CHEERS . . .

See Presidential Treasures in Alabama

COLUMBIANA, Alabama – "People can’t believe we have all these things that belonged to George Washington, and they are amazed to find such a collection here in central Alabama instead of Virginia," says Bonnie Atchison, curator of the Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington.

Located about 25 miles south of Birmingham, the Columbiana museum houses more than 1,000 artifacts including personal items, documents, and furniture from the country’s first First Family.

The foyer’s focal point, a commanding portrait bust of George Washington, was made from a life mask created by French sculptor Jean Antoine Houdan. Nearby, a glass case topped by a handsome pair of pink Sevres vases, contains family correspondence, documents, jewelry and a writing instrument from Washington’s survey case along with one of his cufflinks and an ornate button.

"One of our finest possessions is Martha’s prayer book, printed in New York in 1783. We also have an original letter, written about a year before her death," says Atchison.

Wending your way along the corridor, you'll pass a grandfather clock, hand-carved in Germany and made from Honduras mahogany. Nearby stands a circa 1805 walnut games table with inlays of tulip and rosewood. This piece belonged to Bushrod Washington, a direct descendant who inherited Mount Vernon when Martha died.

Two dining room tables feature beautiful settings with exquisite porcelain pieces and coin-silver utensils used at Mount Vernon. A prized 207-piece set of Minton porcelain is displayed on a table and buffet and also fills the shelves of a walnut cabinet signed by William Elfie. Other household articles include an English punch bowl with a floral motif and an exquisite circa 1774 cobalt blue-bordered Sevres porcelain tea set from the Washington family estate.

Family portraits line the museum’s walls, and Atchison explains their origins. An original 1747 portrait of Martha Washington was damaged during the Civil War, but visitors can see an official copy of that work made by Baltimore artist Volkmar in 1874.

Other artifacts include an original 1787 Samuel Vaughn sketch of Mount Vernon's grounds and some seventy letters and documents dating to the Revolutionary War period including original correspondence from James Madison, Lord Cornwallis, John Adams, Aaron Burr, and other historical figures.

The collection's oldest item is the 1710 handwritten will of Colonel Daniel Parke, the grandfather of Martha Washington's first husband. You’ll also see an original tintype made by Civil War photographer Mathew B. Brady that depicts Robert E. Lee in uniform for the last time. Most visitors want to know how this extensive collection of Washington family artifacts happened to arrive here in the heart of Alabama. Atchison explains these items were amassed by Eliza Parke Custis, Martha Washington's granddaughter, who also provided explanations for linking various objects to the Washingtons’ daily lives. The collection then passed through six generations of Washington heirs down to Shelby County's Charlotte Smith Weaver. After giving her grandchildren selected items, Weaver offered the remainder of her family inheritance for public preservation. Columbiana banker Karl Harrison acquired a third of the collection for this museum, and the balance went to Mount Vernon. A framed family tree shows Weaver’s Washington lineage as well as the family’s Robert E. Lee connection.

The Harrison collection expanded in 1989 with the estate of George Washington’s half brother, Augustin, and include a bedroom suite with a marble-topped chest and wash stand, writing desk, and mahogany half-tester bed.

How does having a museum filled with treasures from America’s First Family affect Columbiana, a town with a population around 4,000?

"I know for a fact the museum enhances our quality of life," says Columbiana Mayor Allan Lowe. "A lot of people who may not be able to journey to Mount Vernon can experience this part of our heritage by getting better acquainted with Revolutionary and Post-Revolutionary life."

Lowe describes Harrison, the museum’s founder, as "a gentleman and a scholar in all senses. He enjoyed the arts and wanted everyone to have the opportunity to do so. The impact he had on Columbiana won’t even be known for decades."

History buffs will want to add this extraordinary collection to their must-see list. Almost two decades ago, I paid my first visit to this museum. I was stunned. And each time I return, I’m still blown away by this rich link with history.

#

– IF YOU GO –

The Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington at 50 Lester Street adjoins the Mildred B. Harrison Library Building, located behind the Shelby County Courthouse. Hours run 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, with guided tours available Wednesday through Friday. Admission is free. For more information, call (205) 669-8767 or visit http://www.washingtonmuseum.com

AND BY THE WAY . . . .

If you want to book Gay for a program on travel, food, or writing, please contact her at ggmartin@bellsouth.net

Thanks to:

*****Bobbie Curry for her photography and graphics.

*****Matthew Pankey for his Web assistance.

Carlton Martin, my favorite dentist/photographer.