VOLUME 24 NUMBER 2 SPRING 2014

PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTIONwww.amrev.org

Washington’s Birthday Ball

On Saturday, February 22, 2014, the Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Society welcomed Society members and guests to Overbrook Golf Club in Villanova, Pennsylvania, to celebrate the 282 birthday of General George Washington. Our traditional “Birthday Ball” was exceptionally well attended – a “sell out”, in fact – with many of our city-based Society members and friends making the somewhat treacherous journey in the ice and snow out to this wonderful venue, nestled in the rolling hills (read: golf courses) of the western Main Line.

President James Burke and his Society officers (pictured above)greeted everyone as they arrived, and the evening’s festivities then began with a cocktail hour and generous hors d’oeuvres, as everyone assembled before dinner. At 7:30 p.m. sharp, members and guests were asked to take their seats in the Ball Room, and

the Society’s Color Guard, led by Captain Robert R. Van Gulick, made its traditional presentation of the Society’s Colors to President Burke. The invocation, the Pledge to the Flag, and the National Anthem then followed, with traditional toasts made by our Society’s Vice Presidents.Guests then sat and enjoyed a wonderful dinner, lively conversation, and the pleasant company of family and friends, with the ever-present Joe Claffy Orchestra providing a welcomed

accompaniment. After dinner and dessert, the band kicked things up a notch, and everyone jumped right into dancing until the wee hours.

As always, this was a wonderful event, and the Society would like to thank Richard L. Walkup, Jr., and his tireless committee for their 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 at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wayne, Pennsylvania. The annual church service is one of our most well attended family events, and this year proved likewise again.

The church service gives us all a moment to pause and reflect in commemoration of the encampment of the Continental Army at Valley Forge in the Winter of 1777-1778, and also serves as a memorial to those Society members that have died in the past year.

The Church service began at 4:00pm with our Color Guard Captain Robert R. Van Gulick leading the Society’s Color Guard procession into the church. Greetings were given by the Rector of St. David’s, Rev. W. Frank Allen, and our own Chaplain G. Clayton Ames, III lead us in prayer and provided a

memorable sermon for all. The service concluded with a recession of the Society’s Colors, at which point the attendees departed the church down the Walk of Colors, and proceeded to a reception at The

Radnor Hotel. Attendees and their families enjoyed a wonderful cocktail hour followed by a light buffet dinner. It was a perfect ending to a wonderful day of remembrance, commemora t i on and ce l eb ra t i on .

Our Society is always eager to consider new venues for our Annual Church Service, so please feel free to contact me through our office if you have a suggestion for consideration. And, as always, my sincerest appreciation to our committee members for all their hard work helping pull this together.

David M. Humphrey, M.D. Committee Chairman

PAGE 3 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION SPRING 2014PAGE 2 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION SPRING 2014

CONTRIBUTORSJohn M. Blickensderfer

David M. Humphrey, M.D.Andrew R. McReynolds

Lanny R. PattenAndrew R. SullivanRichard L. Walkup

Theodore E. Wiederseim 3dSchuyler C. Wickes

Ben R. Wolf

PHoTogRAPHyWilliam H. Dutcher, III

Anthony MorrisAmanda MuckleAmy Vangulick

Schuyler C. Wickes

Independence square2pm, July 4th, 2014

The Watson Highlanders The Orpheus Club Choir Bell ringers from D.S.D.I Historical Guest of Honor

First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry

"Freedom is a light For WhiCh many men have died in darkness"Inscription at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War

Soldier, Washington Square, Philadelphia

In the cold darkness of February 21, 2014, Washington Square wore silence like a cloak against the winter’s chill. In the Eighteenth Century, the square had been a potter’s field and the burial site for thousands of soldiers who died of wounds or disease during the War for Independence.

