Morristown celebrates President Washington

MORRISTOWN – George Washington was the father of his country, and like any good dad, he wanted to make sure his kids got off on the right financial footing.

Washington was a believer in innovation, manufacturing, farms, and was “horrified” at the idea of debt, said historian Edward Lengel, the keynote speaker Monday at the 141th annual Presidents’ Day luncheon of the Washington Association of New Jersey at the Madison Hotel here.

“Washington believed trade would band together north, south, east and west. And for the government to make that trade safe, for people to be naturally industrious, they would have to pay taxes to build infrastructure.”

Lengel, a professor and editor-in-chief of Washington’s Papers at the University of Virginia, a position he’s held since 2010, has written several books on Washington’s life, has appeared in several Washington documentaries, and is a columnist for Military History magazine. His next book, due out next year, focuses on how Washington built his and his nation’s wealth.

“Dr. Lengel follows a great line of speakers,” said Eileen Cameron, president of the association. “We’ve had William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, and Gov. Tom Kean among others. It’s a wonderful tradition.”

Washington Association Aide-de-Camp Fran Becker said the New Jersey Heritage Youth Task Force helped run the event this year.

“They’re history buffs and it’s great to have some young people involved around here to go along with all the gray hair,” Becker said.

Among the 200 people in attendance Monday was U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-N.J., who said Washington’s legacy is part of what defines Morris County.

“This part of Morris County has had a love affair with George Washington since he was here for two very cold winters in 1779 and 1780,” Frelinghuysen said.

Washington’s Continental Army braved the snow and wind in huts 235 winters ago in Morristown, and the Washington Association partners with Morristown National Historical Park at Washington’s Headquarters to preserve that history.

The Washington Association is currently designing a new gallery, the Discover History Center, detailing Washington’s role as commander of the Continental Army and Morristown and New Jersey’s role in the American Revolution.

The posting of the colors, which occurs at every Washington Association meeting, was canceled after one of the artillery members was injured slipping on ice, but the rest of the afternoon went off without a hitch.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@dailyrecord.com