On Monday, February 17, 2025, Washington County Historical Society Director Dorothy Odom welcomed guests to a special event – the first of many to come in 2025 as Washington County celebrates its 200th Anniversary – Unveiling of the George Washington Collection.
The new collection, which was donated by James Gladwin, a collector of historical memorabilia from Tallahassee, features several exciting items:
-A bronze bust of George Washington by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. The bust was made from a life mask of Washington in 1785 at his Virginia home, Mt. Vernon.
– A Limited Edition Group Porcelain sculpted by Gerhard Bochmann for Goebel in 1976 commemorating the U.S. Bicentennial. It features Washington on the battlefield with a Revolutionary-era cannon and soldier and a brass plaque. “George Washington” 1st President of the United States. Served from two terms April 30, 1789-1796.
-A lithograph of a portrait by Gilbert Stuart of George Washington at age 64 – just 3 weeks before his death.
-A copy of the Ulster County Gazette from January 4, 1800 when John Adams accepted the Presidency following Washington death.
Odom also unveiled an original, hand-made quilt commemorating Washington County’s 200th Anniversary. The quilt, which spotlights events and locations in Washington County, is a 100% cotton quilt and was designed by historical society members, and quilted by Wausau Quilters.
Raffle tickets are available for $5 each with all receipts going to the Historical Society. The winner will be drawn October 23, 2025 at the Fall Block Party.
Come visit the history museum at 685 7th Street in Chipley any Friday from 9AM until 1PM or on Saturday from 10AM until noon. There is always some new and “old” to see.
