Davenport House Museum Volunteer Newsletter

May 2018 www.davenporthousemuseum.org 912/236-8097 Become a Facebook fan at “Davenport House Museum”

Notice to Mariners. Distressing Accident. – Yesterday evening From underneath his hat; $100 Reward. as a party who had accompanied the pas- And lasses fair, at length began, Ranaway from the subscribers on the 1st sengers of the Panthea, when they were To look, to love and then to plea, inst six negroes, four men and two women. conveyed to that vessel in the steam boat And wonder who was that. They went off in a five oared canoe boat, Georgia, was returning to town, one of with white bottom, and it has since been them accidently fell overboard from the A stranger now for information, discovered that they intended to run out- boat, and another to save him jumped in Begs leave for an interrogation, side the island from St. Andrew’s sound immediately afterwards. Their struggles, And should he be too hard on, towards Charleston, in hopes of getting however, indicating that more assistance He trusts good folks will condescend some northern vessel to take them to the was required, Capt. Foster, the pilot, also So much as to permit a friend northern states. The fellows are named plunged in and succeeded in sustaining To humbly beg their par- JOE, who is a stout sailor looking fellow, them both to the boat when they were don. with one swelled ancle; TOM, a very tall safely taken in. About the same time that likely looking fellow; ADAM, a stout thick Capt. F. jumped overboard another indi- For ignorant of the rules man, a little pock marked; and MATHIAS, vidual named Somers, also leaped in, from and manner, well known in Savannah, as a harlequin, probably the same motives, but it was soon By which good people of and formerly belonging to J. G. Blois, Esq. discovered that he could not swim and Savannah, They may attempt to get off separately, or before assistance could be rendered him For certain acts are take up their abode on some remote part of he was drowned. bound; one of the Sea Islands, as they carried off We are further informed, that this He begs of all, not one or all kinds of fishing utensils. unfortunate young man, was a native of two, All masters of vessels are requested to Switzerland about 22 years of age, and a The liberty, with deference due, apprehend them, or either of them, and Tailor by trade; that he came to this city, in These questions to profound: deliver them either to E. Fort, Esq. Savan- one of the . . . packets, about the 29th of Oct. nah, or John Fraser & Co Charleston, who last from N.Y., from which time to the mo- Suppose it pleas’d the powers above are authorized to pay the reward on deliv- ment of the catastrophe was in the em- To turn me fool, and make me love, ery, and all other reasonable expenses. ployment of Chichester & Scranton. While cotton is so low. N.B. – Our planting brethren on the Sea Georgian. May 20, 1828. Whether or not. I’d be mistaken Islands will-greatly oblige the under- In doing thus, to “save my bacon,” signed by forwarding any information For the Georgian: Is one I wish to know! they may receive as they will doubtless I came to town, a country lad. have some corre- No long ago, in homespun clad, Suppose again I had a mind And thought I was quite neat; spondence with the To cast my lot with woman kind – plantations, and But people here did look so clean A lassie sixteen aged; direct their letters to (To tell the truth) felt too mean, How many visits must be paid, McLellansville, To walk about the street. (Does custom say) unto that maid, Camden county, Before I get engaged? Georgia. The three But ‘twas’nt long before I dress’d Savannah, May 24 A.B. first named are art- Myself in style – the very best, Georgian. May 24, 1828. ful villains, and are And step’d a little higher; dangerous to the planting community. Then, who he was, and what his name, Messr. Editors: THOS. HARDEE Where he’s going, whence he came? I send you the following lines as an answer

JOS. HULL Every body did inquire. to a country lad’s piece, who wrote over DAVID HALL, Sen. the signature A.B. in the Georgian of Mon- White Oak River Camden The fop beheld with great surprise. day last. county, 14th March, 1828. The dandy too, would raise his eyes You come to town a country lad, Georgian Mary 7, 1828. Why surely, you must have been mad, Wednesday, May 2 at 9 a.m. - Spring Monday, May 21 at 4 to 5:30 p.m. – To come in homespun too, Planting/Garden pots Special/Tea program for 36 Say how the devil did you dare - 5 p.m. – Urban Slavery Exhibit/ - 6 to 9 p.m. – Garden Rental In country garb, in town appear, Community Engagement Commit- Wednesday, May 24 – Diamond tees meeting Tours: 2:30, 3, 3:30, 5 Take care sire what you do. Thursday, May 3 at 4:15 p.m. -Tea in Thursday, May 23 at 5 