This past weekend Camp Christian hosted Women’s Retreat for ‘girls’ of all ages.  It’s a chance to get together with women of like faith to attend workshops, eat, sing around a campfire under the stars, eat, watch skits and character dramatizations, eat, sing, eat, be encouraged and motivated and inspired, eat, and meet new people.  And eat.  🙂

Kath and I arrived about 4pm on Friday, and were quickly settled into our room in the Mill House.  When I was a young camper (well, younger than I am now!!), staying at the Mill House was for dignitaries and special guests.  I never even SAW the upstairs of the Mill House until my daughter spent a summer working there in the late 1990’s.  Now I was actually staying there!  And I had a room to myself!  That’s called camping in style.  Kath and her daughter Sarah and granddaughter Amelia shared a suite at the end of the hall, and several friends were in the rooms around me.  I felt like I had arrived. 

And speaking of arriving, the old stone pillars at the entrance are always welcoming and endearing.  The early bird workshop, which Kath taught, was at 5pm and very well attended.  The theme for the weekend was Jesus is the Light of the World and was depicted with lighthouses.  

After the workshop we had dinner, song service, then the main inspirational speaker, Barb Kalb.  Barb was a friend of mine from high school who also attended my home church.  She and her husband David were missionaries in Ghana Africa for over 30 years.  It was fun to spend time with Barbara and take her offering of God’s word to heart.

After brownies and ice cream we made our way to the camp fire, (Millie’s first campfire!) situated next to the creek, and sang choruses and camp songs under the stars;  Sarah and Ashly Staley led the songs for us. The lights in the Mill House were warm and inviting as we sat together blending harmony and exchanging favorite camp stories. Lynn Pelc gave the devotion at 11pm. I was ready to crawl into bed and slept well. 

At 6:30 my alarm went off, and I dressed quickly in my walking clothes and made ready to creep down the hall (so I wouldn’t wake baby Millie) to meet my sister for our early morning 2 mile hike.  When I opened the door she was standing there holding Millie (age 13 months!), all ready to go.  We plopped Millie in the stroller and went walking.  The morning was a little overcast but not too cool, and we enjoyed the fresh air and quiet. I was totally impressed with the delightful sign by the bridge that said BRIDGE.  Hmmm.  So glad they explained that. 

We had breakfast, a song service, a special music presentation by the DEANETTES (the six ladies who serviced as co-deans for the retreat), then were treated to recitations and dramatizations of women of the Bible.  My favorite were Sarah as Rhoda, Gwen Wolfgang as Mary’s cousin Elizabeth, Dianne Gresham as Hannah, and after a very nervous start, Ashly and I as Mary and Martha.  Portraying Martha in the skit came naturally:  I am a natural Martha in spirit and performance every day!  We had lots of fun with it while still delivering the message:  Mary had chosen the better part. 

I took another short walk after lunch, another song service, a second impressive message from Barb, then a common sharing of our involvement in our church communities.  So many loving people giving of their time, talents, and treasure!  To close out the weekend we gathered around the flag pole and sang ‘The Bells of Camp Christian’, which always makes me cry :*(  But it’s a good cry!  We packed up our respective vehicles, hugged goodbye with promises of returning again next year, and headed home.  God’s peace, love, and light washed over all of us, and no one left without a double portion of blessing.  The gifts we received during that weekend were priceless, and cannot compare with the gifts the world offers.  I’m already thinking about next year!  Maybe I’ll even teach a workshop…

After our yummy lunch we headed to Longwood Gardens.  I had no idea what to expect, but it was amazing!  I have never seen the likes of these gardens, and the conservatory was endless!  Every time we went through a passage way it was a different type of garden with different plants.  We could have wondered around there for hours, but there was so much more to see.  Again, as at Valley Forge, there was a video about Dupont who began the gardens as a labor of love as it continues today.  He left a legacy that is unequaled and almost indescribable.  You have to go there to really appreciate the splendor and majesty of it all. 

There were fountains and ponds and bridges and even a tree house to climb up (Perry in treehouse!). Even the trees put on a show, as if they knew they were part of a wonderful display. I was surprised and impressed when Perry told us that the flower displays are replanted for different seasons and holidays.  They had been there a few weeks ago and the front gardens had been filled with thousands of tulips. 

Now they were a variety of plants and colors of late spring and early summer flowers, shrubs, and bushes.  One of my favorite photo sites was the old bell tower by the pond – the reflection was beautiful.  It was hard to fathom the work and dedication it took to plan, plant and maintain these gardens.   

