Battle Reenactments, Living History Displays, Period Vehicles and Ceremonies to Honor WWII Vets all Part of WWII Weekend at Graeme Park

On May 2-3 the grounds of Graeme Park will be transformed into a World War II arena as reenactors set up living history displays and camps representing the WWII European Theater and stage battles between American and German troops on the property. 

The large event tent will be transformed into a venue for U.S.O. style entertainment including The Ultimate Abbott and Costello Tribute Show, 

(See a short clip of the classic "Who's on First" from Fun-n-Sun, Lakeland, FL, March 2012)

the West Chester SwingKings performing favorites from the 1940s, 

(See a clip of their performance of Jump, Jive and Wail at Twin Brook Winery)

swing dance lessons, and a concert of Patriotic music.

Additionally there will be weapons demonstrations, period vehicles (military and non-military) on display, 

a simulation air craft brought in by the Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum, 

Allied and German camps, represented by the following reenactment groups:

Allied Units

35th Infantry Division Recon
45th Infantry Division
101st Airbourne 506th C E

5th Rangers

103rd Infantry Division

78th Infantry Division 309th Regiment

4th Infantry Division

88th Infantry Division

British Paratroopers

4th Armored Division

28th Infantry Division 109th Company L

30th Infantry Division MPs

1st Marine Division 5th Marines

German Units

45th Infanterie Division
352nd Pioneers

5th Fallschirmjagers

vendors, including:

Carl Koslo Productions

Charms

Classic Designs, Inc.

GI Kenny

The Knife Guy

Mark’s Militaria

Nomadés Collection

Picacho Peak Collectibles

Susquehanna Trading Company

veterans’ non-profits, World War II veterans, and a luminary ceremony and gun salute to honor the vets. State Representatives Tom Murt and Todd Stephens will be speaking at these honor ceremonies, along with Horsham Township Manager Bill Walker and Horsham Township Council Members Mark McCouch, President, Deborah Tustin, Vice President, and Gregory Nesbitt, Member.

This program is being presented by the Friends of Graeme Park, with the cooperation of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Sponsors for the event include PECOEnergy, Verizon, Black Horse Auto Body Shop, Babylon Business Campus, and ClassicPistol.

The cost is $12/day; $5/kids 13-17; free/veterans and kids 12 and under. A special household rate of $30/day is also available for two adults and accompanying children. Call 215-343-0965 for details. Directions are available on our website at www.graemepark.org 

SATURDAY, MAY 2

9:30 a.m. – Gates Open

Periodically throughout day – Tours of the Historic Keith House

9:30 - 4:00—Vendors & Displays—Visitors can tour Allied and German camps staffed by reenactors, see period military and non-military vehicle displays, meet and talk to WWII veterans, shop with vendors and learn about various non-profit veterans organizations and the services they offer.

10:00 a.m. – Flag Raising & Singing of the National Anthem—Join us at the flag pole for the raising of the American flag and singing of the National Anthem, led by Mimi Drummond

10:15 a.m. – Weapons Demonstration—Members of the American and German reenactment groups will demonstrate how their WWII weapons work and fire off a few blanks. 

11:00 a.m.  – Camp Tours—Guided golf cart tours through the camps for those with difficulty walking the property.

12:00 noon – Battle Reenactment—Join us in the field behind the tent for a battle reenactment between American and German troops. Limited bleacher seating is first-come-first-served with some seats reserved for WWII Vets and handicapped/elderly.

12:45 p.m. – The Ultimate Abbott and Costello Tribute Show—Bill Riley and Joe Ziegler transform themselves into Bud Abbott and Lou Costello through vintage dress and an authentic recreation of the team’s mannerisms and vocal stylings. They perform many of the vaudeville and burlesque routines made famous by Bud and Lou on stage, screen, radio and television, including the classic baseball routine, “Who’s On First?”. 

1:30 p.m. – Swing Dance Lessons—Vince Masciarelli, a professional dance instructor from Glenside, PA, will be teaching some basic dance moves to the audience.

