The Graeme Park Gazette J ULY - SEPTEMBER 2017

An Evening with the Graemes Imagine yourself, dressed in your games, see (or maybe will be called finest silk gown or brocade coat and to act in) a short skit, and perhaps breeches, wig powdered, horse and even encounter one of the Graeme’s carriage at the ready* to whisk you German-speaking servants on your off to Graeme Park for an evening of way to enjoying some 18th c. in- entertainment with the Graeme fami- spired refreshments and desserts. ly at their country estate in Horsham. INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

There will be dancing, music, per- The cost is $12/person or $6/ FROM THE PRESIDENT 2 haps a masque or card and dice members and reservations are re- OF THE FRIENDS games, food and drink. Oh what fun! quested. Children 13+ are welcome NEWSBRIEFS 3 to attend. Tickets are limited, and LUNCH & LEARN: MARY 4 Join us on Friday, September 15 for may be purchased at LINCOLN an evening of hands-on entertain- www.graemeparkevening.eventbrite.com. LIVING HISTORY SUNDAYS 5 ment similar to what the Graeme HAPPY HOUR WITH THE 6 family might have provided for their * Gowns, breeches and powdered wigs HISTORIAN: MEDICINE guests. The Tapestry Dancers will be optional. No stabling available for horses VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 6 on hand to demonstrate and teach and carriages, please arrive in your gaso- THOSE MARVELOUS 7 you colonial-style dancing, you will line/electric powered coach, SUV, or MINTS play several rounds of card and dice minivan. UPCOMING EVENTS

Life in William Penn’s Woods JULY 16 & AUG 20 Join us on Thursday, September 7 from 6—8 p.m. for a guided walk Living History Sundays around the grounds of Graeme Park. You’ll learn about the plants and trees that are on the property AUGUST 17 now, and those that would have Happy Hour with been here in the Graeme’s time the Historian

and how they would have been SEPTEMBER 7 used. Following your walk, sit Life in Wm Penn’s Woods down and enjoy light refresh- ments while learning about the SEPTEMBER 15 animals that would have populat- An Evening with the Graemes ed our woods. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to join SEPTEMBER 29 us. A $2 donation is suggested. Homeschool Day Members are free.

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From the President of the Friends GRAEME PARK As we head into summer here at Graeme Park, we have some new

and awesome programs on our calendar to help you keep your cool.

Our Living History Sundays are back on a once-a-month basis. Stop in for a regular tour and as an added bonus, catch the topic of the day presented by a costumed reenactor. See this newsletter for our presentations, dates and times. It’s a fun way to spend a Sunday af- ternoon.

Graeme Park is the site of the Keith House, an 18th-century historic Our first “Happy Hour with the Historian” was held on a mild sum- house, the only remaining home of a mer night in June and was a most enjoyable evening. It could have governor of colonial Pennsylvania. It been the lecture—it could have been the libations! Come see for is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission yourself at our next presentation in August. More details in the in partnership with the Friends of newsletter. Graeme Park, a 501c3 volunteer organization that raises funds, staffs, and promotes the site. The official We are currently working on our “Evening with the Graemes” event registration and financial information to be held on Friday night, September 15. Find out what it would of The Friends of Graeme Park may be obtained from the Pennsylvania have been like to be invited for an evening’s entertainment with the Department of State by calling toll upper echelon of society. Enjoy the Tapestry Dancers and join in the free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732- dance. Become part of an improve production. Enjoy colonial des- 0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Individuals who need serts and more. special assistance or accommodation to visit Graeme Park should call I’d like to shout out to our treasurer, Diane Horan, for being voted (215) 343-0965 in advance to discuss their needs. Pennsylvania TDD relay “Volunteer of the Year” for 2016. Diane’s life is a busy one with her service is available at (800)654-5984. family, her dedication to the Blue Star Mothers, her “regular job,” her

TOUR HOURS volunteering at Hope Lodge and with the many hours she puts into Friday - Saturday Graeme Park. But I can say, in no uncertain terms, that Diane is one 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. of the finest assets we have at the site. Our accounting is impeccable Sunday Noon - 4 p.m. but that’s only half of it. Every program or event finds Diane either Last tour starts at 3 p.m. giving of her time or running errands and picking up supplies to make the program complete. And if that isn’t enough, she finds time to weed our gardens and spruce up the areas around the wedding Carla A. Loughlin tent. Many thanks go out to Diane for all she does for Graeme Park. Mike MacCausland We are very lucky to have her on board!