As we planned to stay for the fountain show that started after dark, we took a walk through the meadows to the historic house at the top of the property.  We sat on a bench under a shaded archway – and ended up finding the unwelcome company of ticks!  A quick trip to the restroom had us shaking out our clothes and checking each other for the little buggers. 

We beat a hasty retreat out of there and spent over an hour browsing in the conservatory.  Anita pointed out Perry’s favorite – the lily pads – and her favorite – the ivy-walled hall of restrooms! The old pump houses were open to walk through, showing the huge pipes and valves and signals that made the fountains dance and splash and play throughout the gardens. There was bloom after bloom after bloom, color after color after color. 

Orchards and Bonsais and fruit growing on wall.  Then the fountain show (set to show tunes) – the water splashing and danced to music in the moonlight and multi colored splays of fire and light. It was too much to take in, too much to describe – but we loved it.  Totally awe-inspiring!

We left Longwood well after 10pm, munching M&M’s (red white and blue, of course!) in the back seat and passing around peanut butter pretzels and Fireworks Oreos to the front seat.  It was too late for supper, but not snacking.  We had bean dip and Fritos to go with our blisters and dead cell phone batteries.  But we had memories and tons of pictures, filled with history and gardens and more history set to music and lights.  A successful day!

Day three was an adventure-packed day, so much so that I’m splitting it into two posts.  We got up early and headed directly to Valley Forge.  We were greeted by George himself seated on his trusty mount, then we went up to the theater to see a very descriptive film about the site. 

We walked around the fort, followed several paths, then looked in several cabins and could see how sparse and cramped they were, but as we later drove through the entire battle ground, we saw by the descriptive markers that each state had their own section to set up camp and were separated from each other.  The film described the freezing temperatures, the lack of food and clothes and blankets, and also lack of instructional leadership.

We were impressed by the statue of Mad Anthony Wayne and his determination to keep going at all cost, and also impressed by the huge arch dedicated to those men who braved the hardships and made it through the winter of 1777.  “…naked and starving.”

We walked down to the old railroad station (can I have a ticket, please?) and then to the stone farmhouse that Washington used as a headquarters and found a skit in progress.  We were invited to join the audience and follow the efforts of our patriot friends to unearth the spy among them with the clues we were given. There were secret messages and invisible ink and a beautiful, beautiful sky. We had a photo op with the actors, including the finally-captured spy!

A short drive down the road was Washington’s Memorial Chapel – the stained-glass windows were breath-taking and the courtyard with archways and statues were inviting and inspiring.  It’s totally humbling to stand where these brave men and women stood, and fought, and often died.  Even though we tend to forget, or glaze over it quickly, what a high price was paid for our country’s freedom! 

It was a full morning, and well into the afternoon when we were on the road again to seek out lunch.  We were treated to a yummy lunch at Victory Brewery – fish and chips were a favorite.  So stay tuned to the rest of Thursday’s adventures – soon!

Wow, what a weekend!  I was never popular, or even very comfortable, as a high school student, but I suddenly found myself enjoying the celebration of 50 years since graduation!  In June of 1968 our graduating class of well over 600 (I actually thought it was 700!) said our final farewell to the hallowed halls of Hempfield Area Senior High School.  We left behind a variety of teachers (some we would miss, some not so much!), fellow students, a handful of close friends (Diane and Kendra pictured), and cafeteria food! 

It’s amazing, though, what 50 years means in the realm of friendships.  Back in the mid- to late-60’s, the friendship ‘clicks’ and delineation of personalities and activities categorized everyone. There were the really smart kids (not me!), the popular kids (not me!), the sports kids (not me!), the Yearbook staff (not me!), various clubs (well, not TOO much me!) — but 50 years later none of that mattered.  We were all on the same plain.  We were talking retirement, health issues, aging parents, grandchildren, and who had traveled where.  We even had a fellow student who now lives in Greece!  (Not me!)

In those early years, our reunions encompassed hundreds of students and their dates, and we kept the hall hopping until 2am.  This year almost everyone was leaving by 10pm, and by 11pm the place was totally empty and the staff had torn down the tables!  But it was a very fun evening, chatting with classmates that we hadn’t – in some cases – seen since graduation.  The years fell away and we picked up where we left off all those years ago, possibly even more comfortably than we had been during those trying days at HAHS.  A girl I went through all twelve grades with – Ellen – came searching me out, and one of the first things we talked about were the Brownie and Girls Scout meetings we had been a part of – with my mom and Mom’s best friend as leaders.  I was amazed that she remembered that! 

