Historical Harmonies December Events

Join the ensembles of Historical Harmonies this month as we celebrate the holiday season.


Friday, December 5
6 -9 pm

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Limerick Community Park
Swamp Pike & Ziegler Road
Limerick, PA

Victorian Carolers will perform holiday carols at this free event. Crafts, hot cocoa and cookies, and of course, Santa Claus. Bring a new unwrapped toy for Toys For Tots.

Saturday, December 6 
3-7 pm

DECK THE ALLEY!
Elfreth's Alley Museum
Elfreth's Alley, Philadelphia, PA

Colonial Revelers will sing and perform antics on the oldest residential street in the U.S. as the neighbors open their colonial era homes to the public.

Unique holiday decorations, refreshments, carriage rides, story tellers, authentic 18th Century mummers, as well as encounters with Ben Franklin, Dolley Madison and colonial Pennsylvania’s own cranky Santa “Belsnickel” himself.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children. Group rates available. Tickets at https://elfrethsalley.ticketleap.com/deck-the-alley-2014/dates/Dec-06-2014_at_0300PM

Friday, December 19
5:30-7 pm

THE "MARCH-IN" at VALLEY FORGE
Valley Forge National Historical Park
1400 North Outer Line Drive
Valley Forge, PA

Colonial Revelers will be stationed in the Visitor Center, singing 18th century wassail songs, Christmas hymns and other period music to commemorate the day the Continental Army arrived at Valley Forge in 1777.  Come for the party!

Valley Forge National Historical Park is the site of the Continental Army's winter encampment, from December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778.  Park rangers and Friends of Valley Forge will be on hand for candlelight tours, a "march" up to Muhlenberg's huts, and other 18th century festivities. Refreshments, holiday shopping and free gift wrapping will be available at the Encampment Store at the Visitor Center.  Free and open to the public.

Sunday, December 21
7-9 pm

COMMUNITY SOLSTICE SING
The Birdhouse Center for the Arts
7 North Main, Lambertville, NJ

Members of Historical Harmonies will add their voices and flair for mischief to the mix to celebrate the shortest day. Bring your favorite songbooks, instruments, drinks/food and friends for a cozy evening of community celebration! Refreshments provided but additional snacks and beverages welcome.

Tickets: $5 individual or $10 whole family. Seating is first come, first served.

The Birdhouse will also have free Morris Dancing in the afternoon from 4-6 pm.


Welcome Yule !

Colonial Revelers October Events

October is Harvest Festival time! Come hear Colonial Revelers at the following events:

Newlin Grist Mill Fall Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 4
10 am to 4 pm

219 Cheyney Rd (at Route 1)
Glen Mills, PA

Newlin Grist Mill was built in 1704 and operated commercially until 1941. Now it's a historic site and park. At their fall festival, the 18th century comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of colonial America. Tradesmen and artisans will demonstrate papermaking, colonial brewing, iron making, brickmaking, blacksmithing, historic baking, and milling throughout the day. Displays include bee skeps, colonial money, and chair caning. Stop by to see a dairy cow, heritage sheep, and chickens. Listen to colonial music, learn period dancing, play colonial games, decorate a pumpkin, and enjoy a hayride through the 160-acre grounds. Colonial Revelers will sing 2 sets, at about 11 am and 1 pm, right out in front of the house. You can't miss us.

Admission is free. Parking is $5 per car. More information at http://www.newlingristmill.org/#!fall-harvest-festival/c1m63

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Downingtown Friends Meeting Fall Festival
Saturday, October 11
9 am to 4 pm

800 East Lancaster Ave.
Downingtown, PA

Colonial Revelers will perform for the lunch crowd at noon, and this year by special request, we'll be adding in a few of our 19th century seasonal songs into our mix of colonial church hymns, tavern songs and tunes from the Revolution.