THE PENNSYLVANIA HISTORICAL AND MUSEUM COMMISSION - Beth MacCausland Tom Wolf Governor

James M. Vaughan Executive Director

Nancy Moses Chair

Page 3 Margaret Choate Graeme Park is sad to note the me Park, was always willing to a smile, a sense of humor, and passing of our friend, neighbor, lend a hand with parking, ad- an infectious laugh. Her cheer- and volunteer Margaret Choate. missions, or the museum shop ful greeting whenever she’d during our special events, and stop into the office was always Founder of the Horsham Preser- even helped us catch some baby “Hello, hello, hello!” So Marga- vation and Historical Associa- domestic-breed ducks that had ret, we won’t say “goodbye” tion, Margaret lived at the Pen- been abandoned in our pond so but rather “you will be missed.” rose-Strawbridge House, adja- that they could go to the local cent to Graeme Park, with her wildlife rehab. Margaret was husband Pete. Over the years always willing to jump in and she served on the Board of Di- help out a friend, a neighbor, or rectors for the Friends of Grae- an animal in need, always with NEWSBRIEFS Reed Tech, Inc. Thank You Neudecker Family! On June 16 we had two volunteers with us from Our thanks to the Neudecker family for helping Reed Tech, Inc. Bill Abey and Nicole Willoughby us with our gardening last month. Their son helped The Friends of Graeme Park president Kyle is getting married at Graeme Park this fall Beth MacCausland, and Graeme Park mainte- and they answered the call to join our Garden nance employee Mike MacCausland haul and Party to help create a garden bed by the park- spread crushed red stone on the path between the ing lot and plant some plants and seeds. barn and the event tent. The original path was Join Our Mailing List laid out in 2012 and was due for a refresh. Reed If you’re not receiving event notices by email, Tech allows employees to take time from their and would like to, please make sure you sign work day to do volunteer work in the communi- up for our mailing list by visiting ty. Thank you Bill, Nicole, and Reed! www.eepurl.com/VY_IT or find us on Face- book at www.facebook.com/ GraemeParkHorsham and look for the link to “sign up for GP news” on the left-hand side. In general we send 1-3 emails per month, we don’t share our list, and you can easily unsubscribe if you change your mind (we’ll only cry a little if you do).

Homeschool Day Homeschoolers are invited to join us on Sep- tember 29 from 10 am—2 pm to discover Grae- me Park and life in 18th century America. Demonstrations and hands-on activities will include open hearth cooking, militia drills, colo- nial games and toys, colonial chores, and quill writing. $6/person; members free.

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 October 11 of Graeme Park.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Beth MacCausland Mary Lincoln: Vice President Jack Washington Secretary Melissa Kurek Her Life with Treasurer Diane Horan Member at Large Tony Checchia Member at Large Deedie Gustavson Lincoln Member at Large Laura MacBride

Mary Lincoln was the most STANDING COMMITTEE talked about, and the most mis- CHAIRPERSONS Education Carol Brunner understood, of all First Ladies. John Brunner Was she a help, a partner, or a Finance Vacant Fundraising Vacant devil? Speaker Hugh Boyle will Governance Jack Washington look at the sometimes stormy re- Grants Beth MacCausland Hospitality Vacant lationship with Mrs. Lincoln. Insurance Vacant Legal Vacant Mr. Boyle is the President and Membership Carla Loughlin Executive Director of the Grand Museum Shop Carol Brunner Carla Loughlin Army of the Republic Civil War Newsletter/Publicity Carla Loughlin Museum and Library, co-founder Programs/Events Beth MacCausland Volunteers Beth MacCausland of the Delaware Valley Civil War Round Table, and wrote an essay for Website Carla Loughlin the book The Lincoln Assassination Riddle.

THE GRAEME PARK GAZETTE Enjoy a continental breakfast, lecture on Mrs. Lincoln, and a hot and is published quarterly by The Friends of Graeme Park in cooperation with the cold lunch buffet. Tours of the historic Keith House will also be availa- PA Historical and Museum Commission ble 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: ______

Page 5 Living History Sundays By Steve Griffith ways fully engage the visitor.

This summer at Graeme Park What is Living History? we are using a combination of At its most basic, living history is these methods. It is called, using trained individuals to help Modified First-Person, or “My guests understand a historical site Time/Your Time.” The two most common methods of living history interpretation are My Time/Your Time First-Person (when the interpreter Our living history interpreters dresses in costume, takes on a char- have been asked to create a acter, and becomes a person from character (either real or imag- the past) and Third-Person (when ined) from the long history of and its inhabitants. Generally, they the interpreter, sometimes in cos- Graeme Park. They are costumed will not be in character. Feel free to tume, describes the time period in clothing that is similar to the engage them in conversation.

