Under Watchful Eye

Frankie lounges in the front hall at the Harrison House:

. . . And though you can’t see it, he’s basking in the gaze of one of the Harrison House’s early mothers, Maria Williams!

Photographic portraits of Harrison House founders decorate our front hall. But since Mother’s Day just passed by, we’ll celebrate Maria especially. She met Amos, the owner of Harrison House, through church. From 1834 to 1874, she lived here, and suggested improvements to the house—including planting boxwoods in the front yard.

Mother’s Day as a holiday was begun by one woman, Anna Jarvis. After a few years of state celebrations, it became an official national holiday in 1914. Of course, mothers had been recognized in many cultures in different ways long before then—but Jarvis was particularly inspired by the power of mothers to promote peace.

You can read more about Mother’s Day and its history here. And if you didn’t have a chance over the weekend, take a moment to enjoy some peace now!