Sunday, May 1, 2011
Yet another beautiful Spring day presented itself today, for which I could not let slip away. I spent the day in Princeton at two sites: Princeton Battlefield State Park and Morven Museum and Garden.
Spending some time on a field that was previously the site of bloodshed was an odd experience. It was quiet, with only a birds chirping and a few people talking out in the distance. As I walked along the grass field, I tried to recreate the scene in my head. What it would have appeared to be standing in the same spot over two centuries ago. To picture men being murdered by muskets, cannon balls, and swords of sorts. To envision a field of lost souls as their remains lay on the reddened grass field. It was strange to think of a war being fought on American soil, considering it's been so long since it last happened. I can't imagine the horror that Americans experienced on an everyday basis, knowing that one wrong step or one bad location would terminate their short lives on this earth.
There were various information posts around the lawn, depicting different events during the Battle at Princeton. There was also a house, called the Clark House, which holds various artifacts from the battle, along with artifacts from the time-period. The house is open during the afternoon, free for visitors. There were cannonballs that were found on the site. The thought of seeing such rocks tearing through the air was appalling.
I'm so distanced from the idea of war, as I'm sure most Americans are, that this stream of consciousness seemed so foreign. I don't think Americans realize how fortunate they are that they need not endure through battles on their home soil. It's something we take for granted so easily.
Pictures are 81-122: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.10150236279845260.365305.753450259&l=855ce5f5e3
After such a surreal experience, I drove to the nearby Morven Museum and Garden. I found this on google, thinking the garden would be extensive, but it was typical of the type of garden a mansion would have. The tour cost six dollars to roam the rooms of the Morven House. A tour guide explained the history of the house, particularly the social history of its past residents before becoming a museum. What caught my eyes were the number of portraits of the house's residents. (I have quite a fancy for painted portraits).
Oh, but if everyone could live such a lifestyle, with a large house, a large garden area, lavish accessories and portraits to boot. How lucky those few are who are born into such wealth. But for the rest of us, we simply dream and visit such places. Though I imagine it would be drafty in the wintertime. And such a home would feel empty without a large family to fill its rooms. Though I will say this: it makes me sad that people don't entertain the way they used to. Bringing out the nice china, having discussions over tea, and simply enjoying the company of others without the distractions of modern society. If there's one this the British got right, it's afternoon tea time. What a nice event that would be to have on a regular basis.
Pictures are 123-150: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.10150236279845260.365305.753450259&l=855ce5f5e3
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