and site, but doesn’t pretend to be clothing of the individuals she or Please mark your calendar and a person from the past.) Both styles he is representing. Our interpreters plan to visit us for one of the fol- of interpretation have their will generally remain in character lowing remaining Living History strengths and challenges. during conversations with guests, Sundays:

but will be happy to answer ques- The strength of First-Person Inter- tions outside of their character’s July 16—Reflections on Independ- pretation is that it can transport time period when it is appropriate. ence. “Dr. Benjamin Rush,” close guests to the time period of the site, This will most likely happen by friend of Elizabeth Graeme Fergus- presenting guests with the sights, using the phrase, “In my time…but son, and signer of the Declaration, sounds, and even the smells of the in your time…” For example, if a will reflect on Independence. period or place being interpreted. guest asks, “How long did it take In First-Person Interpretation, in- August 20—The Revolutionary Elizabeth Graeme to travel from terpreters stay “in character” no War & Its Impact on the Locals. her home in Philadelphia to Grae- Meet one of “Anthony Wayne’s matter what happens. Its weakness me Park?” the interpreter might men” and learn about the encamp- is that it is sometimes difficult for reply, “Well, in my time it takes ment that occurred at Graeme Park the interpreter to fully answer about six hours by coach, I am sure and the impact on the locals. questions in a way most helpful for you can do it much more quickly in the guest. Sometimes First-Person September 17—Slavery & Inden- your time.” Using My Time, Your Interpretation makes the guest feel tured Servitude. Both the Keiths Time allows the interpreter the flex- awkward as their questions are and Graemes were slave holders, ibility to choose the best way to evaded or rephrased by the inter- as were many of their Pennsylva- provide the most complete answer preter to be answered within the nia contemporaries. Today’s topic for the guest. This fits with our historical time period being repre- will focus on slavery in Colonial goal to do all that we can to help sented. Pennsylvania and at Graeme Park. our guests understand Graeme The strength of Third-Person Inter- Park and the people who lived October 22—18th Century Medi- pretation is that there is no barrier here. cine. Meet “Dr. Benjamin Rush” to asking questions and the inter- throughout the day and learn In addition to our designated liv- preter can use current examples to about Colonial medical practices . ing history interpreters, during help the guest understand the lives your visit you may also encounter Living History interpretation is in- of people at the time being present- volunteers in costume who are cluded in the cost of your house ed. The downside of Third-Person available to answer any question tour ($6/12-64; $5/65+; $3/3-11). Interpretation is that it doesn’t al- you may have about Graeme Park

Page 6 Happy Hour with the Historian: Volunteer of the Year

18th Century Medicine Diane Horan has been a volunteer in the PHMC for many years, both at Hope Lodge and Graeme Park. She has worked many Graeme Park programs and continues to do so. We can count on Diane to help in any way she is needed either before, during or after a program for whatever job is thrown her way. Add- ing to her assets to the site, Diane has the kind of per- sonality that always lets our visitors feel welcome.

In June 2013, when Graeme Park was in need of a treasurer, Diane’s accounting degree and back- ground made her the perfect choice. After being Join us on Thursday, August 17 for an evening happy voted onto the Board of Directors as Treasurer, she hour on the lovely summer grounds of Graeme Park, began the arduous chore of cleaning up a bookkeep- and a lecture on 18th century medical practices. ing system desperately in need of revamping. What she had to work with was chaotic and challenging Any assessment of 18th c. health care, when life expec- but after many hours of learning the new accounting tancy on both sides of the Atlantic averaged 43 years, system, she dug in, methodically plugged away and must include people ranging from educated physi- brought our accounting system up to a standard in cians through barbers and midwives to neighborhood which Graeme Park takes much pride. We are now quacks. Diseases were attributed to superstitions, bad able to finally meet all accounting deadlines, know- behavior, or foul air. Remedies included everything ing our figures and balances are correct and our from herbal extracts, poultices, and cold baths to the bookkeeping records are up to date. most “advanced” treatments of bloodletting by non- sterile instruments or even leeches. During the entire Though Diane works another job, she always finds century people lived in constant fear of smallpox and time every week to come to the site to keep the ac- yellow fever. Important events happened in the last counting on track. It’s the many things she does that decade of the century regarding these two diseases: exhibit a level of dedication we are fortunate to have the horrendous epidemic of Yellow Fever in Philadel- at Graeme Park. Diane is continuously working phia and the startling circumstances that led to devel- hand-in-hand with our accounting firm to keep them opment of a vaccine for smallpox. apprised of all things related to our books. It’s her

The lecture will include an overall assessment of seeing that every federal, state or local form or report health care in colonial America and England; specific is completed in a timely manner. It’s her keeping treatments and procedures available at the time and a every aspect of our insurance current and assuring demonstration of several items of medical equipment; that all invoices are paid within their time limit. It’s and a focus on two events in the last decade of the her personally driving all deposits to the bank or 18th c. – the Yellow Fever epidemic in Philadelphia running numerous errands to the accountant to see and the development of smallpox vaccine in England. that an important paper or form is not lost but placed right in their hands. Presented by Jim Miller. Jim is a Graeme Park volun- teer and former board member. He holds a Ph.D. in It’s all of the above that many may take for granted Microbiology and was a professor at Delaware Valley but for The Friends of Graeme Park, we know what University before retiring. she has done and continues to do for the site and in our combined opinions, it not only makes her Volun- $5 admission (free admission for members). Cash bar teer of the Year, but makes her our shining star. and food. We start pouring at 6 p.m. and the lecture Thank you, Diane. starts at 7 p.m.

