Patricia "Tish" Rodman King

by Sam McKelvey, Executive Director

At the onset of March, we celebrate Women’s History Month as a time to shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of so many women that have guided us through our history. As I sit and reflect this morning, the warm early March sun has sprung spring bulbs throughout the property. It is with these first signs of Spring that I am reminded of the grace and resilience of one leading woman- Patricia “Tish” Rodman King, a founder and staunch supporter of Menokin’s efforts to save the house of Francis Lightfoot Lee.

Daffodils bloom in late February and March along the road to Cat Point Creek.

Tish and I sat down many times in Irvington reflecting over her memories of the founding of Menokin while I made sure to keep her updated with the latest preservation efforts. I was always greeted with a fresh cup of coffee, a snack and memorable conversations. It seemed as if we always would find time to meet at about this time of year- just as the days began to get longer.

Prior to leaving our talks, Tish would always ask me if the daffodils were up at Menokin. Except Tish, a longtime member of the Garden Club of Virginia, referred to them with their scientific name Narcissus pseudonarcissus. It was a wonderful learning moment for me and has always put a smile on my face. It’s the first and most lasting memory I have of her after her death this past September. Though the Visitors Center is named so appropriately for her husband Martin, it is the landscape that is dedicated to her memory with each yellow bloom that rises from the historic soil. It is today, on the first day of Women’s History Month, that we thank Patricia “Tish” Rodman King.