Two Chances to Watch George Washington’s Annual Delaware River Crossing

Two Chances to Watch George Washington’s Annual Delaware River Crossing

December 9 and 25, 20198

Each December, thousands gather on the banks of the Delaware River to watch the reenactment of George Washington’s daring Christmas Day 1776 river crossing. During the event, several hundred reenactors in Continental military dress listen to an inspiring speech by Washington and then row across the river in replica Durham boats.

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NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 11/10/18 - 11/11/18

 New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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Saturday, November 10 - Franklin Township, Somerset County

The Noblest of Fruits - Apple Butter Making

Last year in September, Susan Plaisted of Heart to Hearth Cookery was on hand as part of our "The General Settles In" program demonstrating the process of making and molding "creamed ice," one of Washington's favorite treats. On Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Susan will be back to demonstrate apple butter making from start to finish on the grounds of Rockingham. A large cauldron will be set up over an outdoor hearth to accommodate this process. Visitors can observe the ongoing preparation throughout the day and help with the stirring.

Rockingham originally included two large apple orchards on its 360-plus acreage. More than likely, the Berriens, Rockingham's owners, or a close neighbor would have had a large apple press to wring the juices from the fruit for cider and vinegar. Throughout New Jersey in the 18th-century there were a large number of apple trees, and cider (hard/alcoholic) was a prevalent drink of the time. Vinegar would have been used in recipes and food preservation, important in a time before refrigeration. Apples would also have been used for desserts and preserves and could be kept whole in cool, dry storage or cut into rings to dry for later use.

This event is free, though donations are always welcome. As part of the day, regular house tours will be offered, the museum store will be open, and there will be apple-themed refreshments offered.

Rockingham is located at 84 Laurel Avenue, Kingston-Rocky Hill Rd. (Rte. 603) in Franklin Township, 1 mile north of Rte. 27 in Kingston, and 1 mile south of Rte. 518 in Rocky Hill. For more information, call 609-683-7132 or visit www.rockingham.net.

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Eleventh Annual Armistice Ball - November 10, 2018

Eleventh Annual Armistice Ball

Sunday, November 10, 2018

Celebrating the centennial of the end of World War I, the Metropolitan Vintage Dance & Social Club will hold its Eleventh Annual Armistice Ball on Saturday, November 10, from 8:00 - 11:00 pm in the historic Great Hall at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 121 South Street, Morristown, NJ. The Metropolitan Club Orchestra will provide hot dance tunes of the early 20th century. A workshop in dances of the era will be held at the Morristown Masonic Center, 39 Maple Avenue, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm that day. Ball tickets are $40 per person in advance or $45 at the door ($20 in advance/$25 at the door with a student ID). They may be purchased online at www.armisticeball.com, where additional information may be found as well.

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NJ Weekend Estate Sales: 11/9/2018 - 11/11/2018

NEW JERSEY WEEKEND ESTATE SALES

Click on each link for more information on the estate sale!

Find something neat at an estate sale? Let us know!

Hosting an estate sale? Send me an e-mail to be featured in our weekly post!

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The Best Answer to Calumny - An Excerpt from "Valley Forge"

The Best Answer to Calumny
An excerpt from Valley Forge
Written by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin

* * *

It had long chafed foreign-born officers such as Gates, Lee, and Conway that Washington’s leadership style kept faith with a meritocracy that favored young, competent homegrown generals with little formal military education over so-called professional soldiers. That the likes of Nathanael Greene, Henry Knox, and Anthony Wayne had ascended to key positions in the Continental Army was seen as an insult to the established hierarchy. Foisting an auditor like Thomas Conway upon the commander in chief was one of the few means Gates had of putting Washington in his place. But Conway’s promotion and appointment were only one front in a multifaceted assault.

March to Valley Forge painted by William Trego, 1883.

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"Valley Forge" November 2018 Book Giveaway

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NJ Weekend Estate Sales: 11/2/18 - 11/4/18

NEW JERSEY WEEKEND ESTATE SALES

Click on each link for more information on the estate sale!

Find something neat at an estate sale? Let us know!

Hosting an estate sale? Send me an e-mail to be featured in our weekly post!

Be the first to know about these sales on Facebook!

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