The Gazette A PRIL- J UNE 2018 The “Other” Women of Graeme Park By Carla Loughlin * * * We spend a lot of time at Graeme Park Ann Diggs, on the history of Elizabeth Graeme, but daughter of Lady with Mother’s Day coming up, it might Ann Keith and be nice to delve into the history of her first husband some of the less-discussed women of Robert Diggs, Graeme Park. was the second mistress of Grae- Ann Newberry me Park. She was Diggs Keith, or born in INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Lady Ann, was and traveled to in 1717 FROM THE PRESIDENT 2 born in 1675 near along with her mother, step-father Sir OF THE FRIENDS London. Nothing William Keith, and her future hus- NEWSBRIEFS 3 is known of her band, Dr. Thomas Graeme. Ann and LUNCH & LEARN: THE 4 parents or child- Thomas were married at Christ Church WALKING PURCHASE hood, but she was in on November 12, 1719. LIVING HISTORY SUNDAYS 5 first married to a Robert Diggs and the HAPPY HOURS WITH THE 6 two were living in St. Albans England Ann and Thomas had between 9-12 HISTORIAN in 1700 when their daughter Ann children and she took an active role in MOTHER’S DAY 6 Diggs (later Graeme) was born. By their social training and education. The BREAKFAST MARCH SNOW: A PHOTO 7 1705 Ann was widowed from Robert nine for which there are records in- ESSAY and remarried to Sir William Keith, clude, Thomas, William, Ann, Mary with whom she had six sons and a Jane (Jane), two sets of twins—Rebecca UPCOMING daughter: William (b. 1705), John (b. and Rachel, and Patrick and Eliza- EVENTS 1707), Jane (b. 1708), George (b. 1710), beth— all four of whom died in infan- Alexander (b. 1711), Robert (b. 1714), cy, and the Elizabeth who would grow and James, born in 1717 while the cou- up to become a writer and heir to April 19, May 17, June 21 ple was mid-voyage to Pennsylvania. Graeme Park. Elizabeth may have also Happy Hours with the Historian In 1727 Sir William returned to Eng- had a non-surviving twin named Sa- land, leaving his wife and children in rah. Dr. Rush described Ann Graeme May 20, June 17 Pennsylvania. They were never to be as having a “masculine mind, with all Living History Sundays reunited, but letters indicate that they the female charms and accomplish- maintained cordial relations. After ments which render a woman agreea- April 25 Keith’s departure Lady Ann lived at ble to both sexes.” Ann was noted for Lunch & Learn

Graeme Park and in Philadelphia, her fine needlework, spinning, and May 13 sometimes with the Graemes, some- weaving—skills she passed down to Mother’s Day Breakfast times alone (or with whatever children her daughters. Reference is made to an remained at home). She died on July embroidered crocodile which hung in June 9 31, 1740 at the age of 65 and is buried Continued on page 3 Volunteer Appreciation at Christ Church next to the Graeme Luncheon family.

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From the President of the Friends GRAEME PARK Spring, 2018 is here! No wait. It’s not. Wait. It is. Oops, not.

As we plug along enduring winter to the fullest, remember that nicer weather is just around the corner. That corner may be miles down the road, but it’s there. And as the warmer weather tries to eek its way toward us, Graeme Park is gearing up for awesome events com- ing your way.

Every month we are offering Happy Hour with the Historian. Enjoy Graeme Park is the site of the Keith House, an 18th-century historic a sip, snacks and a half hour talk on anything and everything. Our house, the only remaining home of a lectures are fun and informative and it’s a great way to spend a warm governor of colonial Pennsylvania. It spring evening at Graeme Park. is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in partnership with the Friends of Check this newsletter for our Living History Sunday presentations. Graeme Park, a 501c3 volunteer Relive a colonial afternoon with some of our most talented volunteers organization that raises funds, staffs, and promotes the site. The official as they take you back to our roots. Admission is no more than a reg- registration and financial information ular house tour. of The Friends of Graeme Park may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll Our spring Lunch & Learn is filling up fast! Grab your spot now for a free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732- fun-filled day with Doug Miller, Site Administrator of Pennsbury 0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Individuals who need Manor, as he explains the injustice that was the “Walking Purchase”. special assistance or accommodation Continental breakfast and lunch are also included in the price. to visit Graeme Park should call (215) 343-0965 in advance to discuss their needs. Pennsylvania TDD relay Don’t forget our Mother’s Day breakfast and house tour. Our beauti- service is available at (800)654-5984. ful wedding tent is the scene for your breakfast buffet and everyone

