Heralding the History
HBD 2018 Chapter One
by Cate Murway
Warning: Dates on the calendar are MUCH closer than they appear!
First Fridays on the Delaware 2018 [May 4, June 1, July 6, Aug. 3, Sept. 7] have just begun in historic Bristol but so have the planning preparations for Historic Bristol Day in October.
The Borough events include Free Family Entertainment, Live Music, Shopping, Food & More!
MARK THE DATE! The Gazela Primeiro will be returning to 19007 for the 42nd Historic Bristol Day, sponsored by the Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation on Saturday, October 20, 2018, from 10:00AM to 4:00PM. The event will focus on the powerful, rich and exciting history of the Borough.
Much had happened in what is Bristol today before its official recognition as Buckingham in 1681.
Before the Europeans came to Bristol, picturesque Radcliffe Street was an Indian path and the tall trees that lined it held nests of eagles.
Visiting this town of roughly 10,000 people is so much more fun than just reading about it.
Only a year ago, Amanda Brinkman, chief brand and communications officer at Deluxe and her team, along with celebrity entrepreneur Robert Herjavec and a host of business experts from Small Business Revolution – Main Street, recognized Bristol Borough and got to know the small businesses and the passionate leaders that make it so very special. The town won a “Main Street Makeover”.
Bristol Borough came out in front of 14,000 small towns across America to win the $500,000 prize.
Chat with the locals. History and memory are intertwined!
On HBD, the Gazela will return with its air of history, affording many more visitors an additional opportunity to catch a glimpse of a tall ship and step aboard for tours. The waterfront of Historic Bristol on the Delaware, one of its greatest assets, will beckon again, creating the perfect venue.
What is a Tall Ship? It is a large sailing vessel – think Pirates of the Caribbean, or Christopher Columbus’ Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria.
Jeanette A. “Jan” Ruano is the BCHF President and Board Member Nicholas A. Rizzo is chairing the HBD event.
BCHF is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving over 3 centuries of Bristol's history and increasing cultural opportunities for all residents of the community, promoting pride which translates into helping and enhancing the treasure that has been inherited.
Nick, who works in Mortgage Lending Operations, has assumed the position as the new HBD Chairperson. He has resided in the Borough since April 2006 but his family has deep Bristol connections.
His Great-Uncle, Angelo F. Licciardello was a builder and a mason involved in the revitalization of the town. The Bristol Memorial Fountain in the multi-sided brick wall structure at Snyder - Girotti Elementary School was created by Angelo, the founder and designer on July 12, 1987. This structure represents the convergence and blending of various ethnic groups in the Borough and is a permanent tribute to “our forefathers whose creative minds, working hands and energetic spirits built this community”.
Nick shared, “My grandfather was a self-employed carpenter who worked a lot in and around the Borough. His name was Basil Capriotti and he helped build the Gazebo in Lions Park. He and Angelo co-owned the old Bristol Millwork at one time on Wood Street.”
Plan to attend this FREE 10:00AM - 4:00PM HBD festival event. It is the perfect opportunity to stroll, shop and dine within historic Bristol on the Delaware, the oldest town in Bucks County, incorporated as a Borough in 1720. It is the third oldest town in Pennsylvania. Come early and plan to stay for awhile.
Vendors are cordially invited to display and sell their particular crafts, adding to the festivities of Historic Bristol Day. The participation fee for a 10’ x 10’ space is $60.00 for business or crafters.
SPACE FEE: $60/10’x10’ space if received by 7.31.2018; $70 after 7.31.18-no exceptions.
There is a fee of $20 for non-profit tables.
The craft area will again be located in the 200 and 300 blocks of Radcliffe Street, which will be closed to vehicular traffic from early morning to 5:00PM, leaving the area open for pedestrians.
If you have any questions re: vendor information, please contact Bethanne Olczak, the BCHF Bristol Day Craft Committee chairperson at 215.781.8072 or email, bmolczak@gmail.com.
Future Spotlight “HBD Chapters” will highlight the special events.
The next planning meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 30th at 7:00PM at the Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation on 321 Cedar Street in Bristol.
For more information:
Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation
P.O. Box 215
Bristol Borough, PA 19007
215.781.9895
Historic Bristol Day 2018 Chapter One is the First Chapter introducing the 42nd Annual Historic Bristol Day to be held on October 20, 2018.
Recommend a “Spotlight”. E-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com
Heralding the History
HBD 2018 Chapter TWO
by Cate Murway
Warning: Dates on the calendar are MUCH closer than they appear!
First Fridays on the Delaware 2018 [May 4, June 1, July 6, Aug. 3, Sept. 7] are full swing in historic Bristol and so are the planning preparations for Historic Bristol Day in October.
MARK THE DATE! The 42nd Historic Bristol Day, sponsored by the Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation is Saturday, October 20, 2018, from 10:00AM to 4:00PM.
COME FOR THE DAY AND STAY FOR THE REVOLUTION!
The Revolutionary War began on 19 April 1775 and that evening Paul Revere made his famous ride.
P.S. Revere wasn’t the only rider; just the only one to have American poet and ardent abolitionist Henry Wadsworth Longfellow [1807-1882] write a poem about him! Israel “Isaac” Bissell, a 23-year-old postal rider rode day and night with little sleep during an exhausting 345-mile journey from Boston’s western edge to Philadelphia. On the first leg, he rode one horse so hard that the animal collapsed and died beneath him as he arrived in Worcester, roughly two hours after leaving Watertown. “To arms, to arms. The war has begun,” Bissell shouted as he passed through each little town.