p.m. – Tea in And yet it seems, a short time since the Garden the Garden You dress’d yourself out, like a prince, - 5:45 p.m. – Madeira motor Friday, May 25 at 5 p.m. – Tea in the And walk’d with head erect, coach tour Garden And then forsooth, as on you walked, Friday, May 4 at 4:15 p.m. – Tea in the Saturday, May 26 at 8 a.m. - Early Men, women, child about you talk’d, Garden Bird’s/Discovering 1820s Savan- And always with respect. - 5:45 p.m. – Madeira motor nah coach tour Wednesday, May 30 at 5 p.m. – Dance The fop and dandy view’d you round, Saturday, May 5 at 8 a.m. – Early Bird’s rehearsal As lordly you stalk’d ov’r the ground Tour/Discovering 1820s Savannah Thursday, May 31 at 5 p.m. – Tea in - 4 to 7 p.m. - Garden rental the Garden To shew your pretty garment; (wedding ceremony) The lasses too did gape and stare, Tuesday, May 8 at 4 p.m. – Road Schol- GROUPS WITH TOUR RESERVATIONS: The black, the yellow and the fair, ars (Urban Slavery) Monday, May 1 at 10:30 a.m. – 40p On the handsomely dress’d varmint. Wednesday, May 9 at 5 p.m. – Dance Thursday, May 10 at 9 a.m. – 32p; 10 rehearsal a.m. – 32p Now, should it please the Thursday, May 10 at 4:15 p.m. – Tea Friday, May 11 at 10 a.m. – 38p powers above, in the Garden Saturday, May 12 at 9:30 a.m.– 44p To throw you neck and - 5:45 p.m. – Madeira program/ Thursday, May 24 at 11:30 a.m. – 53p heels in love motor coach Monday, May 28 at 11: a.m. – 30p With some gay dame in town, Friday, May 11 at 4:15 p.m. – Tea in the Garden Then sir, if money you should owe, - 5:45 p.m. – Madeira program/ Now that cotton sells so low motor coach Let cash your nuptials crown. Saturday, May 12 at 8 a.m. - Early Bird’s Tour/Discovering 1820s Savannah And if I am not much mistaken, Monday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. – Summer You may by this plan “save your bacon,” JI Program Orientation And dine and sup on ham; Tuesday, May 15 at 11 a.m. – Daven- Be able to regale a friend, port House Committee meeting. And on a push, can money lend, Followed by Fundraising Forum for THINKING ABOUT JUNE And say how great I am. all DHC members. Lunch provided. WHEN THE SPRING FERVOR SUBSIDES Wednesday, May 16 at 5 p.m. – Dance SAMMY SHORT. (A BIT). IT WILL BE TIME TO PARTY - rehearsal Georgian. May 30, 1828. ANNUAL SPRING GARDEN PARTY Thursday, May 17 at 8:30 a.m. – DH and Thank You for All You Do! Endowment Directors meeting Mark your calendar for Sunday, June Sovereign Remedies. – For the gout, - 4:15 p.m. - Tea in the Garden toast and water; for bile, exercise; for - 5:45 p.m. – Madeira program/ 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. to celebrate corns, easy shoes; for blue devils, blue motor coach Friends, Volunteers and Staff who ruin; for rheumatism, new flannel and Friday, May 18 at 5 p.m. – Tea in the make the DH work throughout the patience; for tooth ache, pluck it out; for Garden year. Invitations will be in the mail in debt, oxalic acid; and for love, matrimony. Saturday, May 19 at 8 a.m. - Early mid-May. Requests for refreshments Georgian. May 3, 1828. Bird’s /Discovering 1820s Savan- will be emailed to volunteers and DH nah Committee members. DAVENPORT HOUSE CALENDAR - 9 a.m. – Special/Breakfast Tour It wouldn’t be a party without you! - 4 to 7 p.m. - Garden rental MAY 2018 (wedding ceremony) Tuesday, May 1 at 9:30 a.m. – Special/ Preservation Walk SHOP NEWS: - We are planning activities for veter- TEA IN THE GARDEN for bakers: New inventory: an JIs this summer. Thursday, May 3 - Sally Lunn and - Paper Fans - Gingerbread – Gayle Mongrandi We now have cus- TEA IN THE GARDEN performers: Friday, May 4 – Sally Lunn and Gin- tom paper fans in - Thursday, May 3 at 4:15 p.m. – Jamie gerbread – Caroline Holder three designs – Credle, Jeff Freeman, Raleigh Mar- Thursday, May 10 – Sally Lunn and Berrien Ribbon cell, Becca Robinson, Olivia Roe, Gingerbread - Bob Prettyman Trellis, glamor Magee Roe Friday, May 11 – Sally Lunn and - Friday, May 4 at 4:15 p.m. – Jamie shot of the exterior and an exterior Gingerbread - Karen Eskew Credle, Jeff Freeman, Raleigh Mar- drawing by Ann Nash. We couldn’t Thursday, May 17 – Sally Lunn and cell, Maggie Hannan, Naia Cookson decide which one we liked - Thursday, May 10 at 4:15 p.m. – Ja- Gingerbread – Karen Eskew best, so we got all three. $4 mie Credle, Jeff Freeman, Raleigh Friday, May 18 – Sally Lunn and each, plus tax Marcell, Becca Robinson, Olivia Roe, Gingerbread - Karen Eskew - Cups: See our insulated Magee Roe Monday, May 21 - Sally Lunn and – hot or cold - cup featur- - Friday, May 11 at 4:15 p.m. – Jamie Gingerbread (double up) – Karen ing the exterior drawing of Credle, Jeff Freeman, Raleigh Mar- Eskew the DH - $12 retail. cell, Maggie Hannan, Sian Michaels Thursday, May 24 – Sally Lunn and - Thursday, May 17 at 4:15 p.m. – Gingerbread – Karen Eskew Jamie Credle, Jeff Freeman, Raleigh DOCENT NEWS: Friday, May 25 – Sally Lunn and Marcell, Becca Robinson, Olivia Roe, - Thank you a million times over for Gingerbread – Caroline Holder Magee Roe the work you are putting in during our - Friday, May 18 at 5 p.m. – Jamie Thursday, May 31 - Sally Lunn and busy season. The DH could not do it Credle, Jeff Freeman, Raleigh Mar- Gingerbread – Karen Eskew without you! cell, Maggie Hanna, Naia Cookson, - Boys Room - Spanish moss: We Sian Michaels MADEIRA WORKERS: recently put out two Ziploc bags – - Monday, May 21 at 3 p.m. to 4:30 Thursday, May 3rd at one containing fresh Spanish Moss (note change of time ) — Group of 36p 5:45 (44) – Roger and one continuing cured Spanish – Jamie Credle, Raleigh Marcell, Smith, Brent In- Moss – on the Boys Room bed. Brooke Wilford, Karen Eskew, Becca gram, Fran Molettiere, Linda Gar- Robinson, Naia Cookson, Magee These are for visitors to see. Do not ner; could use serving help Roe and Olivia Roe open these bags because of the mess Friday, May 4th at 5:45 (26) – Roger - Thursday, May 24 at 5 p.m. – Jamie the contents will make if passed Credle, Jeff Freeman, Raleigh Mar- Smith, Bob Prettyman; Dottie Kraft (server) around. We do not get cured moss cell, Becca Robinson, Olivia Roe, Thursday, May 10 at 5:45 p.m. (45) often and it is impossible to find Magee Roe – Mitzi Toth, Fran Molettiere, (even on the Internet). If you would - Friday, May 25 at 5 p.m. Jamie Marty Barnes like to cure some yourself and bring it Credle, Jeff Freeman, Raleigh Mar- Friday, May 11 at 5:45 p.m. (42) – in for DH interpretive use, please do. cell, Naia Cookson, Sian Michaels John Sorel, Phyllis Carlino, Mitzi - Thursday, May 31 at 5 p.m. - Jamie Toth; Sharla Kicenski (server) Credle, Jeff Freeman, Raleigh Mar- JUNIOR INTERPRETERS: Thursday, May 17 at 5:45 p.m. (44) cell, Becca Robinson, Olivia Roe, -Orientation for the Summer JI – Linda Garner, Phyllis Carlino, Magee Roe Program is on May 14 at 6:30 p.m. NEED ONE MORE DOCENT AND A SERVER. Veteran JIs are asked to attend and Note: Tauck volunteers are notified weekly. mentor the prospects! We anticipate offering the program on most Thurs- ROAD SCHOLARS: day evenings in June and July begin- Tuesday, May 8 Docents: Marty ning June 14. If you know a young Barnes, Mary Jane Mataxas, Linda person in grades 9 through 12 who Garner may be interested, please let Jamie Note: Road Scholars workers are notified know. weekly by email. DISCOVERING 1820S: EARLY BIRD’S Each year, HSF celebrates the best of used for publicity, including our web- WALKING TOUR preservation by presenting awards to site. He does good work! Saturdays — May 5, individuals and organizations whose - Instagram account: Sheena 12, 19, 26. 8 a.m. contributions demonstrate excellence Fulkerson is the administrator of the Join Jamie on a in preservation in Savannah and Chat- DH’s Instagram account. Follow Saturday morning in ham County. $50.00 per ticket. “Davenport House Museum.” May to discover www.myhsf.org - Partnership with SVF: Our what remains of the city Isaiah knew. - Trustees Garden Club: Thanks to friends at Savannah Voice Festival our good friends at Trustees Garden invited us to partner with them to APRIL DH FRIENDS DONATIONS: Club, who brought their Zone 8 present a quarterly series of vocal per- Emma Adler peers to the Museum on April 19. formances in and around the DH. Karen Cassard Along with seeing the house, TGC’s What fun! We are in. Look for de- Paul & Julianne Collin intension was to show off a long-time tails soon. Kim & Robert Daugherty partner (the DH). The club had ban- - John Sorel: Maintenance commit- Dixon Davenport ners made that indicate the history of tee stalwart John Sorel painted the Ann Hanley the garden since the 1970s. They ceiling of the KP apt after a condensa- Greg Hall must be proud of the DH! We are tion spill-over pan overflowed. Holden Hayes proud that they are proud! We will - Graduation: May is always bitter- Caroline Holder leave the banners up through May. sweet at the DH as we fully realize Bill and Reinée Lynch that those we have nurtured and come Caroline Ellis Pennington to depend on (and love) will soon Elaine Brauner Rosengart leave us for new adventures. Please Polly & John Tucker mark your calendar to attend the Gar- B. Franklin Williams - Garden Volunteer: Welcome gar- den Party on June 3rd when we will Note: An up-to-date Friends of the den volunteer Barbara Stahl, who recognize seniors (and departing Davenport House listing will be availa- began in April. She’s been weeding friends) and celebrate them (and eve- ble in the DH Garden Party program. and we love it! rything else.) On Sunday, May 21, Thank you for your support!! - Model of the DH: Friend Clau- Magee Roe will graduate from Sa- dette Engvall found