When we collected our name tags (complete with senior picture from the high school yearbook!), there was a ‘Plugger’ cartoon enlarged and framed on the sign-in table, which when you get down to it, certainly is true!  The committee had done a great job of organizing everything – the decorations were fun, the food was delicious, the entertainment (our own T-Bird Kettren!) was perfect – a great nite for visiting and reacquainting with old friends.

Diane is our little ‘cheerleader’ to keep us all in touch, and she had a surprise for her three closest friends when we got there.  Kendra (aka Linda), Carol and I were all bridesmaids in Diane’s wedding the August after we graduated in 1968.  She had an 8×10 photo of the bridal party, and we had someone take the four of us together!  I can’t wrap my head around the fact that we were ever really so young!  I swear we looked to be about twelve years old! (We were, of course, either 18 or ALMOST 18!!)

Inevitably, there are always classmates that no one has heard of since graduation, and also ones that have passed away.  There was a memorial table with photos/names in the back of the room, honoring those who had died.  It was a nice tribute to those classmates who were gone.  Despite those who were missing, the evening was a great success and tons of fun, with lots of laughs and good conversation. 

But it didn’t stop there!  Today was the HAHS MEGA reunion – where grads from the 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s, and even a few from the 1980’s came together at Mt. Odin Park for a potluck picnic and a very casual gathering of a blending of years.  It was much less formal, easier to search out old friends, and a great opportunity to just catch up.  Ralph K from our class worked the group telling his usual corny but very funny jokes; Carol M/N told us about her recent European cruise (envy!), Debbie Y/G shared so many fun remembrances of concerts and bands she and her husband had experienced.  Dan B told us about his experiences with jobs and Florida and bands that played the local bars back in the ‘day’.  Tons of food – too much to even figure out what to eat!  Photos of all the grad years; a great day of fellowship and sunshine! 

Again, I was never a comfortable high school student (I basically tolerated school to escape!) but I had a great time both Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.  It will be interesting next year at the MEGA HAHS reunion to catch up with even more classmates and old friends.  And I promise, Diane, the minute Mark V announces the date I’ll mark it on my calendar! 

Here’s to the Class of 1968 –  and 50 years!!! 

Three days before I turned seventeen I walked into Bud Smail Lincoln Mercury and began my career in the automobile industry.  My aunt worked there as a bookkeeper and asked me to help out for the summer.  I would be starting the new school year as a senior and having a job seemed the perfect way to fund the crazy high school events ahead of me.

Thus began what would be fifty-one years (and still counting) of my employment for the Smail Family.  In 1967 there were just slightly over thirty people working for Bud Sr, who at the time was at the helm. (Bud Sr on far left, Bud Jr next to him)   These days there are well over 400 total employees, which is where I stopped counting.  But this is not about me – it’s about the man who took the helm and moved the Smail name forward.

Bud Jr. was very fun to work with.  In those early days, we worked closely together in everything from reporting sold vehicles to manufacturers to sending out customer statements with little, personal comments written on them.  The very first letter he dictated to me was a sales quote to a business for three different Mercury vehicles.  He was explaining the Mercury Brougham, but I thought he said Broom (how did I know what a Brougham was???), and I typed the letter and presented it for a signature.  It was a long time before he let me forget that.

When he paged over the intercom, he’d blow into it first – just a couple puffs – to make sure it was working and was loud enough.  Sometimes when we walked over to Gee Bee’s Department store next door we could hear Bud puffing through the outside speakers.  Occasionally he would ‘chant’, which always made us laugh. That, along with his never-ending supply of stories and jokes that ‘we never saw coming.’

It was nothing for me to sew stray buttons on his suit jackets, shirt collars, and cuffs.  Once I hemmed a pair of dress stacks for him while he had them on – he sat with his leg propped up on the desk.  I stitched in a circle around his leg while he conducted business as usual. 

In those early days, we often had cheesy steak sandwiches from Pete’s up the road, or rigatoni to go (with garlic toast!) from Rizzo’s right next door to Pete’s.  Valley Dairy had great Mac and Cheese and their hot rolls were yummy.  It was sometimes the biggest decision of the day: where to have lunch! Bud’s favorite – as I remember – was a Pete Junior.