Also at the festival you'll find craft vendors, live folk and rock music, Downingtown's famous Festival foods (their vegetarian chili is amazing!), and serious garage-sale finds at the Friends Mercantile. You'll be able to learn about the history of Downingtown Friends from the Quaker Heritage Exhibit inside, featuring antique Quaker clothing and memorabilia. At 1:30 pm, in authentic early American Quaker garb, the Friends will reenact the first wedding that took place at the meetinghouse in 1806. For the kids, they offer children’s crafts and games. There’s also a hay wagon ride and exceptional face painting for both kids and adults.

Admission and parking are free. Park across Lancaster Avenue. More info at http://downingtownfriendsmeeting.org/fallfestival.htm

October 2012 Events

(latest first)

Saturday, October 13, 2012
    9 am to 4 pm

Downingtown Friends Meeting Fall Festival

Downingtown Friends Meeting
800 E. Lancaster Ave. 
Downingtown, PA 19335


Colonial Revelers will sing a concert of 18th century music at noon. Besides the music on the mainstage, the Festival offers delicious foods, children's activities, plants, crafts, and white-elephant sales, all on the grounds of this beautiful historic meeting house. At 1:30 is the annual authentic reenactment of an 1806 Quaker wedding.

Admission is free and so is the parking, across the street.  For more information and directions, go to Downingtown Friend's Festival page.

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Saturday, October 6, 2012
    10 am to 4 pm

Newlin Grist Mill Fall Harvest Festival

Newlin Grist Mill
219 South Cheyney Rd (Routes 1 and 322)
Glen Mills, PA 19342

Colonial Revelers will perform at 11 am and 1 pm. In between you can listen to period harp and mandolin music as you stroll around the grounds, meeting over 20 living history demonstrators plying colonial crafts and trades such as spinning, blacksmithing, brick making, and weaving. Colonial meals will be prepared over open hearths and you can watch the mill in action.

This event is free of charge. Go to Newlin Mill's site for more information and directions.

September 2012 Events

(latest first)

Saturday, September 22, 2012
    9 am to 5 pm

Montgomery County History Fair

Augustus Lutheran Church
717 West Main St.
Trappe, PA

Colonial Revelers, in costume, will provide music for this unique living history experience. More than 30 historical societies, living history and civic organizations will be present, plus food and other vendors.

For more information, go to the W.S. Hancock Society web page.

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Sunday, September 16, 2012   9:30 am to 11 am
St. Thomas Church History Day
St. Thomas Church, Whitemarsh
Bethlehem Pike and Camp Hill  Rds
Fort Washington, PA

Colonial Revelers will sing at the end of the 9:30 service, then downstairs for a signing of a book about the church's history.

For more info, go to St. Thomas's site.

Upcoming Events

for the end of April, beginning of May (latest one first):

Saturday, May 5, 2012    11:25-11:55 am

Norristown Arts Hill Festival

Main Stage
Dekalb and Main Sts.
Norristown, PA 19401

Colonial Revelers will perform songs of early America in costume.

The Norristown Arts Hill Festival goes from 10 am to 5 pm and includes performers in theater, dance, poetry, and all kinds of music. Vendors will be on hand selling food, crafts, and arts-related items. For info, go to www.norristownartshill.org.

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Thursday, April 26, 2012     5:15-6 pm
Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library

Powell and Swede Sts.
Norristown, PA 19401

Colonial Revelers will perform as people gather for the library's One Book-One Norristown event, with author Jerry Spinelli, which will begin at 6 pm. Come early to hear us sing songs popular in the year of Norristown's founding, 1812.

Visit the library website for more info:  http://www.mc-npl.org/index.html

Happy Birthday, General Washington!

Ask any school child (at least, those who understand the difference between President's Day and presidents' birthdays) and you'll be told Washington was born on February 22nd.  Not true. He was actually born on February 11th.

During the Renaissance, astronomers throughout Europe discovered that the Julian calendar being used was inaccurate. Pope Gregory was finally persuaded to made adjustments, and most nations switched to the new Gregorian calendar in the 1500s. England did not.

