Searching for Mary Todd Lincoln
Lexington's Mary Todd Lincoln House holds the key to the First Lady's personality.
When Sally Field was preparing for her role as Mary Todd Lincoln in the recent Lincoln biopic, the dynamic actress insisted on two trips to the historic Lexington home that bears Mrs. Lincoln's name --one tour of the house to capture the essence of the woman whom she was to portray, and one visit for her CBS Sunday Morning interview about the film.
Now, I've probably driven past the Mary Todd Lincoln house a hundred times in my life. The truth is, when you spend a lot of years studying and working in Downtown Lexington, you don't always give a whole lot of thought to the historic buildings. After a while, they all run together. The Hunt-Morgan House. Ashland. The Mary Todd Lincoln House. They all carry the names of Lexingtonians of eras past. They reflect the architecture and fashions of their era. But, when you've used Gratz Park for outdoor undergrad classes or quick runs with the dogs and the Thomas Morgan House is a place where you performed your alumna duty of serving punch at sorority rush parties, you haven't always taken the time to read the historical markers or undertake the tours. While I always knew that the Mary Todd Lincoln House was the home of our nation's Sixteenth First Lady, I've never taken time to visit it. It's just part of the downtown landscape, like Old Morrison or the 5/3 Building.
My friend and fellow "obsessive Kentuckian", Sarah Stewart Holland, wrote an essay here on HerKentucky about the moment when, while reading Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals, she first saw Lincoln as an empathetic and very human man rather than as a historically exalted leader. As I read Sarah's piece, I immediately thought of all the press surrounding Ms. Field's visits to Lexington. I did a little research about the Mary Todd Lincoln House and realized that, perhaps, Ms. Field was onto something. Maybe the home where Mrs. Lincoln spent her teen years is a key to her character.
Mary's room, via Mary Todd Lincoln House.
The house located at 578 West Main, an elegant two-story 14-room brick home, was purchased by the Todds in 1832. The fashionable address -- at the time almost suburban -- reflected the family's growing prominence. Robert Todd, a businessman and politician, was the president of a local bank. Mary, the fourth of seven children, lived the life of a privileged southern belle. She attending boarding school during the week, and traveled home on the weekends. When Mr. Todd remarried, Mary disagreed with her stepmother and step-siblings. At 21, she was sent to Springfield, Illinois to live with her married sister Elizabeth. In Springfield, Mary won the affections of two promising young lawyers -- Stephen Douglas and his political rival Abraham Lincoln. Although Mary was known for her dramatic personality and disarming mood swings, her marriage to the penniless Lincoln shocked everyone back home in Lexington.
The Mary Todd Lincoln House, sitting serenely in the shadow of Rupp Arena, boasts a decidedly colorful past. Originally built as an inn, it was later converted to a private residence. It even served as the "bawdy house" where Lexington's most famous madam, Belle Brezing, first practiced her trade. In the 1970s, the house was restored (the first site restored to honor a First Lady) with many original antiques belonging to the Lincoln and Todd families. Its many -- sometimes shady -- incarnations seem a fitting tribute to a woman whose tumultuous personal life was marked with political victories and unimaginable family tragedies. The home's series of reinventions seems also to embody the very spirit of Downtown Lexington -- constantly evolving and rebuilding, with an eye toward the future and a deep respect for the city's history.
Why I'm Obsessed With Abraham Lincoln
The moment President Lincoln shifted from historical figure to real person for writer Sarah Stewart Holland
It's not because I'm a Kentuckian...well, it's sort of because I'm a Kentuckian.
I always loved Lincoln in an obligatory way. I knew he had saved the Union. I knew he had freed the slaves. I knew all the facts...including that he was BORN IN KENTUCKY. (I'm looking at you, Illinois.)
However, my interest never went beyond my interest in all historical figures. That is to say I liked him but I didn't love him. Until I read Team of Rivals.
Doris Kearns Goodwin's historical account of Lincoln's presidency and the men who filled is cabinet should be required reading for all Americans. She brilliantly takes this man - this character - out of the two-dimension story we all know and recreates the person he really was. Her central tenet being that Lincoln's strongest political asset was his incredible empathy. From the book:
"Though Lincoln's empathy was at the root of his melancholy, it would prove an enormous asset to his political career. 'His crowning gift of political diagnosis,' suggested Nicolay, 'was due to sympathy ... which gave him the power to forecast with uncanny accuracy what his opponents were likely to do."