TOUR HOURS is welcome to take a tour of the Keith House after you are finished Friday - Saturday eating. A hearty meal and an historical tour is a great way to treat all 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. the special women in your life. Sunday Noon - 4 p.m. Last tour starts at 3 p.m. All of the above programs have a special discounted price for mem- bers of The Friends of Graeme Park. If you are not already a member, why not consider joining. The perks are great and your membership Carla A. Loughlin helps us to continue our mission at Graeme Park; having the history Mike MacCausland of those who came before us and forged the path we take today avail-

able to all. THE PENNSYLVANIA HISTORICAL AND MUSEUM COMMISSION We can only hope that by the time you are reading this, it is, indeed, spring. If not, button up those coats and make the best of it. We hope Tom Wolf Governor to see you at Graeme Park!

Andrea Lowery Executive Director All the best,

Nancy Moses Beth MacCausland Chair

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Continued from page 1 descendant America, the Philadelphia Or- the Keith House and which Eliza- of John Mar- chestra, the Union League, and beth kept with her to the end. shall, one of the Daughters of the American Like her daughter Elizabeth, Ann the first Jus- Revolution. In an oral history in- kept commonplace books—the tices of the terview she recalled marching one she presented to Betsy Sted- Supreme with the suffragettes for women’s man largely consisted of tran- Court. Her right to vote. scriptions of the sermons of Rev- family was a member of Philadel- erend Jacob Duche, which she felt phia’s high society. She was edu- She and Welsh respected the his- contained “many excellent rules, cated at the Agnes Irwin School, tory and significance of Graeme good instructions and sublime and Lake Erie College for Wom- Park, choosing to preserve it, ra- reflections.” Ann’s strong faith en. Before their marriage, her fu- ther than add to, update or mod- would comfort her through her ture husband, Welsh Strawbridge ernize it. They used the house for final illness and allow her to pass asked her if she would prefer to entertaining and tours and in on to the next world in peace on live in the Horsham farmhouse 1957 donated it to the state to en- May 29, 1765. More than ten years he’d recently purchased or a cas- sure its long term preservation, a before her death she had woven tle in Spain—she chose the former move Welsh was hesitant about her own burial shroud and and, following their marriage in but Margaret persisted in. After planned her own funeral. She 1922 and a 3 month honeymoon Welsh’s death, Margaret contin- begged her family not to mourn, tour of Europe, they moved into ued to live at the property for as she was willingly giving up what is currently known as the nearly 30 more years, passing “everything in this Life for a Bet- Penrose-Strawbridge House on away here in 1996 at the age of 98. ter one.” the grounds of Graeme Park. Mrs. Her will transferred several arti- Strawbridge was involved in facts to the PHMC, including one The last “mistress” of Graeme many cultural, historical and phil- of Elizabeth’s commonplace Park was Margaret Marshall anthropic endeavors, lending her books, original tiles, and the ledg- Strawbridge. She was born in support to the Philadelphia Art er books currently on display in Philadelphia in 1898 and was a Alliance, the Colonial Dames of the Visitors’ Center. NEWSBRIEFS Office Refresh Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon As spring rolls around it is always nice to do a little The Friends of Graeme Park relies heavily on the ef- spring cleaning, organizing, and purging of the old forts of our dedicated and passionate volunteers to and outdated to get ready for a carefree summer of make things happen around here. From giving tours, busy activities and entertaining. Graeme Park is no organizing and presenting to school groups, living exception and we’ve been doing just that so we can be history interpretation, planning events, sitting on the more productive and organized as we start into our board of directors, serving food and parking cars dur- busiest season of school tours, happy hours, living ing events, gardening, bookkeeping, and a million oth- history Sundays and weddings. We’ve moved filing er things that are needed to make our events success- cabinets and display cases, made a dedicated space ful and show our visitors a good time, it is the volun- for our costumes so as to more easily outfit some of teers who get it done. So in honor of all their hard our newer volunteers as they learn about reenacting work , we’re having a volunteer appreciation lunch and living history, and cleared space in the back stor- on June 9 from 11:30—1:00 p.m. We’ll be honoring the age area for the vacuums, step ladders and other Volunteer of the Year for 2017 and volunteers are wel- come to bring a guest or guests. Please RSVP to Beth at things we frequently need to keep the wedding tent 215-915-9453 or [email protected] so we clean and ready for each weekend’s receptions. know how much food to order.

