PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION www.amrev.org

VOLUME 24 NUMBER 2 SPRING 2014

Washington’s Birthday Ball

On Saturday, February 22, 2014, the the Society’s Color Guard, led by Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Captain Robert R. Van Gulick, made Society welcomed Society members its traditional presentation of the and guests to Overbrook Golf Club in Society’s Colors to President Burke. Villanova, Pennsylvania, to celebrate The invocation, the Pledge to the the 282 birthday of General George Flag, and the National Anthem then Washington. Our traditional “Birthday followed, with traditional toasts made Ball” was exceptionally well attended by our Society’s Vice Presidents. – a “sell out”, in fact – with many Guests then sat and enjoyed a of our city-based Society members and friends making the somewhat wonderful dinner, lively conversation, treacherous journey in the ice and snow and the pleasant company of family out to this wonderful venue, nestled and friends, with the ever-present Joe in the rolling hills (read: golf courses) of the western Main Line. Claffy Orchestra providing a welcomed accompaniment. After dinner and dessert, the band kicked things up President James Burke and his Society officers (pictured above) a notch, and everyone jumped right into dancing until the wee hours. greeted everyone as they arrived, and the evening’s festivities then began with a cocktail hour and generous hors d’oeuvres, as As always, this was a wonderful event, and the Society would like everyone assembled before dinner. At 7:30 p.m. sharp, members to thank Richard L. Walkup, Jr., and his tireless committee for their and guests were asked to take their seats in the Ball Room, and unwavering commitment to making this event a fantastic time for all.

Annual Church Service

On Sunday April 27th, the PSSR held its annual church service memorable sermon for all. The service concluded with a recession at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wayne, Pennsylvania. The of the Society’s Colors, at which point the attendees departed the annual church service is one of our most well attended family church down the Walk of Colors, and proceeded to a reception at The events, and this year proved likewise again. Radnor Hotel. Attendees and their families enjoyed a wonderful cocktail hour followed The church service gives us all a moment by a light buffet dinner. It was a perfect to pause and reflect in commemoration of ending to a wonderful day of remembrance, the encampment of the Continental Army at commemoration and celebration. Valley Forge in the Winter of 1777-1778, and also serves as a memorial to those Society Our Society is always eager to consider members that have died in the past year. new venues for our Annual Church Service, so please feel free to contact me through The Church service began at 4:00pm with our our office if you have a suggestion for Color Guard Captain Robert R. Van Gulick consideration. And, as always, my sincerest leading the Society’s Color Guard procession appreciation to our committee members for into the church. Greetings were given by all their hard work helping pull this together. the Rector of St. David’s, Rev. W. Frank Allen, and our own Chaplain G. Clayton David M. Humphrey, M.D. Ames, III lead us in prayer and provided a Committee Chairman PAGE 2 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION SPRING 2014 PAGE 3 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION SPRING 2014

