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Please visit our blog at www.secretpresident.com.

The Wallpaper Note Cards

Wallpaper. It can be an endless fascination. Sometimes it is really beautiful; at other times it is a marvel to see what people’s taste deems wall worthy. In the case of historic structures, it reminisces nostalgically to time that has passed.

The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Foundation is immortalizing several decades of wallpaper that still linger within the Museum and the Birthplace of First Lady Mrs. Wilson. Eight details of the historic wallpaper have been showcased on collectible note cards. These cards are a fundraiser to benefit the Foundation and the eventual renovation of Edith Bolling Wilson’s birthplace and childhood home.

Designs feature floral motifs, abstracts, and the famous “Durham’s Restaurant” horse themes. Durham’s Restaurant was located in the Bolling Building that now houses the Museum. On Mrs. Wilson’s last visit to Wytheville in 1960, she dined at Durham’s.

Each card is printed on card stock in four-color, is 5 1/2 inches by 4 1/4 inches, and includes an envelope. The set is $16.00 (plus $3.95 for shipping and handling).

Note cards are available at the Museum or to place an order by PayPal, click here for our official order page.

Time Line Tuesday – 1896

Galt Brother's - picture from the Library of Congress Photographic Archives

1896 – After a four year courtship, Edith Bolling marries Norman Galt of Washington D.C. They are married at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Wytheville, Virginia, on April 30. Galt’s family owns a very respected jewelry store in Washington D.C.

 

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Sources:
Wilson, My Memoir, 18.
Hatch, Edith Bolling Wilson, 50.

 

A Presidential Proclamation for National Family Caregivers Month

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release October 30, 2009

NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH, 2009

- – - – - – -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

The true strength of the American family finds its roots in
an unwavering commitment to care for one another. In difficult
times, Americans come together to ensure our loved ones are
comfortable and safe. Whether caring for a parent, relative,
or child, our Nation’s caregivers selflessly devote their time
and energy to the well-being of those they look after. During
National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the individuals
providing essential services to family members who could not
otherwise look after themselves.

Caregiver support is at the heart of my Administration’s
commitment to assisting our Nation’s families. Currently, a
variety of programs and services offer help and encouragement
to family caregivers. The National Family Caregiver Support
Program and the Lifespan Respite Care Act include important
resources for caregivers of children and adults, with
opportunities to receive much-needed assistance and take
part in support programs with other families. These programs
allow individuals to remain with their families for as long as
possible while helping to ensure the wellness of participating
care providers.

My Administration’s dedication to caregivers is also
embodied in our efforts to develop policies to support workers
trying to manage their responsibilities on the job and at home.
Families are best able to care for their loved ones when they
can take time away from work without fear of losing their job or
their income. We all have roles to play, including employers,
by providing paid leave, flexible work arrangements, and other
programs when feasible, to help ensure that caregivers are able
to successfully meet their work and household responsibilities.

Every day, family caregivers assist loved ones with tasks
ranging from personal care and homemaking, to transportation and
financial assistance. As the foundation of America’s long-term
care system, these individuals give millions of Americans the
peace of mind and security that only family can provide.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in
me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do
hereby proclaim November 2009 as National Family Caregivers Month.
I encourage all Americans to pay tribute and support
those who are caring for their family members, friends, and
neighbors in need of assistance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord
two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Please support our events for National Family Caregivers Month!

Please also visit The National Family Caregivers Association for more Caregiver Events this month!

Meet Our Sponsor – First Bank and Trust Company

Wade Lephew, Vice President of First Bank & Trust Company presents a donation check to Leslie King, E.B.W.B. Museum Director.

In honoring and thanking our sponsors, this blog post centers on First Bank and Trust Company. The Museum appreciates their generosity and hopes you will visit them and their web site. Here are some facts about the company (provided by them):

Little Facts Worth Knowing About First Bank & Trust Company
Our People and Our Customers
 Since 1979, our bank family has grown from 5 employees in 1979 to 285 today. The
average employee has served over 7 years, but many have served for decades. This
growth since 1979 has resulted in salaries and benefits totaling in excess of $131 million.
 Since 1979, your bank has paid U.S. corporate income tax in excess of $50 million.
 We currently serve 56,234 households.
 Since we opened our doors 30 years ago, we have established relationships with over
101,954 individuals and businesses, and this number is broken down as follows: 1,789
public and non‐ profit entities; 6,703 businesses; and over 93,462 personal accounts.

