Category Archives: Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson and his “Laptop.”

Posted on by September 20, 2015

Jeffersons LaptopDid you know that Jefferson had his own laptop? Well, not a laptop like we are so used to today. It was a wooden lap desk which he had made for himself to use on his many journeys.

It was a beautiful creation which he would like to have with him when he needed to write any correspondence, articles, or even books. It wasn’t really for him to use on his lap, but on a table or other shelf. It had a slanted surface and the top could be opened to have access to paper or quills or ink or other needed materials kept inside. read more

“I Cannot Live Without Books!”

Posted on by July 20, 2012

It is interesting and even fascinating to me how much respect and reverence our Founding Fathers had for books. Of course books were then very expensive and dear. And there was no modern technology to compete: no computers, iPads, internet, telephones, cars, refrigerators, radio or television. Still, they knew how important books were to their education, knowledge, getting ahead, and even sometime their very existence.

With apologies to Nancy Sinatra, the Founders of this nation knew “these books were made for reading, and that’s just what you’ll do. One of these days these books will make a scholar out of you!” read more

Independence Day – How It Happened – Part 4

Posted on by July 2, 2012

Thomas Jefferson explained that the object of the Declaration of Independence was:

“Not to find out new principles of new arguments never before thought of, not merely to say things which had never been said before; but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we [are] compelled to take.”

The Declaration was intended to be an expression of the American mind. Jefferson wrote of his completed project:  “Whether I had gathered my ideas from reading or reflection I do not know. I know only that I turned to neither book nor pamphlet while writing it.” read more

Indepence Day – How It Happened – Part 3

Posted on by June 28, 2012

The draft of Jefferson’s declaration was submitted to the committee. Benjamin Franklin made a few suggestions and improvements agreed to by Jefferson. They were incorporated into the draft which was submitted to Congress on Friday, June 28, 1776.

It too, was tabled until a vote could be taken on Richard Henry Lee’s resolution to break with Great Britain. That resolution was adopted by Congress on July 2. John Adams thought that day would become the day of celebration. The next day he wrote to his wife, Abigail: read more

Independence Day – How It Happened – Part 2

Posted on by June 26, 2012

The committee for the preparation of a draft of a declaration of independence was made up of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston. They met together to decide which of them would write the intial document for consideration. It was proposed that Benjamin Franklin, the oldest, wisest, most experienced of the team should be the scrivener. He declined, arguing that it wouldn’t be proper or smart for him to write the original document, as his son, William, had remained a loyalist, and was then the Governor of New Jersey. read more

Independence Day – How It Happened – Part 1

Posted on by June 24, 2012

One of our great National Holidays is coming up soon–Independence Day! This year it falls on the 4th of July. Oh yeah, every year it falls on the 4th of July–that’s the day we celebrate.

Most of us remember that we celebrate this Holiday to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. That magnificent inspired document by which our Founding Fathers declared that the 13 colonies of Great Britain are now free and independent states.

A new country was created!

However, it seems to me, that many of us Americans have forgotten some interesting and significant details that transpired in connection with this historic event. Some that we learned in 8th grade, and some that our teachers never got around to explaining to us. So I’m going to remind you of just a few. read more

Christmas with Thomas Jefferson

Posted on by December 10, 2011

Christmas tree

Earlier I proposed that we consider what it would be like to have a Founding Father as a Christmas guest. (See Christmas with Benjamin Franklin.)

A most interesting visitor for our Christmas Celebration would be Thomas Jefferson. He would love our home. He was an architect. Have you been to his home, Monticello?

I’m afraid he wouldn’t like our wide winding staircase which you see as you enter our home. He believed staircases should be narrow, with taller steps, and out of the way, not obtrusive. They should be functional and not a showpiece for the home as they were in the South. Other than that he’d like our home design–master bedroom, quiet and away from the children, whose rooms were situated upstairs. Children were to be seen and not heard. read more

Thomas Jefferson – Are You Ready For Some Football?

Posted on by September 24, 2015

Thomas JeffersonJust the other day I was walking past the TV and I noticed there was a college football game on. The game was between the University of Miami, Florida, and the University of Virginia. I didn’t get to stop to watch the game, and I don’t know who won.

But it did give me cause to think “I wonder how many of those watching this game know anything about the beginnings of the University of Virginia?” Did you know that the original buildings and campus at Charlottesville, were designed by none other than Thomas Jefferson? Jefferson wanted the State of Virginia to be able to provide an outstanding college education for those citizens who desired an education. He made this a project of his retirement years, after he had completed two terms as President of the United States of America, and until his death on July 4, 1826 (the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence). read more

Constitution Day

Posted on by September 24, 2015

I realize we don’t celebrate this day like we do the 4th of July, but nonetheless I am surprised at how little people seem to know about it.

On September 17, I asked 7 or 8 of my friends and acquaintences a few simple questions. (Notice they weren’t all ‘friends’ or you would have expected them to be as patriotic as I am.)

The people I asked were young or old, white or black, educated or not so educated, as a sampling of our population. One of those was even an ex-Congressman. read more

Thomas Jefferson – What Would He Think of Our Country Now?

Posted on by September 24, 2015

It would be interesting to hear what Thomas Jefferson would have to say about his country now, 235 years after he penned his immortal document, The Declaration of Independence. I believe in some ways he would be pleased. In others he would be chagrined and very disappointed.