Radnor Hunt PSSR Annual Meeting "Freedom is a light for which many men have died in darkness" It was a beautiful spring afternoon on Saturday, May 17th, On Thursday, April 17, 2014, our society held its 126th Annual when Society members and guests – and a few thousand others Meeting once again at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia. In Inscription at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War - descended upon the Radnor Hunt Club in scenic and rural the well-adorned Reading Room, President James B. Burke Soldier, Washington Square, Philadelphia Malvern, Pennsylvania, for the 84th running of the Radnor welcomed almost 100 members to recap the Society’s business Hunt Races, in support of Racing for Open Spaces and the from the previous year, and to elect new officers for the In the cold darkness of February 21, 2014, Washington Square environmental programs of the Brandywine Conservancy. This upcoming year. Under the watchful eye of both the chairmen wore silence like a cloak against the winter’s chill. In the event has become a family favorite for all of our members, with all of the Nominations and Election Committees, and a vote of the Eighteenth Century, the square had been a potter’s field generations getting gussied up in our hats and finery (see Gallery). membership in attendance, the following officers were thus elected: and the burial site for thousands of soldiers who died of wounds or disease during the War for Independence. Independence square As has become customary, our Color Guard welcomed all with James Bradley Burke, President 2pm, July 4th, 2014 an exemplary “tailgate” “up high” on the hill, and put on quite John McLean Blickensderfer, Vice President Out of the night, horses' hooves once again sounded on the a spectacular spread beneath the tent and the Society’s colors. William Murray Gordon, Vice President streets of Philadelphia, mounted soldiers riding past the old The Watson Highlanders The Orpheus Club Choir And, as has also become a fixture, the Younger Members held David McClure Humphrey, M.D., Vice President Pennsylvania State House, now known to most Americans as Bell ringers from D.S.D.I Historical Guest of Honor First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry a complementary tailgate “down low” along the race rail, with Andrew Richard Sullivan, Vice President Independence Hall. The commands echoed from the walls of suds and hoagies for all. Thus, all guests, revelers and punters Ben Ramsey Wolf, Sr., Vice President the newer buildings that now surround the quiet square and alike were able to enjoy a glass full and a substantial nibble Schuyler Colfax Wickes, Secretary its eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary whether mingling with dignitaries or cheering the ponies. Robert Jacob McNelly, Esq., Treasurer War Soldier. The horses, nostrils flaring steamy breath, and soldiers, tall in their saddles, turned in formation into the square. Our thanks go out to our Color Guard Captain Robert R. Van Gulick, As is customary, new members elected during the last 12 months, and Harvard C. Wood, IV for once again proving that the Sons do it best. who were in attendance at this Annual Meeting, were greeted by our President and Secretary, and presented their Society rosette and Society membership card. Similarly, 50-year certificates Younger Members were presented to those 50-year members in attendance. It has been a quiet year so far for the Younger Member Committee, Following the conclusion of the meeting, members were treated to an with just two events on the early calendar. In March, members open bar and delicious light dinner spread. And after a couple of hours, attended a Scotch Tasting at the Armory, and then this past the activity and hospitality descended to the 1889 Bar in the basement 125 Anniversary month at the Radnor Hunt Races, the Younger Members hosted of the Racquet Club, where many younger members remained until their annual Tailgate along the Rail, with beer, hoagies and (this much later in the evening, enjoying great company and conversation. Register of Members year) much more, courtesy of our friends, the Young Troopers. 1988 was a big year for the PSSR, as it marked the 100th anniversary Schuyler C. Wickes of the founding of the Society. A Centennial Celebration Committee But the light calendar of events so far means we have a full calendar of Society Secretary social functions, society mixers and sporting events being planned for was formed with two main charges. The first was to organize a series the remainder of this year. There are a lot of activities being discussed, The Escort Platoon of the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry of events to culminate in a formal banquet, worthy of the auspicious so please keep an eye on the Society’s new website (same old URL: CONTRIBUTORS (A Troop, 1/104th Cavalry Squadron, 28th Division PANG), under occasion. The second charge was to satisfy all the necessary steps www.AmRev.org), and also please feel free to join our Younger the command of Captain Tyler Clayton Hathaway (above), fiftieth in the preparation and publication of the Centennial Register. Member Facebook page, where more details will be made available. John M. Blickensderfer captain of the City Troop since its founding on November 17, 1774, David M. Humphrey, M.D. had come to lay a wreath. There were brief remarks. A prayer was That was 25 years ago, and this year marks the Society’s Andrew McReynolds, co-Chairman Andrew R. McReynolds offered from horseback by the Troop’s Assistant Chaplain, the Rev. 125th Anniversary of establishment. The Board of Managers Kipp Gearhart, IV, co-Chairman Lanny R. Patten Sean Edward Mullen, Rector of St. Mark’s Church. The Captain and your Society officers have decided that this would be Andrew R. Sullivan remounted his steed and the formation moved back to Walnut an appropriate time to publish an addendum to the original www.AmRev.org Richard L. Walkup Street on its way to celebrate Washington’s Birthday with its Centennial Register. There are many new members of the Theodore E. Wiederseim 3d traditional champagne supper at the Troop’s Armory on 23rd Street. Society, and many who have served as officers and managers, Schuyler C. Wickes who all deserve recognition within the pages of this Addendum. Speaking of our new website, as many of you have already seen, we Ben R. Wolf Among the Troop's riders that evening were First Sergeant have finally re-launched with a whole new look, new functionality, Nicholas Gherke Bowden, Stable Sergeant Richard Leopold It is with great pleasure that we announce the completion of the and as will please many of you, a way that you can pay your society Walkup, Jr., Sergeant Thomas Jay Nace, Sergeant Ryan William publication of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution dues online. This has been requested by many of our members. Photography Noyes, Stable Corporal Charles Vanneman Rogers, and Corporal 125th Anniversary Centennial Register Addendum. We have William H. Dutcher, III Bennett Todd Opitz, all members of the PSSR. Both Bowden copies of the new publication at our offices, and if you would Events will be posted regularly on there, so please feel free to check Anthony Morris and Walkup have served on the PSSR Board of Managers. like us to send you one, at no expense to you, please feel free to back often. And once you have had a chance to look over the new Amanda Muckle contact our offices (details on the back page of this newsletter). website, please feel free to use the Contact Us section if you have Amy VanGulick —Rev. George Clayton Ames III any thoughts or comments about our content. Enjoy Browsing! Schuyler C. Wickes Chaplain, First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry Particular thanks goes out to our Registrar, Jefferson M. Moak II Chaplain, PSSR for his tireless work on both the original register 25 years ago, and Schuyler C. Wickes, Webmaster General Chaplain, GSSR this current addendum. PAGE 4 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION SPRING 2014 PAGE 5 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION SPRING 2014

