Patricia Rodman King
A tribute by Menokin Executive Director Sam McKelvey in honor of Women’s History Month
Patricia Rodman King
At the onset of March, we celebrate Women’s History month as a time that we 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.
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 found time to meet at about this time of year - just as the days begin 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 was the first and most lasting memory I have of her after her death this past September.
Though the Visitor 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.
“Narcissus pseudonarcissus” at Menokin