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Ray & Judith Hester, 2005 -2006 |
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George Washington and other Colonial notables were frequent travelers along THE KINGS HIGHWAY (aka The Post Road & The Philadelphia Turnpike) through Claymont Delaware (20 miles south of Philadelphia). The home of Col. Thomas Robinson who served in the Revolutionary War and was wounded at the Battle of Brandywine lived on the Pike at Claymont (Naamans Creek) during that period. His home still stands and is operated by the Naamans Heritage Association. It is often reported that Washington,
et al, visited the Col. And his family as he traversed the Pike. There is
MUCH circumstantial evidence that visits took place … and there is evidence
that his troops camped just across the creek from the house on September 24,
1781, on their way to the Battle of Yorktown. This house and location is
noted on the Washington – Rochambeau Revolutionary Route (W3R), currently
(2006) being nominated as a National Historic Trail. As a part of the W3R “promotion,” The
Claymont Historical Society hosted a “Dinner with Washington” at the house in
October, 2004. The next day, they hosted the beginning of a “Hike the Pike”
W3R promotion. |
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TO: THE CLAYMONT HISTORICAL SOCIETY cc: Naamans Heritage Board, and a few selected others (that had a role in the effort) FR: Ray Hester RE: A REPORT ON
THE "DINNER WITH WASHINGTON" (10/2/04) &
THE W3R/GREENWAY "KICK-OFF" (10/3) A special thanks to all who helped make these 2 events a great success. As I have noted, these were my last tasks as an "event coordinator." I will try to be brief in my summary: (This is for only those who wish to know the details.) I. DINNER WITH WASHINGTON: A) A total of 46 persons attended (43 "paying") plus we had 10 volunteers* making it work (1) I had attempted to cut-off at 40 "paying" to allow more time for Washington's questions; actually turned about 8 away on Fri/Sat. B) We expect to net about $450 ... FROM THE DINNER ... for the house (that's very good) C) We greatly appreciate the DELAWARE HUMANITIES FORUM (DHF) for sponsoring Gen. Washington & friends before the dinner (we did NOT have to pay anything for him) D) Of the 43 attendees, 37 filled out the DHF evaluation form. Only Washington was to be evaluated, but most included "John Adams" (Lee Jennings of DNREC Parks Division) (1) Possible ratings were: VERY GOOD, GOOD, FAIR, POOR (2) Gen. Washington (Carl Closs) rec'd 33 "VG", 3 "G", and 1 "F" no "P's" (3) Adams, (Lee Jennings) though only spoke VERY briefly (intro for Washington) rec'd many VG's and "G's" His interaction with guests during and after dinner were noted at great by many (4) The Nur Temple FIFE & DRUM CORPS was greatly appreciated II. THE W3R/GREENWAY "REVOLUTIONARY WEEKEND"
KICKOFF AT THE ROB. HOUSE, 10/3/04: A) W3R & GREENWAY leadership (lead by Kim Burdick and Bobbi Britton) was a great success as it was "kicked off" at the House at noon on Sunday. B) House Board Chair, Frances West was mistress of ceremonies; the Nur Temple F&DC again added much to the festivities. "Martha Washington" gave a brief welcome and thoughts to the abt. 60 persons that attended the noon event. Rep. Valihura & Councilman Weiner brought dignity and "a few words" as did other notables. There were about 10 cyclists and 15 hikers; MANY took advantage of the free trolley vs. hiking. (Trolley was paid for by New Castle County, via Tom Gordon) C) The newly renovated Robinson House "Open House" (12:30-2:30pm), lead by costumed docents, Judith Hester and Anita Sterling did a great job with the approx. 75 - 100 attendees. Dan Harkins, as the doorman did his usual great job. Carolyn Mercadante "held down" the Block House with her historic details. D) A special thanks to ALL who made this work .. all along the Pike (I will not try to name them as I might leave someone out. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * Sat. Dinner Volunteers were: Dan Harkins, Carol Brady, Jeanette Matinas, Sara & Clyde Hess, Anita Sterling, Lorraine West, Frank Kolling, and Ray & Judith Hester (a special thanks to Judith for buying and preparing the "supplemental" food ... so we could save costs; that was, salad, biscuits, pie, & ice cream ... and another special thanks to her for founding of the Claymont Historical Society in 1998 and being a supportive wife in all of my "projects.") |
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