Our Communities and the Economic Contribution
 First Bank & Trust has donated $1.5 million to charitable organizations since its inception
in 1979. Of this amount, $535,000 was donated to high schools, colleges and student
related activities.
 Since 2004 alone, First Bank & Trust has generated $2.1 billion in new loans benefiting
the local customers we serve in support of our local economy.
 To better serve our customers, our Board of Directors decided several years ago to
service all mortgage loans in‐house, including secondary market loans which currently
amount to more than $271 million in mortgage loans outstanding.
 First Bank & Trust Company is also the only community bank in Virginia and Tennessee that
is a USDA‐FSA preferred ag lender with $120 million in outstanding agriculture loans.
 We are the only Virginia bank west of Roanoke with a full service Trust department.

Our Rankings
 First Bank & Trust has been listed in U.S. Banker’s Top 200 Community Banks List –
for the past three years: 11th bank in the nation in 2007; 13th in 2008 and in 2009 we
were ranked 15th in the Nation. This ranking positioned us as the #1 Community Bank
in Virginia and Tennessee for the third consecutive year.
 Bankrate.com Safe & Sound® ‐ First Bank & Trust was the 2008 recipient of the FIVE STAR
Safety and Soundness superior rating. This is the highest possible rating a bank can
receive, based on relative financial strength and stability of banks for capital, asset
quality, profistability and liquidity.
 In 2008 we were ranked by Ag Lender magazine in the top 100 Banks in the United States
by total agricultural loans.

If you are interested in becoming an Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum sponsor please email us at info@edithbollingwilson.org or call us at 276-22-EDITH.

Time Line Tuesday – 1895

ukiyoe nishiki-e by Mizuno TOshikata depicting the surrender of Chinese forces after the Battle of Weihaiwei, dated November 1895 （The depiction is fictitious. In fact the Chinese commander Dingruchang had had committed suicide after he refused to surrender.）

1895 – The Sino-Japanese War ends April 17. Through the Treaty of Shimonoseki, the Chinese cede several territories, including Taiwan, and are forced to recognize Korea’s independence.

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Source: Trager, The People’s Chronology, 610.

 

Meet Our Sponsor – First Community Bank

The staff of First Community Bank, Wytheville, VA - Pictured from left to right are Amy Cantrell, Jack Hunley, Denise Mooney, and Brandi Hackler.

The Museum has recently implemented a sponsorship program and we are pleased to share with you the businesses who have contributed $200 or more to The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Foundation and Museum. We are sharing these with you based on the date of incoming donations. If you are interested in becoming a Museum sponsor please email us at info@edithbollingwilson.org or call us at 276-22-EDITH.

The first sponsor we would like to introduce to you is First Community Bank in Wytheville, VA. We asked them how they would like to be represented on this blog posting and here is how they responded:

First Community Bank is a comprehensive banking and financial services company with more than 50 financial centers in West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee (as People’s Community Bank). Throughout our 138-year history, we have been known for our steady, fundamental approach to banking and finance that focuses on balanced, long-term growth.

We maintain this strong, balanced approach today because we believe that this is not only better for our company, but better for our customers and the communities in which we live and serve.

Today we are also known for the unique way we combine the strongest features of a big bank with the strongest qualities of a community bank. The result is a wide variety of banking and financial choices, exceptional service and the resources to back it all up. Strength. Balance. Backbone.

To learn more about First Community Bank, please visit their web site at www.fcbresource.com/.

Based on the

Time Line Tuesday – 1893

 

Kate Sheppard was integral in this movement. This image is from wikimedia.org.

 

 

 

1893 – The New Zealand House of Representatives passes women’s suffrage. This makes New Zealand the first country in the world to approve voting rights for women.

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Source: Mercer ed., Millennium Year by Year, 623.

Click here to learn more about Kate Sheppard.

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To view other entries about events that happened in the lifetime of Edith Bolling Wilson, click here.

Who is Donna Authers?

If you have been around the Museum during the past few months, you may have heard us mention the name “Donna Authers.” Ms. Authers is an author who has written a book on caregiving and dealing with death. Her book is called A Sacred Walk: Dispelling the Fear of Death and Caring for the Dying. Through the generosity of Wytheville Community College’s Project Healthy Living, Ms. Authers is coming to Wytheville on Thursday, November 12 and 13 to share her experiences with us all.