The eclectic, jam-packed mix of Borough signature events includes “Blast from the Past” Revolutionary War re-enactments that bring the 18th century to life, Free Family Entertainment, Live Music, Shopping, and plenty of Food in an endearing atmosphere of fun, fellowship and camaraderie.
BCHF is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving over 3 centuries of Bristol's history and increasing cultural opportunities for all residents of the community, promoting pride which translates into helping and enhancing the treasure that has been inherited.
Jeanette A. “Jan” Ruano is the BCHF President, and Board Member Nicholas A. Rizzo is chairing this 42nd HBD FUNomenal event.
This fall let us take you back to 1775, when the 13 colonies were fighting for their independence from Great Britain. Step back in history and spend the day with Revolutionary War patriot soldiers!
The reenactment is free and open to the public.
Historic Bristol on the Delaware welcomes Colonel Matthias Ogden's [10.22.1754-3.31.1791] First New Jersey Regiment, a living history organization, to Historic Bristol Day and history goes on full display.
The 1st New Jersey is a reliable, veteran regiment in The Continental Line.
Colonel Ogden was named Lt. Col. of the First New Jersey Battalion in March 1776, serving under Colonel William Winds. At the age of 22, he became colonel of the newly reorganized 1st New Jersey Regiment on January 1, 1777. He died of yellow fever in Elizabethtown in March 1791 at the age of 36. Ogden’s step- brother was Aaron Burr, the third VP of the United States, serving during Thomas Jefferson's first term [1801–1805].
Other than having his face on the ten dollar bill, Lt. Col. Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, is probably best known for being killed in a duel with his political rival Aaron Burr in 1804.
The First New Jersey Regiment living historians have patterned their organization from an actual fighting unit that distinguished itself during the Revolutionary War, providing an incredible, vivid window into how men and women lived in those times and a visceral sense of the scope of war for the civilians.
Battles were fought and heroes were forged.
So much to see! HBD attendees will witness interpretive programs including proficient regimental drill maneuvers,
but also period-appropriate camp life gender roles, even ladies doing simple laundry
and time-consuming labors of sewing chores, repairing homespun clothing and equipment; a most interesting glimpse during that time. Cooking demonstrations and other daily tasks will come to life in their immersive environment. See how they lived, dressed and prepared for war. Meander through the town and visit the people of the time. Explore the soldiers’ wedge-style tents and their makeshift dwellings.
1st New Jersey studies and recreates the culture, lifestyle, and arts of the time of the American Revolution, 1775-1783, striving to duplicate the uniforms, weapons, battlefield tactics and camp life of the era as accurately as possible, interpreting the experiences of NJ common soldiers or camp followers in the fight for our Independence. History was not just one big battle after another so a more nuanced understanding of the lives they led will be portrayed.
*Spoiler Alert: The last great victory of the Revolution that spanned eight years was the victory and surrender of about 7,000 British and German soldiers that forever made Yorktown, VA the place where the subjects of a king became the citizens of a nation.
The colonists developed their own culture and government across the ocean from their British countrymen, no longer needing the monarchy in order to prosper in the fledgling America.
The allied victory at Yorktown seems to have been the final straw for Great Britain, which finally accepted the existence of the new American nation.
When the Revolutionary War began, the colonists had no national song.
"Yankee Doodle", a marching, catchy, rollicking anthem tune of American pride emerged as a vehicle for the British to mock American soldiers. "Yankee" began as a negative term making fun of Americans [who had none of the British ‘spit and polish’] and "Doodle" was a derogatory term that meant "fool" or "simpleton", aimed at belittling the strength and possibilities inherent in the early American movement, in a spirit of derision re: the Redcoats and Rebels in this pivotal time in American history.
“Yankee Doodle keep it up, Yankee Doodle dandy….”
Forever ingrained within our identity, it provides us a sense of who we are. America is awesome!
Although the exact origins of the unforgettable patriotic tune and original lyrics are unknown, historians agree that the American melody was written by an English doctor named Dr. Richard Shackburg.
This country has exciting history, legendary personalities and larger-than-life attitude.
“…..ideals, values and liberties that we, as a nation, hold dear do not come without vigilance, courage and sacrifice.”
Kenneth Anthony Gavin is most passionate about historical reenactment and historical accuracy.
Ken has always had a lifelong fascination for the American Revolution. A friend introduced him to the First New Jersey Regiment and to the many who share his love of history. He is an active participant, portraying a commanding officer in the engaging educational programming and he oversees all the military operations.
His son, Jackson, who will be entering the 4th grade in the fall, is a Regiment member portraying a non-combatant.
“My wife Gina is not a history person.”
None of the members of the group are professional actors; they all just have apparent obsession with history, which is why their events are so compelling. Some of them are drawn to historical research, documentation and reproducing the things the Revolutionary War-era men and women used and carried [material culture]. Some of the members have a love of bringing elements of the past to public consciousness and historical interpretation. Some of them have ancestors who served in that very unit.
But they all invest tons of time preparing re-enactments to teach and to inspire, purely to educate the public about a vital part of our poignant history with authenticity.
What an incredible hands-on way to study American history and gain a greater and deeper understanding of the earliest days of the USA!
