A proposal that our DAR Chapter visit Fredericksburg, Virginia - site of Washington's boyhood home and other Washington sites - was greeted enthusiastically by the members present at the March meeting.
One of our members, who professionally plans tours, agreed to make arrangements for a Fall trip. We computed the costs and made plans to fill with friends seats not occupied by Daughters. This provided some profit for the chapter.
The weather was fine - warm and pleasant. The drive took us past horse farms and country homes and Civil War sites. We started our tour at the farthest point - Belmont, the home and gallery of artist Gari Melchers, located in Falmouth on the Rappahannock River.
Gari Melchers and his wife, after living and working in Europe, bought an eighteenth century house, were he painted impressionist style pictures. After his death, his wife collected many of his paintings and put them on display in the gallery next to the house. We were very impressed with his paintings.
After a candle-lit lunch, we drove to Kenmore, the house of George Washington's sister, Betty Lewis. This magnificent home was saved from destruction by efforts of Virginia Daughters, who are providing financial support.
Our last stop was the near-by home of Mary Washington, bought by George for his mother in 1772. This charming cottage has some of the owner's possessions. The return trip seemed too fast as we were still thinking eighteenth century. This outing so pleased us that we hope to plan another historical trip next year.
by Mrs. Mary Echols
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