Out of the night, horses' hooves once again sounded on the streets of Philadelphia, mounted soldiers riding past the old Pennsylvania State House, now known to most Americans as Independence Hall. The commands echoed from the walls of the newer buildings that now surround the quiet square and its eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier. The horses, nostrils flaring steamy breath, and soldiers, tall in their saddles, turned in formation into the square.

The Escort Platoon of the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry (A Troop, 1/104th Cavalry Squadron, 28th Division PANG), under the command of Captain Tyler Clayton Hathaway (above), fiftieth captain of the City Troop since its founding on November 17, 1774, had come to lay a wreath. There were brief remarks. A prayer was offered from horseback by the Troop’s Assistant Chaplain, the Rev. Sean Edward Mullen, Rector of St. Mark’s Church. The Captain remounted his steed and the formation moved back to Walnut Street on its way to celebrate Washington’s Birthday with its traditional champagne supper at the Troop’s Armory on 23rd Street.

Among the Troop's riders that evening were First Sergeant Nicholas Gherke Bowden, Stable Sergeant Richard Leopold Walkup, Jr., Sergeant Thomas Jay Nace, Sergeant Ryan William Noyes, Stable Corporal Charles Vanneman Rogers, and Corporal Bennett Todd Opitz, all members of the PSSR. Both Bowden and Walkup have served on the PSSR Board of Managers.

—Rev. George Clayton Ames III Chaplain, First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry

Chaplain, PSSR General Chaplain, GSSR

radnor hunt

It was a beautiful spring afternoon on Saturday, May 17th, when Society members and guests – and a few thousand others - descended upon the Radnor Hunt Club in scenic and rural Malvern, Pennsylvania, for the 84th running of the Radnor Hunt Races, in support of Racing for Open Spaces and the environmental programs of the Brandywine Conservancy. This event has become a family favorite for all of our members, with all generations getting gussied up in our hats and finery (see Gallery).

As has become customary, our Color Guard welcomed all with an exemplary “tailgate” “up high” on the hill, and put on quite a spectacular spread beneath the tent and the Society’s colors. And, as has also become a fixture, the Younger Members held a complementary tailgate “down low” along the race rail, with suds and hoagies for all. Thus, all guests, revelers and punters alike were able to enjoy a glass full and a substantial nibble whether mingling with dignitaries or cheering the ponies.

Our thanks go out to our Color Guard Captain Robert R. Van Gulick, and Harvard C. Wood, IV for once again proving that the Sons do it best.

Pssr annual meeting

On Thursday, April 17, 2014, our society held its 126th Annual Meeting once again at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia. In the well-adorned Reading Room, President James B. Burke welcomed almost 100 members to recap the Society’s business from the previous year, and to elect new officers for the upcoming year. Under the watchful eye of both the chairmen of the Nominations and Election Committees, and a vote of the membership in attendance, the following officers were thus elected:

James Bradley Burke, PresidentJohn McLean Blickensderfer, Vice President

William Murray Gordon, Vice PresidentDavid McClure Humphrey, M.D., Vice President

Andrew Richard Sullivan, Vice PresidentBen Ramsey Wolf, Sr., Vice President

Schuyler Colfax Wickes, SecretaryRobert Jacob McNelly, Esq., Treasurer

As is customary, new members elected during the last 12 months, 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 were presented to those 50-year members in attendance.

Following the conclusion of the meeting, members were treated to an open bar and delicious light dinner spread. And after a couple of hours, the activity and hospitality descended to the 1889 Bar in the basement of the Racquet Club, where many younger members remained until much later in the evening, enjoying great company and conversation.

Schuyler C. WickesSociety Secretary

younger memBers

It has been a quiet year so far for the Younger Member Committee, with just two events on the early calendar. In March, members attended a Scotch Tasting at the Armory, and then this past month at the Radnor Hunt Races, the Younger Members hosted their annual Tailgate along the Rail, with beer, hoagies and (this year) much more, courtesy of our friends, the Young Troopers.