By 1752, not only did this discrepancy make England and its colonies look hopelessly backward, it created havoc with trade relations, so King George II brought his country up to date by eliminating 11 days from the calendar. September 2, 1752 was followed by September 14, 1752. Many Britains objected to this, and in fact, it became THE major issue for the elections of 1754, with the Tory slogan "Give Back Our 11 Days!"

So, although Washington observed his 30th birthday on February 11, 1752, he would have observed his 31st birthday on February 22, 1753.

This year, Colonial Revelers will celebrate the General's birthday, along with Valley Forge National Historical Park, on President's Day. Bring your family to join us for revelry, fun activities, and free cake.

When: Monday, Februrary 20, 2012
                   10 am to 1 pm
Where: Valley Forge Welcome Center
             Route 23, Valley Forge, PA

Your servants,
HH

An Old English Twelfth Night

We've told you about Twelfth Night celebrations on this blog . Now, if you're in the Philadelphia area, you can experience one for yourself.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

3-5 pm

Summit Presbyterian Church
Greene & Westview Sts.
Philadelphia, PA

Germantown Country Dancers will host this festive celebration of music, dance, traditional merriment, singing, laughter and, naturally, refreshments. Besides our Colonial Revelers, who will provide period seasonal songs, expect Morris dancers, country dances, and the crowning of a Twelfth Night King and Queen. Lots of audience participation. Please join us!

Admission: Adults, $5; under 18, $2; family maximum, $15.
For more information, call 610-645-0725 or
http://www.germantowncountrydancers.org/

2011 Holiday Events II -- Colonial Revelers & Victorian Carolers

(Latest events listed first. Scroll down for more.)

Monday, December 19, 5:30-7 pm

The "March-In" at Valley Forge

Valley Forge National Historical Park
1400 North Outer Line Drive
Valley Forge PA 19406

Colonial Revelers will be stationed in the Visitor Center, singing 18th century wassail songs, Christmas hymns and other period music to commemorate the day the Continental Army arrived at Valley Forge in 1777.  Come for the party!

Valley Forge National Historical Park is the site of the Continental Army's winter encampment, from December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778.  Park rangers and Friends of Valley Forge will be on hand for candlelight tours, a "march" up to Muhlenberg's huts, and other 18th century festivities. Refreshments, holiday shopping and free gift wrapping will be available at the Encampment Store at the Visitor Center.  Free and open to the public.

Information and directions at http://www.nps.gov/vafo/planyourvisit/events.htm or call 610-783-1099
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Friday, December 16, 6-8:30 pm

Candlelight Tours
The Mill at Anselma
1730 Conestoga Road
Chester Springs, PA

Our Victorian Carolers ensemble will regale vistors to the mill with traditional holiday songs from Charles Dickens's England.

Anselma Mill on Pickering Creek was operated as a grist mill from 1725 to 1982 and retains its Colonial era power train from 1747. In 2005, the Mill at Anselma was designated a National Historic Landmark. Today, it's the most complete known example of a custom grain mill in the United States.

For further information about the mill or this event, call them at 610-827-1906, email info@anselmamill.org or click here for their website.
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Saturday, December 10, 4-6 pm

Marshallton Tree Lighting

Village of Marshallton
559 Northbrook Rd
West Chester, PA 19382

Colonial Revelers will return to Martin's Tavern to provide holiday music for the lighting of the village tree.

Martin's Tavern, also called Center House, was built in 1764.  The inn played a prominent role during the Battle of Brandywine in 1777. The restored ruins of the tavern form Marshallton's village square, where a large evergreen tree is decorated with lights each year.  Refreshments will be served.

Find out about Martin's Tavern events: http://taproom.martinstavern.org/
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Saturday, December 3, 3-7 pm

Candlelight Tours of Phoenixville

Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area
204 Church Street
Phoenixville, PA 19460

As a stop on the tour, Victorian Carolers will perform in the sanctuary of the old church that serves as the Society's Headquarters. We'll be there until 5:30 pm, so come early.

