43rd Historic Bristol Day… Take Note #1
by Cate Murway

“Planning has begun….. for the 2019 Historic Bristol Day to be held on Saturday, October 19th from 10:00AM to 4:00PM, sponsored by the Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation [BCHF], established in 1967,” confirmed BCHF VP/HBD chairperson, Nicholas A. Rizzo.
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.

Radcliffe Street will be closed to vehicular traffic for Historic Bristol Day on Saturday, October 19th, a fun-filled, high energy, active learning event, leaving the area open for pedestrians. Guests are invited to pick their way through real treasures and interesting collectibles along a leisurely loop tour with vendors lining both sides of the 200 and 300 blocks. This free signature street festival is family fun for everyone.
Bristol comes alive with the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of this incredible historic town. The BCHF collection of wooden pieces celebrating Bristol Landmarks with a brief history on the back of each will be available at the BCHF table.

Come and experience the heart and discover the small-town Bristol on the Delaware history, hospitality and happiness. Be a part of the community’s past, present and future! Mark your calendars!
Since 1978, the HBD venue has included historic homes [tax collector/BCHF member Anna Bono Larrisey has been working tirelessly to secure locations for the historic house tours and tea], walking tours, displays, children's corner, food vendors providing both healthy and indulgent choices, and a myriad of handcrafted creations and entertainment with family-friendly activities that are sure to delight both adults and children. Admission is free!
There will be plenty to see and do during HBD ’19; each will find his/herself immersed in activities.
With the new Delaware Riverside docks, BCHF is planning some exciting activities in that area. Bristol now boasts a pier with two large floating docks with 32 boat slips and a fishing area near the town’s iconic, 336-year-old welcoming wharf. This has proven to be a spectacular new addition to Bristol’s revitalized business district. It’s worth paying a visit by land – or pleasure boat. Ahoy, Matey!
There will also be entertainment as well as food vendors in that area. 

Each time-honored traditional event is worth a stop so poke around in all of the exhibits, and enjoy food, friendship and fun.
HBD Chairperson Nick Rizzo is happy to announce that one of their confirmed features for the waterfront area on Bristol Day this year will be the first time appearance of The Mid Atlantic Chapter [formally Philadelphia Chapter] of the Antique and Classic Boat Society [ACBS].
Edwin Everts Andrews, Jr. is the VP of the Mid Atlantic Chapter. In the fall of 2018, the Philadelphia Chapter and the Barnegat Bay Chapters of the ACBS merged and selected a new name, Mid-Atlantic Chapter. The Philadelphia Chapter was formed in 1998 and is a 501c3 nonprofit charitable organization. 
Ed and his team organize activities and promote classic boats.
The Mid Atlantic Chapter is a varied bunch with a common love and passion for antique and classic boats including the “woodies” and classic fiberglass boats of the past and contemporary classic “woodies”. They host events from New York and New Jersey to Pennsylvania, providing a comfortable, inviting environment in which to explore these boats.
They are planning on displaying a variety of antique boats on land and possibly in the water and they are very eager to be here in Bristol and a part of Historic Bristol Day.

There will be musical programs by the Bracken "Cavaliers" Drum and Bugle Corps, celebrating their 95 years. The Bracken “Cavaliers” hail from Bristol and claim to be the first organized [1924] Junior Drum and Bugle Corps. The Drum and Bugle Corps defined post World War II America and its name honors the memory of Robert W. Bracken, the first Bristol Borough World War I casualty. The music was patriotic, loyal to America and loud and they electrified the atmosphere with an air of dignity and class that transcended the definition of drum and bugle corps. The Bracken Cadets performed at the "dream contest”, known as the “world series” of junior drum and bugle corps in Jersey City, N. J., in 1952. According to the February, 23, 1953 Bristol Daily Courier, the Cavaliers placed second with their 15-minute drill. 
Renowned Borough artist Joseph Sagolla depicted the changing uniforms of the corps from its founding year of 1924 to the present in a painting honoring their ‘90 Years of Music’ that was given to senior vice commander/ former adjutant of the American Legion Robert W. Bracken Post # 382, Arthur John Younglove. 








Joe Sagolla did a considerable amount of historical research before sitting down to do that colorful work.
It was back in 2004 that the members first organized a reunion, borrowed instruments and practiced for a Historic Bristol Day event. 

Plan to stop in at the 8th Annual Bristol Day Car Show exhibit at the Snyder- Girotti Elementary School, 450 Beaver Street 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 both 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 that includes food and seating and indoor restrooms. www.bristoldaycarshow.com
A free shuttle bus service, running every 15 minutes, will stop at the HBD Car Show and continue the rounds to the other HBD activities.

Vendors are cordially invited to display and sell their particular crafts. The participation fee for a 10 x 10 space [all spaces will be the same size] is $60.00 for business or crafters. There is a fee of $20 for non-profit tables. In the event of rain, all crafters will be moved indoors.
Location: Olde Towne Section of Bristol Borough, 200 & 300 blocks of Radcliffe Street.
SPACE FEE: $60/10’x10’ space if received by 7/31/2019; $70 after 7/31-no exceptions. $20 fee for Non-Profits received by 7/31/19; $30 after 7/31-no exceptions.
Any questions about vendors can be directed to Bethanne M. Olczak, the BCHF Bristol Day Craft Committee chairperson, 215.781.8072/ or fax 215.781.8068/or e-mail bmolczak@gmail.com OR visit BCHF web page http://www.bristolhistory.org for additional information.

Whether you visit during a parade, or a festival when the streets are brimming with activity, or take in the simpler life while sitting on a bench near the postcard-perfect Victorian gazebo in the waterfront Bristol Lion's park, you will always be welcome. 
Visiting this town of roughly 10,000 people is so much more fun than just reading about it.

Bristol is under- rated. There is lots of rich and storied past in over 300 years.
Save the Date! HBD Saturday 10.19.19.

Welcome Friend to our historic riverfront town!

Historic Bristol Day 2019 Take Note #1 is the First Note introducing the 43rd Annual Historic Bristol Day to be held on October 19, 2019.

Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation
321 Cedar Street
Bristol, PA 19007
215.781.9895
Recommend a “Spotlight”. E-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com

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Take Note #2
Take Note #3
Take Note #4