Charles Colfax Long, author of “The Real George Washington.”

Charles C. Long’s papers and radio scripts are part of the Washington College Special Collections.

On February 24th, 1932, the National Broadcasting Company W. E. A. F. radio aired “George Washington, The First Forest Conservationist,” the 45th entry in Charles C. Long’s series “The Real George Washington.” The Special Collections at Washington College has numerous scripts and speeches written and annotated by Long. 

Charles Colfax Long was born on August 23, 1844, in Gallipolis, Ohio. He came to Washington, D.C., in 1901 as the confidential secretary to Attorney General Philander C. Knox. The Pennsylvania Senator was appointed under President McKinley and continued under President Teddy Roosevelt, serving until 1904. Charles and his first wife, Mary Rathburn Long, stayed in D.C. Charles became an unofficial expert on both the city and George Washington himself, often giving lectures to various organizations. 

 

 

In 1932, the Nation geared up for the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. The George Washington Bicentennial Commission was established by Congress in 1924. It was led by Rep. Sol Bloom and tasked with coordinating nationwide events. These included celebrations, education programs, and publications. Chestertown joined in on the celebration at its 1932 commencement. Washington College was also celebrating its 150th. While not the original intent of the commission, it gave the country a morale boost during the Great Depression.  

The George Washington Bicentennial Commission  allowed the nation to come together and celebrate in a patriotic fashion. Long took the opportunity to write his “The Real George Washington” series, which consisted of more than165 small radio shorts about different aspects of George Washington and his life. These played on major NBC radio stations from 1931 through 1932. Sadly, the NBC radio archive begins its holdings in 1935, so while here are no recordings to listen to, we do have the scripts, each marked with Long’s own notations. 

While the nation participated in numerous events and costumed celebrations, the most memorable thingsto emerge from the George Washington Bicentennial were  publications. These included not ot only the official programs and plays, but also the thirty-nine volume edition of George Washington’s writings ( aset of which resides in our Rare Book Collection),   numerous biographies on George Washingtonour nation’s founding fathers, and works on Democracy. The archives are also lucky to have the photographs, film, and recollections of Chestertown’s celebrations during this historic event. 

Americans in the Great Depression were excited to celebrate and unite under the banner of patriotism while suffering immense economic hardship. These days, it is hard to generate excitement for the USA’s 250th. What should be an exciting time, a time to bring us together, seems to be a footnote to larger events; however,there are numerous organizations that are working hard to create memorable and educational experiences. Kent County has partnered with the Historical Society of Kent County and Main Street Chestertown for the celebration. The State of Maryland has also created a series of events, The Wild Women of Maryland: Grit and Gumption in the Free State, a lecture at the Belair Mansion in Bowie, which sounds particularly interesting, along with a lecture by Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation, which will also be hosted by Belair Mansion. Other cultural organizations are also creating collaborative celebrations. The Society of American Archivists has a 250 for the 250th, seeking 250 objects from archival institutions from all 50 states. 

In 2032, we will be celebrating the 300th anniversary of George Washington’s birth and the 250th anniversary of the founding of Washington College. It will be a time of immense celebration and reflection but also a chance to look to the future of who we are as a nation, an institution, and citizen leaders. It also better be a great Birthday Ball theme!