McLean History Series: MFN Traditional Cache

This is an addition to the McLean History Series with my mother's initials, MFN, because she loved to visit the nearby Franklin Sherman ES in April when the Cherry Blossoms were in bloom. If you are caching in April, just a short stroll down Brawner will bring you to this fabulous sight.

Built in 1914, Franklin Sherman E.S. was the first multi-room schoolhouse in McLean.  It served as an elementary and high school as well as a community center.  The first principal, Charlotte Corner, received a monthly salary of $60.  On June 19, 1957, Seiji Tanetani, the son of the first Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, died.  He was too young to be a student in school but he loved to play on the school grounds.  His family donated the cherry trees that encircle the school in his memory.  The display of pink blossoms in April is stunningly beautiful and a provides a lovely local alternative to battling the crowds in DC at the Tidal Basin.  Quoting from a letter sent by his father 12 years after Seiji's death; "Truly, McLean is the place where my children spent the happiest days of their childhood. Nature was so beautiful and the people so nice and kind to us.  This is the place where we have formed our image of America and the Americans - so close to our hearts.  It is indeed a great joy and comfort to know that the cherry blossoms of the trees ...are providing the most beautiful sight in McLean."  He was the Japanese Consul General in Sydney, Australia when he wrote that letter of thanks to the Franklin Sherman PTA for continuing to honor his son's memory.

Also, of note, Franklin Sherman E.S. hosted the first polio vaccinations (highly controversial at the time) administered in the nation.  A six year old pupil, Randy Kerr, became the nation's first "polio pioneer."  And, just for the record, I began my Fairfax County teaching career at Franklin Sherman in 1968!