2:15 p.m. – The Ultimate Abbott and Costello Tribute Show 

2:45 p.m. – Honoring of Veterans—State Representatives Tom Murt will speak briefly and honor the veterans and those for whom luminaries have been purchased by reading their names. Following the dedication and lighting of the luminaries, a gun salute will honor our veterans.

3:15 p.m. – Battle Reenactment

3:45 p.m. – USO Dance and Swing Concert featuring the West Chester Swing Kings—Now that you know how to swing, put your feet in motion to the West Chester Swing Kings as they play hits from the 1940s through today, including favorites from Glenn Miller, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman.


SUNDAY, MAY 3
9:30 a.m. – Gates Open

Periodically throughout day – Tours of the Historic Keith House

9:30 - 4:00—Vendors & Displays—Visitors can tour Allied and German camps staffed by reenactors, see period military and non-military vehicle displays, meet and talk to WWII veterans, shop with vendors and learn about various non-profit veterans organizations and the services they offer.

9:30 a.m. – Church Service Reenactment—Reenactors will participate in a period battlefield church service.

10:00 a.m. – Flag Raising & Singing of the National Anthem—Join us at the flag pole for the raising of the American flag and singing of the National Anthem, led by Mickey Goldhaber.

10:15 a.m. – Weapons Demonstration—Members of the American and German reenactment groups will demonstrate how their WWII weapons work and fire off a few blanks. 

11:00 a.m. – Camp Tours—Guided golf cart tours through the camps for those with difficulty walking the property.

11:00 a.m. – The Ultimate Abbott and Costello Tribute Show—Bill Riley and Joe Ziegler transform themselves into Bud Abbott and Lou Costello through vintage dress and an authentic recreation of the team’s mannerisms and vocal stylings. They perform many of the vaudeville and burlesque routines made famous by Bud and Lou on stage, screen, radio and television, including the classic baseball routine, “Who’s On First?”. 

11:30 a.m. – Live Patriotic Music—A spirited concert of patriotic and military favorites by Mickey and Stanley Goldhaber.

12:30 p.m. – Swing Dance Lessons—Vince Masciarelli, a professional dance instructor from Glenside, PA, will be teaching some basic dance moves to the audience.

1:30 p.m. – Military Honor Guard—State Representative Todd Stephens, Horsham Township Manager Bill Walker and Horsham Township Council Members Mark McCouch, President, Deborah Tustin, Vice President, and Gregory Nesbitt, Member will speak briefly, followed by a Military Honor Guard ceremony.

2:00 p.m. – Battle Reenactment—Join us in the field behind the tent for a battle reenactment between American and German troops. Limited bleacher seating is first-come-first-served with some seats reserved for WWII Vets and handicapped/elderly.

2:45 p.m. – The Ultimate Abbott and Costello Tribute Show

Brews, Blues & BBQ at Graeme Park

This October the Friends of Graeme Park are premiering a brand new event -- Brews, Blues & BBQ will feature several selections from 15 different breweries for a tasting experience of 30-45 beers which visitors can enjoy on the historic grounds of Graeme Park while listening to the music of Scoville Blues. Food will also be available to purchase from Joey G's Gourmet Deli of Newtown. Joey brings his grill, and let me tell you, the smell of his sliders makes this vegetarian want to jump off the wagon.

Scoville Blues is one of the hottest five-member power blues bands in the tri-state area. This Bucks county band has been recently featured at Musikfest in Bethlehem, Fleetwood Blues Festival, Wilmington River Front Blues Festival, and the Taste of Philly on Penn's Landing. In the past they have opened for Rock Hall of Famer Dave Mason and the world famous Walter Trout. Their expressive and passionate performance makes a Scoville Blues show one to remember. 

The microbreweries who will be participating in the beer tasting at Graeme Park:

Starr Hill, McKenzie's Hard Cider, Crooked Eye Brewery, Bold Rock Hard Cider, Evolution Craft Brewing, Ithaca Beer Co., Magic Hat, Prism Brewing Co., Troegs, Widmer Bros., Victory, Kronenbourg, Long Trail Brewing, Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co., and Susquehanna Brewing Co.

