There’s this old story about George Washington at age six chopping down his father’s favorite cherry tree with an axe George received for Christmas. I have never given my children an axe for Christmas and perhaps you haven’t either, but remember this would have been in 1737. Boys probably received hatchets and muskets and mittens and scarves at that age.
Washington, bless his heart, passed in 1799 at the young age of 67. After his death, people far and wide wanted to know more about this beloved president who was not only our first but also was Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army—leading American soldiers against those pesky Brits.
Washington also assisted with the ratification of the United States Constitution and in 1799 signed into law the establishment of the first bank (and when you opened an account, they gave you a free hatchet!) I sincerely do revere our first president. It’s those odd stories that have followed him in perpetuity that raise my eyebrows.
Getting back to the cherry tree story: In 1799, a Mr. Mason L. Weems gave the people what they wanted—a wonderful, colorful story of George’s admirable confession to papa at age 6. Remember now, it was his father’s favorite cherry tree, as opposed to others that might have been hanging on by a leaf and a root, not even attempting to thrive. Mr. Weems wanted to assure and inform America that George Washington was a virtuous man. Or at least he started living virtuously at an early age. The book was published in 1800, becoming an instant bestseller and Mr. Weems was a guest author on the latest talk show! Well, maybe not, but folks, he would have been today! I am sure of it.
I believed this story unequivocally as a child, back when we studied history and presidents and the constitution. I wanted to be as good as our first president, shine in my parents’ eyes, be the teacher’s pet, announce in Sunday School that yes, I could not tell a lie, but my it was my brother who actually broke the storm door in 1971! Moving on to the dental health of our first president. I will admit I have had great fear of dentists in the past—the sound of the drill, the dentist’s concerned expression while digging around in my permanent teeth, making obscure comments.
Washington was also reported to have had ill-fitting dentures made from wood. Were they made from a footstool he had broken while climbing to trim his cherry trees? Oh, the horror! In the 1700’s, dental care was in its infancy and folks suffered great pain and agony with serious dental issues. Washington was afflicted with, unfortunately, very poor dental health due to the factors in life in the 1700s: diseases, lack of good dental care, and diet.
But alas, it is also not true that he had wooden teeth. They actually were made of human teeth, ivory and lead. Yikes! Lead! Was he mad as a hatter? Wait. . . .that’s mercury poisoning . .. . Moving right along, an outstanding New York dentist, Dr. John Greenwood, had become prominent in the research and development of false teeth and other dental appliances. He bestowed our first president with more than one set of these uniquely made dentures. However, Washington was said to have complained the dentures often caused pain and his bottom lip protruded due to the size of the apparatus. Sigh.
After reading all of this, I came to this conclusion: there was quite the embellishment of written material in the very distant past. Perhaps to entertain, sell books or even spice up the life of a very ordinary but noble leader. I say cheers to Dr. Greenwood for the advancement in dentistry and cheers to Mr. Weems for his colorful rendition of the life of our gallant and scholarly first president!