The concept that the strength of this icon of American history was found in his sensitivities floored me. I loved the stories of him pardoning deserters and feeling a heavy sense of obligation to any citizen who crossed his threshold.
At the end of the book, with his assassination playing out in heart-wrenching detail I wept.
My husband sweetly pointed out I knew how the book ended before I started reading it.
However, I couldn't help myself. To fully appreciate the personal and political genius of Lincoln is to fully appreciate the tragedy of his death. Not to mention, I couldn't help but think how everything would have been different for the South had the Reconstruction been lead by Lincoln as opposed to his successors.
Everything I learned about Lincoln while reading that book was so inspiring my personal obsession was a foregone conclusion by the last page. Plus, realizing this man came from the same land I did made everything that much better.
~ Sarah Stewart Holland
Happy Birthday, Muhammad Ali!
Celebrating the 73rd birthday of The Greatest, Louisville native boxing legend Muhammad Ali.
Today marks the 73rd birthday of one of the most fascinating, charismatic, inspiring, and beloved figures in modern sports. Boxing legend Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. in Louisville on January 17, 1942.
As a boxer, Ali connected with legions of fans due not only to his amazing feats in the ring (he remains the only three-time lineal World Heavyweight Champion) but also his famous brand of self-promotion. He became known as The Louisville Lip due to enduring statements like "I am the Greatest" and "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." Of course, his talent in the ring backed up his statements. Ali later said, "At home, I am a nice guy, but I don’t want the world to know. Humble people, I’ve found, don’t get very far.”
Nobody ever mistook Ali for being humble. Throughout the Sixties and Seventies, he was known not only for his boxing successes and outlandish statements, but also for his political and cultural stances. His religious and social objections to the Vietnam War as well as his candor regarding race and political issues made him a counterculture icon. Ali wasn't just a boxer, he was the first true "Sports Personality", establishing the groundwork for modern sports culture. As the writer Joyce Carol Oates said in her work "On Boxing", Ali was one of the few athletes in any sport to "define the terms of his public reputation." Ali's reputation extended far beyond the realm of sports; he is a seminal figure in modern African-American culture, with popularity that has racial lines for decades.
Upon his retirement from boxing, Ali has devoted his time and resources to humanitarian causes and Parkinson's Disease research. He is the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Honor, Amnesty International's Lifetime Achievement Award, and the National Constitution Center Liberty Medal.
Louisville's Muhammad Ali Center, established by The Champ and his wife Lonnie, is an education center and museum devoted to the six principles established by Ali:
- Confidence: Belief in oneself, one's abilities, and one's future.
- Conviction: A firm belief that gives one the courage to stand behind that belief, despite pressure to do otherwise.
- Dedication: The act of devoting all of one's energy, effort, and abilities to a certain task.
- Giving: To present voluntarily without expecting something in return.
- Respect: Esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of, oneself and others.
- Spirituality: A sense of awe, reverence, and inner peace inspired by a connection to all of creation and/or that which is greater than oneself.
The Ali Center, StageOne, and the Kentucky Center for the Arts are celebrating Muhammad Ali's 73rd birthday on Saturday night with a gala that includes the world premiere of "And in this Corner... Cassius Clay", playwright Idris Goodwin's story of Ali's life.
From all of us at HerKentucky, Happy Birthday, Muhammad! You'll always be The Greatest to us!
HerKentucky's Holiday Wish List for your Favorite Kentuckian
Great gifts for your favorite Kentuckian.
For our final HerKentucky Holiday Gift Guide, here are a few of the best ways to show Kentucky pride. These are great gifts for your favorite Kentuckian, or even to treat yourself!
Hand-Embroidered Kentucky Pillow from Uncommon Goods. Such a gorgeous way to celebrate the Commonwealth
Bourbonware Rocks Glass. A seriously sophisticated way to drink your bourbon.
Andrew Jackson shirt, Kentucky for Kentucky This shirt makes me laugh. Bob and I each have one.
Shop Local Kentucky Buffalo Plaid Shirt. These are dropping just after Christmas. I'm trying to decide if I need the Blue or Red plaid. (Or both)
Maya Brenner Designs Necklace. This necklace is an amazing gift. I wear mine all the time, and get so many compliments. Sarah Holland has the version with a diamond over her hometown of Paducah, to nobody's surprise! :)
Kentucky Necklace from The Prickly Pear. This is so fun and unique. It reminds me of the iconic "Carrie" necklace from Sex and the City, and it's inexpensive enough that you can go ahead and pick one up for yourself.
