SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION www.amrev.org

VOLUME 23 NUMBER 1 WINTER 2013

to their tables, and Robert Annual Church Service Van Gulick, captain of the Color Guard, and the eagle flag The 2013 PSSR Annual Church Service bearers paraded the Colors. commemorating the Valley Forge President Burke then presented encampment will be held at 4:00 p.m. on th greetings, special introductions Sunday, April 28 , at Wayne Presbyterian Church, located on Lancaster Avenue in and a welcomed reminder of the Wayne, PA. Immediately following the indelible connection between church service, a reception will take place the battles of Yorktown and at the Merion Cricket Club on Montgomery Saratoga. Avenue in Haverford.

As is customary, traditional This service is held in remembrance and toasts were presented by the gratitude for the men at Valley Forge who, by virtue of their sacrifice, helped our nation Society vice presidents, at achieve its freedom. We also remember with which point members and their thanksgiving those Society members who guests dined on a sumptuous rested from their earthly labors during the dinner of seasonal cream of preceding year. mushroom soup, a delightful baby spinach and greens salad, —David McClure Humphrey, M.D. a filet mignon and jumbo shrimp Committee Chairman stuffed with crab imperial, PSSR in Munich Captain Robert Van Gulick leads parade of colors and finished off with a dangerously Germany sweet vanilla bean crème brûlée. The Musket Ball Lively after dinner music was provided by the entertaining and highly acclaimed Jason Kendall Productions from Pittsburgh. There To celebrate the victories at Saratoga and were many people on the dance floor to the Yorktown, the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution annual Musket very last number, once again proving this Ball was held on Saturday, October to be one of the marquee events of the year. 13th, back at the familiar surroundings This years event was very well attended, and of Merion Cricket Club in Haverford, in particular a large contingent of younger Pennsylvania. As was guaranteed by the members were present with guests from near event’s committee, the weather was fantastic and far. The enjoyment of everyone in atten- The 1780’s Royal Deux Pont Regiment and - far better than some previous year’s event. burial site of Colonel Christian Forbach, dance and the overall success of this event near Munich. Lanny Patten and Wayne are due to the tireless efforts of the organiz- Upon arrival, the members of the Society Strasbaugh, with Bavarian colonial color and their guests enjoyed cocktails and ing committee and our PSSR office staff. guardsmen, laid wreaths to honor his passed hors d’oeuvres in the Sun Lounge exploits in the events at Yorktown. His overlooking the Great Lawn. As dinner —Ben Ramsay Wolf brother Wilhelm served in the regiment and approached, celebrants were summoned Committee Chairman is buried beside him. PAGE 2 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION WINTER 2013 PAGE 3 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION WINTER 2013

