MrBishop
Well-Known Member
The Lawn Jockey - you may have seen them on people's lawns...but usually, not for long. They often get stolen by PC groups thinking to rid the neighbourhood of obviously racist imagery.
but...as it often happens... the reality and the history of the Lawn Jocky has been lost to the general populace, and it has fallen into ill-repute. Please allow me a few moments to rectify that...
The first 'lawn jockey' was commissioned by George Washington in the 1770's, and commemorated a young black man who assisted Washington's cross of the Delaware. This young man was left behind to hold onto a lantern and the horses for when Washington's troops returned from their attack. Upon their return, it was noted that this man had died (frozen to death) but had not released the horses, nor left his post. Washington had a statue created to honour this "Groomsman".
This image has been copied and modified over time...and seems to have had its historical background smudged. Just in case...allow me to add this.
The lowly Lawn Jockey has links to the Underground Railroad. It was used (depending on it's facing, ribbons attached to its arm, flags attached etc..) to indicate safe houses or unsafe houses for runaway slaves.
Just trying to clear out some bad karma...my Grandmother used to have a Lawn Jockey...she used to get hassled for it, and used to tell this story. I've looked up more information recently...t'was the time to post it. Cheers!
but...as it often happens... the reality and the history of the Lawn Jocky has been lost to the general populace, and it has fallen into ill-repute. Please allow me a few moments to rectify that...
The first 'lawn jockey' was commissioned by George Washington in the 1770's, and commemorated a young black man who assisted Washington's cross of the Delaware. This young man was left behind to hold onto a lantern and the horses for when Washington's troops returned from their attack. Upon their return, it was noted that this man had died (frozen to death) but had not released the horses, nor left his post. Washington had a statue created to honour this "Groomsman".
This image has been copied and modified over time...and seems to have had its historical background smudged. Just in case...allow me to add this.
The lowly Lawn Jockey has links to the Underground Railroad. It was used (depending on it's facing, ribbons attached to its arm, flags attached etc..) to indicate safe houses or unsafe houses for runaway slaves.
Just trying to clear out some bad karma...my Grandmother used to have a Lawn Jockey...she used to get hassled for it, and used to tell this story. I've looked up more information recently...t'was the time to post it. Cheers!