Capt. Ken and the Regiment will meticulously work to create and muster up a historically accurate military encampment with everything soldiers would need to live on as they traveled to join up with General Washington and his troops. They will erect canvas shelter tentage with kettles and key artifacts, authentic reproductions of tools and equipment to present a visible and tangible headquarters depicting how the Revolutionary War-era occupants performed through strife at a much different time.
This volunteer organization places a high value on continuing research and experience documentation on the soldiers and the women who were part of the army, and the young and old alike, who risked everything for an ideal called liberty. They are very passionate about its interpretation and they purchase their own 100% wool attire, including frocks, breeches, hats and waistcoats or uniform coats for use in the parades and ceremonies, participating in more than a dozen living history events, commemorations and battle reenactments every year, and sometimes large scale battle reenactments over an entire weekend.
BUT……they’re never too busy fighting to take time to meet with visitors!
Timothy Abbott, in addition to a 20-year career in land conservation with the Housatonic Valley Association, is the history buff President of the Revolutionary War re-enacting group—Colonel Ogden’s First New Jersey, also serving as sergeant. Tim has a passion for 18th century American history.
Since 2011, he has been an historical interpreter specializing in the period between 1755-1787 in New England and the Mid-Atlantic region, and was elected to the Board of this non-profit in 2013.
“I’ve rowed across the Delaware, dragged cannon through the woods at Ticonderoga, and watched my teenage son attired as a youthful midshipman leading a British naval pressgang through the streets of Newport, RI.”
Additional information can be requested by e-mail taselkie@gmail.com
The First New Jersey Regiment whose members research and faithfully portray the soldiers and civilians of this celebrated unit on campaign with Washington's Army in 1777 during the Philadelphia Campaign, is a small, family friendly non- profit 501(c)(3)organization who are always actively recruiting members.
Colonel Ogden's First New Jersey Regiment is a registered educational charity EIN 52-1913091.
Information and materials will be available for anyone interested, men, women and families.
They obviously enjoy each other's company and they play well with others!
“We are most grateful for the opportunity and we encourage everyone to attend.”
SAVE THE DATES!
Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20, 2018 will fill your calendar with anticipation.
Come to the GAZELABRATION evening reception on Friday before HBD. Tickets are $50.00 per person and are available at Great I.D’s by Anne, Mignoni Jewelry & Gifts and the Borough Tax Office or call 215.788.2106.
*[includes dinner, DJ/dancing (Greg Whit Dances) & access to the Tall Ship Gazela Primeiro].
Then on Saturday, journey to the past! Chat with the soldiers about their uniforms, equipment and recreated lifestyles.
Historic Bristol Day will be no ordinary day in 19007. You’ll find it… well….. Revolutionary!
Future Spotlight “HBD Chapters” will highlight more of the special programs and events.
The next planning meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 29th at 7:00PM at the Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation on 321 Cedar Street in Bristol Borough.
For more information:
Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation
P.O. Box 215
Bristol Borough, PA 19007
215.781.9895
Historic Bristol Day 2018 Chapter Two is the Second Chapter introducing the 42nd Annual Historic Bristol Day to be held on October 20, 2018.
Recommend a “Spotlight”. E-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com
re-enactor Ken Gavin
pic courtesy of Meredith Barnes
click on thumbnails to enlarge
Heralding the History
HBD 2018 Chapter Three
by Cate Murway
Warning: Dates on the calendar are WAY closer than they appear!
This stand-out small town hosts some of the best festivals!
The award winning First Fridays on the Delaware 2018 in historic Bristol that have been most successfully organized by the Bristol Borough Business Association [BBBA] will be culminating with the LAST First next Friday, September 7, 2018. Don’t miss your last chance to attend this highlight of the Bristol Borough main street district and members, brought to you by the much appreciated Event Supporters: Penn Community Bank and Farmers Insurance, Steve Mooney Agency.
First Fridays on the Delaware were named 2017 Bucks County Courier Times’ Best of Bucks ‘Best Outdoor Event’, ‘Best Family Event’, and ‘One of the Best Business/Chamber Events’ as well as Bucks Happening’s 2017 winner for ‘Business/Chamber Event’ and 2018 finalist for ‘Business/Chamber Event’, ‘Family Event’, and ‘Summer Event’. The Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce also recognized Shea Cialella, the BBBA Administrative Coordinator, as the Quality of Life Champion of Commerce for her facilitation of these events.
Meanwhile, the plans and preparations for Historic Bristol Day in October are in pedal to the metal, full speed ahead mode.
MARK THE DATE! The 42nd Historic Bristol Day, sponsored by the Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization, on Saturday, October 20, 2018 [rain or shine], from 10:00AM to 4:00PM, is a day to embrace and honor the historical significance of Bristol Borough with entertainment for the entire family.
The first post office, courthouse, mill, public school, African-American church, and paved road in Bucks County were all founded here, right in 19007.
A grateful shout out to artist Jeanette A. “Jan” Ruano, the BCHF President who designed the great, eye-catching HBD and “GAZELABRATION” flyers and reception tickets, along with the House Tour tickets!
Now for some more highlights of HBD 2018………
Join the “GAZELABRATION”!
The Tall Ship is returning, the Tall Ship is returning to dock once again in historic Bristol on the Delaware.
All are invited to tour the Tall Ship Gazela from the Bristol Wharf 10:00AM to 3:00PM on October 20th.
The historic barquentine sailing vessel ‘Gazela Primeiro’, [meaning ‘Gazelle the First’ in Portuguese], with its full suit of canvas will be docking again this year for the 2018 Historic Bristol Day celebration.
