Sister Rain Note:
I first learned of Major John Andre while watching the AMC TV series, “TURN: Washington’s Spies.” I was totally hooked by the story of George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring.
A few years ago, I spent a day in Tappan, New York, the location where, upon General George Washington’s orders, Major Andre was hanged as a spy, a result of his involvement with Benedict Arnold in the plot to surrender West Point to the British. (Click here for “I Spy John Andre.”) Several sites remained in the area relating to Major Andre, as well as George Washington, that I had not yet seen.
Recently I returned to Tappan, New York to visit these locations, one of which was the DeWiint House. A Registered National Historic Landmark, it served as Washington’s Headquarters when he was in the region.
My husband and I began our exploration of the DeWint House and property at the 1850 Carriage House, which consists of the original barn, two additions and a porch added in 1932. Now a museum, on display are artifacts found during archaeological digs, along with items pertaining to George Washington, John Andre and Benedict Arnold. A video tailored for children played on a loop that we found very interesting.
Though we did hear staff walking around upstairs, the museum was empty except for us. We would not see another person during our entire time at the DeWint property.
What was in spectacular abundance on this early July afternoon across the grounds were gorgeous flowers, each bed was prettier than the next. The color blue (the only color I see) was prevalent, enabling me to truly appreciate the splendor.
One of the gardens had a Franklin Tree in its center, named in honor of Benjamin Franklin. These trees were originally discovered in 1765 along the Alatmaha river in Georgia. Now extinct in the wild, these trees, which blossom in the fall, are grown from seeds.
Mister Rain took photographs as we made our way along the brick path to the DeWint home. I caught another flash of blue, this time not on the ground but higher than my 5’ 2” height.
“Is that the . . .,” I asked my husband in a reverent, hushed voice, stopping in my tracks. I, of course, knew the answer.
“Yes, it is,” he replied.
George Washington’s Position Flag, unfurled and fully visible, flew grandly on a flagpole. White stars on a blue background, it was flown wherever General Washington was, continuing to do so to this day at Mount Vernon (click here). For some reason, this flag is always incredibly moving to me, a tangible symbol that he once was here in the specific sense of the DeWint House, and the larger sense of existence.
A bust of Washington on a pedestal was in a grassy area of the premises. I would have liked to place my hands on his head to feel his features in more detail, but I wasn’t sure if Martha would mind.
Come back next week for Part 2!
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