After spending summers at the Soldiers' Home in 1862 and 1863, President Lincoln and his family moved again from the White House to their country home on July 4, 1864 for their last summer together .
July 2, 2009
“Life-Sized Cheese Carving of Abraham Lincoln”
From today’s Washington Post, “What could be more American than celebrating presidential history in cheese?”
July 2, 2009
Restoring a Window with Black Tinted Glazing (Part II)
By Jeffrey Larry
As mentioned in a previous blog entry, the recent replacement of a diamond shaped window pane (Figure 1) from the Cottage’s north elevation raised the issue of whether to use traditional linseed oil putty or a modern putty when setting the glass. The pros and cons of both materials were presented but in order for this issue to be fully considered it is necessary to review the process for preparing and installing both types of window glazing.
The modern putty comes ready to apply directly from the can. The linseed oil putty requires some preparation. (Figures 2, 3, and 4) Remove a small piece from the can and place in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will aid in softening the putty. Continue to knead the putty until it is smooth and pliable. If the putty continues to crumble, add a small amount of linseed oil. A paint analysis determined that the original window putty was tinted black. Though it could be done with a powdered colorant, black linseed oil paint was added to tint the putty. A representative from a modern putty company confirmed that the black linseed oil paint could be added to their product to obtain the same results.
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- Figure 1
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- Figure 2
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- Figure 3
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- Figure 4
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- Figure 5
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- Figure 6
After the glass is set on a bed of putty and a glazier’s gun is used to insert pins to hold the glass in place, the putty is applied. (Figures 5, 6)) There are numerous websites dedicated to the process of applying the putty. The intent of this article is to focus on the putty itself and to compare the preparation and application qualities of modern versus traditional linseed oil putty. A common complaint on many of these sites is that the linseed oil putty is more difficult to apply. On the contrary, the application of the linseed oil putty in this situation was surprisingly easy. Where a modern putty may pull away from the muntin shoulder or be difficult to tool, the linseed oil in the traditional putty seems to have eliminated this problem. In fairness, it does require some trial and error to obtain the right consistency for optimum workability.
To summarize, a modern putty is less expensive, typically available locally, and is ready to use right from the can. Because of chemical additives, it will dry faster than traditional putty but it also dries harder which can cause it to crack over time. The modern putty contains chemical additives which are known carcinogens. The traditional linseed oil putty usually must be ordered on-line, and requires a substantial amount of time to prepare. It is organic, arguably easier to apply and remains flexible. In keeping with the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s initiatives on sustainability the obvious choice for this site was the traditional linseed oil putty.
Mr. Larry is the Preservation Manager at President Lincoln’s Cottage.
June 30, 2009
The Harmony between Preservation and Sustainability
By Shih-Chun Tseng
For historic sites, preservation is one of the most important aspects of good stewardship; now it’s our responsibility to show how preservation is sustainable, and how historic sites can be more green. An example is the 1905 building that serves as the Visitor Education Center for President Lincoln’s Cottage, which was certified LEED Gold in April 2009. This is the first building at a National Trust site to be LEED certified, but it certainly won’t be the last.
Statistics tell us that buildings are the greatest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming (http://www.aia.org/practicing/groups/kc/AIAS076321). The reuse of an existing building eliminates the impact of producing and shipping many new materials. Therefore, reuse is second nature to both preservation and sustainability.
Here are three resources about the harmony between preservation and sustainability.
Preservation is Sustainability
By Lloyd Alter
Old buildings have new and green spirits. In this article, Alter recounts and analyzes a speech by Mr. Richard Moe, the President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, in which he declared that preservation is sustainability—save an old building, save our future.
Preservation and Sustainability
By Katie Eggers Comeau
Comeau gives us several strong connections between preservation and sustainability. For example, reusing an old building prevents the waste of embodied energy, and the design of old houses often have more climate-sensitive designs.
How to Recycle Big Stuff—Like a House
By Holter Graham
A house doesn’t have to be “historic” to warrant reuse. Graham tells us about the Daniels family’s experience with recycling a house to take advantage of embodied energy, reinvest in their city, and enjoy the taste of time through this big recycle project.
Ms. Tseng is a 2009 Summer Intern at President Lincoln’s Cottage.
June 29, 2009
Your Lincoln Summer Reading List
By President Lincoln’s Cottage Staff
It’s the Lincoln bicentennial year and new books about Lincoln are published every month. How do you decide what books to read? President Lincoln’s Cottage staff stay abreast of new publications on Lincoln to make sure we have a great selection available in the Museum Store. Of course we don’t spend all of our time reading Lincoln books, and we tend to be very selective. What new books have made it onto our lists and onto our Store’s shelves?