The Gazela was built in 1901 to carry fishermen to catch cod, flounder, halibut, haddock and perch in the richest fishing area at the Grand Banks of Newfoundland.
Just the fact that the Gazela is returning to Bristol is already an unequivocal BIG Deal…. BUT, as an extra bonus, the BCHF is offering a LIMITED TICKETS opportunity for an exceptional evening, the “GAZELABRATION” reception the night before HBD, Friday, October 19th, from 6:00PM to 9:00PM. The $50.00/ per person ticket price includes a delectable buffet dinner and drinks hosted on the King George II Inn patio, and free tour access to the Gazela, along with dancing under the wharf to DJ music provided by Greg Whit Dance. [Rain date is Saturday, October 20th.]
The Tall Ship Gazela will be available to board for all who attend the evening “GAZELABRATION”.
Car shows bring home a unique love affair with wheels and 19007 is once again GEARING up.
A BIG thank you is extended to local photographer/ artist Jean-Marc Dubus, a panoramic/ automotive photographer for the very classic posters he generously designed!
The 7th Annual Bristol HBD Car Show will be held at 450 Beaver Street at the Snyder-Girotti School on the school asphalt parking lot from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM [with car registration at the door beginning at 9:00 AM]. The show includes all American and foreign antiques and classics, cars spanning multiple decades and multiple generations, like newer Corvettes, Camaros, Firebirds, Mustangs, Challengers, T-birds, and exotics and luxury models, cars that definitely aren’t mainstream are in the repertoire. This experience will truly put you in an exhilarating FAST LANE.
Thank you to the car enthusiast cousins, Mark Louis Gesualdi and his co-chair, Christopher John Gesualdi who are fervently preparing for this event. Both of them are dedicated Corvette guys and members of the NCRS [National Corvette Restorer Society].
Browse and reminisce, then when the inevitable hunger pangs strike, purchase lunch at the food concession stands and enjoy delicious homemade sausage and pepper sandwiches provided by the BHS teachers. All proceeds accrued from these food sales go to the ‘Relay for Life’ for breast cancer research.
Car owners can register their car[s] either on the day of the event or online.
Registration begins at 9:00AM; $15 registration.
Come see some of what historic Bristol on the Delaware has to offer on HBD; view the many cars, see old friends and make new ones at the 7th Annual HBD Car Show.
A free shuttle bus, running every 15 minutes, will stop at the HBD Car Show and continue the rounds to the other HBD activities.
Doors open for visitors with the HBD “House Tours”.
Bristol is steeped in remarkably unspoiled, unique capsules of history! Whether you are an architecture aficionado or simply curious, you will find among the perfect houses with varying styles, an excellent reason to explore the ones that represent the march of time.
The BCHF committee has rounded up 4 of the most impressive Borough homes that continue to influence our town’s significant design sensibilities:
~Wade Funeral Home & Residence - 1002 Radcliffe Street, [Italianate dwelling with a circular drive built in 1882, purchased by Clifford Anderson in 1903, president of both the Bristol Patent Leather Company and the Keystone Leather Company who served as the Burgess of Bristol from 1917 to 1943. entrance hall features a wainscoting that is believed to have been made of patent leather manufactured at one of Mr. Anderson’s factories *successor to Murphy Funeral home- until the 20th century, most funerals were conducted from the residence of the deceased]
~St. Mark Rectory - 1025 Radcliffe Street [Second Empire-style brick house built in 1871 while Rev. Patrick A. Lynch served as pastor ~ the original St. Mark Church and rectory were built in 1846, aptly designated the oldest Church in the county. ]
~Private homes, 205 Jefferson Avenue [built in 1922] and 715 Radcliffe Street [Greek revival residence built between 1857 and 1871 on property then owned by the Dorrance family].
‘Open House’ for these must-see tours is provided from 10:00AM to 4:00PM on Oct. 20th. Ticket price is $12 in advance and $15 on the day of the event.
Free parking for Historic Bristol Day is available in the Municipal Parking Lot behind Mill Street, in the Lenox Building lot at 1414 Radcliffe Street and in the SEPTA lot at Washington and Prospect Streets.
*Free shuttle from designated parking lots.
The story of Bristol, the bustling riverside community that incorporates its past seamlessly into the fabric of its present, as written through the centuries by its people, is the story of America itself.
WELCOME FRIEND!
Historic Bristol Day 2018 Chapter Three is the Third Chapter introducing the 42nd Annual Historic Bristol Day to be held on October 20, 2018.
Recommend a “Spotlight”. E-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com
click on thumbnails to enlarge
Heralding the History
HBD 2018 Chapter Four
by Cate Murway
Warning: Dates on the calendar are WAY closer than they appear!
Historic Bristol Day is just a tad more than a month away…… Saturday, October 20, 2018.
Have you heard?
The Gazela is coming but the tickets are GOING…. FAST!
You CAN still attend the “GAZELABRATION”! The Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation is offering a LIMITED TICKETS opportunity for this exceptional evening, the “GAZELABRATION” reception the night before HBD, Friday, October 19th, from 6:00PM to 9:00PM. The $50.00/ per person ticket price includes a delectable buffet dinner and drinks hosted on the King George II Inn patio, and free tour access to the Gazela, along with dancing under the wharf to DJ music provided by Greg Whit Dance. [Rain date is Saturday, October 20th.]
The Tall Ship Gazela will be available to board for all who attend the evening “GAZELABRATION”.