As time went on, and the community up and down the Route 30 corridor changed, so did food choices.  Mostly the executive offices ordered from Vallozzi’s or Boston Market, but when the majority were out of town, Bud would call me and ask me where I was going for lunch.  That was my clue that he was hungry for something that he wasn’t supposed to eat.  Bud’s diet was to consist of healthy choices and increased water intake.  But those sneaky days when no one else was around, I would make a McDonald’s run and bring him back a hamburger with ketchup, small fries, and a vanilla milkshake.  It was always a vanilla milkshake.  Occasionally we’d pop over to Chick Fil-A, but it was always the milkshake!

Dealership hours were very long, and Bud never skipped out early.  He was there for the 8:30am sales meeting and was still there to lock the place up at 9:00pm.  The exception to that was on summer weekends when he joined his family at their cottage, and every Friday I would take his Lincoln (me, driving a Lincoln!), and always with Jim Croce’s 8-track playing ‘Time in a Bottle’ or ‘You Don’t Mess Around with Jim’.  I still think of Bud when I hear those songs! I would drive into downtown Greensburg and pick up his airline tickets right after lunch so he’d be ready to leave after work.

Unless it was for a business or community meeting, Bud seldom left the building.  He walked the dealership, knew his employees, and always enjoyed stopping to have personal conversations.  This practice – started when there were only a handful of people to chat with – continued until his health prevented him from being there.  Until then, every Saturday Bud would go around to all of the numerous building, walk through all the departments, and make himself accessible to the people he worked with.

Always the gentleman, he commanded respect by giving it, was pleasant and knowledgeable about every facet of the operation, and kept a good pulse on the community.  He genuinely cared about the people who surrounded him, both within the building and outside of the business.  He was a champion for the auto industry and was up-to-date and informed on issues economically and politically related to the business.  His love of all things vehicle was obvious even to the casual observer, and those who knew him well knew his name was synonymous with the very reputable business of selling and servicing cars.

But more than just respecting his relationship with his business and community, I appreciated his care and nurturing of a young, impressionable teenager, being patient with my mistakes, sharing in my joys and successes, and sympathizing with my hardships and sorrows.  He would encourage me to do my best and patiently teach and share what was important to him.  That relationship matured and continued throughout my years as an employee and friend. He would often introduce me as the “best damned title clerk in the state”, which I took as a compliment. When my book was published in 2014, he and Ellen were my champion sellers.  I do believe my book as traveled to more states and countries that I can ever hope to!

He was a great brother, husband and father, and his children and grandchildren now emulate his strong work ethic and devotion to family and business.  His legacy will continue to live on in the dealerships that wear his name, through the love and dedication of those left to move forward into  the future.

Not too long ago he began to be confused about the days on the calendar, the pages in his planner.  He struggled with his appointments and his schedule and repeatedly needed confirmation of day to day activities.  He had always double checked everything so that in itself wasn’t entirely unusual.  But this went beyond that.  Let me just say that it’s very hard to have someone be sitting at his desk – as he had for 50 years – but be somewhere else entirely.  It’s been a long, slow journey since then.

When I got the call on Wednesday evening that Bud had gone to be with the Lord (which was exactly how it was put to me!), I felt lost and overwhelmed.  Sleep was illusive and my thoughts stayed captured by a mixed up combination of my half a century of memories and my concern and sympathy for the Smail family.  By morning I felt ready to tackle the day, whatever it would bring – until I pulled into the parking lot and the flag was being lowered to half mast.  Then, I simply lost it. 

But I could not have been in a better place, because the text messages, emails, phone calls, visits and hugs from not only his friends but mine as well sustained me and encouraged me through the day.  I was surrounded by people who knew and often loved Bud Smail, held him in high esteem, and recognized him for the icon that he was:  An era had ended, and some things – many things – would never be the same.  With Bud’s passing we lost a connection to a time and way of life that will never be again.

I am honored and blessed to have had a part in that era, been a part of Bud’s life, and I will always respect and remember the gentleman who was Bud Smail.

In loving memory.

Early to rise!  We were up, had a delicious breakfast, and were on the way to Philadelphia – first view of the skyline! – with our trusty driver, Perry.  Thank heavens for Perry!  And Anita!  What a tour guide.  She had everything planned and organized and it was a wonderful blessing.  We stopped first at the visitor’s center to pick up our tickets to Independence Hall, which were for 2pm.  Our walking tour was scheduled for 10am so we filled in the time and got in line for the Liberty Bell.  Just standing there, looking at that bell, knowing it had rung to celebrate our declaration and proclamation of freedom was awesome.

