Replicas of the two stove top figures have returned to frame the woodland view to the Vista Ending Arch in the Peony Garden. The original pieces, dating back to the 19th century, were made of cast iron and although their outward appearance was unblemished, their interior—which was hollow—suffered from intensive rusting due to condensation. The new figures are made of a cast resin and were reproduced by A. Thayer Smith. The male figure is easily recognizable as George Washington but the female figure has a bit more mystery tied to her identity. Often referred to as “Martha Washington” or “Jenny Lynd” or “Lady Liberty,” our Estate Historian confirmed that the “generic female” could have been “whatever female figure a salesman needed at the time” however H.F. DuPont referred to her as “Martha.” Whoever she is, the return of the two stove top figures is the finishing touch to the restoration work that has occurred in Peony Garden this year.
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