President's Message Lancaster County Chapter Report

This is a busy time for our Society. As you all know we have one The Savannah triennial meeting is especially memorable because On September 27, 2012, the of our largest events coming up in a few weeks – our celebration five Pennsylvania Society members were elected to national Lancaster County Chapter CONTRIBUTORS offices. They are Curtis P. Cheyney III, General President, (LCC) relinquished its lead of the anniversary of the birth of General . This John M. Blickensderfer Jefferson M. Moak, General Registrar, Benjamin C. Frick, Esq, position on the Capital Day year, because of some construction at the Union League, our event James B. Burke General Solicitor, Rev. G. Clayton Ames III, General Chaplain, W. celebration to the Pennsylvania will be held at the Crystal Tea Room at the Wanamaker Building. David C. Hill Byrne Steven Mark, MD, General Captain of the Color Guard. State Society, Rich Walkup and his committee have a terrific night planned, William H. Dutcher III Daughters of 1812, who so I hope to see you there. Speaking of terrific events, I would Robert R. Van Gulick Additionally, Richard Dana Smith, Sr. was elected General dedicated a memorial plaque like to recognize Ben Wolf who chaired the Saratoga-Yorktown ZeeAnn Mason Captain of the Color Guard, Emeritus, for his years of service to in commemoration of the Commemoration Committee, and the other members of the David M. Humphrey, M.D. the General Society. Congratulations to these gentlemen on their Bicentennial of the War of committee, for hosting a first-rate Musket Ball in October. This Schuyler C. Wickes election. The Pennsylvania Society is truly a leading force in our 1812. After the unveiling year’s ball was held at the always excellent, Merion Cricket Club. Ben R. Wolf Not content to let this event get stale, however, the committee is national organization. and dedication of the plaque the gathered guests enjoyed working on a new, exciting venue for next year’s ball. Be on the Photography Last, but not least, the Board of Managers, at its December meeting lunch and fellowship at a local lookout for the invitation around Labor Day. Amanda Muckle had an opportunity to preview the Society’s new website. I think restaurant. Schuyler C. Wickes that I speak for all those who had a chance to see it, when I say In the Fall of 2012, the General Society of the Sons of the Revolution that it represents an enormous step forward for us and I think that The LCC postponed its fall meeting, nominally set for November held its triennial meeting in Savannah, . This meeting you will be pleased and proud of the new site, as it rolls out in 12, to accommodate the schedule of special guest speaker Dr. G. brings together delegates from each of the recognized state socities the next few months. Perhaps it is a tad premature, but let me Terry Madonna. Dr. Madonna, the director of the Center for Politics for the purpose of conducting the affairs of the General Society. I recognize Gene Bolt, John Blickensderfer and Scott Sheradin for and Public Affairs, professor of public affairs and director of the Color Guard Report am happy to report that Pennsylvania was fully represented at the their excellent work to date. There will be more to come on this. Franklin and Marshall poll, is also a political analyst and public business meetings. The Pennsylvania Society can be especially Captain Van Gulick reported to the Society’s Board during the fall affair’s commentator, the host of Pennsylvania Newsmakers on proud of its color guard, which expertly displayed and paraded our budget process that the Color Guard will increase its contribution I hope that each of you will mark the dates of our events in your WGAL-TV8 and a regular panelist on WPVI-TV6's Inside Story. Colors. Also a special thanks to the Color Guard for supporting a towards the Society’s events to $20,000 for 2013 and will continue calendar and plan to be active and participate in our wonderful The LCC convened its re-scheduled fall meeting instead on to underwrite half the cost of the rent on the Society’s offices and delightful reception at the Savannah Yacht Club for all the meeting Society. December 10, 2012, at which time Dr. Madonna briefly addressed the cost of Let Freedom Ring. attendees and their spouses. —James B. Burke, President the root causes for the recent national election results, as he saw them, then entertained questions from the membership on a The Color Guard’s Annual Meeting was held on 16 January 2013 variety of topics, including the post-election landscape. He also at the Country Club. At that meeting reports of shared his thoughts on the immediate future of politics, both the Officers were delivered, highlighting activities of the Color nationally and statewide, as well as donning his soothsayer's Guard, its finances and special projects during 2012. Exciting cap on the possible cast of characters of the 2016 election. news regarding the production of new flag stands by a noted Bucks County woodworker was presented by Flag Chairman Lewis Sidney On December 13 the Chapter delivered the first installment of its Graham, Jr. The new stands will be ready for all to see at the pledge to Millersville University to fund the John W. W. Loose Washington’s Birthday Ball in February. Scholarship. The scholarship, a $1,000 grant awarded to a junior or senior history major, honors Jack Loose, a renowned historian, Officers elected to serve for 2013 were: educator and long-time member of the Sons, and is given to promote Captain of the Color Guard: Robert Reynolds Van Gulick, Jr. the continued study of the and its times in First Lieutenant: Timothy Edward Games Lancaster and/or Pennsylvania. Second Lieutenant: Eric Edward L. Guenther, Jr. Historian: Anthony Morris VII —David C. Hill Byrne Regent, Lancaster County Chapter Appointments for 2013 include: Quartermaster: Timothy Edward Games 1st Sergeant and Special Projects New Members Elected Committee Chairman: Richard L. Walkup, Jr. 2nd Sergeant: Robert McNelly Joseph Travis Logan Flag Chairman: Lewis Sidney Graham, Jr. Uniform & Insignia Chairman: William H. Dutcher III SAVANNAH, GEORGIA - Members of the PSSR, Color PSSR Color Guard displayed exemplary protocol and commitment Junior to Adult Guardsmen, General Society delegates and wives enjoyed a to showcasing the standards and colors for the entire General Robert McIntyre Flood IV The members of the Color Guard look forward to all of the exciting spectacular evening at the Savannah Yacht Club as part of the 41st Society to appreciate and enjoy. The Society would like to extend events planned for 2013. Triennial Congress this past October. Over 300 attendees traveled a special thanks to Color Guard Captain Robert R. Van Gulick, Junior Members from all over the country, representing state societies and the Jr. and Quartermaster Timothy E. Games for their outstanding Jacob Pieter Leggett —Robert R. Van Gulick, Jr. General Society at the four-day conference. Amidst the business effort on behalf of our society and the Color Guard. They continue Joshua Peyton Leggett Captain of the Color Guard meetings, social events, and also at the church service on Sunday, our to set the standard for which all color guards strive to achieve. PAGE 4 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION WINTER 2013 PAGE 5 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION WINTER 2013