Page 7 Those Marvelous Mints!

By Jim of lemons shipped from warmer tive tract issues as well as for Miller climates was expensive; hence problems as ill-defined as nerv- they turned to the more conven- ousness, headache, and insom- Of all the ient lemon balm for flavoring nia. While not a panacea for eve- plants their tea. rything it certainly fit into the commonly category of “good for what ails found in A less obvious use of lemon you.” the coloni- balm was related to their person- al herb al habits and hygiene, for most A lesser-known, but probably garden individuals possessed very few more powerful member of the probably articles of clothing. A typical mint family is hyssop (rhymes none are manservant owned a single shirt with ‘bishop.’) This one will not as prolific and a single pair of breeches. He take over your garden as some as those in wore that shirt every day work- of the other mints do because it the mint family. Most gardeners ing in the fields, in the barns, or would be happier in a warm know that, once established, in the stables and wore the same Mediterranean climate than in a mints can take over the garden shirt to bed at night. In the Pennsylvania garden with its in two growing seasons if not morning he went to work wear- cold winters, but with some win- controlled. They are easily iden- ing that same shirt. This contin- ter protection it does okay. tified by their opposite leaves ued sometimes for several years Crush a handful of leaves under which, when scrunched under before the garment became your nose and it will remind you the nose, reveal strong fragrance, threadbare and had to be re- of something familiar that you and by their stems, which feel placed. We can imagine what cannot quite identify: Cleaning square-ish when rolled between their clothing must have smelled solution? Chemistry lab? Cough a finger and thumb. Flowers are like after 24/7 usage by the time syrup? Some kind of liqueur? generally in subdued tones of laundry day finally arrived --- Camphor? Or perhaps a mixture blue or purple. about four times a year! It seems of all of the above, for the fra- quite natural to us that they grance is very strong because of We are all familiar with contem- turned to more pleasant odors the high concentrations of agents porary uses of mints as garnish- from the garden and rubbed the in their leaves. These include es for iced tea and lamb dishes, fresh scent of lemon balm leaves phenols similar to those found in or for mint juleps, but a few of (or lavender or rosemary) on Pine-Sol and an anti-spasmodic their uses during colonial days their clothing. ingredient useful for controlling have become less familiar. coughs as well as menthol, an- Catmint, not to be confused with other ingredient found in many Lemon mint, or lemon balm, is a its near relative catnip, is now brands of cough drops. good example. In colonial times grown primarily for its flowers people who came from England and silvery foliage. Earlier uses, It is a good thing that mints were and Scotland, like the Keiths, the however, were widespread, for easy to grow; they certainly were Graemes, and many other fami- decoctions of catmint leaves and useful to have in the garden, lies, enjoyed putting lemon in flowers were thought to promote mint juleps or not. their tea. But lemons do not sweating, thereby reducing fe- grow in Pennsylvania. The cost vers, and for all manner of diges-

Address Service Requested

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

July 16 & August 20—Living History Sundays | August 17—Happy Hour w/the Historian September 7—Life in Wm Penn’s Woods | September 15—An Evening with the Graemes September 29—Homeschool Day

18th Century Occupations: The Poundmaster A poundmaster or poundkeeper was a local government official respon- sible for the feeding and care of stray livestock such as hogs, cattle, hors- es, sheep, and geese. This was common in colonial America and contin- ued into the 19th century. Unlike today, the control of stray companion animals (cats and dogs) was not the duty of the poundmaster.

The poundmaster was tasked with impounding livestock that that got loose in a city, town, or village. Wayward animals were brought to the pound by the poundmaster, constables, or private citizens. The poundmaster would attempt to notify the owner, who could pay a fine and any associated fees, and claim the animal(s). Fees included the fee for the poundmaster plus daily feeding costs, and any property damages the animal(s) might have done while on the loose.

If unclaimed, the animals would be sold at auction. More valuable livestock could require longer periods of public noti- fication before an auction.

In the 18th century, the pound was typically a centrally located stone fenced enclosure. One such partially surviving structure, the Pownal Cattle Pound in Vermont, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Since the need to deal with stray livestock today is rare, the function has evolved into the modern dog-catcher or animal control officer. While not commonly used, the term poundmaster is often found in local government charters referring to the person in charge of a (companion animal) pound.

Look for other unusual trades and occupations in upcoming issues.