Kentucky "Home" Shirt from The Home T. The Prickly Pear has sizes from baby onesies to adults. These are great for expatriates, locals, and basically anybody who loves the Bluegrass State.
Weep No More, My Lady Letterpress Print from The Old Try. What a charming way to add Kentucky Pride to your office or den!
Pottery Rowe Bluegrass Garden Kit from A Taste of Kentucky. Everything you need to grow a little Kentucky Bluegrass wherever you'd like. I think this would be amazing for your favorite homesick Kentuckian!
Our friends at Bourbon Ware have graciously offered a rocks glass to one lucky HerKentucky reader. Enter below using the Rafflecopter widget.
Our Friend Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence is the Kentucky girl's dream BFF. As fans, do we owe her a measure of privacy?
Here in Louisville, we all feel like we know Jennifer Lawrence.
Sure, she’s a Hollywood It Girl and an Oscar-winning actress who moved to New York to pursue her craft when she was just 14. But we all know she’s still just a Louisville girl. Her parents and her brothers still live here. Now and again, you hear people work in references to where her various family members work, or who we might all have in common. It's all in good fun; we all know that she hasn't forgotten The 'Ville, which is evident in the way she visits Kosair Children's Hospital when she's in town and in the way she never fails to rep the Cards.
Besides, Louisville is, at heart, a small town of 750,000 or so people. We talk about Jennifer Lawrence like we know her because, here in Louisville, we talk about everybody that way. There's the "everybody in St. Matthews knows each other" game. There's the "where did you go to high school?" game. There's the "folks who are always at charity events/ new restaurants/ sporting events" game. It's a logical extension that if you went to Kammerer Middle School or Camp Hi Ho then you're practically best friends with Jennifer Lawrence.
Enid Alvarez / Via nydailynews.com
Seventeen Magazine
A lot of Americans feel like they know Jennifer Lawrence, too. Part of her superstar charm is her ability to be disarmingly candid and down-to-earth in interviews. Her TV talk show antics like asking David Letterman for a blanket or joking with Seth Meyers about her childhood Harry Potter obsession present her as goofy, endearing, and relatable. She is, as professor and pop culture expert (Why didn't anybody tell me that was an option when it was time to apply to grad school?) Anne Helen Peterson posited in a brilliant essay earlier this year, the latest heiress to the Cool Girl Throne. She could be your best friend, your kid sister, your niece, or, quite literally, the girl next door.
November 2014 Vanity Fair Magazine
I've thought a lot about Jennifer Lawrence and the nature of fame and fandom in the past few weeks. Earlier this year, some nude photos of Ms. Lawrence emerged on the internet, the result of a hacker accessing her private cell phone photos. In an insightful Vanity Fair Article, she stated that, although a public apology was the first line of PR/ damage control self-defense for the incident, "every single thing that I tried to write made me cry or get angry. I started to write an apology, but I don't have anything to say I'm sorry for." It was exactly the way we'd all hope to react to such a crushingly invasive act.
If Jennifer Lawrence is, in our collective minds, our best friend, or our kid sister, then it naturally follows that we shouldn't seek out those leaked naked photos. Would we do that with a real-life friend? I mean, we've all gone down the rabbit hole of googling old classmates or boyfriends. But, you know, there's a huge difference between publicly posted Instagram or Facebook photos and photos hacked from someone's cell phone. The former are posted online with the subject's knowledge that they could be viewed by anyone; the latter are stolen property. Ms. Lawrence wasn't trying to "Break the Internet", Kim Kardashian-style, with risqué publicity photos. Rather, she had snapped intimate photos for her then-partner, which were then stolen and publicly displayed. It was, as Ms. Lawrence characterized the situation, a sex crime.
Last weekend, Ms. Lawrence conducted an AP interview in conjunction with the release of the latest film in the Hunger Games franchise. When the conversation turned to paparazzi intrusions, she gave a vivid personal account of the stress and anxiety that stems from a constant stream of unwanted photographers documenting her private life. As she proclaimed that she hopes to work toward legislation that stops paparazzi --"And my belief, and it's something I am going to work very hard on changing and I hope it changes before I die, is to make it illegal to buy, post or shop a photo that's been obtained illegally." -- she sounded like that recent law school grad we all know, the one who's on fire for justice and reform. Her tone was hopeful, indignant, and all of the other attributes you'd expect from a bright and articulate 24 year-old.