a model of the vannah Christian Prep. Maggie WORTH MENTIONING: DH at The Landings Auction and Hannan, Caroline Jackson, Anna FOR HISTORIC PRESERVA- bought it for us. It will be a center Smith and Tyra Steele will graduate TION MONTH – WINE AND piece for hospitalities from here on from Savannah Arts Academy on May AWARDS—WINE AT THE FINEST out. 22. And, on May 4, Kelly Westfield PRIVATE HOMES IN THE THOMAS - Publicity (program post card and will graduate with distinction with a SQUARE STREETCAR HISTORIC brochure) distribution: Thanks for Masters of Arts from Georgia South- TH DISTRICT: FRIDAY, MAY 4 AT 6 helpers – Linda Garner, Mary Jane ern University/Armstrong Campus. P.M. - HSF’s Wine Tour will be on Mataxas, Sharla Kicenski, Hugh ————————- th 36 Street between Abercorn and Osborne, Sheena Fulkerson and History teacher with Gainesville City School Drayton Streets. Featuring four Corey Eskew. in Toccoa, GA, Kelsie Burks married Kacey wines, including La Marca Prosecco. - Beautiful poster: Sandy Jensen, Mayes in April and they came to Savannah Enjoy fine wines paired with gourmet who is a visual for their honeymoon. When she returned appetizers during this self-guided artist, created a home she wrote up the following to add to our walking tour. $50 per ticket. beautiful poster interpretation. Thank you, www.myhsf.org for our Tea Pro- Kelsie. HSF AWARDS LUNCHEON: Friday, grams. Lovely. th May 11 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM - New Photos: Photographer John Cornelia Augusta Davenport : Preservation Awards Luncheon Carrington recently took a series of While touring the Davenport Location: Savannah Golf Club, new photos of the DH which will be House Museum, I noticed the empha- 1661 East Presidents Street sis placed on Cornelia Davenport. She www.geni.com/people/Cornelia- was the only nelia, Georgia and Cornelia Daven- female child port are indeed related. Barrow/6000000002031054093 of Isaiah and According to the Davenport (accessed April 6, 2018). Sarah Daven- House Museum, Cornelia Davenport —. Middleton Pope Barrow, (CSA), U.S. Senator. January 25, 2017. https:// port and it married Henry Rootes Jackson in www.geni.com/people/Middleton- was evident 1844. Henry Rootes Jackson was a Pope-Barrow-CSA-U-S- that the Dav- Civil War veteran, Savannah states- Senator/6000000002020693184 enports possessed high social status in man, and lawyer. When Cornelia, (accessed April 6, 2018). Savannah, Georgia. As a historian of Georgia was established in 1860, it Smith, W. C. New Georgia Encyclopedia. Georgia Appalachian studies, I recog- was originally established as a railway September 11, 2014. http:// nize the connection between the his- depot and the junction was often re- www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/ tory of Savannah and the creation of ferred to as “Blaine” in honor of articles/history-archaeology/ Georgia’s Appalachian counties such James Gillespie Blaine, Secretary of habersham-family (accessed April 6, as Habersham County. State and presidential candidate dur- 2018). Habersham County was es- ing the 1884 election. However, when Docent Spotlight tablished in 1818 and was named after the first charter for the town was se- Joseph Habersham. Habersham Street cured by attorney, Middleton Pope Sian Michaels in the historic district of Savannah, Barrow, the town of “Blaine” was DH: How did you Georgia is also named after the Ha- changed to Cornelia in honor of his come to be associated bersham family. Joseph Habersham wife Cornelia Augusta Barrow, for- with the Davenport House? was a local resident of Savannah, a merly known as Cornelia Augusta Sian: I found out about it through colonel in the Continental Army dur- Jackson. Cornelia Augusta Barrow Mr. Johnson’s 10th grade history class ing the Revolutionary War, and U.S. was the daughter of Henry Rootes at Savannah Arts Academy. I had postmaster under George Washington Jackson and named after her mother never heard about the JI program but and John Adams. After his death in Cornelia Augusta Davenport. Alt- I love history and thought that this 1815, Habersham County was named hough Cornelia, Georgia is not named would be an awesome opportunity. in his honor. directly in honor of Cornelia Augusta DH: What do you do outside of It is likely that Joseph Ha- Davenport, later referred to as Cor- the DH? bersham spent some time in North nelia Jackson, Cornelia, Georgia is Sian: Most of my life revolves Georgia’s Appalachian Mountains named after her daughter who was around music. I’m a band major at which consists of a portion of the area named in her honor. Savannah Arts. that would become Habersham Coun- WORKS CITED DH: What instrument do you ty. It was common practice for Savan- Carter, Harry. "Cornelia, Georgia." In The play? nahians of high social