Tour beautifully decorated houses and historical churches. Refreshments will be served. Advance Tickets: $20; Day of the Tour: $25.  All proceeds benefit the The Phoenixville Library and The Clinic. On Saturday, meet at the Phoenixville Senior Center,153 Church St. Doors open at 2:30.  For more information, call the Society at 610-935-7646.

Your Servants,
HH

2011 Holiday Events I -- Colonial Revelers

(Latest events listed first. Scroll down for more.)

Friday, December 2, 6-8:30 pm

Holiday Stroll at Historic Yellow Springs

West Pikeland Cultural Center and the Lincoln Building
1645 Art School Road to 1685 Art School Road
Chester Springs, PA

Colonial Revelers will provide period music and carols at this free event, hosted by Historic Yellow Springs, Chester Springs Library and West Pikeland Township.

Beginning at the Cultural Center, with the tree lighting ceremony followed by carol singing and refreshments. Then enjoy a stroll to the Lincoln Building where holiday crafts will be enjoyed by the children. A story time with the Chester Springs Library will also highlight the festive activities planned and Santa will be there. Special food treats will be available to continue the celebration.

http://www.yellowsprings.org/holidaystroll.html for more information.
_________________

Saturday, November 26 10-4 pm

Brandywine Battlefield Patriots Day
1491 Baltimore Pike
Chadds Ford, Pa 19317

Adults: $6, Seniors: $4
Youth/Student: $3, Under 5: Free
10% holiday discount in the Museum Shop

Colonial Revelers will sing and stroll the grounds for this all-day event.  Living history regiments will present firing and medical demonstrations, 18th century sutlers will sell all sorts of goods and baked items, plus you can tour the historic buildings and museum.

Check out the battlefield calendar for more info.

On September 11, 1777, Washington's troops met the British and Hessians under General Howe at Brandywine for the largest battle of the Revolution.

Your humble servants,
HH

October 2011 Events

(latest first)

Saturday, October 8, 9 am - 4 pm - FREE
Downingtown Friends Fall Festival
800 Lancaster Avenue
Downingtown, PA

Colonial Revelers will perform at noon - a lunchtime concert of songs popular between 1700 and 1800.

In 1774, John Downing donated land for the Lionville Friends to build a school.  Friends around "Downing's Town" were granted permission to meet at the school in 1784.  In 1806, Jenu Roberts donated land for the building of a meetinghouse for Downingtown Friends.

For more information about Downingtown Friends and this event, click here, phone 610-269-4223 or email info@downingtownfriendsmeeting.org

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Saturday, October 1, 10 pm - 4 pm - FREE
Newlin Mill Fall Festival
219 South Cheyney Rd
Glen Mills, PA

Colonial Revelers will perform two sets of period music at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. Also on hand will be living history and craft demonstrations and tours of the house and mill.

Newlin Mill is the oldest operating grist mill in Pennsylvania. It was built by Nathaniel Newlin in 1704, the third mill built on the site by the Newlin family, who had come to America in 1683. The mill was run by the Newlins until 1817, then by other owners through 1941. A descendent of the Newlin family bought it in 1958 and began restoring it to its 18th century appearance. Besides the mill, this living history site has two houses, an office, a barn and a grain storage building.

For more information about the park, its history, and this event click here , email
info@newlingristmill.org or call 610-459-2359.

September 2011 Events

(latest first)

Sunday, September 18, Noon-4 pm
Stafford Heritage Picnic
Manahawkin Lake Park
49 West Bay Ave
(Rte 9 and Main Sts)
Manahawkin, NJ

Colonial Revelers will stroll around the lake and sing at this great multi-era living history event.

In the early part of the decade, Stafford Heritage Days took up a whole weekend and included a reenactment of the Battle of Cedar Bridge, the last engagement of the Revolution (darn those New Jersey loyalists!). Living history groups of all eras showed up, including colonial pirates, temperance ladies, a vintage baseball team, and the most eerily realistic General Grant, Chamberlain and Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln you'd ever want to meet. Then the recession hit, resources were limited and the project was put on hold. This year, we're glad to see a  comeback. Come out and join us. It's always fun.