Tickets are available at Great I.D’s by Anne, Mignoni Jewelry & Gifts and the Borough Tax Office or call 215.788.2106.
Imagination, creativity, and enthusiasm surround all of the engaging HBD events.
But let’s have dessert first!
*BCHF Bakery Table – 200 block of Radcliffe Street
Susan M. “Sue” Watkins is expertly STIRRING up the plans for a successful BCHF Bake Sale table.
Planning with others is much more fun and less daunting, so she has made use of her excellent organizational skills and has recruited the very dedicated Elizabeth Jane “Betty” Rodgers to assist her in this venture.
You just may get a recipe for history at this table as well. Betty’s late husband, John M. Rodgers was a councilman [invested a total of 10 years as Councilman and 2 years as the President], President of the Council, 8 years as Mayor [non-consecutive terms] and a State representative in the PA House of Representatives in 1979 and 1980, a Democrat endorsed candidate for the PA 140th Assembly District.
But now they need the goods. Baked items or any type goodies are cheerfully accepted.
Each donated packaged to sell baked good should have an index card prominently attached stating the name of the item and a list of non-obvious and/or outstanding ingredients [such as coconut, nuts, candied or dried fruits or strawberries- this will help those with allergies make a wise purchase].
And think beyond baked goods! Candies are always in popular demand.
Donations of specially packaged baked goods that the buyer can give away as gifts could work. Or cookie ingredients or homemade granola in decorated jars would also be perfect for the sale table.
*Volunteers to man/[wo]man the table are needed as well. Please contact Sue to offer your assistance or to let her know about a signature cake or famous secret family recipe cookies that you would offer to donate. the2watkins@gmail.com
If you're looking for some inspiration, consider something from our best-selling baked goods list:
Brownies, Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter Cookies, Cake Pops, Pastries, Fudge, Rice Krispies Treats, Sugar Cookies, Cupcakes, Popcorn Balls, Trail Mix, Banana or Tea Bread, Muffins, Coffee Cake and Bundt Cakes.
P.S. OR Chocolate! Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate is the number one ingredient in bake sales because really, people are chocoholics!
Sue’s husband William Andrew “Bill” Watkins will be working that day also, providing his captivating commentary on the HBD bus tours.
*Sailing Regatta – Tentatively between 1:45PM and 2:00PM *tide/wind dependent
[‘regatta’: term from the Venetian language meaning "contest"]
If you love the thrill of the chase and serious sailing, then this is for you! Ya Gotta Regatta!
Sailors from East End Yacht Club based at Curtin Marina in Burlington, NJ dock their boats at the Anchor Yacht Club, one of the oldest boating clubs on the Delaware River, established in 1906. These sail boaters will be convening in the Delaware at the Bristol Borough wharf area to begin on a course at Bristol’s Pier that is dependent on the wind and the tide, ensuring the best possible regatta experience for all competitors. They will then proceed toward Burlington Island for the boat race.
Then windward/leeward: They will “start into the wind and return downwind”.
Yacht racing is a common sight on the Delaware River between Bristol and Burlington with regattas at 6:30PM every Tuesday.
Past Commodore/ Delaware River Yachtsmen's League [DRYL] delegate Kevin Shawn Coyne along with the race committee, his wife DRYL treasurer/ East End Yacht Club delegate Joanne Marie Coyne and honorary Anchor Yacht Club member Gary Winchester will start the event with a sequence of 3 horn signals. The race committee will be stationed on the wharf end, available to answer any questions during the event. Red, white and blue ribboned medals will be awarded to the first three finishers.
*Children’s Corner at Grundy Library – 10:00AM-3:00PM
The very talented Warren P. Snyder-John Girotti Elementary School students will perform their Immigration Play 11:00AM & 1:00PM. The “experienced” actors are fourth grade students now. They first performed “Ashore on Ellis Island” last year as third graders. Title 1 federal program coordinator, Mary [Younglove] Gesualdi asked Mrs. Lori Ann [Carosi] Helkowski, the Gifted/ Enrichment teacher for the first through sixth grade students at Snyder- Girotti if they could perform the Immigration Play on HBD.
Last year, the students were requested to share pictures of their ancestors to use in a slide show presentation. This depicted an Italian family waiting at Ellis Island. The son of the family, after enduring a medical inspection, was unable to enter since he was afflicted with trachoma, a potentially blinding infectious eye disease. Between 1892 and 1954, Ellis Island represented America to millions of immigrants, most of them arriving from Europe. This was not as the only point of entry to the USA, but certainly the most important and the busiest.
Lori’s engaging lesson brought life to their history class as they learned more of how incredible and unique America is as a nation of immigrants.
After the students perform their skit on HBD, they will participate in a Q&A program.
Parents provided the sturdy clothing costumes for their roles as immigrants. The kids made the props and set design and memorized their lines. Favorite recipes of their ancestors were copied and Lori and the class designed a recipe book dedicated to those relatives.
Have anything you would like to share for their display? Please call Mary Gesualdi 215.990.2530.
*Rock on! For the hands-on artists, there will be rock painting at the library. All are invited to join in on the new, fun, family-friendly craze of decorating rocks. All ages are welcome.
*Read on! Storytime has always been the heart and soul of the library for so many. Mary Gesualdi will be reading the book “Her Right Foot” by Dave Eggers that investigates a seemingly small trait of America's most emblematic statue, the Statue of Liberty. A 4th grade student Luciana Snyder visited Ellis Island with her family and she recommended the book. Mary gifted Luciana with a copy of that book.