status to sum- Heritage of Habersham County 1817- Sian: I learning French Horn this mer in Northeast Georgia to escape 2000, by Habersham County Herit- the summer heat of Savannah and age Book Committee, 3. Waynesville, year but I also play trumpet, guitar likelihood of catching yellow fever. In North Carolina: County Heritage and piano. But I also like to draw and fact the Tallulah Falls Railroad, which Inc., 2001. I read a lot. I really like comic books, eventually connected Cornelia, Geor- Copeland, Susan. New Georgia Encyclopedia. especially Marvel Comics. gia to Franklin, North Carolina, was June 8, 2017. http:// DH: What is your favorite thing originally created in 1882 as a tourist www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/ about the Davenport House? articles/government-politics/henry- attraction to view the Tallulah Gorge Sian: That’s a tough question but I rootes-jackson-1820-1898 (accessed think the garden. I love all of the for the anticipated annual Savannah April 6, 2018). tourists. Davenport House Museum and The His- plants. I have sort of a green thumb As we toured the Davenport toric Savannah Foundation. Davenport and I take care of all the plants in my House Museum, it occurred to me House Museum . October 1, 2010. yard. that perhaps Cornelia Davenport may http:// DH: What’s the most unusual be a person of significance in the his- www.davenporthousemuseum.org/2 thing that has ever happened to tory of the Habersham County city of 010/10/01/davenport-timeline/ you at the DH? (accessed April 6, 2018). Cornelia, Georgia. After conducting Sian: I have only been here since research, I have concluded that Cor- Lowery, Michael Wayne. Cornelia Augusta Barrow. January 25, 2017. https:// October but I think the most interest- ing thing was when we were performing Charlevoix, MI; McGregor, MN; Freehold, bestow upon their offspring and their wives, and in the tea program and some of the NJ; Canandaigua, NY; Apex, NC; Surfside who are concentrated, in the bachelor are given to guests had on some very elaborate hats. Beach, SC; Chantilly, VA; Oconomowoc, the (almost) sacred names which constitute this DH: How long have you been in WI. heading. In loving a sister, there is none of the earthliness of passion which degrades the heart— Savannah? How They Heard About Us (in descend- in the devotion duty to a mother, comes none of Sian: I have lived here for 10 years. ing order of frequency) the selfishness of man. The feelings inspired by We moved here from Maryland when I Internet (Group On, Google, Trip Advisor); Trolley Tours (Old Town Trolley, Old Sa- both sister and mother, all are derived from the was six. My Dad works for Gulfstream vannah Tours); Tour Guides (Ships of the sources as pure as the Divinity which inspires so we have lived all over the place. I Sea, Road Scholars, Savannah Walks, Ghost them. was born in Grand Rapids, MI but I Tour, Carriage Tour); Brochures; Friends; It might be a singular speculation to inquire how have also lived in Seattle, Philadelphia Guide Books (AAA, Frommers); Walking many of the various matches which have been and West Minster, MD. By; Map; Concierges (Kehoe House, Clarion made, have proved happy; how many who have DH: What is your favorite thing to Inn, Andaz); Relatives; Repeat Visitors; Visi- been connected by wedlock, now mark the day of do in Savannah? tors Center; Book (Eugenia Price). that connection as blessed—and how many now Sian: I love to go to the beach. No What They Had To Say would sing paeans of Joy if the vow irrevocable one else in my family likes the beach so "Wonderful place. Thank you, Susan." could at this hour be utterly cancelled. Yet aside I didn’t get to go very much, but now "Wonderful tour!" "I have waited 55 years from this speculation, all whether single or mar- that I have a car, I can go more often. to come to Savannah - Great!" 'Love Savan- ried, ever are mindful of the duties and affections DH: What are your plans for your nah history." "Warm, friendly people." due to the sister or mother. When the wife is forgotten the mother is remembered, and why? future? "Great museum!" "This house was so cool! Because in addition to the claim of nature, she has Sian: This may sound crazy but I want It was really interesting history." "Love this home and tour." "Marty was fantastic! Very long been our constant friend. Our errors she has to be an Astrophysicist for NASA. Sci- Informative." "Joyce was great!" viewed with leniency; our sins corrected with tears, ence is my favorite thing and I’m on the "Excellent." "So happy that all these lovely and our virtues remembered and rewarded with science team at school. buildings were saved!" "Thanks for keeping smiles. The attractions which a sister possesses are DH: How do you plan to pursue history alive!" "Loved it