When we lined up for our walking tour, our guide was full of life and humor and limitless information.  We walked for two hours, going past statues of our founding fathers – much, of which, focused on Ben Franklin:  His original home, his grave site, the first post office, and even a photo shoot with the gentleman himself!  We stopped to learn about Betsy Ross – maybe she lived there, maybe she didn’t. Maybe she sewed the first flag; maybe she didn’t!  We walked past Christ’s Church and cemetery, where so many of the people who forged our nation attended worship services together and are now buried together.  We saw the Ben Franklin Bridge which leads to New Jersey – Don’t go to New Jersey!  Why, you ask?  We have NO IDEA!!! 

Elfreth Alley!  Oh, I loved that place, and wanted to just walk up and down.  The oldest, continually inhabited street in the United States.  Quaint 18th century homes with bright colorful fronts and inviting decor.  I LOVED it!

Finally it was time for a lunch break, and where better to eat than Sonny’s – Philly cheese steak sandwiches!  Oh, yum!  With full tummies we toured Independence Hall – another awesome experience, hearing about those turbulent days of our nation’s first steps.  We walked through Carpenter’s Hall and had pictures taken there , then went through the US Mint (where, incidently, you can purchase a new penny in a little glass bottle for $5.99!).  So many firsts:  First bank, first post office, first flag, first everything for me!  One street had a long line of carriages for hire and as tempting as they were, we learned an incredible amount of information from our early morning tour guide! 

We walked through the Signer’s garden, walked down the side streets with bright painted murals.  History everywhere we looked.

Then we headed home for a walk around the quiet neighborhood, a late dinner of grilled salmon over salad greens, great conversation, and the making of never-to-be-forgotten memories!  Stay tuned for day three!

It seems that every year the crocus tea gets pushed back further into summer!  But regardless, we still really have fun.  Part of the ‘magic’ is that it’s last minute – the girls don’t know we are having it until the very minute we start preparing the food.  This year I drafted Nate into getting the girls to me on a Sunday afternoon.  Autmn’s half sister Penny was with them so we included her in the day. 

They found out what we were doing when they saw the note taped to the door – and were so excited to get involved in the preparing of the food and setting up the table.  Penny was in awe of all the fussing and thought the whole thing was great fun.  We opted to move the celebration out onto the deck under the huge purple umbrella – using red/white/blue plates and napkins, serving dishes and cups. Chrissy and I were even dressed to match the table ware!  We made cauliflower and sweet potato veggie tots, cooked cauliflower, veggie straws, cheese and crackers, Patriotic M&M’s, strawberries, grapes, veggies and dip, and pineapple.  And of course, the beautiful teapot sugar cookies that Ron bought especially for the occasion. 

We sat on the deck, under the shade of the umbrella, and I listened to my girls chat as they munched – they discussed politics (???) including Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump; they talked about middle school and high school classes and buildings and teachers, and talked about clothes and friendships and food and boys! They even specifically asked for my opinions.  It was delightful to hear the girls being so grown up! 

Regardless of whatever else in going on, or if they often spar (as sisters do!), we all come together for the Crocus Tea.  It’s a tradition that I hope the three of us can carry into all the years to come!  Thanks, girls, for great memories!

This year I had a double dose of the Arts and Heritage Festival!  I wanted to see the Patsy Cline tribute show featuring Cathy Rhodes – I’ve seen her many times and really love the shows and the music.  So on Friday after work I drove over walked around the park, visiting the craft booths and grabbing an order of hand-cut French Fries just in time to sit and listen to the music.  It didn’t disappoint! 

While I was searching out my fries I came across the Speals Tavern mobile food truck – and of course had to send a photo in a txt to Ron, who frequents Speals when his favorite groups are performing there. And of course, Snoopy and the gang are always on hand…

Later that evening I was asking Ron what he wanted to do Saturday  – and he said go to the festival!  So we drove out again, having picked several shows that looked interesting.  We stopped and talked to a few authors on the Heritage Trail, scoped out the booths, and then got chicken and fries to share.  We ran into several people we knew, and stopped to chat with them for a while.  Nate, Jen and the girls (Autmn, Chrissy, and Penny) met us for funnel cake, and I took the girls to get their faces painted. 

We stayed until the festival closed at 8pm, having had a full evening of fun experiences.  I seldom buy anything but dinner, but really enjoy the atmosphere and adventure of the festival, and look forward to it every year.  Only 11 1/2 months until the next one!

July 4th is one of my favorite days!  I love celebrating independence, and those men and women who risked everything to make us a nation, a great nation.  Several years ago we spent the 4th in Williamsburg VA and that trip, too, was one to cross off my bucket list. 