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Sunday, September 11, 11 am - 3 pm
Battle of Brandywine Reenactment
Brandywine Battlefield
Route 1
Chadds Ford, PA

Colonial Revelers will provide period music in the living history area whenever guns and cannons are silent.

The Battle of Brandywine took place on September 11, 1777 and was the largest battle of American Revolution, with Washington's forces numbering about 15,000 and the British with perhaps 17,000 troops. Washington held a decent position on the hills above the Brandywine Creek, but he was in a loyalist/pacifist neighborhood. Deliberate misinformation, poor communication, bad reconnaissance and inexperienced soldiers all contributed to the American defeat, yet they were able to retreat to Chester and regroup. The British were hampered by the heat of the day and the length of time they took to march around the American flank to ford the creek.

Come tour Washington's and Lafayette's Headquarters, view living history demonstrations, eat colonial food and, of course, hear Colonial Revelers sing.

EVENTS

Sunday, July 3 at 9:30 am
St. Matthews United Methodist Church of Valley Forge
600 Walker Road
Wayne, PA 19087

On the eve of the anniversary of our Independency, Colonial Revelers will perform the music of Mr. William Billings and Mr. John Cole during Sunday morning services at St. Matthews.


Saturday, July 30, 10-4
Frederick Muhlenberg House
151 W. Main Street
Trappe, PA 19426

Colonial Revelers will provide 18th century songs from 11 to 1 at the Speaker's House Living History Day, a BBQ fundraiser for the restoration of the Frederick Muhlenberg House.  Lunch will be pork BBQ, cole slaw, corn-on-the-cob and soft drink.  Activities include colonial cooking, music, spinning, dying, weaving, blacksmithing, woodworking, military demonstrations and tours of the house.  Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for kids 6-12, and free for children under 6.

Frederick Muhlenberg became the first U.S. Congress Speaker of the House in 1789. The house was built in 1760 and purchased by Muhlenberg in 1781.  He was born and grew up in Trappe.  The house of his father, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, has also been restored by the Trappe Historical Society.  Henry was a Lutheran pastor sent to Pennsylvania in the 18th century as a missionary.  Besides Frederick, his sons included Major General Peter Muhlenberg of the Continental Army.  Sons-in-law were also generals and politicians, and one grandson became Governor of Pennsylvania.

For more information, call 610-489-2105 or email info@speakershouse.org

FYI: The Keystone Grange Fair is the same day, not far away on West 1st Avenue, 9 am-7 pm.  Come and spend the whole day in Trappe!

We would be pleased to see you this month.

Your humble servants,
HH

'Tis Washington's Health!

Join Colonial Revelers

in a celebration of the General's Birthday!

Where: Valley Forge National Historical Park
            Welcome Center
When:  Monday, February 21 - 11 am to 3 pm

Valley Forge National Historical Park will present special programs all weekend, beginning Saturday, February 19 at 8 am.  This will be the 99th year that the Boy Scouts of America will camp at the park.  Other events include artillery, rifle, musket and medical demonstrations, programs on camp life, African-American regiments and contributions by the Oneida Indian Nation to the cause of Independence.

On Monday, the 21st, visitors will be able to meet the General and his wife at the Welcome Center, listen to music by the Colonial Revelers, and participate in children's activities.  Martha Washington's original recipe Great Cake will be served.  For more information, go to the park's event page.

Many songs were written about General Washington during the Revolution.  Here is one of Colonial Revelers' favorites, penned by Francis Hopkinson (signer of the Declaration of Independence), and first published April 8, 1778 in the Pennsylvania Packet.

A Toast

'Tis Washington's Health, fill a bumper around,
For he is our glory and pride;
Our arms shall in battle with conquest be crowned
Whilst virtue and he's on our side.