all. Keep up the of a similar nature, and from similar causes. Few that goal? good work!" "Wonderful restoration." wish ever to sever that chine of affection which Sian: I want to major in physics and "Lovely. Susan was great." "Five stars!" binds him in it material or fraternal wreath of flow- minor in astronomy in college. I know "Loved Gayle!" "Great tour guide." "Great ers, while full oft is he apt to feel those of matri- it sounds like I’m shooting for the stars tour by John." "Roseann was great! She is mony, hang heavily upon his shoulders. We speak not experimentally on the subject, but derive the but I hope to get into U of C Berkeley, one of the tour guides we've had!" fact from observation, gathered from the sour MIT, Carnegie Mellon, Stanford or "Awesome!" '"The best!" "John was awe- some!" "Lovely and education tour with looks, snappish retorts and discontented grimaces, Princeton. I Susan." "Great start to preservation!" exhibited by the most loving of the married, at know the com- "Wonderful tour - enjoyed it so much!" various times and seasons. So far convinced are petition to get "Wonderful guide! Marty!" "Excellent tour we of the truth, that some times the roses of matri- into those guide - Tiana." "Outstanding presentation." mony become withered after the expirations of the schools is in- honey moon, and their thorns become grievous to tense but right Happy Mother’s Day—Sisters and Mothers the wearers of the wreath, that we would wish no more profitable employment, than to have the now my grades Sisters and Mothers. - These are ties, which like are where they exclusive right for the U.S. to unmarry all those the invisible strings of conscience, bind man to the who mutually desired it for sixpence a pair for five need to be to world of kindly affection, and are the last things years. Our hall of justice would be thronged, our at least have a forgotten when one leaves life. The married situa- exchequer become filled and the national debt chance. tion may be one of purer and uninterrupted felici- soon become extinguished by a tax upon our ty—there may be no cloud in its whole happy profits of one per cent. More smiling faces would A look at the DH Guest Register horizon – it may be ever sunny, and flowers spring be seen, as our clients departed from the anti Gret- During the month of April 2018, the Dav- up in every season of the age. But even these na green than were evident when the parties re- enport House Museum saw visitors from 43 happy ones, who are in the clime of bliss, remem- turned from the altar where the knot was tied and states and10 countries. Our international ber long and late the claims of a sister or mother to felt as much real satisfaction result to both from patrons were frm Australia, Canada, Eng- their best affections. In the life of the solitary and our undoings as from the former labors of the land, Germany, France, Ireland, Israel, single, those who are said to be doomed to an priest. – Bachelor’s Journal. Georgian. May 7, 1828. Spain, Switzerland and South Africa. Inter- ennui of loneliness, the claims of a sister and esting hometown names include Coconut mother should hold strongly, not only upon their Creek, FL; London, KY; Oscoda, MI; feelings but duties. Those kindnesses which men Laughter, Alcohol Consumption, and Benjamin Rush’s Moral and Physical Thermometer

Sometimes people laugh at things that publications; by 1850 more than you – as per Dr. are not funny. The DH does a special 170,000 copies had been circulat- Rush. I read this tour in the spring and fall that involves ed.” (41) He was the first to theorize out loud, word discussing the copious amount of alco- that alcoholism is a disease and not the for word, to our hol consumed by Americans in the result of sin or moral shortcomings. program patrons early 19th century – at the time the (In fact he thought a lot of things were and it too gets Davenports were living here. Every a disease including murder, political big laugh. As time I mentioned that the early Federal dissent, black skin, etc.) often happens period between 1800 and 1830 “was when one has a the most drunken period in American The period just prior to the one we shtick, one or history,” it gets a laugh. (That’s why I interpret (1780s to 1800) saw, “A two participants do not always behave say it, because I know it gets a laugh.) breakdown of community norms that as one hopes. Earlier this spring, when Continuing, “Every man and woman had long contained drunkenness in I was reading The Moral and Physi- over fifteen drank 7.1 gallons of abso- colonial America and a shift in con- cal Thermometer at rapid speed (you lute alcohol each year.” (Lender and sumption patterns from fermented know my accent always gets them . . .), Martin). I go on to mention that there beverages to