Living Room in the Ford Mansion
Date
2017-03-18
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In this room the daily activities of Washington's staff were performed. Washington also used this room to meet with officers and citizens. At 3 p.m. daily, Washington, Mrs. Washington, his staff, and guests began the main meal of the day. At least three courses were served, and the meal took in excess of two hours to consume. But much of that time was used to informally discuss military topics, such as supply, recruitment, and strategy for the spring campaign.
Of special interest is the Chippendale desk thought to have been here during the winter of 1779-80. Also observe the Chippendale mirror, a Ford family piece, with a Phoenix bird rising from the top. By 1780, the Phoenix bird motif evolved into the young nation's symbol, the American Eagle. In the back of the fireplace is an iron plate with the British
Royal Crest cast on its obverse. This is called a "Fireback" and was used to radiate heat into the room. Finally, the set of white dishes in the back of the room are Queensware.
During his stay in this house, Washington ordered a set of this English earthenware which was completed before he left for his next home at the Dey Mansion near present-day Wayne, New Jersey.
Following Washington's departure in June 1780, the Ford Mansion once again became a private residence. Nearly a century later, Henry Ford, Jacob's grandson, specified in his will that the House be sold at public auction. The two highest bidders formed a historical society, the Washington Association, in 1872. This Association is still active today and continues to assist the National Park Service. In 1933.
Morristown became the first National Historical Park.
Original file name 32671221544_1498528c90_o (1).jpg
Original file name 32671221544_1498528c90_o (1).jpg
Keywords
Morristown National Historical Park, Historic Morristown, National Historical Park, The American Revolution, American History, US History, George Washington, Continental Army, Winter Encampment, History, Morristown, Jockey Hollow, The Ford Mansion, Morris County, The American Revolution in New Jersey, The Skylands, Lakeland, New Jersey, NJ, Jersey, The Garden State
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