Tag Archives: Thomas Jefferson

Today in history: December 4, 1783

Posted on December 4, 2009 by sheila

George Washington met with his officers in Fraunces Tavern here in New York City to resign his commission as Commander in Chief. It was an emotional moment. The war had been long. What would happen now? Fraunces Tavern was downtown … Continue reading →

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Today in history: February 22, 1732

Posted on February 22, 2009 by sheila

George Washington, first President of the United States, was born. (All quotes from George Washington’s letters below I got from my copy of George Washington : Writings (Library of America)) Thomas Jefferson on George Washington: The moderation and virtue of … Continue reading →

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2008 Books Read

Posted on December 31, 2008 by sheila

… in the order in which I finished them, understanding that very often I read many books at the same time. I count re-read books, by the way. I’ll include links to any posts or book excerpts I might have … Continue reading →

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The Perfect Library

Posted on April 8, 2008 by sheila

110 best books … Of course the thing with these lists is people get uppity and pissed, either by what is left off (My first uppity question is: “where the hell is Harriet the Spy??”) or by the bias shown … Continue reading →

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Happy Birthday to Sharon’s Dead Boyfriend, George Washington

Posted on February 22, 2008 by sheila

… who was born on this day in 1732. Thomas Jefferson on George Washington: The moderation and virtue of a single character probably prevented this Revolution from being closed, as most others have been, by a subversion of that liberty … Continue reading →

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Today in History: Nov. 1, 1897

Posted on November 1, 2007 by sheila

The Library of Congress (in its own separate building for the first time) opened its doors. Construction on the joint had been going on for nigh on 20 years … an immense project. Up until that point – the collection … Continue reading →

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Brokeback 1776

Posted on September 30, 2007 by sheila

hahahahahaha – hysterical parody of Brokeback Mountain using footage from the movie 1776 – I love when it gets all slo-mo and romantic. I practically know 1776 by heart (“But I burn, Mr. A!!” “So do I!”) – so the … Continue reading →

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Today in history: March 4, 1789

Posted on March 4, 2007 by sheila

The US Constitution went into effect – and it was also chosen as the Inauguration Day for incoming presidents, which it was until the 20th century. George Washington’s first inaugural was actually on April 30, for various reasons – but … Continue reading →

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A Gentleman’s Library: Thomas Jefferson, 1771

Posted on December 28, 2006 by sheila

I have always loved this letter of Thomas Jefferson to Robert Skipwith – from 1771 – where Jefferson gives a list of his book recommendations for a personal library. Of course you couldn’t buy all these books at once, Jefferson … Continue reading →

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Today in History: Nov. 1, 1897

Posted on November 1, 2006 by sheila

The Library of Congress (in its own separate building for the first time) opened its doors. Construction on the joint had been going on for nigh on 20 years … an immense project. Up until that point – the collection … Continue reading →

Posted in Founding Fathers, On This Day | Tagged | 38 Comments