'Tis Washington's health, loud cannons should roar
And trumpets the truth should proclaim;
There cannot be found, search all the world o'er,
His equal in virtue and fame.

'Tis Washington's health, our hero to bless,
May heaven look graciously down;
Oh! long may he live, our hearts to possess,
And Freedom still call him her own.



This song can be heard on our first CD:  REVELRY, REFLECTION & REVOLUTION .

Your humble servants,
HH

DECEMBER EVENTS

We must not omit here to thank the Publick for the gracious and

kind Encouragement they have hitherto given us.

Poor Richard's Almanack, 1737, paraphrased

Saturday, December 4, 11 am - 3 pm

The Mill at Anselma
1730 Conestoga Road
Chester Springs, PA 19425

Our Victorian Carolers ensemble will regale vistors to the mill with traditional holiday songs from Charles Dickens's England.

Anselma Mill on Pickering Creek was operated as a grist mill from 1725 to 1982 and retains its original Colonial era power train.  In 1982, the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust took over the property who did some early restoration and stabilize the buildings.  In 1998, a new organization, The Mill at Anselma Preservation and Educational Trust began a full restoration.  In 2005, the Mill at Anselma was designated a National Historic Landmark.  Today, it's the most complete known example of a custom grain mill in the United States.

For further information about the mill or this event, call them at 610-827-1906, email info@anselmamill.org or click here for their website.
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Saturday, December 4,  4-7 pm

"Deck the Alley"
Elfreth's Alley
2nd St., between Race & Arch Sts.
Philadelphia, PA
After enjoying Victorian Carolers at Anselma Mill, head down to Olde City Philadelphia, where Colonial Revelers will be strolling along Elfreth's Alley, singing 18th century holiday carols, wassail songs, and other music of the period.

Elfreth's Alley has been a residential street continuously since 1702.  The 32 houses there today were built between 1720s and 1830s.  The alley is a National Historic Landmark District.  Numbers 124 and 126 are open to the public year-round as a museum of life in early Philadelphia.  Guidebooks and cellphone tours of the alley are available.

During the "Deck the Alley" event, many of the narrow street's residents open their houses for tours.  Refreshments  will be available. For ticket information about the events, call 215-574-0560 or click here for their website.
_______

Saturday, December 11, 4-6 pm

Marshallton Tree Lighting
Village of Marshallton
559 Northbrook Rd
West Chester, PA 19382
Colonial Revelers will return to Martin's Tavern to provide holiday music for the lighting of the village tree.

As stated last month, Martin's Tavern, also called Center House, was built in 1764.  The inn played a prominent role during the Battle of Brandywine in 1777.  The restored ruins of the tavern form Marshallton's village square, where a large evergreen tree is decorated with lights each year.  Refreshments will be served.  Find out about Martin's Tavern events: http://taproom.martinstavern.org/
_________

Sunday, December 19, 6-8 pm

  

The "March-In"
Valley Forge National Historical Park
1400 N. Outer Line Dr.
Valley Forge PA 19406
Colonial Revelers will be stationed in the Visitor Center, singing 18th century wassail songs, Christmas hymns and other period music to commemorate the day the Continental Army arrived at Valley Forge in 1777.  Come for the party!

Valley Forge National Historical Park is the site of the Continental Army's winter encampment, from December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778.  Park rangers and Friends of Valley Forge will be on hand for candlelight tours, a "march" up to Muhlenberg's huts, and other 18th century festivities.  Refreshments, holiday shopping and free gift wrapping will be available at the Encampment Store at the Visitor Center.  Free and open to the public. Information and directions at http://www.nps.gov/vafo/planyourvisit/events.htm

Your humble servants,
HH

Colonial Revelers November Events

Now some with feasts do crown the day,
Whilst others loose their coyn in play...
--from an American almanac, 1714

Friday, November 5, 2010

Phoenixville First Friday
Bridge Street,
Phoenixville, PA

Evening

Colonial Revelers will be performing at Phoenixville's First Friday cultural event.  We'll be the ones dressed like refugees from Valley Forge, 1777.  We'll also be the ones singing the best drinking songs of the evening.