Even if we take the construct of "friendship" away from being a Jennifer Lawrence fan, do we owe her a certain degree of respect? In saying, "I think that Jennifer Lawrence is a gorgeous actress whose talent was undeniable when she redeemed trite films like Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle", are we required to then say "I refuse to read articles that post candid paparazzi photos of this actress I admire?" If we, as pop culture junkies, loved the way Ms. Lawrence turned a skeevy Jack Nicholson Oscars moment into a charming old-school Hollywood flirtation, are we supposed to boycott TMZ or Perez Hilton (among the most notorious purveyors of paparazzi photos) in lieu of authorized interview outlets, even if it means that we can no longer fully and properly Keep Up with the Kardashians?
The truth is, if TMZ and Perez Hilton went out of business tomorrow, ten more aggressive gossip sites would pop up to replace them by the end of the week. Ms Lawrence's skill-set lies not only in her tremendous acting talent, but also in her beauty and public persona. The Safe Harbor clause of the DMCA exists for a very important reason, and the balance between free speech and public figures' right to privacy has been precarious for decades. The celebrity information industry is, indeed, out of control and there aren't any easy answers to how it can be reigned in. When Ms. Lawrence notes that she's simply trying to live her life free of the insane intrusions that her fame creates, she creates a starting point for an interesting and much-needed conversation. And isn't that one of your best friend's duties?
Kentucky's Korean War Hero Ernest West
The U.S. Postal Service honors Korean War Medal of Honor winners, including Ernest West of Wurtland, KY.
Pfc. Ernest West
Fascinating stories about amazing Kentuckians are everywhere, if you just stop to listen.
Recently, the United States Postal Service commended an extraordinary Kentuckian on his bravery and service in the Korean War.
Kentuckian Ernest West received a Medal of Honor --the nation's highest award for valor -- for his brave service to the United States Army during the Korean War. The citation accompanying his award states:
Pfc. West distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. He voluntarily accompanied a contingent to locate and destroy a reported enemy outpost. Nearing the objective, the patrol was ambushed and suffered numerous casualties. Observing his wounded leader lying in an exposed position, Pfc. West ordered the troops to withdraw, then braved intense fire to reach and assist him. While attempting evacuation, he was attacked by 3 hostile soldiers employing grenades and small-arms fire. Quickly shifting his body to shelter the officer, he killed the assailants with his rifle, then carried the helpless man to safety. He was critically wounded and lost an eye in this action. but courageously returned through withering fire and bursting shells to assist the wounded. While evacuating 2 comrades, he closed with and killed 3 more of the foe. Pfc. West's indomitable spirit, consummate valor, and intrepid actions inspired all who observed him, reflect the highest credit on himself, and uphold the honored traditions of the military service.
Mr. West was one of the 145 members of the American Armed Forces to be awarded the Korean War Medal of Honor. The U.S. Postal Service recently issued commemorative stamps in honor of these brave Americans, including historic photos of the surviving awardees. This past weekend, Mr. West was honored at a ceremony at the Wurtland Middle School in his Greenup County hometown.
West, Ernest from Medal of Honor Foundation on Vimeo.
Recently, I was at a GLOW (Greater Louisville Oustanding Women) meeting where Alisa Zanetti, the USPS Marketing Manager for Kentucky, told me a little about Mr. West's story. As she spoke, it became so much more than a story pitch for HerKentucky; it was the story of so many Kentuckians I might know. Mr. West was raised in the Kentucky United Methodist Children's Home in Versailles; I grew up hearing my grandmother's church speak of special offerings to benefit the Children's Home. Mr. West is from Wurtland; my fiancé grew up in a nearby Greenup County town... This brave gentleman had so many connections to the Eastern and Central Kentucky communities that I know and love. It's a powerful thought: there really are fascinating heroes among us. In Mr. West's case, he's a grandfather and retired electrician in a small Kentucky town as well as a decorated war hero.
The next time you run by the post office for a book of stamps, take a moment to reflect on the fact that there are heroes and fascinating characters all around you. Maybe you just haven't heard their stories yet.
Follow Your Dreams Friday: 10 Questions with Robyn Peterman
Today's Follow Your Dreams Friday interview is with Lexington native and New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Robyn Peterman. Robyn is one seriously cool and interesting lady -- a former Broadway actress turned writer of paranormal romance novels. And, it seems that "being fascinating" is her family business: her husband is actor Steve Zahn, who's been in just about every movie you've ever loved, from Reality Bites to You've Got Mail to Dallas Buyers Club, while her father, John Peterman, founded the J. Peterman Company, which produces the greatest catalog of all time. Robyn graciously answered our questions about life, writing, and family.