But the light calendar of events so far means we have a full calendar of social functions, society mixers and sporting events being planned for the remainder of this year. There are a lot of activities being discussed, so please keep an eye on the Society’s new website (same old URL: www.AmRev.org), and also please feel free to join our Younger Member Facebook page, where more details will be made available.

Andrew McReynolds, co-ChairmanKipp Gearhart, IV, co-Chairman

125 anniversary register oF memBers

1988 was a big year for the PSSR, as it marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Society. A Centennial Celebration Committee was formed with two main charges. The first was to organize a series of events to culminate in a formal banquet, worthy of the auspicious occasion. The second charge was to satisfy all the necessary steps in the preparation and publication of the Centennial Register.

That was 25 years ago, and this year marks the Society’s 125th Anniversary of establishment. The Board of Managers and your Society officers have decided that this would be an appropriate time to publish an addendum to the original Centennial Register. There are many new members of the Society, and many who have served as officers and managers, who all deserve recognition within the pages of this Addendum.

It is with great pleasure that we announce the completion of the publication of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution 125th Anniversary Centennial Register Addendum. We have copies of the new publication at our offices, and if you would like us to send you one, at no expense to you, please feel free to contact our offices (details on the back page of this newsletter).

Particular thanks goes out to our Registrar, Jefferson M. Moak II for his tireless work on both the original register 25 years ago, and this current addendum.

www.AmRev.orgSpeaking of our new website, as many of you have already seen, we have finally re-launched with a whole new look, new functionality, and as will please many of you, a way that you can pay your society dues online. This has been requested by many of our members.

Events will be posted regularly on there, so please feel free to check back often. And once you have had a chance to look over the new website, please feel free to use the Contact Us section if you have any thoughts or comments about our content. Enjoy Browsing!

Schuyler C. Wickes, Webmaster

PAGE 5 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION SPRING 2014PAGE 4 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION SPRING 2014

gALLERy

WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY BALL

RADNOR HUNT

Hermione: Setting Sail to America

Over 20 years ago, a small group of enthusiasts conceived an audacious idea – to recreate an exact replica of the frigate L’Hermione, which carried General Lafayette to America in 1780. And if that wasn’t enough, they planned to sail it across the Atlantic from France to the US to celebrate and reaffirm the historic relationship between the United States and France. Why this boat, and why so important a voyage?

Lafayette (right) was born of noble lineage in 1757, but when he was very young, his father was killed in battle against the English during the Seven Years' War, and his mother and grandmother both died soon after, leaving Lafayette with a vast inheritance. He joined the Royal Army, and inspired by stories of the colonists’ struggles against British oppression, Lafayette directly disobeyed the French king and sailed to the newly declared United States in 1777 to join the uprising.

He was initially rebuffed by colonial leaders, but the 19-year old Lafayette impressed them with his passion and willingness to serve and was named a major-general in the Continental Army. His first major combat duty came during the September 1777 Battle of Brandywine, when he was shot in the leg while helping to organize a retreat. General George Washington requested doctors to take special care of Lafayette, igniting a strong bond between the two that lasted until Washington’s death.

Following a winter in Valley Forge with Washington, Lafayette burnished his credentials as an intelligent leader while helping to draw more French resources to the American side. In May 1778, he outwitted the British sent to capture him at Bunker Hill (later renamed Lafayette Hil l ) and ral l ied a shaky American attack at Monmouth Courthouse to force a stalemate.

After traveling to France to press Louis XVI for more aid, Lafayette returned to America aboard the ship L’Hermione (right) . He arrived in Boston on 28 April 1780, carrying the then secret news that he had secured French support and reinforcements (5,500 men and 5 frigates) for

General Washington. This proved to be a vital turning point for the American forces and the War for Independence.

In teres t ing, on 4 May 1781 in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress paid L’Hermione the exceptional tribute of a visit to commemorate her service to America. L’Hermione, Lafayette and Philadelphia are eternally bound by this history. And over the next 12 months, this history will again come back to life.