distilled spirits led to a mid-recitation a lady raised her hand were a few people who were con- dramatic (nearly three-fold) increase in (breaking my rhythm) and said, “What cerned about the state of the republic alcohol consumption between 1790 is `small beer’?” I said quickly “a teeny and its future with all this over indul- and 1830.” [William White. Addiction tiny beer,” which (got a laugh but) was gence. The foremost was Dr. Benja- as Disease. ] It is interesting to ponder not the case at all. Small beer is beer min Rush (1746 to 1813) of Philadel- what the average Savannahian may with low alcohol content. Following phia, signer of the Declaration of Inde- have thought about the esprit du this person’s comment, I figured I had pendence, surgeon general of the Con- temps. It would appear that Isaiah better know more about what is listed tinental Army, professor of chemistry, Davenport was as concerned about on The Thermometer in case I am and for some reason the namesake of Savannah as Rush was the Republic. asked again as well as to share it with one of Sarah and Isaiah Davenport’s We know that Isaiah Davenport was a you. sons, Benjamin Rush Davenport. Sabbatarian, a person who believed Bruce Bustand, a curator at the Nation- the Sabbath should be observed as a Included in this newsletter is a copy of al Archives, said of Dr. Rush, "He day of Christian reverence. On Febru- Rush’s chart “A Moral and Physical couldn't possibly think that [we] were ary 1, 1821 he presented six grievances Thermometer.” Its subtitle is “OR, A going to be able to govern [ourselves] . to “The Grand Jury” with #6 being SCALE OF THE PROGRESS OF TEM- . . He was worried that there was go- “we present as an evil of the greatest PERANCE AND INTEMPER- ing to be this decline in Republican magnitude, the effects produced by ANCE. LIQUORS, WITH THE EF- virtue and then the hopes of the Amer- tippling shops being kept open on the FECTS, IN THEIR USEFUL ORDER.” ican Revolution might not be ful- Sabbath day . . . to encourage habits of It is pertinent to note that Rush is not filled.” (Gambino. Smithsonian.com) intoxication among negroes and other advocating total abstinence for bever- In 1785, Dr. Rush wrote a treatise – a persons.” [Another bit that also gets a ages which contained alcohol. Hard “best-seller” – called, An Inquiry into the laugh in the program I present is when cider, beer, wine were not the problem. Effects of Ardent Spirits Upon the Body and I read this passage and say “it doesn’t The problem was with distilled spirits, Mind, with An Account of Preventing and sound like much has changed in Savan- ardent spirits, such as rum, gin and the Remedies for Curing, in which he theo- nah over the 197 years . . .and aren’t we whiskey. rized on the nature of alcoholism. W. still taking about alcohol consumption J. Rorabaugh in The Alcoholic Repub- and blue laws!] The top of the chart is the “good” part lic says, “The pamphlet was a master- – the TEMPERANCE part. Note the Included in Dr. Rush’s pamphlet was, scale from +70 to 1. All of the drinks piece. Its rational arguments, logic, and incisive examples made it both the A Moral and Physical Thermome- from 1 to 70 were beneficial with those century’s most effective short piece ter , a chart which gaged what you closer to the top (70) being the most would drink and what would happen to beneficial. Water is the most benefi- and also a model for later temperance cial! It is followed by milk and wa- Rush knew what he was talking from the idea that water is our most ter, vinegar and water, molasses about." Gambino]; PEPPER IN RUM healthful beverage to the harm that and water; then Small Beer (“one (the deadliest). excessive consumption of what we with an alcohol content of about 3 grew up calling “hard liquor” can According to The Thermometer, the percent, much like a light beer today.” wreak on the body is fact. We some- consequences for drinking ardent Gambino); Cider (referring to hard times chuckle at the appearance of spirits are: cider); Wine; Porter (a dark style of Carrie Nation and the excesses of the beer developed in London from well- VICES FROM 0 TO -70: Idleness; tavern smashers and the AntiSaloon hopped beers made from brown Peevishness; Quarrelling; Fighting; League, but in thinking about a popu- malt.” Wikipedia); Strong Beer (beer Lying; Swearing; Obscenity; Fraud; lation racked with addiction one may- with high alcohol content); Weak Anarchy; Hatred of just govern- be ought to applaud Dr. Rush and Punch. ment; Murder; Suicide later temperance advocates for recog- nizing the problem and seeking a rem- As The Thermometer says, the bene- DISEASES FROM 0 TO -70: Gout; edy to a scourge on the nation. fits of these drinks are Health, Sickness; Puking, and Tremors of Wealth, Serenity of Mind, Reputa- the