Image via robynpeterman.com.
HK: Tell us about yourself.
RP: Hello my name is Robyn…I’m a wife, mom, taxi driver, dish washer, clothes folder, bed maker and a NYT best selling author of snarky sexy paranormal and contemporary romance. Actually, I never make the bed. Ever.
I write because the people inside my head won’t leave me alone until I give them life on paper. My addictions include laughing really hard with friends, shoes (the expensive kind), Target, Coke Zero Cherry with extra ice in a styrofoam cup, bejeweled reading glasses, my kids, my super-hot hubby and collecting stray animals. I am a former professional actress, with Broadway, film and T.V. credits. I now live in the south with my family and too many animals to count. Writing gives me peace and makes me whole, plus having a job where I can work in my underpants works really well for me.
HK: You trained as an actress; when did you first get interested in writing?
RP: I spent most of my adult as an actress, but I’ve always written. However, I never actually finished a book until two years ago! Now I have seven books published with two more coming out this fall.
HK: Your fiction isn’t for the faint of heart. Tell us a little bit about it.
RP: I write the books I want to read. Yes, they are snarky, profane and people have been known to do the nasty in them, but they are funny and I adore writing them. I had no clue if readers would enjoy them, but I have been delighted with feedback, sales and reviews.
Fashionably Dead by Robyn Peterman
HK: You come up with some absolutely hilarious turns of phrases, a lot of which I can’t really quote here on the blog. Things like this gem on the perks of immortality: “Now I’m a Vampyre. Yes, we exist whether we want to or not. However, I have to admit, the perks aren’t bad. My girls no longer jiggle, my ass is higher than a kite and the latest Prada keeps finding its way to my wardrobe.” My takeaway from your books is that none of us should take ourselves too seriously. Is that a fair read on them?
RP: Yes. Yes. Yes.
HK: You come from a family of big personalities; is storytelling everywhere in the Peterman-Zahn household?
RP: My family is fantastically nutty. We are loaded with actors, screen writers and maverick entrepreneurs. My kids are a riot and we are a very happy bunch!
John O'Hurley as "J. Peterman" on Seinfeld.
HK: Like so many folks, I still can’t get over Seinfeld. I had the pleasure of meeting your father when he spoke to my management class in college; he was a fascinating guy, and far less insane than John O’Hurley’s character. What was it like seeing a fictional version of your dad on Seinfeld?
RP: It was great seeing my dad spoofed on Seinfeld. He got a huge kick out of it! Ironically I ended up doing a movie called Sour Grapes (directed and written by Larry David, the creator of Seinfeld) He had no clue I was J. Peterman’s real life daughter until I told him the first day of shooting.
HK: My favorite Steve Zahn character is Davis from Treme. Which of your husband’s characters is your favorite?
RP: It’s hard for me to pick a favorite character for Steve. I am biased and I think he’s amazing in everything. However, I do love to watch him in Happy Texas and Saving Silverman.
HK: Do you have a favorite character you’ve written, or is that like asking a parent to choose a favorite child?
RP: My favorite characters are always the ones I’m writing about at the time. I fall in love easily and adore them all equally.
HK: Do you have any warnings for potential readers of your series?
RP: Not really. Readers can read the description and read a sample of the book. I know when I look for books, I read a sample and often check out the reviews. People love me or hate me…they are very rarely neutral.
HK: What advice do you have for HerKentucky readers who are working on a novel of their own?
RP: My advice to writers is simply to write. You have nothing to lose. I am forty-blahblahblah and I have a new successful career. Write what you love, but be aware of the market to a certain degree. You may have a passion for writing about the magical unicorns that helped win the Civil War, but you might have a hard time finding an audience.
Writing groups are essential for me and honest critique partners and beta readers are heavenly. First drafts can suck the wad—don’t worry. That’s what second, third and fourth drafts are for. AND editors are a must.
It’s a wonderful time for authors right now. There are a variety of ways to be published. I am a hybrid author. I am both indie and published through NY. I am a member of Romance Writers of America and KIW (Kentucky Independent Writers).
Writing rocks and if you want to do it, just do it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t…
In addition to the fascinating stories and amazing advice, Robyn has offered four e-books of her title Fashionably Dead Down Under to lucky HerKentucky readers. You can enter using the Rafflecopter widget below!
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