Construction on the replica Hermione began in 1997 in the southwest of France, and over the next 14 years the structure began to take shape, until the final planking in the hull was fixed in 2011. In 2012, 65,000 people gathered in Rochefort, France to witness the hull launch – to see Hermione once again floating on water. Then last year, the masting took place, and Hermione started to assume its final form – the same form

it took 234 years ago at its original launch, at that same harbor in Rocheforte. Then came the crow’s nest and the rigging, and late last year Hermione’s captain was appointed. This year, all 19 of Hermione’s sails will be completed, her crew for the trans-Atlantic will be selected, and trials and training will begin. And finally, in April of next year, Hermione is due to set sail for the USA. The journey will start from the mouth of the river Charente, in Port-des-Barques, where Lafayette boarded the original Hermione on 10 March 1780. The transatlantic crossing is expected to take 42 days in total before landfall at Yorktown, Virginia, followed by a series of stops up the east coast, including here in Philadelphia.

While all of this has been going on in southwestern France, a parallel effort is being made here in the Philadelphia area. Fort Mifflin and the Independence Seaport Museum are building an historic replica of Firebrand, a 1777 half galley gunboat that was part of the Continental Pennsylvania Navy. Firebrand was under the command of Captain Benjamin Rue, who was a Lieutenant in the Continental Army prior to taking command of the gunboat. Incidentally,

Captain Rue was also the Captain of the gunboat Philadelphia, which was shot out from under him at the Battle of Lake Champlain.

(Continued on page 6)

Painting by Rossel de Cercy

Portrait by Joseph-Désiré Court

PAGE 7 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION SPRING 2014PAGE 6 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION SPRING 2014

This Newsletter is published by thePennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution

Office HoursMonday - Friday

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Phone

215-545-1888Fax

215-545-1777Email

pssr@amrev.orgPhone Let Freedom Ring

1-800-330-1776Email Let Freedom Ring

lfr@amrev.orgNewsletter Committee

Schuyler C. Wickes, ChairmanPeter L.H. Byrne

Dr. James B. CongdonBenjamin C. Frick, Esq.

W. Murray GordonJames S. Hayes III, Esq.

David M. Humphrey M.D.G. Andrew MeschterJefferson M. Moak, IIColeman Sellers VIC. Michael Whelan

IN MEMORIAM

Name Born Died Elected

Emanuel Paul Peters 11/14/20 4/24/14 10/21/02

John Ellsworth Sholl 10/30/25 5/18/2014 1/12/78

Beatty Jennings Smith 7/17/32 6/3/2014 10/10/74

New Members Elected

Dickson Garnett BoenningRichard Neil Cutshall, Jr.Emmons Guy Elzey, III

Joseph Howell Frantz, Jr.William Curtis FrantzMaynard Lee Honesty

Bennett Todd OpitzAlan Scott Peterson

Junior Members:Ty Buckland KellerJacob Hersh Keller

Contributions to our NewsletterThe PSSR Newsletter Committee is always eager to consider any variety of material for publication. If you have an unusual or insightful history of your ancestor (that qualifies you for membership in our Society), we welcome you to share. Or if you’d like to write an article about a local place, or maybe even an artifact from Revolutionary War history, anything that offers our membership an interesting reflection upon our collective ancestors, we welcome your contribution. Simply send it in to our office either by post or preferably email, and we’ll be in touch with you promptly.