New Citizens Committee Report

GALLERY On December 13, 2012, the New Citizens Committee of the PSSR 2012 MUSKET BALL participated in the Bill of Rights Day naturalization ceremony for 98 new citizens from 42 countries at the Federal Courthouse at Sixth and Market Streets in Philadelphia. The presiding judge was the Honorable Stewart Dalzell, Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Participating in the ceremony from the Society were President James B. Burke, William Carr, Robert Flood, Jr. and New Citizens Committee Chairman John Blickens- derfer. They were assisted by Society secretary Barbara Dickenson.

Following the administration of the citizenship oath, a series of speakers addressed the court and the new citizens. Kay Kyungsun Yu, Esq., representing the Philadelphia Bar Association Board of Governors and a naturalized citizen born in South Korea, spoke about her family life growing up in the United States and the anxi- participating in these ceremonies ties the activities of the Society ety often accompanying the immigrant experience especially each not only to the Bill of Rights but also to the unbroken chain of new time her parents’ visas required renewal. Mr. Justin Ealias, formerly citizens who swear to uphold the laws established by our founders of India, spoke on behalf of the new citizens who took the oath so long ago when all participants in the new nation simultaneously of citizenship today. He shared the happiness he had experienced with its founding became citizens of the United States of America. from the first day he arrived in the United States and Philadelphia in 2002 and continues to feel on this day of his becoming a citizen. Following the ceremony, the Society sponsored a reception for the The closing remarks were made by James B. Burke, president of the new citizens at the courthouse that included cake, iced tea, and Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution. After review- traditional American music. ing the purpose for which the Society was founded in 1888 and —John M. Blickensderfer its tradition of reaching out to new citizens, Mr. Burke stated that Committee Chairman Contributions President James B. Burke, the officers and Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution wish to thank the following members for their generous contributions during the year 2012:

Joseph B. Anderson William Denny, Jr. David H. Keller, Jr. David E. Schrader Silas Beane, Jr. John S. Dixon, Jr. James C. Landis John E. Sholl John M. Blickensderfer Benjamin C. Frick Thomas J. McKittrick Duane G. Sonneborn, Jr. David E. Boenning Janet K. Grace George W. Meschter Edward J. Wilbraham Charles F. Clement 3rd Edgar L. Grove Gardiner Pearson William S. Wood II Allen Curtis, Jr. John E. James

You Are Invited!

Washington’s Birthday Ball

Saturday, the sixteenth of February

The Crystal Tea Room The Wanamaker Building

6:30 Receiving Line Tickets Still Available 7:30 Parade of Colors Reply to the Secretary 8:00 Dinner Served PAGE 6 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION WINTER 2013 PAGE 7 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION WINTER 2013

