James Madison University - Bluestone Schoolmaam Yearbook (Harrisonburg, VA)

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(contmufd from p. 26) presiding genius in this house, and Mrs. M is kindness personified, stated Margaret Bayerd Smith, a friend of the Madison ' s. Dolley ' s claim to fame had •Jways been horn the well-told stor) ' of how she saved the famous portrait of George Washington during the War of 1 8 1 2 at die dme of die White House burning. Montpelier painted a picture of Dolle ' Madison as the first of lady of the land due to her renowned parties and special flair for entertaining. Her delightful spreads under the forest oaks, in the spacious backward of Montpelier was a gift she would bring along with her to the White House during her husband ' s presidency. Beyond the histor} ' books, beyond the written manuscripts, a hidden histor) ' was revealed by Montpelier. A romantic stor ' about opposites attracting unfolded during one ' s journey through the house. Never two purer hearts.. .in whom fidelity, mutual respect, loving, and tenderness unite, exclaimed G.W. Featherstone, a frequent guest at Montpelier. Madison let it be known how much he adored his wife Dolley. Their marriage lasted 40 years, just over the length of an average lifetime during the 19th cenmr ' . Last occupied in 1983, Montpelier became open to the public in 1987 after becoming a relatively new addition to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Sharing its place on the National Preservation List with the Dupont Family whom bought the estate in 1900, the house was a museum to both periods which caused an interesdng mix between epochs. Venturing the grounds of Montpelier, student Peter Swerdzewski remarked, This place was incredible. It took me back to the era of the founding fathers and I got the feeling that the Madison ' s could at that moment open the great doors of Montpelier. The marvels of this prestigious place truly demonstrated the life and legacy of James Madison. 1 he most wonderful aspects of the estate were the endless kindsaipes and die setting ot The Portico that was beautifully framed in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The two acre garden displayed the same mix of the Madison ' s and the Dupont ' s sr ' le. Remnants of Madison ' s influence lay in the horseshoe-shaped layout, modeled after the House of Representatives, and the English Boxwood lined paths. Contributed by the Duponts were the sundial and garden statues, most significantly the two stone lions along the center walkway. Surrounded by well-kept flowers and trees, their presence reflected the magnanimitv of the garden, yet their expressions portrayed an eerie stillness. Many of the surroimdiiig trees were original to Montpelier and display Madison ' s interest in horticulture. The final place of interest on the estate, the Madison Family Cemeter) ' , was a place of reflection and reverence to someone who was not only a great leader, but also truly a great man. Overall, the feeling of Montpelier was one filled with wonder and satisfied curiosit) ' about one of histon ' s more obscure leaders. Following her visit to Montpelier, senior Leslie Rizzo remarked that after the celebration of Madison ' s 250th anniversary ' , visiting his home was the perfect compliment to hearing the guest speakers and historians commemorate James Madison ' s life. I suggest that before graduaring, ever) ' student visit Montpelier to gain a deeper appreciation tor the honored man after whom our universirv ' is named. the 29 O —I

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The site where James Madison is laid to rest serves as a memorial of rememberance for his accomplishments and ideals. Madison died at the age of 75 in 1836. Photo byJacquie Payne Watching over the gardens at Montpelier are two stone lions. An addition made by the DuPonts, the lions showed their age by the washed patterns along their faces and paws. Photo by Melissa Bates

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