“She’s in New York. She’s holding a torch. And she’s in mid-stride, moving forward. But why?”
Aw, now you will need to come in and listen to the story to learn the powerful message!
*Drummers with Attitude Lion’s Park in the Gazebo at 11:00AM and Noon.
Drummers with Attitude [DWA], a diverse dynamic percussion group of drummers and dancers is led and created by Kevin James Travers and his co-advisor Scott Laden, both Special Ed teachers. Their “bucket” group, [“It’s all buckets!”], includes both special and regular education students in grades seven-12 from the Bristol Township middle and high schools.
Kevin is a Special Education learning support English and Math 8th grade teacher starting his 25th year at Neil Armstrong. He started playing drums when he got his first drum set at age 8, a gift purchased at from Kiddie City by his older sister. He grew up in the Somerton section of NE Philadelphia, the youngest of three but the only one involved in music. As a teen, he took lessons from musician Nick Casciano of the group ‘The Heartbeats’, and music teacher Justin “Jay” Bruno, who taught at the private Howard Herbert Music Center in Philadelphia.
It actually was the Broadway play “Stomp” and its unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy that inspired him to begin his Drummers with Attitude. The DWA is a vital confidence builder for many of the participants.
“It helps motivate students to do well in school.” It keeps them involved in a positive way and actually, out of trouble; especially good for kids who may struggle for any reason, academically, emotionally or some other way. “I was that kid. Drumming kept me out of trouble,” Kevin admitted. It also provided him with refuge from a troubled home life.
It is of the utmost importance to him to be a good example for his son, Kevin, and daughter, Kara.
Kevin Sean, Temple University ’19 was inspired by the inspirational movie “Life, Animated” and he aspires to be a Recreational Therapist. Kara Grace, Alleghany University, ’21 runs cross country and is studying Psychology. The beat goes on.
DWA has been performing since 2000 throughout the Philadelphia area for the 76ers, Soul, Flyers and Phantoms, the NCAA D1 Women’s Lax Championship at the Talen Energy Stadium and the NCAA D1 Men’s Lax Championship at Lincoln Financial Field,
as well as community events including WXPN's ‘All About The Music’ Festival and Bucks County Community College's ‘Lead On Conference’. DWA has been featured on Philadelphia Fox News, Channels 3, 6, 10, & 17, and Comcast SportsNet.
Their very next performance is on “Community Celebrations Day” on September 22nd at 215 Appletree Drive in Levittown from 10:00AM- 2:00PM. This is an anniversary event for the Salvation Army that has been serving Bucks County for 120 Years.
Come hear them on Historic Bristol Day in Lions’ Park. This is an interactive performance.
“We will do two 5 minute pieces and then invite anyone interested to join.”
Free parking for Historic Bristol Day is available in the Municipal Parking Lot behind Mill Street, in the Lenox Building lot at 1414 Radcliffe Street and in the SEPTA lot at Washington and Prospect Streets.
Dow Chemical has also given permission to park in the Otter Creek Lot with an entrance off old Rt.13. The River Runner will be transporting guests from noon to 3:00PM from stops at Walnut and Radcliffe Streets, from the Grundy Library and from the St. Mark School Parking lot.
*Free shuttle from designated parking lots.
This small town packs plenty of personality and charm, inviting shops and historic treasures.
WELCOME FRIEND!
Historic Bristol Day 2018 Chapter Four is the Fourth Chapter introducing the 42nd Annual Historic Bristol Day to be held on October 20, 2018.
Recommend a “Spotlight”. E-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com
click on thumbnails to enlarge
Heralding the History
HBD 2018 Chapter Five
by Cate Murway
Warning: Look again!! It’s October…..and dates on the calendar are WAY closer than they appear.
The fun-filled, high energy, active learning Historic Bristol Day event, a time-honored tradition, hosted by the Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation is this month, Saturday, October 20, 2018.
Strong school/community relationships that foster public pride are promoted here in this eye-catching tourist attraction town!
Fairs and festivals bring out the best in small towns and make for one-of-a-kind experiences for visitors.
Sometimes you just want a slower pace in a quite friendly atmosphere, so…can’t wait to begin?
Attend the “GAZELABRATION”! The Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation still has a few LIMITED TICKETS for this exceptional evening. The “GAZELABRATION” reception is the night before HBD, Friday, October 19th, from 6:00PM to 9:00PM. A delectable buffet dinner and drinks hosted on the King George II Inn patio, and free tour access to the Gazela, along with dancing under the wharf to DJ music provided by Greg Whit Dance for a $50.00/ per person ticket. Quite the bargain, especially when considering the excellence of the dinner selections offered! [Rain date is Saturday, October 20th.]
The Tall Ship Gazela will be available to board for all who attend the evening “GAZELABRATION”.
Secure your ticket at Great I.D’s by Anne, Mignoni Jewelry & Gifts, and the Borough Tax Office or call 215.788.2106.
Building a strong family community is at the very heart of historic Bristol on the Delaware and the exhilarating, free family events are proof positive that enjoyable learning experiences can be had by all.
*One Shot Deal
Once a photographic piece sells, Janice Rhodes never reshoots or reproduces that capture.
HBD is an opportunity to purchase and own a never to be replicated original.
The BCHF is hosting several artists on HBD. ... locals like Artists of Bristol Board members, treasurer / photographer/ AOB and BCHF Liaison Janice Rhodes, and membership chair/ AOB Past President / oil painter Marty Shively.
