... To demonstrate how a democracy is the favorable model,
Jefferson called on three young children, two girls and a boy,
for assistance.
First the monarchy example: The boy was given a crown, and
told to sit on a chair as if it were a king's throne. The girls
were instructed to bow before him.
Then the boy ---- still symbolizing government, but this time
as a democratic leader ---- was asked to kneel and bow before
the girls, who depicted common citizens.
Laughter filled the room.
Small, 53, of Lake Forest taught history in the Washington,
D.C., and Los Angeles areas, and now impersonates iconic governmental
leaders.
He has depicted former Presidents Harry Truman and Franklin
Roosevelt ---- and even Golda Meir, the former Israeli prime
minister.
"I just change wigs and stockings," said Small, who
joked that at 5 feet, 7 inches, he's better suited to impersonate
Meir than the statuesque Jefferson.
"I'm a short Jew," the New Jersey native said.
Small previously depicted Roosevelt at the Temecula Valley
Museum, which also sponsored Saturday's living history presentation.
His Roosevelt wowed Temecula resident Carol Marsden, who may
not have waited out Small's late arrival otherwise.
"I knew the man, and his wife was wonderful," said
Marsden, 83, of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. "This guy
(Small) had him nailed down, oh yeah. Well, as far as I'm concerned."
Brian Eckhouse, NC Times