What we’ve recently read that we think you’ll enjoy, too:
Did Lincoln Own Slaves: And Other Frequently Asked Questions About Abraham Lincoln, Gerald J. Prokopowicz, (Pantheon, 2008).
Prokopowicz ’s goal is to remove the artificial barriers that sometimes divide academic historians from public historians and from the public itself. Did Lincoln Own Slaves is organized into twelve subject chapters such as ‘Politician” and “Legacy” and is a compilation of dozens of questions about Lincoln amassed during his career. In a recent telephone conversation he told me that he wrote the book with a President Lincoln’s Cottage audience in mind: that is people with a some knowledge of Lincoln wanting to learn more and have a good time doing it. This book delivers that in spades. It is highly informative, well researched and replete with Prokopowicz’s unique sense of humor. You will find yourself laughing out loud and learning incredible facts about our 16th President while doing it, and it doesn’t get much better than that! This is a ‘no miss” summer read.
-Frank Milligan, DirectorNote: Prokopowicz will be our January 2010 Cottage Conversations guest speaker. Mark your calendars for January 21.
*Mrs. Lincoln: A Life, Catherine Clinton (Harper Collins, 2009)
Whether you love Mary Lincoln or just love to hate her, you’ll Mrs. Lincoln, Clinton does a masterful job of presenting and analyzing research in this balanced presentation of one of the most controversial first ladies of all time. Mary Lincoln is portrayed as ambitious, tormented, flawed, and complex. Clinton neither apologizes for Mary Lincoln’s behavior nor condemns her for it. This is a great book to read with a friend or your book club, because you will want to discuss it with everyone!
-Erin Mast, Curator
Land of Lincoln: Adventures in Abe’s America by Andrew Ferguson (Grove Press, 2008)
A hilarious and eye-opening look at the ways in which Abraham Lincoln is revered and reviled in today’s America. Both a travelogue and a memoir, Ferguson explores the world of Lincoln sites, collectors, presenters and “Abephobes” dragging his reluctant family along for a journey to find the Abraham Lincoln he knew as a boy.
-George Rogers, Director of Development
Abraham Lincoln by James McPherson (Oxford University Press, 2009)
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian James McPherson’s succinct biography (70+ pages) is a good choice for those who want to dip a toe into the ocean of Lincoln scholarship. McPherson’s intent is to capture “the essential events and meaning of Lincoln’s life without oversimplification or overgeneralization” and in this he succeeds admirably.
-George Rogers, Director of Development
Lincoln’s Men: The President and His Private Secretaries, Daniel Epstein (Harper Collins, 2009)
As I’ve been anxious to learn more about Lincoln, the man, from those who knew him well, I recently read both David Herbert Donald’s We Are Lincoln Men (2004) and Daniel Epstein’s Lincoln Men. The volumes complement one another well. Both provide great insight into Lincoln’s work ethic and habits, his integrity and moral compass, his kindness and deep compassion as well as his iron will and tenacity, and his relationships with both close associates and subordinates. Fascinating and enlightening reading!
-Leslie Bouterie, Private & Corporate Events manager
*Copies signed by the author are currently (6/29/2009) available for purchase in the Museum Store. All titles listed here are available for purchase in the Museum Store. Call 202-829-0436 x 31231 to inquire about availability.
Stay tuned for these future Lincoln Reading Lists:
- Children’s Lincoln Summer Reading List
- Our Visitors’ Top 10 Lincoln Reading List
- Lincoln’s Own Summer Reading List
- Staff All Time Favorites Lincoln Reading List
- And more!
June 26, 2009
DC Caribbean Carnival on Georgia Avenue this Saturday
Visitors should note that the 17th Annual DC Caribbean Carnival is this weekend, June 27th and 29th. While this is an exciting time in our part of DC, the parade can make it difficult to navigate your way to President Lincoln’s Cottage if you’re not prepared.
The Carnival includes a parade along Georgia Avenue on Saturday, June 27th. The parade starts at Missouri Avenue at 11:00 a.m., continues south along Georgia Avenue, then terminates near Barry Place at the Banneker Recreation Center. For more information, see: http://www.dccaribbeancarnival.org/default2.html
Please be advised that traffice along the Georgia Avenue corridor will be difficult if not impossible before, during, and immediately after the parade.
We recommend visitors plan for extra travel time and check the DC Caribbean Carnival and other DC government pages for updates.
Staff suggestions for making it to the Cottage on parade day:
Biking, walking, and public transportation are great ways to enjoy the parade atmosphere on your way to the site and avoid typical driving woes.