For more information and a map of the street, go to their website.
__

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Greenbank Mills Tavern Night Fundraiser
500 Greenbank Road
Wilmington, DE 19808

                               

Time: 7 to 10 pm - Adults only

 $35 for Members reserved before October 23
 $50 for Non-members before October 23
 $60 - All Tickets after October 23

Proceeds benefit Greenbank Mill's Operations Fund.

Colonial Revelers will provide tavern music for this night of 18th century food, drink, dancing and games.  Participation will be encouraged in all the amusements of the evening.

For information on the menu and planned activities, download the Tavern Night event brochure.

The current gristmill at Greenbank was built in the 1760s as a merchant mill, to export flour.  In 1777, when Washington arrayed his troops across Delaware in an effort to stop the British from invading Philadelphia, it's said that the general posted a guard at Greenbank to protect the provisions.  Improvements to the mill in the 19th century kept production flourishing until the 1960s, when an arson fire devastated the business.  The  non-profit Greenbank Mill Associates formed and began restoration in 1987.  The site is now open to the public as a living history museum.

For more information about Greenbank Mill and its history, click here  or call 302-999-9001.
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Saturday, November 27, 2010

Brandywine Battlefield Patriots Day
1491 Baltimore Pike
Chadds Ford, Pa 19317
                               
Time: 10am to 4 pm
                               
Adults: $6, Seniors: $4, Youth/Student: $3, Under 5: Free
10% holiday discount in the Museum Shop

Colonial Revelers will sing and stroll the grounds for this all-day event.  Living history regiments will present firing and medical demonstrations, 18th century sutlers will sell all sorts of goods and baked items, plus you can tour the historic buildings and museum.  Chadds Ford Rotary will provide food and refreshments.

Check out the battlefield calendar for more info.

On September 11, 1777 at Brandywine, Washington's troops met the British and Hessians under General Howe for the largest battle of the Revolution.  For more information about the battle and the park, go to the Friends of Brandywine Battlefield website,  call 610-459-3342 x3001, or check them out on Facebook.

Your humble servants,
HH

Colonial Revelers Events

We of Colonial Revelers are yet again pleased to present our music at some of the Delaware Valley's most historic venues.

Our calendar for
October, 2010:

Saturday the 2nd

Fall Harvest Festival at
Newlin Grist Mill Park
219 South Cheyney Road
Glen Mills, PA 19342

Time: 10-4 -- FREE

In this historic setting, Colonial Revelers will present concerts at 11:30 and 1:30.  We'll stroll around singing the rest of the time.

Newlin Mill is the oldest operating grist mill in Pennsylvania.  It was built by Nathaniel  Newlin in 1704, the third mill built on the site by the Newlin family, who had come to  America in 1683.  The mill was run by the Newlins until 1817, then by other owners through 1941.  A descendent of the Newlin family bought it in 1958 and began restoring it to its 18th century appearance.  Besides the mill, this living history site has two houses, an office, a barn and a grain storage building.

For more information about the park, its history, and this event click here , email info@newlingristmill.org or call 610-459-2359.

* * *

Saturday the 9th
Downingtown Friends Meeting
Fall Festival
800 East Lancaster Avenue
Downingtown, PA 19335

Time: 9-4 -- FREE

Colonial Revelers will present a concert at noon.  Homemade soups, chili, funnel cake and other foods will be available for purchase.  Come for lunch and music!

In 1774, John Downing donated land for the Lionville Friends to build a school.  Friends around "Downing's Town" were granted permission to meet at the school in 1784.  In 1806, Jenu Roberts donated land for the building of a meetinghouse for Downingtown Friends.