Hermione: WASHINGTON'S Setting Sail to America BIRTHDAY BALL Over 20 years ago, a small group of General Washington. This proved to be enthusiasts conceived an audacious a vital turning point for the American idea – to recreate an exact replica of forces and the War for Independence. the frigate L’Hermione, which carried General Lafayette to America in 1780. Interesting, on 4 May 1781 in And if that wasn’t enough, they planned Philadelphia, the Continental Congress to sail it across the Atlantic from France paid L’Hermione the exceptional tribute to the US to celebrate and reaffirm of a visit to commemorate her service the historic relationship between the to America. L’Hermione, Lafayette and United States and France. Why this Philadelphia are eternally bound by this boat, and why so important a voyage? history. And over the next 12 months, this history will again come back to life. Lafayette (right) was born of noble lineage in 1757, but when he was very young, Construction on the replica Hermione his father was killed in battle against the began in 1997 in the southwest of English during the Seven Years' War, and France, and over the next 14 years the his mother and grandmother both died structure began to take shape, until the soon after, leaving Lafayette with a vast final planking in the hull was fixed in inheritance. He joined the Royal Army, 2011. In 2012, 65,000 people gathered and inspired by stories of the colonists’ in Rochefort, France to witness the hull struggles against British oppression, launch – to see Hermione once again Lafayette directly disobeyed the French floating on water. Then last year, the king and sailed to the newly declared masting took place, and Hermione started United States in 1777 to join the uprising. Portrait by Joseph-Désiré Court to assume its final form – the same form it took 234 years ago at its original launch, at that same harbor in GALLERY He was initially rebuffed by colonial leaders, but the 19-year Rocheforte. Then came the crow’s nest and the rigging, and late old Lafayette impressed them with his passion and willingness last year Hermione’s captain was appointed. This year, all 19 of to serve and was named a major-general in the Continental Hermione’s sails will be completed, her crew for the trans-Atlantic Army. His first major combat duty came during the September will be selected, and trials and training will begin. And finally, in 1777 Battle of Brandywine, when he was shot in the leg while April of next year, Hermione is due to set sail for the USA. The helping to organize a retreat. General George Washington journey will start from the mouth of the river Charente, in Port- requested doctors to take special care of Lafayette, igniting a des-Barques, where Lafayette boarded the original Hermione on strong bond between the two that lasted until Washington’s death. 10 March 1780. The transatlantic crossing is expected to take 42 days in total before landfall at Yorktown, Virginia, followed by a Following a winter in Valley Forge with Washington, Lafayette series of stops up the east coast, including here in Philadelphia. burnished his credentials as an intelligent leader while helping While all of this has been going to draw more French resources on in southwestern France, a to the American side. In May parallel effort is being made here 1778, he outwitted the British in the Philadelphia area. Fort sent to capture him at Bunker Mifflin and the Independence Hill (later renamed Lafayette Seaport Museum are building Hill) and rallied a shaky an historic replica of Firebrand, American attack at Monmouth a 1777 half galley gunboat that Courthouse to force a stalemate. was part of the Continental Pennsylvania Navy. Firebrand After traveling to France to was under the command of press Louis XVI for more aid, Captain Benjamin Rue, who was Lafayette returned to America a Lieutenant in the Continental aboard the ship L’Hermione Army prior to taking command (right) . He arrived in Boston on Painting by Rossel de Cercy of the gunboat. Incidentally, 28 April 1780, carrying the then secret news that he had secured Captain Rue was also the Captain of the gunboat Philadelphia, RADNOR HUNT French support and reinforcements (5,500 men and 5 frigates) for which was shot out from under him at the Battle of Lake Champlain. (Continued on page 6) PAGE 6 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION SPRING 2014 PAGE 7 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION SPRING 2014

