Editor’s note: The following article is a synopsis written by staff members and volunteers of the Cary Public Library highlighting one of the suggested reading books, as determined by their staff.
Bill Harris has given us an inside peek of prominent peoples’ homes. (Yes, our U.S. Presidents from Washington up to George W. Bush) in his “Homes of the Presidents.” The large volume (10 X 14”) is largely in color, contains tidbits of history, and is a joy to read.
Many of these homes have been refurbished, restored and preserved for posterity. Most are open to the public for a small entrance fee with times specified by the author who also adds other interesting or historical areas close to the featured home.
Mount Vernon is pictured in the summer and we remember a guide told us of a remark by Queen Elizabeth when she visited there: “My, what a cozy little cottage.” It is indeed. George Washington made it so. We also enjoyed the Monticello pictures of Thomas Jefferson’s plantation with the wonderful architecture shown up close.
Neat little gossips are included with the story and pictures of Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage in Tennessee. Zachary Taylor’s kitchen (Page 55) caught our eye with its twin fireplaces. Although some of our presidents came from humble beginnings, several were born into wealth and the splender of those homes are a joy to behold in this book. One example is Theodore Roosevelt’s Sagamore Hill in New York.
So since we can’t all tour around the US to visit these beautiful and often unique places, trot on down to Cary Library and check out a unique trip free of charge. Perhaps some day this author will finish the task for the other presidents: wouldn’t you like to see Obama’s birthplace?
The Cary Public Library is open Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 532-1302.
