also known as a Siesta Chair, among other names, the New Orleans Campeachy Chair which Jefferson sought for over ten years to acquire in the early 1800s, dates back to ancient Egypt. The name “campeachy” comes from Campeche, Mexico where wood commonly used in the making of the chairs grew. John Hemmings made at least one of the chairs for Jefferson.

Now serving 1,000 and counting!

The Jeffersonia Blog welcomed its 1,000th visitor on Wednesday November 12, 2008.

Thanks to everyone who has supported us so far.

A quote by Cicero, TJ’s favorite Roman:

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others”

Photo by cliff1066

The Declaration of Independence Unplugged Pt. I

After drafting his version of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson sought out feedback from, among others, Benjamin Franklin. Jefferson was a tactician, and probably realizing his original draft would not be universally accepted as is (as the Founding Fathers were not known to agree on a whole lot of topics), I think he conceded the fewest changes in order to get the heart of his document across.

Madison, Monroe Neck and Neck

This past weekend in Founding Fathers Football, undefeated Madison and West Monroe remain neck and neck (current ranking in HighschoolRivals’ Top 100 is 27th and 28th place, respectively). Hamilton is third (moving up a spot to 32nd). Thomas Jefferson remains fourth (in the 55th spot), with Columbus right behind him (no Columbus was not a Founding Father and is ineligible for the game, but he was respected by TJ and his portrait did hang in the Parlor at Monticello, so there). Independence is last, but scores points for reaching the highly ironic 76th spot (you know – spirit of ‘76 and whatnot)! [Note: If we included yearly celebrations, then Centennial would currently be in first place]. An interesting (if sad) sidebar: two Jefferson-named schools were defeated by Top100 teams this week.

For the Christian version of FFF, Trinity (of TX) and St. Thomas Aquinas
are battling it out for first (both in Christian FFF and HighschoolRivals Top 100). St. Ignatius is a close third.

Source: HighschoolRivals
Photo by seattlemunicipalarchives