(Continued from page 5) Hermione Dinner Fort Mifflin and the Pennsylvania Navy gunboats held off the Royal July 12, 2014 British Navy from resupplying the British Army in Philadelphia for 6 weeks in the fall of 1777, thus giving General Washington - and what was Fort Mifflin and the Independence Seaport Museum would like to left of the Continental Army - time to get to Valley Forge for the winter. invite members of the PSSR to a wonderful dinner at Fort Mifflin on July 12, 2014. Learn about Hermione’s maiden voyage to America IN MEMORIAM The goal of Fort Mifflin and the Independence Seaport Museum in 2015 and her return to Philadelphia, leading an Armada of Tall is to have Firebrand II ready for launch by the 1st of June 2015. Ships in June 2015. There is a lot being planned for the 5 days when Then, on the morning of June 26th 2015, Firebrand II will leave Hermione and the tall ships will be in Philadelphia. Be a part of the Fort Mifflin dock, under "sail and sweeps", and will cross the celebration honoring the return of the Hermione to Philadelphia. the Delaware River and take up position off Red Bank, New Jersey, where Fort Mercer once stood. And with the American Fort Mifflin gates open: 6:00 PM Name Born Died Elected Cocktails severed at 6:30 PM battery amassed at Fort Mifflin, Firebrand II will commence Dinner served at 8:00 PM to salute the French frigate Hermione, and the armada of tall Cost/person is $175.00 Emanuel Paul Peters 11/14/20 4/24/14 10/21/02 ships accompanying her as they proceed into Philadelphia. The online invitation can be found at: John Ellsworth Sholl 10/30/25 5/18/2014 1/12/78 For more information on Hermione 2015, please visit the website: http://firebrandpanavy.org/invitation.html Beatty Jennings Smith 7/17/32 6/3/2014 10/10/74 http://www.hermione2015.com OR...call (215) 685-4167 Schuyler C. Wickes