The event is being held on October 12 from 1 - 4 pm. Advance tickets are required and can be purchased online. No one under 21 admitted.

Lunch and Learn Lecture Series at Graeme Park

This October why not get in the "back to school" mood with an informative talk, lunch and tour of the historic Keith House, when the Friends of Graeme Park present their Lunch & Learn Lecture Series on three consecutive Wednesday mornings. The day will include a continental breakfast, lecture, hot and cold lunch buffet (different hot entree each week) and tour of the historic Keith House. You can sign up for one, two, or all three. The cost is $20/lecture or $50 for the entire series. We have several interesting topics lined up as described below. Check-in and breakfast begin at 10:15, the lecture starts at 11, lunch is at noon and the house tour will follow. Please see our website at www.graemepark.org for more information and the registration form.

October 1

Your Appointment with Dr. Benjamin Rush

Congratulations!  You have managed to survive the 1793 epidemic of yellow fever that has decimated the population of Philadelphia and Dr. Rush has scheduled a follow-up visit with you to review the epidemic and discuss possible treatments.  Meet him at Graeme Park, the Horsham home of the Graeme family and an important rural refuge during the epidemic in the city.  Although he is famous for his massive bloodletting techniques, you probably will not be subjected to that therapy on this particular visit.

Presenter: Dr. Jim Miller: Jim is a retired biology professor and published author. With his scientific career behind him, he’s free to pursue his interests in the arts and humanities, and sometimes plays a doctor at Graeme Park.

October 8

To Normandy and Back Again

One June 6, 1944 Allied forces landed troops on the beaches of Normandy. Nineteen year old PFC Herbert Levy arrived a few days later with the Corps of Engineers where his duties involved building bridges, explosives expertise and more. Herb, who received the French Legion of Honor medal a few years ago, recently had the opportunity to travel back to Normandy with his grandchildren as a guest of the French government for the 70th Anniversary Celebration. His presentation will take you through his wartime duties and his recent trip back .

Presenter, Herbert F. Levy, AIA: After his discharge from the Army, Herb went on to earn his BA in Architecture and his MA in American Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. He’s been a volunteer researcher and docent at Graeme Park for more years than anyone can remember.

October 15

They Were Soldiers, Too:  Researching Civil War Women on the Home Front

Mothers, daughters, sister, sweethearts, and wives--North and South--had a unique Civil War story often overlooked in the fervor to write of battles and battlefields. Remarkable records survive to tell the stories of women on the homefront; stories of love, leadership, loss, and often divided loyalties played out in row homes, mansions, slave quarters, and plowfields from Maine to Florida.  Come learn of grandmas who really did shoot Yankees, aunties who feigned modesty to conceal contraband in their "dainties,"  spirited mothers who fiercely protected their families, and much much more.  Participants will be equipped to seek their own stories of strong women in the Civil War. 

Presenter: Kellee Green Blake: Kellee is the retired director of the National Archives, Mid-Atlantic Region. She is an accomplished speaker with expertise on many historical and genealogical topics.

Tour Horsham's Most Haunted House this Halloween

Graeme Park will be hosting its annual Haunted Moonlight Halloween tours on Friday, October 25 at 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00 and 9:30 pm. The tours are $15/person and run on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is suggested visitors arrive approximately 15 minutes before the desired tour time to ensure availability. Light refreshments are included in the cost.

Ask most longtime Horsham residents what they know about Graeme Park, and they’ll tell you it’s haunted! Mysterious smells, muffled voices, footsteps on the stairs, and trouble with electronic equipment are just some of the things our staff and volunteers deal with regularly, but the stories and legends go back to the early 19th century.

On the surface, Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson, mistress of Graeme Park in the late 18th century, seemed to have it all. She was the granddaughter of the former Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania and the daughter of a prominent Philadelphia physician. She was well-educated and well traveled, a noted poet, and salon hostess who moved in elite circles and held her own intellectually with her male counterparts. She was however, unlucky in love and a victim of circumstances when she got caught up in the politics of the Revolution, and it all went wrong for her very quickly. Her possessions were sold at auction and she was at risk of losing her home. Rumors of her husband’s infidelity were spreading through Philadelphia and her very loyalty to the American government was called into question.