THE FRIENDS OF Page 4 GRAEME PARK

MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Friends of Graeme Park is to pro- Lunch & Learn— vide on-going support of preservation, maintenance, development, interpretation, education and promotion April 25 of Graeme Park.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Beth MacCausland The Walking Vice President Jack Washington Secretary Melissa Kurek Purchase Treasurer Diane Horan Member at Large Tony Checchia In 1737 four Chiefs agreed Member at Large Deedie Gustavson Member at Large Laura MacBride to carry out an old deed which would

allow the sons of to pur- STANDING COMMITTEE

CHAIRPERSONS chase as much land as a man could Education Carol Brunner walk in a day and a half. The Chiefs John Brunner Finance Vacant assumed this would be about 40 miles. Fundraising Vacant Instead James Logan, provincial secre- Governance Jack Washington tary, hired runners to run on a path Lappawinsoe, one of the Chiefs who signed Grants Beth MacCausland the Walking Purchase Treaty, is also documented as Hospitality Vacant that had been prepared for them being the first Native American portrayed in an oil Insurance Vacant painting. Painting attributed to Gustavus Hesselius Legal Vacant ahead of time, and the one runner to Membership Carla Loughlin finish the course traveled 70 miles. The Museum Shop Carol Brunner resulting loss to the Native Americans was over 1.2 million acres. Carla Loughlin Newsletter/Publicity Carla Loughlin Programs/Events Beth MacCausland Speaker Doug Miller has worked for the PHMC for over 20 years, in- Volunteers Steve Griffith cluding time at Graeme Park. He is currently the Site Administrator at Website Carla Loughlin .

THE GRAEME PARK GAZETTE is published quarterly by The Friends of Enjoy a continental breakfast, lecture on the walking purchase, and a Graeme Park in cooperation with the hot and cold lunch buffet. Tours of the historic Keith House will also PA Historical and Museum Commission be available after lunch. Reserved event. $25/person; $20/members. Editor: Carla A. Loughlin Lunch will include: Schedule

 Hot entrée 10:15 a.m. - Check-in & breakfast  Deli tray with rolls and 11:00 a.m. - Lecture sandwich “fixins” 12:00 noon - Lunch Befriend the Past  Vegetarian option After Lunch - House Tour The Friends of Graeme Park  Salad, dessert, beverages

$25/person* Includes lecture, continental breakfast, lunch & tour Name(s):______ Please add my email to your list to re- ceive occasional notices of Graeme Park Address: ______news and events including the next Lunch & Learn Lecture City:______Zip:______

 My check for $25/pp is enclosed. Please Phone: ______eMail:______make checks out to “The Friends of Graeme Park Card # ______”  Please bill my credit card Exp. Date: ______Code:______

* $20 / Members Billing Zip Code: ______

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Hearth Cooking and Herbs for Food Childhood at Graeme Park and in the and Health—Sunday, May 20 Colonies—Sunday, June 17