New Citizens Ceremony This Newsletter is published by the On May 1, 2014, Law Day, the New Citizens Committee of the Philadelphia. President Burke noted that Law Day celebrates the New Members Elected Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution participated in ideals of equality and justice under law and cultivates respect for the Pennsylvania Society of Dickson Garnett Boenning the naturalization ceremony for 46 new citizens from 24 countries at law, which are vital to the democratic way of life. He stated that our Richard Neil Cutshall, Jr. Sons of the Revolution the Federal Courthouse at Sixth and Market society is an organization of descendants Emmons Guy Elzey, III Streets in Philadelphia. This event was the of those who achieved this country’s Joseph Howell Frantz, Jr. Office Hours latest in a tradition of the Society dating independence, which is directly tied to William Curtis Frantz Monday - Friday from 1957. The ceremony was presided the new citizens who swear to uphold Maynard Lee Honesty 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. over by the Honorable John R. Padova, U.S. Bennett Todd Opitz Phone the laws established so long ago when all District Court for the Eastern District of Alan Scott Peterson 215-545-1888 participants in this new nation first became Pennsylvania. Participating in the ceremony Fax from the Society were James B. Burke, citizens of the United States of America. Junior Members: 215-545-1777 President; Committee Members, William Ty Buckland Keller Email Carr and Robert Flood, III; and John President Burke recognized that each Jacob Hersh Keller [email protected] Blickensderfer, Committee Chair, assisted by new citizen had achieved a milestone in staff member Barbara Dickenson, Secretary. Phone Let Freedom Ring completing the requirements for citizenship 1-800-330-1776 Following the administration of the and now are also part of the legacy of Email Let Freedom Ring Citizenship Oath, the assembly was a country that strives, as John Adams Contributions to our Newsletter [email protected] addressed by Honorable Gerald A. McHugh, said, to be “a government of laws, and Newsletter Committee Jr., Judge Designate for the Eastern District not of men.” He further expressed the The PSSR Newsletter Committee is always eager to consider Schuyler C. Wickes, Chairman of Pennsylvania, Deborah R. Gross, Esq., hope that each new citizen would be any variety of material for publication. If you have an unusual or Peter L.H. Byrne President of the Philadelphia Bar Foundation, an active participant in the civic life of insightful history of your ancestor (that qualifies you for membership Dr. James B. Congdon and Mr. Xiaoyan Sean Zhang, formerly this country and continue to build on in our Society), we welcome you to share. Or if you’d like to Benjamin C. Frick, Esq. of China, on behalf of the new citizens. W. Murray Gordon Bill Carr, the Hon. John R. Padova and President Burke the accomplishments of the founders. write an article about a local place, or maybe even an artifact from James S. Hayes III, Esq. Revolutionary War history, anything that offers our membership an Following Mr. Zhang’s remarks, President Burke of the Pennsylvania David M. Humphrey M.D. Following the ceremony the Society sponsored a reception for the interesting reflection upon our collective ancestors, we welcome Society of the Sons of the Revolution addressed the group. President G. Andrew Meschter Burke noted that in 1918 our Society had instituted a practice of new citizens at the Courthouse that included cake, iced tea, and your contribution. Simply send it in to our office either by post Jefferson M. Moak, II writing to newly naturalized citizens in the United States Army. In traditional American music provided by Banjo Joe. or preferably email, and we’ll be in touch with you promptly. 1957 it began the annual sponsorship of a reception for new citizens Coleman Sellers VI following their induction in the United States District Court in C. Michael Whelan John M. Blickensderfer, Committee Chairman —Schuyler C. Wickes, Committee Chairman PAGE 8 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION SPRING 2014

Calendar of Events 2014

4 July Let Freedom Ring Luncheon, April PSSR Annual Meeting Parade and Ceremony Racquet Club of Philadelphia Society Hill Sheraton Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia, PA April Annual Church Service 11 October Musket Ball Location TBD Merion Golf Club Ardmore, PA Monthly Events 2015 Second Thursday of Each Month 21 February Washington's Birthday Ball Board of Managers Meeting The Union League of Philadelphia The Union League of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia, PA

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

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