Page 40 - Discover Summer 2022

A Popular Retreat CONTINUED

beyond it. Thus, they react to any references to Lib Walker and her husband, Charlie,
subsequent history with puzzlement, and they had tipped us off about this year’s event,

attempt to interpret them within the context as we had missed it in prior years. Regular
of their very own history. readers will recognize Lib and her brother,

Joe Jefferson, who are descendants of a
Therefore, any reference to the
first cousin of Thomas Jefferson. They were
Louisiana Purchase on a date which preceded
present, along with a number of others from
it might have been answered, “Oh? Has
the Jefferson clan.
someone purchased Louisiana from the

French? I’m afraid that I The evening began
am not aware of any such with a reception featuring

transaction.” hors-d’oeuvres and other
light refreshment, during
Similarly, it would
which time the two actors
have been impossible to
remained in character, yet
have Napoleon answer
posed for photographs.
questions about the Battle
When my Mom asked
of Waterloo, since on the
to be photographed with
date in question that was
them, they graciously
still in the future.
agreed. I jokingly
This particular suggested that they might
“Conversation” took us have all attended school

back to a date in 1814, together, upon which

during the War of 1812. both leapt to the defense
James Madison was of “such a fine lady”.
President, and a good friend of Jefferson’s, and
This comprehensive rendering of
whom Mr. Jefferson had invited to his estate
the characters makes “Conversations” an
for a respite from the rigors of his office. As
unforgettable experience. They are dressed in
expected, the actor who portrayed President
period attire, and understand nothing that is
Madison bore a great physical resemblance
not of the characters’ own worlds. Upon being
to the man, and was outstanding in his
introduced, Mr. Jefferson remarked upon the
own right. Both gentlemen had obviously
beauty of the evening, the glory of the sunset,
researched their roles in depth, and were able
and the good feeling that came from the
to converse in a convincing manner without a
music that was somehow floating through the
prepared text.

38 Discover Smith Mountain Lake SUMMER 2022