A new look at the First U.S. President

George Washington inauguration scene. He was 57.

Lorlee guessed correctly. It's George Washington, the father of our country. She had seen the same traveling exhibit that we saw, dentures and all, so she was ready when we asked for identification of these photos.

Young surveyor

Forensic scientists used techniques developed for solving crimes to extrapolate a life-size model of the President from a carefully preserved plaster mold that had been taken of his face during his life-time. They often made these molds back then. A good thing for us.
Using lasers and computers and modern plastics, scientists carefully created three extremely life-like mannequins, dressed them up and took them on the road, along with a trove of artifacts. The exhibit is called "Discover the Real George Washington." We went for a look.
You know that guy on the dollar bill? Not even close. Gilbert Stuart got it wrong too. George didn't look at all like his official portrait. There were reasons for that, of course. And he never wore a wig either.
When we stood in the presence of these extremely life-like characters, we expected them to talk and move. They didn't, of course, but as we stood up to them and took our pictures, flashing in their faces, it was a bit disconcerting. We couldn't help but feel just a little bit rude.

ASTRIDE BLUESKIN
Mr. John Hunter, an English visitor to Mt. Vernon in 1785, in a letter to a friend makes the following reference to Washington's horses:"When dinner was over, we visited the General's stables, saw his magnificent horses, among them "Old Nelson," now twenty-two years of age, that carried the General almost always during the war. "Blueskin," another fine old horse, next to him, had that honor. They had heard the roaring of many a cannon in their time. "Blueskin" was not the favorite on account of his not standing fire so well as venerable "Old Nelson." The General makes no manner of use of them now. He keeps them in a nice stable, where they feed away at their ease for their past services.'"