Jefferson’s Busts: Pt. I

Jefferson considered one room in his beloved Monticello his “most honorable suite”. Why?

Father’s Day Gifts: Bobblehead Edition

Nothing says “Happy Fathers Day” like …a Thomas Jefferson bobblehead. Need we say more? (Just in case keep reading).

The First Prez Waaay Overdue, Yo!

If alive today, this heinous scandal overdue fine might topple our beloved 1st President from the ranks of popular first presidents…

Washington, Poe Bring in the $$$

The AP reports that a letter written by George Washington to his nephew, Bushrod, (no, I’m not making that up – he was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court – Uncle George must’ve been proud!) has sold for over $3.2 million dollars (that’s over 640 Mr. Madisons!).

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

TJ By a Nose: Jefferson is 3rd Fastest President (this year)

The Washington Nationals run a Presidents Race at every home game featuring life-size bobbleheads of four former U.S. Presidents racing one another including Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson himself!

From the Nationals website:

Tom Jefferson is more bookish than athletic. He is a reader, a studier. He is prone to distraction, once stopping mid-race to orate to the crowd. Before each race, Tom tests the atmospheric conditions in the stadium, the incline of the route and the length of the course…and sometimes ferments up a bottle of wine. He was often the last one picked on the colonial playground (but was always the first picked for the math team). Still, with dashing good looks, a keen mind and perhaps a bit of bravado, Tom often sprints his way to the front of the race.

Jefferson is 2nd all-time in the Presidents Race (though he is 3rd in the 2008 season). Teddy R., however, is winless in over 3 seasons. Guess he just can’t compete with Mr. Lincoln and the Founding Fathers.

Go here to read a blog about the race and Teddy R’s winless streak.

Apparently it has become quite a hit with the fans.

America’s First Ice Cream Pt. 2

I recently blogged about Jefferson’s original vanilla ice cream recipe (although George Washington mentioned an ice cream maker earlier, the first American recipe was written in Jefferson’s hand). I found a modern interpretation of that recipe by the good folks over at Monticello.org. Go here to check it out.

TJ Graphic Biography

The newly re-opened online book site WOWIO now has a comic book on Thomas Jefferson. Published by Saddleback Educational Publishing, Inc., the book is free to view online, though there is a fee to download the PDF.

My six word review: short, has pictures, worth a look

Also check out General Washington and Ben Franklin in the same series.

TJ Apple of the Month: the Mighty Albemarle Pippin!

Jefferson was a fierce pomologist, and a prolific grower of fruit, veggies, and herbs. The South Orchard at Monticello grew over 18 types of apples alone. Though he experimented with many varieties, TJ loved him some Albemarle Pippin!

Also called the Newtowne Pippin, the mighty A.P. was also loved and grown by George Washington. Its light green in color, crisp and delicious. It also keeps really well. Today it is overshadowed by the overhyped Granny Smith, though the A.P. is still used commercially for cider.

For more info go here and here.

For a delicious photo go here.