Museum of the American Revolution IN MEMORIAM Our Ancestors certainly did their part. They pledged their lives and Revolution with engaging, state-of-the-art exhibits that feature their sacred honor to oppose the tyranny of Britain, secure freedom rare relics, dynamic graphics and films, live interpretation and Name Born Died Elected for the colonies, and establish a new nation based on the noble ideas interactive, hands-on activities. The collection began with the 1909 of equality, liberty and self-government. Now we have a chance to purchase of General George Washington’s marquee (sleeping tent and office) from Martha Washington’s great great-granddaughter, tell their story. William Murdock Denny, Jr. 6/10/34 7/31/12 12/9/10 Mary Custis Lee. This remarkable icon, combined with a collection From ’s Freedom Trail to Colonial Williamsburg, George of over 3,000 other items will become the backbone of a state-of- Edwin C. Donaghy, Jr. 9/25/23 5/7/12 3/8/56 the-art exhibition to engage the visitors in the remarkable story of Washington’s Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Frank Edward Lawrence 12/28/27 7/13/12 3/13/75 to the battlefields of Bunker Hill, Saratoga, Yorktown and others, the American Revolution. this nation is blessed with numerous historic sites and that David P. Loughran 5/9/31 9/26/12 4/9/53 The PSSR and it’s Color Guard has had a long-standing partnership tell parts of a rich, dramatic and sweeping story. While scattered Bromley Wharton Lowe 12/28/37 1/14/13 2/8/73 battlefields, homes, taverns and especially societies like ours with the precursors of the , and recently continued its preserve pieces of our founding era, it is hard to believe that there is support with a generous contribution to the conservation of George Herbert Burgess Pilling 6/28/25 3/26/08 12/13/63 Washington’s commander in chief’s standard. The standard is no national museum that brings to life the full story of our ancestors Eric James Reinholt 9/2/69 10/20/12 2/13/03 believed to be the earliest surviving thirteen-star American flag and the American Revolution. That is about to change. and has been traditionally recognized as having marked General Thomas Malin Rodgers, Jr. 8/1/42 4/10/12 5/8/03 Washington’s presence at his headquarters and in the battlefield. Many years in the making, what had been known as the American Roger Murdock Steiner 3/27/24 11/2/12 9/11/08 The standard and marquee will make for a spectacular contribution Revolution Center, and before that the Valley Forge Historical to the museum exhibit. Rev. Alfred Harry Williams III 8/17/29 10/12/12 4/9/53 Society, is embarking on a bold vision to redefine itself as the Museum of the American Revolution, a non-profit, cultural Stacey B. C. Wood, Jr. 6/16/33 5/8/12 4/28/12 organization dedicated to engaging the public in the history and Harry A. Yutzler 8/19/29 9/11/12 11/16/50 significance of the American Revolution and its enduring legacy. The new museum will be built in the historic center of Philadelphia, and will be the nation’s first museum to tell the complete story of the American Revolution. This Newsletter is published by the Pennsylvania Society of The site for the new museum – at Third and Chestnut Street – is part of the already popular Philadelphia Historic Landmark District. Sons of the Revolution A stone’s throw from Carpenters Hall, Christ Church and Franklin Court, and just two blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Office Hours Bell, this site is already well travelled by millions of annual visitors Monday - Friday exploring Philadelphia. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Phone 215-545-1888 George Washington's commander in chief's standard Fax A museum of this nature is an incredible asset and opportunity for 215-545-1777 our region, and as they move ever closer to breaking ground at Email their new location, there will be excitement and anticipation for [email protected] the fulfillment of this remarkable vision. As individuals, and as a Phone Let Freedom Ring society as a whole, we will have many an opportunity to support, 1-800-330-1776 contribute, advocate and patronize the new museum - to b e a part Email Let Freedom Ring of something that is so close to our heritage and our hearts. [email protected] Newsletter Committee This March, the Younger Members Committee of the PSSR Schuyler C. Wickes, Chairman is pleased to partner with the Young Dames Committee of the Peter L.H. Byrne Rendering of the new Museum of the American Revolution NSCDA/PA and the Young Friends of the Museum of the American Dr. James B. Congdon Revolution as they present The Wrecking Ball, a black tie evening Richard R. P. Di Stefano, Esq. Over the course of the last century, the museum has assembled an to raise proceeds to support the continued preservation of General Wm. Murray Gordon impressive collection of art, manuscripts, printed works and other George Washington’s marquee tent. The Wrecking Ball will be the James S. Hayes III, Esq. objects, and is already documenting, preserving, researching and last social event in this building before it is razed to build the new preparing to exhibit these items. They are actively collaborating with Museum of the American Revolution. We welcome you to come Dr. David M. Humphrey other institutions and organizations, including the PSSR, to further join us for an evening that will certainly be memorable. Daniel I. Murphy, Esq. immerse visitors in the sweeping, dramatic stories of the American —Schuyler C. Wickes Coleman Sellers VI PAGE 8 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION WINTER 2013

Calendar of Events 2013

16 February George Washington's Birthday Ball 20 June Younger Members Event The Crystal Tea Room Boathouse Row The Wanamaker Building Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia, PA 4 July Let Freedom Ring Lunch & Program 18 April PSSR Annual Meeting, 5:00 p.m. Society Hill Sheraton Racquet Club of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia, PA 19 October Musket Ball 28 April Annual Valley Forge Commemoration Villanova Conference Center Church Service, 4:00 p.m. Radnor, PA Wayne Presbyterian Church, Wayne, PA Merion Cricket Club, Haverford, PA Monthly Events Second Thursday of Each Month 19 May Radnor Hunt Races Board of Managers Meeting Radnor Hunt Club The Union League of Philadelphia Malvern, PA Philadelphia, PA

Please consult the PSSR new website www.amrev.org for current details

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