For more information about Downingtown Friends and this event, click here , phone 610-269-4223 or email info@downingtownfriendsmeeting.org
 

* * *

Saturday the 23rd
Marshallton Ghost Walk & Family Fun Night
Village of Marshallton
559 Northbrook Rd
West Chester, PA 19382

Time: 5-8 pm -- FREE

Colonial Revelers will sing throughout the evening at the historic ruins of Martin's Tavern.  Friends of Martin's Tavern will provide hot cider, cookies and other food.  The event involves the whole town, including all kinds of activities for kids, so park at the United Methodist Church at 1282 W. Strasburg Road and follow the signs.

Martin's Tavern, also called Center House, was built in 1764.  The inn played a prominent role during the Battle of Brandywine in 1777.  Much of the original tavern was lost over the years, but the ruins were restored and form the centerpiece of Marshallton's public square (really more of a triangle).

Click here for a look at last year's poster, which will give you an idea what to expect.

Find out about the Friends of Martin's Tavern: http://www.martinstavern.org/

For more information, contact West Bradford Township at 610-269-4174.


Your humble servants,
HH

Williams Billings & Independence

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another...a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, July 4, 1776

Upon this both solemn and happy Occasion of the Anniversary of our Independence, Colonial Revelers is pleased to perform Music by Mr. William Billings at St. Matthews United Methodist Church of Valley Forge on July Fourth, at half past nine in the Morning.

Mr. William Billings grew up in Boston, poor and uneducated, untidy in dress, described by some as a gargoyle, due to a short leg, a withered arm, and one blind eye. He became a tanner, yet also took up music at a young age and taught choral singing by the age of 22.


At age 24, he published "The New-England Psalm-Singer," a collection of choral works, and the first book of entirely American music. His friend Paul Revere engraved the book's frontispiece. Five more volumes followed. Within 30 years, Mr. Billings's music had become vastly popular and he was able to earn his bread and butter as a composer, the first American to do so.

His music combines traditional sacred hymn and classical styles, the new American choral-singing movement, and his own political fervor. His hymn "Chester" was considered the original National Anthem.

"I think it best for every composer to be his own carver."
William Billings

Your humble servants,
HH

Midsummer Revelry

The Sun never repents of the good he does, nor does he ever demand a recompense.

Poor Richard, 1735

If ye Planting be not done, get to it. Midsummer Day is nearly upon us or, as some prefer, St. John's Eve on the twenty-third. Bonfires shall be lit and Folk shall gather to dance 'neath Sun and Stars.

So shall Colonial Revelers gather a fortnight hence on Sunday, June 27th at half past one in the afternoon to present a Concert of Colonial Music to all, free of charge.

The program is part of the weekend long "Once Upon a Time in Montgomery County" sponsored by the W.S. Hancock Society, taking place from 9 am, June 26 through 3 pm, June 27 at the East Norriton Township Facility, 2501 Stanbridge St., East Norriton, PA 19401.

For more information go to

http://www.wshancocksociety.org/

Your humble servants,
HH

Midwinter & The General's Birthday

"If February give much snow
A fine Summer it doth foreshow."

The winter is half done, and despite what the wild creatures foretell, with their thick coats and tails, and the doubtful viewing of their shadows in the dawn hour, spring shall follow in less than four fortnights' time.

This month, General Washington shall observe the anniversary of his birth. In the year of his birth, England and her colonies still employed the Julian calendar, and the anniversary then fell upon February 11. In 1752, England converted to the Gregorian calendar, and the date converted to February 22.

This year, we shall celebrate the day 'twixt old and new calendars -- on Monday, February 15. Colonial Revelers cordially bids you to join us at the visitor center at Valley Forge National Historical Park on that day, for song and a slice of Mrs. Washington's famed Great Cake.

Children may engage in crafts and learn colonial dances, and the General himself will be present to lead young troops in marching and maneuvering.

The revelry shall begin at 10 in the morning and proceed until 3 in the afternoon. You may learn more at

http://www.nps.gov/vafo/planyourvisit/events.htm

Click on the 15th.

Your humble servants,
HH