Byers' Choice Mount Vernon George & Martha Washington, Calico Cat Figures

Martha Washington (No. 15056, 2nd Edition)

Before she married, Martha Washington enjoyed gardening, as many young women of her social class did. As a mother, wife and later the First Lady, she was a most diligent household manager of the Mount Vernon estate.

Her role in the estate's gardens became more than a hobby; the gardens were a tremendous resource, providing much more than just aesthetic enjoyment. The gardens conveniently produced much of the fruit and vegetables the Washingtons and their guests ate.

Martha Washington was known for her warm hospitality, and her home rarely lacked visitors, whom she graciously en- tertained. Martha Washington's collection of recipes included such homegrown ingredients as "peas, lettice, cucumbers", as well as fruits and nuts for desserts.

Different herbs and flowers had a place in the Washington's medicine cabinet, which Martha supervised, and had such uses as deodorizers, bug repellents, and lip balm. Martha Washington often received seeds as gifts by those who knew her love for gardening. She has a flower named after her-the Martha Washington geranium.

George Washington (No. 15055, 2nd Edition)

Beyond his accomplishments as first president, his heroic military performance, and an active family life lies George Washington historic role as an entrepreneur.

George Washington trained as a surveyor in his youth, and shortly became a skilled planter. His instinct for the natural world would later serve in his agricultural business ventures. In later years, Washington oversaw five thriving farms on Mount Vernon's 8,000 acres. He tested various farming techniques, leading him to several inventions, including the "16-sided treading barn."

The Potomac River afforded Washington his most profitable enterprise. His fishery operation along the Mount Vernon shore enjoyed a vigorous harvest season- ally, with over one million fish caught in a six-week period. Three miles away from the estate, George Washington ran a gristmill for grinding flour and corn- meal. Next door, a whiskey-producing distillery yielded additional revenue and was the largest distillery in America.

Just as General Washington was a hands-on entrepreneur, our Caroler features a lifelike rendition in authentic costume, a bag of cornmeal from the gristmill he built, a barrel from his unrivaled distillery, and fish caught from the Potomac.

Martha is dressed in pink and white with a straw hat held by a pink satin ribbon. She carries a watering can and a basket of flowers, showing her love gardening. - George is dressed in brown britches, muslin shirt, and dark burgundy jacket with brass buttons. His authentic costume includes a bag of cornmeal from his gristmill, a barrel from his unrivaled distillery, and fish caught from the Potomac. - Includes 4" Calico Cat with red, white & blue patriotic collar. - Martha -12" / George - 13" - Martha & George Date: 2008, Calico Cat Date: 2007

The figure has some wear to the base. The base may have some chipping. Martha's tag is loose.