Driving from the north:
Head East on Missouri Avenue NW
Turn Right to head south on North Capitol Street
Turn/bear Right on Rock Creek Church Road NW
Pass through 1 traffic light.
At the next traffic light (intersection with Upshur Street NW), turn Left through Eagle Gate.
Driving from the south or east:
Head North on North Capitol Street NW
Turn Left on Allison Street NW
Merge Right with Rock Creek Church Road NW
Pass through 1 traffic light.
At the next traffic light (intersection with Upshur Street NW), turn Left through Eagle Gate.
Please note these are suggestions only based on the information available to date. Road closures often occur with little or no notice, so please plan in some extra time for travel.
If you find yourself running up against road closures and need to ask a police officer for directions to get around them, ask how to get to the Old Soldiers’ Home or Armed Forces Retirement Home (the current name of the campus). President Lincoln’s Cottage is located within the gates of the Home, and people know the campus by different names.
For preferred directions on any other day of the year, visit our website: http://www.lincolncottage.com/visit/directions.htm.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
June 23, 2009
Alaska Children’s Choir to Perform June 26th at the Cottage
On Friday morning, June 26, at 10:00 a.m., the Alaska Children’s Choir will perform as part of their Lincoln Bicentennial Tour at President Lincoln’s Cottage. The brief a capella performance (lasting approximately 20-30 minutes) will take place in the outdoor amphitheater adjacent to the Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center. No reservations or tickets are required to view the performance.
The Alaska Children’s Choir, founded in 1979, is dedicated to excellence in music education and choral singing, offering 5th-12th grade Southcentral Alaskan children the opportunity to train and perform at some of the highest artistic standards locally, nationally, and internationally. Each summer, a component of the full choir, the “Touring Choir,” travels on a concert tour. The group has performed world-wide in such places as Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. This year’s Lincoln Bicentennial Tour, entitled “Voices of Hope and Peace” will be presented in Washington, D.C. and several venues in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland.
EVENT DETAILS:
All are invited to come to the Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center to enjoy this complimentary concert.
DATE: Friday, June 26, 2009
TIME: 10:00am
ADMISSION: Free
LOCATION: Amphitheater behind the Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center building. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved indoors to the Group Program Room on the garden level of the Visitor Education Center. The Visitor Center is a beautifully and sustainably restored 1905 Beaux Arts style building that was LEED Gold certified in April 2009.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING: The H8 bus stops directly outside the gated entrance to the grounds. Ample free parking is available in our visitor parking lot. A bike rack is available behind the Visitor Center.
DIRECTIONS: http://www.lincolncottage.com/visit/directions.htm
June 22, 2009
“Ace of Cakes” Makes Lincoln Bicentennial Cake to Resemble the Cottage
Reprinted from the Spring 2009 edition of the Lincoln Forum Bulletin, with permission from the Lincoln Forum.
Darla and David Moe, two long-time and devoted members of the Lincoln Forum, generously donated a birthday cake for our members to enjoy at our November symposium.
Darla and David Moe with Frank Williams, Chairman of the Lincoln Forum
The cake, designed personally by Darla Moe, was a 3D replica of President Lincoln’s Summer Home featuring gumpaste figures of Lincoln, his family, the family dog, and newly elected President Barack Obama. The display included a banner with both a current flag and one with 33 stars and 13 stripes. On the lawn, in front of the house, a gumpaste table was created with a top hat birthday cake inscribed with “Happy 200th Birthday President Lincoln”.
The Moes commissioned the nationally acclaimed Chef Duff Goldman and his team of extraordinary bakers and decorators at Charm City Cakes in Baltimore, Maryland to bake and decorate this cake. Chef Goldman and his creations are featured on the Food Network program, “Ace of Cakes”. The flavor of the cake was of course, Lincoln’s favorite – vanilla almond.
June 19, 2009
My Abraham Lincoln: 1979 Lincoln Bust
By Jamie Cooper
Growing up in rural North Carolina had its advantages. Each Saturday morning during the warm months (of which there were many), my mother would wake all the kids up at 5:00a.m. Why did we get up at 5 a.m. on a Saturday morning? To hunt for treasure. At least, my family and I thought we would find all sorts of treasure at the local flea market. As the old saying goes, one person’s junk is another person’s treasure. My mother thought it would be best to beat the other “treasure seekers” to the market by going as early as possible.
Miniature gold-tone bust of Abraham Lincoln
We were each given ten dollars or, on some occasions, even twenty dollars to spend at the flea market or yard sales. Each Saturday the anticipation of the hunt mounted. What would I find? Perhaps I would find another Soviet-era globe or those old beat-up baseballs? Those items may have been obsolete or used up to their owners, but to me, they were priceless. And by priceless, I mean they cost me a dollar or two.