Janice’s professional photographic works on various high quality textured papers, some on rough mulberry paper, will be matted and secure in plastic envelopes. The artists will all have smaller unframed masterpieces on display.
Marty’s captivating contemporary still-life kitchen art variety of foods, as well as her selection of deserted cars oil paintings are sometimes completed on wooden panels instead of canvas.
Until canvas became the more popular support medium in the 16th century, wood was the normal form of support for a painting. It was a very prestigious medium in Greece and Rome.
AOB representatives will gladly answer questions from 11:00AM and throughout the day.
They will have a display booth in front of the Community Baptist Church on Radcliffe Street and a plethora of their incredible artistic creations for sale in the church basement. A rather new component to their planned activities will be a Plein Air Painting Demonstration at 2:00PM in the garden area behind the church. This is a flourishing trend in the art world. En plein air, made into an art form by the French Impressionists, is the act of painting outdoors in a response to the moment, a visual interpretation of reality. The artist leaves the four walls of a conventional studio behind and shares the painting experience with the captivated spectators.
Through the work of artistic creative processes, through the work of someone's art, we may come to understand each other, even if only just a wee bit more.
*Get Carded!
Emerging young artists from the 6th, 7th & 8th grades at St. Mark School, Snyder-Girotti Elementary and the Bristol Middle School were asked, “What is your favorite spot in Bristol?”
Participation in the HBD Art Contest is a win-win for everyone involved.
For the first time, to further inspire the young imaginations of the contestants, the winning 1st, 2nd, 3rd and runner up artists will have the opportunity to have a legitimate image of their original hand-drawn creation reproduced and illustrated on unique, custom note cards.
This will have a far-reaching effect, literally, as the customer who purchases the exclusive note cards can then send them off to friends anywhere.
So, people might not have heard of these young artists YET…… brief statements about the featured artwork will be printed on the back of each note card.
Deadline is Friday, October 12, the official close of the contest. All submitted pencil, pastel, or paint entries [guidelines: no smaller than 9”x12” and no larger than 12”x18”]must be mounted on poster board with the student's name and grade neatly printed on an index card and attached on the back of the artwork. The top 3 winners will also receive an A.C. Moore gift card in a $35, $30, or $25 increment.
This would make a terrific school project/activity.
AOB members and freelance writer Liz Fisher will judge the children’s art contest the Saturday before HBD, October 13th at BCHF. AOB have volunteered to deliver the youths’ winning artwork and ribbons to the Community Baptist Church to be showcased on HBD on the stage in the basement right along with the AOB art.
Full STEM Ahead……
The Dow Chemical Company combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to Human Progress. Dow is all about bringing people together.
Dr. Joseph L. Maglaty, Dow STEM and Workforce Solutions Manager, and Mr. Justin Matson Land, Dow Global Citizenship Program Officer & NE Public Affairs Manager have confirmed that Dow Chemical has generously offered to display their No. 3 Dow Chevrolet race car on Historic Bristol Day at the Car Show at Snyder-Girotti Elementary School.
The paint scheme of the No. 3 ‘Dow Salutes Veterans’ Chevrolet Camaro ZL1’ features the names of more than 1,300 employees and contractors from Dow, the USA Luge team and Richard Childress Racing who are veterans, along with names of their immediate family members who have served or are currently serving. American professional stock car racing driver, Austin Dillon drove this during the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 10. Dillon has been dominating racetracks since 2005 and made his No. 3 Dow Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 debut at the Daytona 500 in 2014. Dow is a NASCAR sponsor and a partner with Richard Childress Racing [RCR]. Together they develop new technologies in the lab that are then tested on the race track by Austin Dillon, ultimately speeding implementation in transportation technologies. This partnership has enabled Dow scientists and engineers to test transportation systems and technologies in one of the most extreme operating environments—the race track—to ensure they deliver in the real world. Together, Dow scientists at the Materials Engineering Center and RCR racing technicians develop automotive technology that make the No. 3 Dow Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 faster, more tuned and precise.
Members of the Dow STEM Ambassadors [volunteer] Program, trained employees who share their passion for science, chemistry and technology, have graciously offered to be available to speak about the aspects of the race car that are affected by science, technology, engineering and math.
There will also be a tent at the library where the skilled volunteers will offer engaging science / physics experiments, bringing science to life in an organized, creative and fun way for the children.
Science and math must be relevant and exciting to attract youth to promising careers and they are intensely committed to getting students excited about STEM subjects.
Engaging students from K-8 is critical. Success is driven not only by what you know, but by what you can do with what you know. All young people should be prepared to think deeply and to think well.
Dow aims to build the workforce of tomorrow by empowering teachers, motivating student achievement, developing careers, and collaborating with communities to transform science, technology, engineering and mathematics [STEM] education into a driver for innovation, manufacturing and economic prosperity.
You are cordially invited to come join them! Lifelong, continuous learning is a reality here.
WELCOME FRIEND!
Free parking for Historic Bristol Day is available in the Municipal Parking Lot behind Mill Street, in the Lenox Building lot at 1414 Radcliffe Street and in the SEPTA lot at Washington and Prospect Streets.
Dow Chemical has also given permission to park in the Otter Creek Lot with an entrance off old Rt.13. The River Runner will be transporting guests from noon to 3:00PM from stops at Walnut and Radcliffe Streets, from the Grundy Library and from the St. Mark School Parking lot.