Here is a rough quote from a SWIP (Stalled work in progress!), taking place in front of the Capitol building in Williamsburg.  Several of the characters are listening to the Declaration of Independence being read, reflecting their thoughts on what it would mean:

The bell in the tower of Bruton Parish Church pealed wildly.  Guns fired into the air; men shouted in the streets.  Horses pranced at the hitching posts, agitated by the noise.  People ran from their houses.  The taverns emptied, the shops cleared.  A lone rider pounded his gelding down Duke of Gloucester Street, headed for the Records office, clutching a parchment in his hands. 

“What is it?” Hannah demanded, grasping her daughter’s hand as they stood outside of Tarpley’s store. 

“INDEPENDENCE!” someone shouted, and the crowd went wild with cheers and shouts. Kelly and Sky, along with Mr. Donovan, stood below Nathan, who was perched on the wheel of the cannon parked in front of the magazine.  Violet joined them breathlessly, smiling up at Nathan.  He jumped down, sending a cloud of dust swirling around their feet. 

Benjamin Waller stood on the top step of the Capital entrance. Ben began to read from the parchment in his hand, the final product of extraordinary yet very ordinary men.  “When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds…”  He continued, listing the grievances against the King of Great Britain.  “We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America…” 

The crowd cheered and hugged and clasped each other in excitement.  “Does this mean you won’t have to leave, Nathan?  Will the war be over?”  Violet whispered to Nathan. 

“No, Violet, the war will not be over.  It’s just beginning.  You don’t think Great Britain will give in that easily, do you?”

“…do solemnly publish and declare that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states…” 

Raven looked down at her sleeping babies, one in each arm.  If only she could believe that for herself, and for Thunder and Storm.  But freedom was for white folks, not for blacks.  They talked about freedom, when they really had no idea of what bondage really was. 

Sarah watched Nathan and Violet, and knew in her heart that Nathan would leave with Sky, and when he came back, Violet would be waiting for him.  Jesse took Erma from Elizabeth, jiggling her awake.  “Come on, Erma, this is your future.  Don’t sleep through it!” 

Skylar put his arm around Kelly’s waist; she smiled at him briefly, then turned her attention back to Mr. Waller.  Printer’s ink in her veins, he mused, willing himself to be patient. 

“…we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” 

A deep hush fell over the city.  Their course had been determined, their future set.  As dusk fell, bright illuminations lit the summer sky, brilliant colors arching and sparking in delightful array.  Williamsburg was alive with spirit and enthusiasm, proud for having taken the first step, determined to keep step.  Thirteen colonies, now the United States of America, stepping out in faith, following their dreams and their hopes, leading the way for generations after them.  Generations that, like themselves, would indeed, rejoice in this day, and be glad.

My hope is that soon this will be a finished work, that the process will be completed.  In the meantime, Read Psalm 118:24 again, and join me in wishing our country a very happy birthday.God bless…

We interrupt our regularly scheduled posts (the Philly trip!) to take you on a little journey back to Court Days 2018 at Hanna’s Town.  I have posted LOTS of pictures and information about Hanna’s Town, which was the first English court west of the Allegheny Mountains, and was established as the county seat of Westmoreland County in the late 1770’s.  Robert Hanna purchased a tract of land, and this little community became the convenient stop on the way to Ft. Pitt or Ft. Ligonier.  In 1775, Ft. Pitt (Pittsburgh) and Hanna’s Town were the same size!  The historical society is renovating the old Steele farmhouse in preparation for moving all the offices there, and are starting on an education center that will be adjacent.  It’s exciting to see the site grow!

This past weekend the staff and volunteers of Westmoreland County Historical Society and Historic Hanna’s Town put incredible effort into presenting life in the 18th century.  There were craft vendors, trade demonstrations, food (yea!), tavern tours, reenactor encampments, and portrayals of actual court trials held at Hanna’s Town.  There is a lot to do, including Colonial Dance lessons, kids activities, and live musical entertainment.  Proctors Militia performs skirmishes and mock battles, and the native Americans even raid the early Sunday morning church service. 

The tents in the encampment and the native American hut add authenticity and an air of enticement to the grounds. There’s even a short woodland path to take, just for the feel and coolness of the woods.  My suggestion is that you stop out and take a tour of Hanna’s Tavern and see the artifacts in the gift shop, any time you can, but be sure and put Court Days 2019 on your calendar for next year:  The last weekend in June.  You won’t be disappointed!