Last week we shared with you why we are touching on the topic of caregiving. Now we would like to introduce you to Ms. Authers. What you are about to read is from a press release she has put out:

“I’m dying.”

These are words that most of us dread hearing from the people we love. However, death is an inescapable part of life—and if it hasn’t happened already, chances are you’ll be called upon to help a parent, spouse, friend, or other loved one through the valley. Yes, it can be a terrifying prospect. But according to Donna Authers, it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to help your loved one make the most of his final years, months, and days…to help him take the next step without regret…and to create priceless memories for you to cherish.

“The illness and decline of someone close to you, especially as the end draws near, is one of the most testing times in your life,” says Authers. “Still, it’s important to know that serving as a caregiver can reward you with a rich, full experience. Death will always bring sadness, but it does not have to be characterized solely by pain and sorrow—it can also be accompanied by faith, grace, and love.”

Authers—who grew up overshadowed by a paralyzing fear of death due to the early loss of numerous family members—first experienced the trials and joys of caregiving when she spent time with her beloved grandmother, Angelina, in the last months of her life. Through Angelina’s wisdom and example, Authers was able for the first time to witness a peaceful passing and experience “good” grief.

“My grandmother’s faith strengthened my own, and I was able to realize that I haven’t seen her for the last time,” recalls Authers. “Grandma taught me so much about living a full, selfless life with no regrets—not only through her life, but also through her death. Learning those lessons took courage on my part: the courage to face my fears, and the courage to continue loving Grandma even though I knew I would lose her soon.”

Since that time, Authers has served as a caregiver to many others, both as a family member and as a representative of ministries and hospice organizations.

“Through my experiences with the dying and their families, I’ve learned that there are two groups who need to be considered: the person receiving care, and the people who are giving it,” she says. “Focus on your loved one, but don’t ignore yourself and your own needs in the process. Remember that both of you are still alive at this moment, and use the time to draw even closer together.”

Helping someone make his or her final life transition is an intimate and profound privilege, whether you are the primary caregiver or not. And while there is no single formula to follow during this bittersweet time, you can take steps that will enable you to provide support to your loved one without feeling unnecessarily frightened or burdened by stress and anxiety. Being a caregiver isn’t easy—but it is an experience you can’t afford to miss.
Taken from A Sacred Walk, following are several important thoughts for all caregivers to consider as they spend the last bit of precious time with their loved ones:
Strive to be “God with skin on.” In today’s busy, competitive world, the “still, small voice” of reason and love can easily be drowned out, and those who are hurting often have to maneuver life’s minefields without the support and companionship they so desperately need. Even before you are called upon to care for a loved one in need, you can serve as a caregiver to those whom you encounter in the ebb and flow of daily life.

“Being a caregiver isn’t something that begins only when a loved one needs your help,” stresses Authers. “The skills you’ll use to walk a friend or relative home are practiced and honed every day—something I call being ‘God with skin on.’ You never know which of your coworkers, friends, or acquaintances might need a pair of helping hands or a nonjudgmental listening ear. By developing patience, kindness, gentleness, and other selfless qualities, you’ll be ready to help when someone you meet has been unpleasantly surprised by life. And you’ll be able to step in without hesitation and put those skills to use when someone you care about is beginning his or her final journey.”

You need care, too. When you’re a caregiver, you might feel as though you need to have all of the answers and show no sign of weakness. After all, you’re supposed to be the pillar of support, right? Wrong, says Authers. Your patient isn’t the only one who needs care—you do too. The responsibilities on your shoulders are immense, and they—like grief—are more bearable when they are shared.

“Receiving care isn’t a luxury, as many people think,” explains Authers. “It’s a necessity. Quite simply, you can’t do it all by yourself. Take advantage of the consistent and reliable aid your support network can offer, and don’t be afraid to reach out if you need more. Those who are close to you can help you regain your balance after a traumatic event rocks your life. Even the little things—a meal prepared, a chore completed—can make a huge difference in your stress levels.

“Also, keep in mind that sometimes your family and friends may not be the right people to help you,” she adds.