During one of our hunts, I came upon a typical mountain of “junk”. As I gazed over the table, I came across several astonishing items that grabbed my attention–little busts of various U.S. Presidents. I was a huge admirer of U.S. Presidents when I was a child, especially President Lincoln. After all, he did establish Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday. Imagine my excitement when I realized these busts were only one dollar each! Needless to say, I bought every bust they had including the one of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln.
Head removed to reveal the after shave cap
After closer examination, I noticed each miniature bust carried a distinctive smell. It turned out that each Presidential “bust” was actually a bottle containing a musky men’s aftershave. All you had to do was remove the head to dispense the product. The label on the bottom revealed that the bottles were produced by AVON in 1979. Appropriately, the aftershave contained in the President Lincoln bottle was called “Deep Woods.”
I have had those Presidential busts displayed in my room since 1991. But today I have President Lincoln’s aftershave on display in my office at the President Lincoln’s Cottage Visitor Education Center. The bottle may be 30 years old, but it still contains that “Deep Woods” smell.
This is the online version of “My Abraham Lincoln,” the Lincoln bicentennial exhibit currently on display at the Robert H. Smith visitor Education Center at President Lincoln’s Cottage. The online exhibition will serve as a place for Lincoln collectors to share their treasures digitally, creating an online resource for Lincolniana. Lincolniana is broadly defined as all items (artifacts, ephemera, books, etc.) having to do with Abraham Lincoln. To share your Lincolniana with us, please contact Erin Carlson Mast, Curator at President Lincoln’s Cottage at Erin_Mast@nthp.org.Mr. Cooper is the Senior Visitor Services Associate at President Lincoln’s Cottage.
June 17, 2009
The Pink Parlor
By Erin Carlson Mast
The interpretation in the Cottage is focused on Lincoln’s presidency, of which he spent nearly 14 months living here at the Soldiers’ Home. The tour does not emphasize decorative arts or furnishings for the sake of aesthetics, and is minimally furnished–in part because very little information exists regarding what the Lincolns had in the Cottage. Any furnishings present in the Cottage have a specific purpose in supporting the stories of Lincoln’s presidency, particularly as they unfolded in this place. Though the Cottage isn’t fully furnished, the sense of home is a vital part of the interpretation.
Figure 1
Since opening to the public a year and a half ago, President Lincoln’s Cottage has been conducting online visitor evaluations and conducted 3rd party evaluations last summer. The feedback from visitors suggested that two rooms meant to elude to home were missing the mark. It occurred to staff that while our preservation philosophy dictated period lighting and floor finishes, period wall finishes were ultimately omitted in the treatment plan in period sympathetic rooms (though period trim was suggested, this was ultimately omitted as well)–they were only included in the treatment plan for period rooms. The shell of the room (warm period light levels, restored flooring, period wall finishes) would give the sense of home even that room was not filled with furnishings. The staff revisited the debate about painting or not painting the period sympathetic rooms, and determined that what was ultimately avoided because it might be a distraction was in fact having the opposite effect. The white, non-period finished walls were creating a cold, neutral environment, (Figure 1) rather than the warm immersive environment that would evoke home without saying the words. Why not try painting the rooms afterall and see if that in fact improves the visitor experience without detracting from the stories that illuminate Lincoln’s presidency at this place?
During the restoration and incredible amount of time and resources were dedicated to studying the Cottage, the authentic artifact. Detailed reports catalog various aspects of the 19th century Cottage that are from Lincoln’s time.
Figure 2
A comprehensive paint and finish analysis conducted by Frank Welsh in 2002 as part of the Cottage restoration plan provided the necessary information on period finishes for the two rooms in question, the Dining Room, and the Parlor. The Parlor was “Light Pink” and the Dining Room “Light Grey Pink.” Last weekend President Lincoln’s Cottage staff rolled up their sleeves and painted the Parlor walls. Based on the paint and finish analysis and with advice from Gail Caskey Winkler of LCA Associates, staff selected Queen Anne Pink (Benjamin Moore HC-60) as the “Light Pink.” The impact of painting the room, while subtle, was immediately apparent when standing in the room. Even when photographed on a grey, cloudy day, the difference is apparent in photos (Figure 2). Suddenly, when you’re in the space, you are reminded that you are in a home, whereas before, it lacked that specific feeling. A palm leaf fan, mentioned in one of the first-hand accounts of Lincoln told in this room, was also finally added and is visible on the table.
Staff will continue to evaluate how visitors react to the rooms and the stories and topics in those spaces and compare results.