BCHF is still looking for a shuttle guide for the 11:45AM to 2:00PM shift; please call Helen Younglove at 215.781.9895 if you are able to volunteer to help.
*Free shuttle from designated parking lots.
For more information:
Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation
P.O. Box 215
Bristol Borough, PA 19007
215.781.9895
Historic Bristol Day 2018 Chapter Five is the Fifth Chapter introducing the 42nd Annual Historic Bristol Day to be held on October 20, 2018.
Recommend a “Spotlight”. E-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com
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Artist: Janice Rhodes
Title: Masai Woman
Medium: Film - Color Photography
Artist: Marty Shively
Title: Rusted Truck
Medium: Oil on Panel
Dow Chemical Show Car
click on thumbnails to enlarge
Dow STEM Ambassadors in Action
Heralding the History
HBD 2018 Final Chapter
by Cate Murway
“Anticipation, anticipation…Is makin' me late…Is keepin' me waitin'….” Carly Elisabeth Simon 1971
The wait is over!! The “GAZELABRATION” reception is this Friday night, October 19th from 6:00PM to 9:00PM and Saturday, October 20th is the long awaited Historic Bristol Day hosted by the Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation.
Highlighting the History
The Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library is always “opening doors, inspiring minds, and connecting community”.
The Grundy Library exhibit ‘Shopping and Dining in Bristol: Then and Now’ successfully highlights through pictures, the history of eclectic small business, always the primary foundation in Bristol, from the very founding of the Borough to present day businesses and activities. Bristol had always been dotted with independent family run businesses and the elite of the town were the merchants.
All are invited to view the interesting sepia tone photographs, idyllic-looking images, records, and memorabilia depicting and documenting the transformation of various types of business in Bristol over the years, the very small town with high expectations that was even home to a theater, hotel and a hospital.
Join the crowd wandering through, reminiscing about Bristol’s bustling past, realizing and celebrating its renewed growth through the local businesses of today.
AOB Janice Rhodes’ photographic pieces of the windows of two of the stores are a part of this exhibit.
The ‘Shopping and Dining in Bristol: Then and Now’ exhibit is also open to the public during regular library hours through October 31st.
“The Grundy Library’s support of the Bristol Borough community is evident through its commitment in preserving local historic records in perpetuity. These records contribute to our collective identity as a historic town as well as connect the community through these annual exhibits. This year’s exhibit has been a huge success, serving as an entertaining and educational experience for Bristol Borough residents and visitors alike,” confirmed Eric Walerko, Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library Archive & Exhibits Coordinator.
DIG IT!
Archeology is tons of dirt-digging, story-telling, fascinating, mystery-solving fun!
Come visit the Bristol Society of Friends [Quaker] Meeting House to explore 300 years or more of Bristol's history. Bristol Historic District was included on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
An Archaeology Dig will be conducted from 10:00AM to 4:00PM at the Friends Meeting House at 235 Market Street [Corner of Market and Wood Streets].
The Meeting House, built in 1711-1714 and partially reconstructed in 1728 in colonial times, has a truly rich history and very significant architecture. It was constructed of bricks from England that served as ballast on ships. Many of the windows are original panes. Stucco preserves the square exterior and it just may be one of the few remaining places that have a relatively untouched ground surface in Bristol. During the American Revolution, this building also served as a hospital. It’s a relic with an important story to tell.
Kids and adults are welcome to participate in an archaeological dig overseen by lead archaeologist, Jesse Walker and other professional archaeologists who will be “digging up” more about Bristol's long history.
Archeologists are anthropologists, meaning they study people and they look at old things and sites to investigate how people lived and worked in the past.
Stop by, see what they're finding, and maybe even get your hands dirty.
A real, live, in-progress mini-excavation alongside professionals is an opportunity to dig just a little deeper and see a different side of the history of this very cool riverfront town.
The bus route will stop at this event location.
Reminder….Full STEM ahead…..
Dow Chemical’s show car version of the No. 3 ‘Dow Salutes Veterans’ Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 with the paint scheme Austin Dillon drove during the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 10 will be presented at the HBD Car show at the Snyder - Girotti Elementary School.
Everyone can appreciate the robust volunteer efforts of Dow’s STEM outreach as their Dow STEM Ambassadors will complement the car appearance hosting engaging fun science experiments and Physics related activities at the Margaret R. Grundy Library.
The Dow/ NASCAR partnership enables them to improve vehicle aerodynamics through data analysis, identify the effects of the extreme environment on the component performance, and understand the race environment so necessary improvements can be determined. In the highly competitive racing industry, a driver’s car should be fast, but it also needs to be safe and reliable.
Message from the HBD Kitchen CABINET:
Sue Watkins and her BCHF Bake Sale team are still accepting all packaged baked goods, candies, cakes, cupcakes, brownies and pastries or any type goodies for their table. the2watkins@gmail.com
Rumor has it that this BCHF team is also hosting an HBD18 pie raffle!
The lucky winner will receive a scrumptious homemade old fashioned deep dish peach pie with a super flakey crust in a handcrafted ceramic pie dish and a pie-shaped plastic storage container/ carrier with a handle to escort it safely to your home. Hurry! Get your raffle tickets!
*CAUTION: made with REAL peaches!
For more information:
Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation
P.O. Box 215
Bristol Borough, PA 19007
215.781.9895
Historic Bristol Day 2018 Final Chapter Five introducing the 42nd Annual Historic Bristol.
Recommend a "Spotlight". E-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com
Preliminary archaeological excavation @ Bristol Friends Meeting House
