The Old House, constructed in 1731, was purchased by John Adams
in 1787. The Adams family moved in the next year and occupied
it until 1927,when it was sold to the Adams Memorial Society.
Being Presidents Day, I decided to visit the Adams National Historic Site near downtown Quincy. Although closed for the winter, the buildings at Peacefield --- home, library and carriage house --- still held their charm despite the frigid winds and frozen earth. Peacefield, also called Old House, with its 40 acres of farmland and orchids, was the home of two presidents: John Adams (1735-1826) and John Quincy Adams (1767-1848).
It was also in this house that Abigail Smith Adams (1744-1818) corresponded with her husband John when he was attending the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.
Reflecting on, and comparing our country’s first six presidents, and the most recent six presidents, I have the opinion that something has gone terribly wrong. It seems that the first six were driven by a desire to build a nation that would benefit all citizens, however limited they considered the term “citizen.” But the most recent presidents seem to be driven by mere politics and power.
I’m much more inspired by the earlier presidents than any current politician.
Field and orchard behind main house and library.
The Adams library contains over 14,000 books that belonged to the
Adams family. In his will, John Quincy Adams requested
that the library be built out of stone so that it would be fireproof.
The building was completed in 1870. Compare this library to
the ones built by our more recent presidents.
Corner of library.
Vines clinging to side of library.
The carriage house.
John Adams, son of a farmer, was a revolutionary
who enthusiastically pushed for the Declaration of Independence
in 1776. He was the second president of our country
the father of the sixth president.
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