“They may be too emotionally involved, or they might not have the expertise you need. Sometimes a pastor, a counselor, or a volunteer who represents a caring organization might be best able to give you the support you need. Remember, the more at peace you are, the better you’ll be able to cherish the time you spend with the loved one for whom you’re caring.”

Hospice is for the living. It’s a surprising statement, isn’t it? Most of us associate “hospice” with the final act of dying. The reality, though, is that the dying process can last weeks or even months, and it can pass through multiple stages. According to Authers, many people fail to realize that hospice facilities often provide support services to patients, caregivers, and family members throughout this journey, long before the patient is “ready” for hospice.

“Hospice care is superior, and it provides welcome support that a hospital can’t,” asserts Authers. “For example, when my mother was in the final stages of cancer, she gained new friends in Helen, a volunteer who visited her at home, and in Carol, her nurse. Although Mom no longer had years ahead of her, she was still very much alive—and the relationships she formed with these two wonderful women cheered her up and comforted the rest of us. We knew that Mom had a medical professional who cared about her on call, 24/7.

“Working with hospice can also take the responsibility of dealing with practical details off the shoulders of caregivers so that they can focus solely on their loved one,” Authers continues. “Many hospice facilities provide volunteers who will run errands or provide respite care when family members need a break. Some even provide medications, house calls, and grief counseling. Research what you local hospice offers—don’t overlook this invaluable source of support!”

Don’t treat death as a secret. No matter how strong of a support network your loved one might enjoy, her inner fears about dying may linger, and it’s important to make sure that they don’t remain unspoken. One of the greatest services a caregiver can offer is identifying those fears and making sure that they are alleviated. For example, these fears might include fear of the process of dying, fear of loss of control, fear of the unknown, and fear that life will have been meaningless.
In addition to talking to your loved one, make sure that affected family members and friends are aware of what to expect as death draws near. By dispelling misconceptions, you will enable everyone to focus on the tasks at hand, and you’ll also help ensure that unnecessary fears of death are not perpetuated.

“Talking about your loved one’s impending death and helping him confront his fears about it are difficult, emotional tasks,” Authers warns. “You might wish to sweep these issues under the rug because they’re so painful, but resist that temptation. Easing the fears of a dying loved one, as well as the fears of family and friends, will ultimately bring the fullest measure of peace and closure.”

Anticipate what your loved one needs. As your loved one takes his final journey, he’ll probably need more physical aid than he once did—but his spiritual and emotional needs will be different, too. To ease the burden, don’t just ask what you can do to help. Anticipate it. According to Authers, those who are ill might be unable to think of or articulate exactly what they need or want, or they might be uncomfortable expressing it.

“Your contribution might be preparing meals, vacuuming a neglected house, or coordinating a ‘driver pool’ to assist with transporting a patient to her doctors’ appointments,” suggests Authers. “These practical acts of kindness are some of the greatest gifts you can give.

“Don’t underestimate the value of your time, attention, and presence, either. Be sensitive to the desires and fears of the person for whom you’re caring, and treat her as herself, not as someone who is dying. Try to make her final days relaxing, affirming, and reassuring. Listen to her patiently if she wants to talk, and above all, make sure she knows just how important she is to you.”

Harness the power of forgiveness. Mental health professionals tell us that the number one inhibitor to finding peace is our inability to forgive. Forgiveness releases the hold the past has on the present, and it acts as a soothing balm to the soul. Perhaps the person for whom you’re caring needs your help and encouragement in reconciling with others. Maybe there are even issues between the two of you that need to be addressed. Don’t hesitate to help restore the lines of communication. Doing so can dispel many of the regrets your loved one may be holding onto, and it can keep anger and resentment from being his legacy.

“It’s bittersweet when people wait until they are on their deathbeds to restore a broken relationship,” observes Authers. “Sweet because a burden is being released, and bitter because it didn’t happen sooner. Ultimately, though, working through disappointing relationships and situations encourages physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. When forgiveness, reconciliation, and love are present, even the fear of death can disappear.”

Practice “Good Grief.” As a caregiver, you know that you will experience a great deal of grief when your loved one passes away. Chances are, you’re experiencing grief already. Don’t try to avoid those feelings, even if you want badly to do so. Instead, learn how to grieve well. “Good grief” does not mean that you won’t feel sorrow and hurt—you will. However, by letting yourself experience the feelings of sorrow, pain, hurt, loss, and confusion that are bound to come, you will be able to embrace life once more with a stronger faith and a renewed sense of purpose. It is important to note, though, that after the initial shock of a terminal diagnosis has worn off, you should try to behave normally around your dying loved one so as not to unfairly burden him. Make sure you have others to help you work through your grief.

“I learned the hard way that when you try to stifle grief or hurry it along, you only prolong its sting and confuse yourself,” Authers shares. “Grief manifests itself in different ways for different people. Express your emotions when they rise up, and be thankful for your tears—they are a blessing because of the love they represent. And remember something that my mother told me when she was dying: ‘Things will be different from now on, but different doesn’t mean it won’t be better.’ Cherish the memories you have, and have faith that you will see your loved ones again.”

“Always remember, the work that you are doing as a caregiver is sacred,” concludes Authers. “Letting go of someone you love is excruciating, but you can protect yourself from debilitating grief by replacing your fear with new memories. Make them right until the end. Remember what you have learned from those who have died, and cherish the love and the laughter that you shared. Recall and be grateful for the help you received along the way. And finally, know that you have provided a service of inestimable, eternal value.”

To Learn more about Ms. Authers, visit her web site at www.asacredwalk.com.

With a Little Help From Our Wytheville Community College Friends

WCC student Edna Monahan helped with the Museum's Edith Bolling Wilson Birthday Celebration. Photograph by Faith Martin.

The large United Moving truck arrived in front of The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum and the latest museum acquisition, The Del Rubio Triplet Collection, was unloaded. The next project was for the Museum staff and support to unpack, clean, preserve and catalog the various pieces of furniture, china, glassware, and silver. The only problem was in the timing. It was September and the Museum had an event scheduled to unveil the Collection on Mrs. Wilson’s Birthday (First Lady to President Woodrow Wilson) on October 15, 2009. With the Museum’s small staff of one and non-profit status, help was sought.

As a community service participant site for the Wythe-Bland Community Foundation Scholarship Program, the Museum had already received a lot of valuable student service, but more was needed. Museum director Leslie King decided to enlist the assistance of Wytheville Community College history professor William Grose. After meeting with him, Mr. Grose graciously recruited his classes to assist the Museum meet their October 15 deadline. Offering extra credit for those who volunteered at the museum, his classes logged over 45 volunteer hours in a very short period of time. The students learned about Edith Bolling Wilson and her role in Wytheville history, as well as gained experience with artifact cleaning and preservation, event tasks, and had the opportunity to interact with the public.

“Though not all of my 18 history students who volunteered intend to make a career in history, museum studies, or historic preservation; every student with whom I’ve spoken has related their experience positively. They universally agreed it was an enjoyable and educational experience. I believe their contributions, regardless of their motives have given them something they likely would not have gotten otherwise. It not only gives them hands-on experience with the ‘business’ end of history, but it provides an immediate and tangible link to the past, and in particular, to their own local history,” said Mr. Grose.

Thanks to the help of these Wytheville Community College history students, The Annual Edith Bolling Wilson Birthday Celebration was a wonderful success. The Del Rubio Triplets Collection, which is comprised of items that relate to Mrs. Wilson’s life and relationship with her brother Rolfe Emerson Bolling’s family, is now prominently on display at the Museum. Two students Faith Martin and Edna Monahan also helped with the actual birthday party celebration on October 15.

Along with Mr. Grose’s students, the Museum also received support for The Birthday Celebration from Milly Boyd of The Del Rubio Triplets, Ken Farmer of Ken Farmer Auctions and Appraisals, Wythe County Board of Supervisor Chairman Bucky Sharitz, Town of Wytheville Mayor Trent Crewe, Wytheville Town Councilman Judson Lambert, Wythe-Bland Community Foundation Scholarship recipient’s Caleb Whitt and Joshua Mattis, Graphic Design Professor Ken Smith of Radford University, the Joint IDA, Building and Design, and Lilchy Huffman, who portrayed Edith Bolling Wilson.

The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum is a tax exempt nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and is located at 145 East Main Street in Wytheville, VA. The museum is open to the public Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 to 5:00. For more information, please visit www.edithbollingwilson.org or call 276-22-Edith (276-223-3484).