hand in the morning; Bloat- As for Savannah, just following the tion, Long Life and Happiness; edness; Inflamed eyes; Red nose & DH’s time period (1820s), Dr. William Cheerfulness, Strength and Nour- face; Sore and swelling legs; Jaun- R.Waring, who we know from his ishment, when taken only at meals, dice; Pain in the limbs, and burn- service to the community during the and in moderate quantities. ing in the hands and feet; Dropsy yellow fever epidemic of 1820s and (“antiquated term for swelling caused later, believed that “’excessive drink- The drinks that could cause harm by excess fluids accumulating under ing is the curse of our community. from 0 to -70 began were Strong the skin. Today, most cases would be About the same time a Savannah Punch (with one historian noting, diagnosed as edema.” Wikipedia); Ep- grand jury condemned small “dram "Chatham Artillery Punch was the ilepsy; Melancholy; Ideotism shops” and upper-class taverns as thing the Georgia militia used to (idiotism); Madness; Palsy (tremors); equally “prejudicial of moral and ob- make. It was really potent stuff.” Apoplexy (“is bleeding within inter- noxious to sobriety and good order.” Gambino); Toddy (“any hot, spiced nal organs” i.e. stroke, “sudden un- The Temperance Society sponsored drink, like mulled cider.” Bob Weir); consciousness.” Wikipedia); [another discussions on the “expediency of Grog (originally referred to a beverage version of The Thermometer includes withholding licenses for the retail of made with rum and water); [one edi- hemorrhage from stomach or bow- Spirituous Liquors,” which to some tion of this chart lists “mint julep” els]; DEATH. was a highly charged political ques- here]; Flip (“mix of beer, rum, molas- tion. In 1835 the Chatham County ses and either eggs or cream, stirred PUNISHMENTS from 0 to -70: Temperance Society was founded at until frothy.” Gambino); Slings Debt; Black eyes; Hunger; Alms the Independent Presbyterian Church. (“drink of gin which was flavoured, house; Work house; Jail, Whipping Its object was to “suppress . . . partic- sweetened and served cold.” Wikipe- post, Castle Island (a hard labor dia); Bitters infused with Spirits camp in Boston Harbor); [another (bitters are – “a class of liquor based version of The Thermometer includes flavoring agents” – spices, tree bark, wretched diet, starvation, and seeds, fruits. Wikipedia); Morning branded with a hot iron]; THE GAL- Drams ["Rush was astute enough to LOWS. realize that it wasn't just the drinking, it was the frequency of the drinking, It is amusing to read this chart today which led to behavioral issues, disease being aware of the miracles that mod- -related issues and then onto grave ern science has made in with the treat- ment of illness when compared with social consequences," says Lender. th "When you start drinking gin in the the seeming archaic nature of late 18 th morning, you’ve got a real problem. ... and early 19 century practices. But, much of this chart is true! Everything ularly the use of all ardent spir- its” (Fraser, p. 225)

Try as we might (and we have not tried overly hard . . .), we have looked for some sort of family/genealogical con- nection between the Davenports and the great Dr. Rush. Sarah Daven- port’s mother, Susannah Tippin Sutter Clark’s (1761-1829) mother was Sarah Rush Tippin of Philadelphia. (Belzer) That’s about all we know. And, for all we know, the Davenports liked the name Benjamin and gave him the mid- dle name after his grandmother’s maid- en name. While a genealogical connec- tion would be fantastic to know, it is equally fine to consider that the Daven- ports may have had a philosophical affinity for Rush and his work and were moved to name their son for a great thinker of something they be- lieved in. So we laugh at alcohol consumption, we laugh and we learn.

SOURCES: Allison Scardino Belzer. Sarah Rosamond Clark Davenport: Ancestors and Descendants. 1994 (report) Walter Frazier. Savannah in the Old South. Megan Gambino. This Chart From 1790 Lays Out the Many Dangers of Alcoholism. Smithsonian.com Mark Edward Lender and James Kirby Martin, Drinking in America, 1982 Rebecca Onion. How Bad Are Your Drinking Hab- its? An 18th-Century: Temperance Ther- Mind, with An Account of Preventing FECTS, IN THEIR USEFUL OR- mometer Has the and the Remedies for Curing” includ- DER. Verdict. Internet ing “A Moral and Physical Bob Weir, Spirits. Internet search. Thermometer.” Its subtitle is search William L. White, MA Addiction as a “OR, A SCALE OF THE PRO- W. J. Rorabaugh. The Alcoholic Repub- Disease. Internet search. GRESS OF TEMPERANCE lic: An American Tradition. AND INTEMPERANCE. Porter, Benjamin Rush, Apoplexy, Benjamin Rush, An Inquiry into the “Effects of LIQUORS, WITH THE EF- Dropsy, Slings. Wikipedia. Ardent Spirits Upon the Body and JC