Join us for a day of colonial cooking and con- Dr. Thomas Graeme and his wife Anne had at versation about the use of herbs and plants as least nine children. Spend Father’s Day learning food, medicine, and fixes around the colonial about the life and times of the children of Graeme home! Cooking demonstrations throughout the Park. Visitors will participate in colonial child- day in Graeme Park’s reproduction kitchen. hood games that the Graeme children might have Presentation at 2:00 p.m. on the surprisingly played during their summers at Graeme Park, as various uses of common colonial herbs and gar- well as learn about the skills that all proper chil- den plants. Tours of the Keith House scheduled dren needed to know as young ladies and gentle- at 12, 12:30, 1 and following the talk (2:30-3). men. But life for children wasn’t all fun and games, especially among the servants or slaves of Graeme Park. There were chores to be done and Upcoming Living History Topics work in the fields. Presentation at 2:00 p.m. on growing up at Graeme Park. Tours of the Keith Wednesday, July 4-Independence Day at House scheduled at 12, 12:30, 1 and following the Graeme Park talk (2:30-3).

Sunday, July 15-Friends and Foes: Loyalists and Revolutionaries Check our website at

Sunday, August 19-War Comes to Graeme www.graemepark.org Park for details on upcoming topics.

Sunday, September 16-The Civil War and Graeme Park

Sunday, October 21-Sir William Keith: Savvy Politician or Scoundrel?

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Don’t forget to join us for our monthly Happy Hour with the Historian series. Enjoy a beer or a glass of wine, some snacks and listen to a brief presentation on a topic of historical inter- est. There is a $5 cover charge (waived for members) with cash bar and food. Bar opens at 6 pm and the talk starts at 7 pm.

April 19—History of —Speaker Bill Moore of Lancaster Brewing Co. will speak about the upsurge in craft brewing and toss in some fun facts about beer over the years. Some of LBC’s products will be available for tasting, such as Strawberry Wheat, Milk Stout, Double Chocolate Milk Stout, and Blue Trail Shandy.

Keep your eye on our website, www.graemepark.org, follow us on Facebook, or sign up for our email list to find out about upcoming topics as we schedule them.

Mother’s Day Breakfast Celebrate Mother's Day on Sunday, May 13 at historic Graeme Park with a breakfast buffet catered by A&J Catering in our floored, enclosed event tent. Tours of the 1722 Keith House, which retains much of its original architectural detail and was home to Pennsylvania Governor Sir William Keith and the writ- er Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson, following breakfast. Menu Seatings at 10:30, 11:00 and 11:30 a.m. Fresh Fruit Salad Reservations & prepayment are required Bagels & Cream Cheese $25/person; $20/members; $12.50/kids 6-12 Danish plus a small processing fee / ticket Cooked to Order Omelet Bar High chairs are not available but children 5 French Toast and under are welcome at no additional charge. Belgian Waffles Hash Browns Please go to www.eventbrite.com and search Sausage, Bacon, Ham for “Graeme Park” to purchase your tickets. Mimosa Cocktails & Mocktails Orange Juice & Coffee

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Snow Snow March March

Photographs by Carla A. Loughlin

Address Service Requested

859 County Line Rd. Horsham, PA 19044 (215) 343-0965 www.graemepark.org

Happy Hour with the Historian—April 19, May 17, June 21 Living History Sunday—May 20, June 17 Lunch & Learn—April 25 | Mother’s Day Breakfast—May 13 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon—June 9 Hope We were hit with not one, not two, not three, but four “nor’easters” this March, one of which left us without power for several days, and as we go to press they’re predicting anoth- er 1-3” the week after Easter—talk about Mother Nature playing an April Fool’s joke! Our little Robin friend, photographed two days after the vernal equinox, brings us hope that the snow will someday end and it will be spring not just on our cal- endars but on our thermometers. Somewhere under all that snow there are daffodils waiting to bloom.

Photograph by Carla A. Loughlin