The scene at Petersen House

[Rhatkinson]

I am sure that most, if not all, here have read James Swanson's "Bloody Crimes". I have just finished it, and thought I might take a moment to recommend one chapter in particular. It is entitled "Bourne by Loving Hands" (obviously after Bersch's beautiful painting, attached) and it is perhaps the most well written description of the scene to and inside Petersen House that I have ever read. The skill of a gifted writer is wonderful when you encounter it, and Swanson's visualization of that sad scene is well worth your time, even for a second time.

Heath

[LincolnMan]

I agree. I listened to the audio version narrated by Richard ("John-boy") Thomas. It is outstanding. I found the whole book very well done.

[L Verge]

I admit that I am friends with James, but he is very skillful at making history come alive. That book has been on the market for about seven years now, and it is still a good seller at Surratt House; and we always have visitors coming in saying that they read the book and got interested in our story. Some even bring the book with them. That's what it takes to keep history alive.

Many folks think that James is an author by trade. He is actually an expert on constitutional law, works for the Heritage Foundation, and is often before the Supreme Court on matters related their cases. He's also fun to talk with.

[ReignetteC]

Mr. Swanson's adaptation of "Bloody Crimes" for the young reader - "Bloody Times" was a big hit in our home. I highly recommend it for kids of all ages.

Does anyone know where "Bourne by Loving Hands is Today?" Ford's Theatre?

And on the topic of Petersen House: I recently read "Lincoln's Last Battleground." Robert T. Bain, a direct descendant of William Petersen tells how the Petersen family was affected by the events surrounding Lincoln's assassination. It's an interesting and heartfelt read.

[Craig Hipkins]

(03-10-2013 08:41 PM)ReignetteC Wrote:  Mr. Swanson's adaptation of "Bloody Crimes" for the young reader - "Bloody Times" was a big hit in our home. I highly recommend it for kids of all ages.

Does anyone know where "Bourne by Loving Hands is Today?" Ford's Theatre?

And on the topic of Petersen House: I recently read "Lincoln's Last Battleground." Robert T. Bain, a direct descendant of William Petersen tells how the Petersen family was affected by the events surrounding Lincoln's assassination. It's an interesting and heartfelt read.

I too,enjoyed Mr. Bain's book. It is concise, but well written and presents a vivid interpretation of what was going on in the Petersen house in the hours following the assassination.

Craig

[RJNorton]

(03-10-2013 08:41 PM)ReignetteC Wrote:  Does anyone know where "Bourne by Loving Hands is Today?" Ford's Theatre?

Reignette, yes, the web page here indicates it is at Ford's.

[LincolnMan]

How did all those people fit into the room at Lincoln's death-bed? I'm kidding, of course-but some people take the depictions as literal!

[Jim Garrett]

I believe last I saw of "Bourne" it was either in the boardroom or the superintendent's office.

[LincolnMan]

Jim: Other than the walls of the theater, is there part of the building itself that remains from the original?

[ReignetteC]

(03-11-2013 04:51 AM)RJNorton Wrote:  

(03-10-2013 08:41 PM)ReignetteC Wrote:  Does anyone know where "Bourne by Loving Hands is Today?" Ford's Theatre?

Reignette, yes, the web page here indicates it is at Ford's.

Thanks!

[J. Beckert]

(03-11-2013 09:12 PM)LincolnMan Wrote:  Jim: Other than the walls of the theater, is there part of the building itself that remains from the original?

Bill - I think the 10th. St wall and the two side walls are all that remains of the original structure. The rear wall was rebuilt after the 1893 collapse. I believe the original roof trusses are still in place. Jim?

[Barry Doohan]

What was Ford's used for following the collapse? Were there windows on the Baptist Alley side on the original Ford's or were these added following the collapse?

[Jim Garrett]

All exterior walls are original, but yes the rear of th ebuilding was rebuilt. To what degree, I don't know. The roof is original. Few places that receive as many visitors as Fords from that era, are original, just from the aspect of building codes. The Petersen house is very original. The main structural change was that Louis Schade moved the wall between the front and rear parlors about a foot. The Petersen house has it's original walls, floors, trim, molding, doors, etc. The door hardware was repaired or replaced in the 1940's. The Petersen house does have carpeting throughout the areas that visitors have access to, for the protection of the floors. The wallpaper is new and was manufactured by the same company that made the original. The petersen house had the original bootscrap at the bottom of the curved stairs until this year. It was damaged and removed.