Did the events which haunted Elizabeth during her life prevent her from retiring peacefully after her death? Reports of her ghostly presence have been circulating since 1801, just months after her death, when her friend Betsy Stedman reported “passing her on the stairs” of the Keith House at Graeme Park. Could Mrs. Strawbridge, the 20th century owner of the house, have been mistaken when she heard “the rustle of her skirts?” Surely the pilots from the nearby Willow Grove Naval Air Station weren’t imagining things every time they saw mysterious lights over the pond?

Visitors will hear the details of these reports and many other, more recent and unexplained phenomena experienced by our staff, volunteers and visitors, and unearthed during paranormal investigations, interwoven with the story of Elizabeth’s life. Costumed actors bring to life the events which may contribute to Elizabeth’s unrest and relay some of the stories that have “haunted” the Keith House since the dawn of the 19th century on these candlelit tours.

Call 215-343-0965 for details.

A Day for Homeschoolers at Graeme Park

Graeme Park has always been a popular place for school field trips, and every year we entertain thousands of local school children, teaching them about the former residents of Graeme Park and the kind of life they led here in once rural Horsham. Now homeschooling families can get in on the act too! On Wednesday, September 18, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, homeschoolers and their families are invited to enjoy a day of fun and learning with interactive activities and tours of the historic Keith House.

Kids will enjoy writing with quill pens, playing colonial games on the lawn, making toys, and participating in a militia drill and orienteering exercise. The cost is $6/person and children must be accompanied by a responsible adult (no drop-offs).

What Is It? Where Is It? (Jun-ly)

Yes, that's right - Jun-ly (pronounced june-lie). It's a new month I made up to cover both the June and July "What Is It? Where Is It?" since the lead up to our 17th annual Celtic Festival (and the first time we made it a Celtic Weekend) just got too crazy and June and most of July got away from me. So here we are, almost at the end of July and hopefully back on track and getting caught up.

If you've been to Graeme Park, the "where" part of the question should be pretty easy to answer this time around, as it is a pretty distinctive feature, but do you know "what" it is? Or what we've been told it is anyway?

Post your guesses here in the comments or on the Facebook link and we'll be back next week with the answer. Also in the name of getting caught up, stay tuned for a Celtic wrap-up and our June and July weddings.

The Graeme Park Celtic Weekend: Let the Shopping Begin!

In just four weeks (July 20-21) we'll be getting our Celtic on with the Glengarry Bhoys, Seamus Kennedy, Blackwater, Irish Thunder, the Celtic Martins, Carl Peterson, Melinda Crawford, Highland athletics, the Irish sports of hurling/camogie and Gaelic rules football, border collie demos, and tons more entertainment (for the full schedule, see our post here).

In addition to the entertainment, there will be lots of shopping to do, sponsor booths to check out, and clans and non-profits to meet up with. As of today, here's what's in store for you in that department.

Celtic Sponsors

Bath Fitter—Simple, fast, cost-effective solutions to update your old bathroom.

Granite Transformations—Easy installation over existing counters and backsplashes without the time and mess of demolition.

Gutter Helmet—Never clean your gutters again with Gutter Helmet’s unique system.

Kitchen Magic—Design, manufacture and installation of new kitchen cabinets or refacing of the old. Countertops and accessories too.

Kitchen Saver—Custom kitchen cabinet renewal and refacing. Hardware, interior organizing components.

Celtic Vendors

Blackthorn Stick—Sterling silver, gold-filled, and brass Celtic jewelry (handmade and commercial), wood-burned bread boards, Celtic plaques, crochet work.

Celtic Tides - Packaged food and grocery items, family name histories and crests.

Diane DiMaggio—Adult and children’s aprons, table runners, napkins, BYOB bags, tea wallets, walker bags, decorated baby onsies, baby bundles, and painted wine glasses in Celtic designs.

