James Buchanan, number 15!

Washington had his Mt. Vernon, Jefferson his Monticello and our fifteenth President James Buchanan his beloved Wheatland.  Wheatland is here in Lancaster, PA, and two blocks from ‘Haven’, the home of our good Friends Dan & Joan. I named their home just now, because they really do have a home. A safe sanctuary of family love, for their kids, who come often.

Dan was gracious and made reservations for us at Wheatland, where we had a guided tour of the home and surroundings. The guide was surprised and happy to have their neighbors come to tour after many years of living up the street.

If you are familiar with Mr. Buchanan, history does not treat him well. He was the last president who agreed that slavery was a state’s constitutional right. He himself abhorred slavery, never owned a slave but was a constitutionalist and as president felt personally obligated to follow the constitution.

If you want to know a person’s good points, talk to his family or fans. All the folks at Wheatland are volunteers because they love and respect Mr. Buchanan, as it should be. WE got to know the other side of History.

These are actually wooden blinds from the 1800’s, you see a very intricate design hand carved into the wooden valance.
Okay, so you poor folk who actually saw and used up to a two holer, here is the rich guys ‘5 holer’, and the first I have ever seen with the kids seats. A new meaning of, ‘The family who goes together stays together!’

I made up the above statement, actually Mr. Buchanan was the only president who never married. He was engaged once, the lady died and he remained single.

Above is a painting of the President Buchanan.

The hand drawn picture on the left was used to restore the home. There had been a hand drawn picture of each room. Below is his Top hat.

Above on the left was a wedding present for his Niece, Harriet Lane. He adopted her and a cousin, Buck Henry, after the deaths of their parents. So Harriet was his daughter as well as his niece.

A picture of Harriet in her later years, Her life being very unique, she was the first person called ‘The First Lady’, as she served James as his social advisor and director when he was president. Our guide said she was the Jackie Kennedy of her time, a fashion model for the ladies who liked the latest.

Above left is a bath tub, and beside it a ‘Potty Chair’. (Yeah I know I am obsessed with these things.

The bed he slept and died in, at Wheatland.

According to our guide, Mr. Buchanan was the most experienced president we ever had. Having filled the office of Sec State, Ambassadors, Senator, Rep etc. The desks above where labored to write ream after  ream of paper to explain his presidency that most seemed not to understand. They say he was blamed for the civil war, I always gave Abe that position.


Our gracious hostess, I could not get over the thought that Mrs. Pelosi was giving the lectures.

The ‘mouse trap’, caught them alive, they were released outside to be caught the next day (according to our guide).
I apologize for the photos, because like most museums (etc) NO FLASH pictures allowed. The house is unique, as it looks the same from the front as the rear. I love OLD WOOD, knowing that the wood was nearly 200 years old, gives a carpenter a good feeling.

This wood  floor was not covered with carpet. Love the square nails.

Love these old beams in the smoke house.

Everyone gave Heddy Parker, his lifelong house keeper, VERY MUCH CREDIT for running his every day life before and after Harriet Lane.
One day I will try to sit down and list the presidents homes we have visited, they have all been interesting. VERY FEW of our leaders have been poor folk.
From Lancaster, Pennsylvania. James was not born here, but this became his home. After being here I have more respect for him. I think, as with all presidents, he was a very good man in a tough job. President of the USA 1857-1861.
Sorry about the length, but I did not want to make two entries. He is remembered for his Last words as president. Spoken to Abe just before Abe was inaugurated.
“Sir, if you are as happy entering this office, as I am leaving it, YOU SIR, ARE ONE HAPPY MAN.”
Thanks for coming by the log.
Nite Shipslog
PS:
'I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.'  Maya Angelou
**********************************************************
Now resting at the Henry Ford…….

The most famous Presidential Vehicle, JFK’s Lincoln (fixed that, lol) quiet a change from Buchanan’s transportation: