Mounting Block Behind Ford's?

[Gene C]

Was there a mounting block behind Ford's Theater that Booth might have used to get on and off his hourse?

Would that make it easier to get on or off a horse if you have a broken leg?

[Laurie Verge]

I have never seen reference to one, and there has been no semblance of one in the years that I have traipsed back into what used to be the original cobblestone alley.

I have always thought of mounting blocks used mainly by ladies and men who might have difficulties mounting the normal way or being used to enter and exit a carriage. I'm also not sure that horse traffic in the rear of Ford's was extensive enough to require such a thing.

Booth was known as an excellent horseman, so I'm not sure that anything would help or hinder his mounting horse.

[Jim Garrett]

The horse was spinning while JWB was trying to mount up.

[BettyO]

Laurie -

You are correct. A "mounting block" was principally for ladies (or gents who may have trouble mounting) but also utilized for entering and exiting a carriage. No need for one in the alley - it'd be like putting a traffic light in an alley today; not enough traffic to warrant it....

As far as the spinning horse, Jim, if one is an experienced equestrian, and Booth certainly was, that nervous, spinning mare would have been conquered by JWB soon enough. Simply pull the near rein (left) tighter than the other; turning her head, and she'll stop spinning long enough to mount.

[Jim Garrett]

I can't find the reference to the horse spinning, but Peanut John's testimony on April 24th..." There was no box there as I know he mounted from the ground." In another statement, Burroughs states the horse was about 4 feet from the back door.

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(08-23-2012 04:25 PM)BettyO Wrote:  Laurie -

You are correct. A "mounting block" was principally for ladies (or gents who may have trouble mounting) but also utilized for entering and exiting a carriage. No need for one in the alley - it'd be like putting a traffic light in an alley today; not enough traffic to warrant it....

As far as the spinning horse, Jim, if one is an experienced equestrian, and Booth certainly was, that nervous, spinning mare would have been conquered by JWB soon enough. Simply pull the near rein (left) tighter than the other; turning her head, and she'll stop spinning long enough to mount.

Yes Betty, I think we have both tried to mount up on an uncooperative steed. You are right. One quick pull on the near rein and you are up and on in one spin. I think I also remember an account that Peanut John had fallen alseep on a carpenter's bench while still holding the rins. When JWB came through the door, Burroughs was startled awake. That was why JWB had to smack him in the head to get him to let go.

[BettyO]

(08-23-2012 04:43 PM)Jim Garrett Wrote:  I can't find the reference to the horse spinning, but Peanut John's testimony on April 24th..." There was no box there as I know he mounted from the ground." In another statement, Burroughs states the horse was about 4 feet from the back door.

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(08-23-2012 04:25 PM)BettyO Wrote:  Laurie -

You are correct. A "mounting block" was principally for ladies (or gents who may have trouble mounting) but also utilized for entering and exiting a carriage. No need for one in the alley - it'd be like putting a traffic light in an alley today; not enough traffic to warrant it....

As far as the spinning horse, Jim, if one is an experienced equestrian, and Booth certainly was, that nervous, spinning mare would have been conquered by JWB soon enough. Simply pull the near rein (left) tighter than the other; turning her head, and she'll stop spinning long enough to mount.

Yes Betty, I think we have both tried to mount up on an uncooperative steed. You are right. One quick pull on the near rein and you are up and on in one spin. I think I also remember an account that Peanut John had fallen alseep on a carpenter's bench while still holding the rins. When JWB came through the door, Burroughs was startled awake. That was why JWB had to smack him in the head to get him to let go.

I remember that as well, Jim! Peanuts John was lying on the bench....AND ( SPOILER ALERT!) in the new movie, Killing Lincoln - they show that!

[J. Beckert]

Hard to see, but this photo looks like there was a mounting block in front of Ford's. I'm guessing for arriving carriages.

[BettyO]

Looks like you are correct, Joe! And it's quite a LARGE one! A platform, really.... almost "Horse car" (trolley pulled by horses before electricity) size!

[Laurie Verge]

Most of the carriage blocks that I have seen are fairly large. I suspect that accommodations had to be made for the ladies who could not see where they were stepping because of their large hoop skirts. Too small a mount might cause an accidental fall. God forbid that a tumble might expose anything higher than a lady's instep!

Glad to have you posting again, Joe. You have great photos to share.

[BettyO]

Definitely! Welcome back, Joe!! We've missed you!

[J. Beckert]

Thank you both. And thanks for sending the bail money! That was sweet of you two!

[Laurie Verge]

Anything for a friend, Joe...

[BettyO]

(08-24-2012 03:14 PM)Laurie Verge Wrote:  Anything for a friend, Joe...

Agreed, Joe dear! Along with some VA peanuts!! HA!

[Laurie Verge]

We need to get Joe and Julie in a contest to see who can bring the best cheese to the Surratt conference. Wisconsin has great cheese, but Joe sent some of us a brand of Vermont White Cheddar a few months back that is stiff competition.

P.S. I'm starting to see a trend here. Somehow the postings start talking about food late in the afternoon recently -- ham, crabs, oysters, peanuts, Moon Pies, cheese. Mrs. Lincoln is supposed to have made wonderful cakes (one in particular that I can't remember) -- just saying so we can stay on topic!

[J. Beckert]

I'm in, Laurie. That stuff from up north is the best I've ever had. No cheesehead can top that! We have to make it interesting, though. Something like the loser has to eat the wax coating and all the foil.