Dopey Dragon Dry Goods—Stuff to make other stuff: beads, buttons, feathers, leather, yard goods, Celtic-themed textiles, hats, beadwork, notions.

Irish Hooks & Yarn—Hand-crocheted items for babies, children, teens and adults.

Iron Wolf Traders—Cast iron décor, including Celtic crosses, garden plaques of Celtic gods & goddesses and greenmen, handmade leather journals, bags & wristlets, toile porcelain teapots, hand-batiked flags & tops, walking canes, Celtic prints.

John Troy Irish Shirts - Irish-themed sweatshirts, t-shirts, golf shirts, baseball caps for adults and kids.

Just Peachy Jewels—Sterling silver and hand-beaded jewelry in Celtic designs.

Pitter Patterns—Celtic print toddler aprons, seat belt covers, baby blankets, burp cloths, tutus, headbands, decorated onsies, baby bloomers, leg warmers, chocolate covered chips & pretzels, party services.

RedEarthWorks—Sgraffito redware pottery in Celtic designs.

Reflections of Ireland—Soccer & rugby shirts, Celtic jackets, caps, Celtic jewelry, throws, capes, kilts, gift and novelty items.

R.E. Piland—Original Celtic jewelry in sterling silver and 14kt gold with precious and semi-precious stones. All items handmade in Haymarket, VA.

St. Kilda USA—Traditional Scottish Highlandwear, kilts, jackets, t-shirts, scarves, ties, and capes.

WizardsTower Beads & Gifts—Hand-carved wooden spoons, magic wands, capes, ritual stoles, shawls, altar cloths, scarves, bags, original sterling silver, gold, and copper jewelry. Unique line of Celtic/Wiccan/Pagan jewelry.

Zoll Framing & Gifts—Irish & Scottish art, Celtic lettering, totes, duffle bags, jewelry.

Craft & Other Vendors

Claire Adele Designs—Original handcrafted jewelry designs using gemstone and glass beads. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings.

Custom Bead Designs—Custom bead bracelets made with large hole beads and charms.

Kathy’s Kanine Kreations—Homemade dog treats.

Scentsy—Scentsy wickless electric warmers, waxes and sprays.

Steven Fine—Tagua nut (vegetable ivory) jewelry and figurines. Hand-knitted & crocheted scarves and shawls. Selection of handmade Alpaca animals.

Tastefully Simple—Tastefully Simple beer bread, garlic, spices and mixes.

Clans & Associations

Clan Donald

Clan Irwin -

Clan MacAlister Society, Ltd—Clan crest shirts, mugs, tote bags.

Cornish American Heritage Society & Pennsylvania Cornwall Assoc.

A Wedding at Graeme Park: Russell and Bryan

While Russell and Bryan exchanged their vows in Ireland back in December, they chose a warm June night to celebrate with family and friends at Graeme Park. Forgoing all of the usual reception protocol (the toasts, the dances, etc.) they held an elegant dinner party where the focus was the fabulous food and flowers.

A cocktail hour, with live music, was held in the tented courtyard in front of the 19th century barn.

Guests enoyed fruit and cheese arranged on a table featuring a gorgeous floral centerpiece and various cheeses, crackers, artisan breads, nuts, and fruit, as well as hot and cold butlered hors d'oevres.

Even the wine glasses were arranged artistically behind the bar.

When guests made their way back to the tent, they were greeted with their table assignments on a central table with flowers and the couple's initials in big, stand-up letters that reflected the monograms they used on the menu cards.

Each table was dressed in classic white linens and set with white china, which allowed the floral arrangements to take on the starring role. Each table had a unique arrangement and a hand written table number held in place by a wine cork and featuring names of various wines.

The dinner was catered by Jamie Hollander of New Hope and included mixed field greens with balsamic viniagrette, wild mushroom ravioli in sage butter and cream, orange chipotle glazed pork chops over thyme and garlic potato puree, and plates of fruit, seasonal berries, assorted nut and fruit tarts and chocolate truffles for dessert.

The meal was accompanied by live, light jazz music and later followed up with more danceable numbers played via an iPod.

 Congratulations and much happiness Russell and Bryan.