—Schuyler C. Wickes, Committee Chairman

Fort Mifflin and the Pennsylvania Navy gunboats held off the Royal British Navy from resupplying the British Army in Philadelphia for 6 weeks in the fall of 1777, thus giving General Washington - and what was left of the Continental Army - time to get to Valley Forge for the winter. The goal of Fort Mifflin and the Independence Seaport Museum is to have Firebrand II ready for launch by the 1st of June 2015. Then, on the morning of June 26th 2015, Firebrand II will leave the Fort Mifflin dock, under "sail and sweeps", and will cross the Delaware River and take up position off Red Bank, New Jersey, where Fort Mercer once stood. And with the American battery amassed at Fort Mifflin, Firebrand II will commence to salute the French frigate Hermione, and the armada of tall ships accompanying her as they proceed into Philadelphia. For more information on Hermione 2015, please visit the website: http://www.hermione2015.com

Schuyler C. Wickes

(Continued from page 5) hermione dinner

July 12, 2014

Fort Mifflin and the Independence Seaport Museum would like to 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 2015 and her return to Philadelphia, leading an Armada of Tall Ships in June 2015. There is a lot being planned for the 5 days when Hermione and the tall ships will be in Philadelphia. Be a part of the celebration honoring the return of the Hermione to Philadelphia.

Fort Mifflin gates open: 6:00 PMCocktails severed at 6:30 PM

Dinner served at 8:00 PMCost/person is $175.00

The online invitation can be found at:http://firebrandpanavy.org/invitation.html

OR...call (215) 685-4167

neW Citizens Ceremony

On May 1, 2014, Law Day, the New Citizens Committee of the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution participated in the naturalization ceremony for 46 new citizens from 24 countries at the Federal Courthouse at Sixth and Market Streets in Philadelphia. This event was the latest in a tradition of the Society dating from 1957. The ceremony was presided over by the Honorable John R. Padova, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Participating in the ceremony from the Society were James B. Burke, President; Committee Members, William Carr and Robert Flood, III; and John Blickensderfer, Committee Chair, assisted by staff member Barbara Dickenson, Secretary.

Following the administration of the Citizenship Oath, the assembly was addressed by Honorable Gerald A. McHugh, Jr., Judge Designate for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Deborah R. Gross, Esq., President of the Philadelphia Bar Foundation, and Mr. Xiaoyan Sean Zhang, formerly of China, on behalf of the new citizens.

Following Mr. Zhang’s remarks, President Burke of the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution addressed the group. President Burke noted that in 1918 our Society had instituted a practice of writing to newly naturalized citizens in the United States Army. In 1957 it began the annual sponsorship of a reception for new citizens following their induction in the United States District Court in

Philadelphia. President Burke noted that Law Day celebrates the ideals of equality and justice under law and cultivates respect for the law, which are vital to the democratic way of life. He stated that our

society is an organization of descendants of those who achieved this country’s independence, which is directly tied to the new citizens who swear to uphold the laws established so long ago when all participants in this new nation first became citizens of the United States of America.

President Burke recognized that each new citizen had achieved a milestone in completing the requirements for citizenship and now are also part of the legacy of a country that strives, as John Adams said, to be “a government of laws, and not of men.” He further expressed the hope that each new citizen would be an active participant in the civic life of this country and continue to build on the accomplishments of the founders.

Following the ceremony the Society sponsored a reception for the new citizens at the Courthouse that included cake, iced tea, and traditional American music provided by Banjo Joe.

John M. Blickensderfer, Committee Chairman

Bill Carr, the Hon. John R. Padova and President Burke

PAGE 8 PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF SONS OF THE REVOLUTION SPRING 2014

Calendar of Events

PReSoRteD FIRSt-CLASS MAIL

US PoStAge PAID

tRenton, nJ PeRMIt no.114

Return Service Requested

Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution121 South Broad Street - Suite 1910Philadelphia, PA 19107

2014

4 July Let Freedom Ring Luncheon, Parade and Ceremony Society Hill Sheraton Philadelphia, PA

11 october Musket Ball Merion Golf Club Ardmore, PA

2015

21 February Washington's Birthday Ball The Union League of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA

April PSSR Annual Meeting Racquet Club of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA

April Annual Church Service Location TBD

Monthly EventsSecond Thursday of Each Month Board of Managers Meeting The Union League of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA

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