Washington make grand entrance at Summerseat
MORRISsILLE BOROUGH – Dressed in a Revolutionary general’s uniform, games Gibson of Fallsington portrayed George Washington in the annual reenactment of the general’s arrival at historic Summerseat on Legion Avenue.
It was a sight to see when Sam Snipes, 93, drove the horse-drawn carriage that brought Washington to the historic site on Saturday, Dec. 8. His dutiful horse is named Persimmon.
The occasion was “Summerseat Remembers,” which celebrates Christmas and the time when Washington used Summerseat as his headquarters from Dec. 8 to 14, 1TT6. The event celebrates a pivotal event in American history.
Sharon Hughes, president of the Historic Morrisville Society, said based on her research Washington may have planned his crossing of the Delaware River at Summerseat and the attack on the Hessian soldiers.
Ultimately, Washington would later make the final decision at the Thompson-Neely House between what is now New Hope and the village of Washington Crossing. That building is known as the House of Decision.
Summerseat is the only house in America owned by two signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution: Robert Morris (the “Financier of the Revolution”) and George Clymer, the owner of Summerseat when Washington stayed there.
Members of the historic society, some wearing Colonial attire, hosted a record crowd at “Summerseat Remembers” with the highlight being Washington’s arrival. The winter festivities also included the traditional Carol Sing, which kicked off the celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 5.
When Washington (Gibson) arrived at the historic building to re-enact the general’s visit to Summerseat, he was welcomed by two people dressed in period costumes.
Thomas and Mrs. Barclay, portrayed by Donna and games Slotterbeck of Morrisville, greeted the general to their home. The couple heard Washington’s words of encouragement and mingled with his troops.
For members of the historic society, seeing Summerseat come alive every Christmas is a happy occurrence.
gane Murray, a charter member of the society, said she was so pleased to see children attend “Summerseat Remembers” that it brought a tear to her eye.
“I don’t think the children learn much about George Washington in school anymore,” Murray said. “They don’t teach American history much that I know of.
“We just love to see them come and meet the general and he likes them,” she said.
Gibson portrayed Washington from 2001 to 2004 during the annual Crossing of the Delaware in Washington Crossing.
“As always, it’s a great honor to be here in Pennsylvania -- one of the keystones of the Revolution,” Gibson said. “More happened within a 50-mile radius of Philadelphia than anywhere else in all 13 colonies.”
Gibson said the fact that Washington commandeered the Barclay House (Summerseat) is significant. “It was customary to commandeer the largest nicest house in the area and this was one of them,” he said.
Explaining why he is a re-enactor, Gibson said you can read about history in a book. “However,” he said, “when you put on a uniform and you can stand next to someone who has one on, it gives you a feel for what it may have been.
“When we fall in line with hundreds of other troops in a battle re-enactment with the firing and the gun powder, it gives you something that you can’t really experience other than being in the first person.”
In addition to seeing Washington during “Summerseat Remembers,” Tiger Cub Scouts from Pack 46 were captivated by Patrick Peters, who played the part of a colonial dentist during the Revolutionary War.
He showed them antique medical instruments that he has collected over the years.
Upstairs, Clara Williams, 2, and her big sister, Calea Williams, 4, were awestruck by the train displays presented by members of the Delaware salley Chapter of the National Historic Railway Society.
“The house is absolutely beautiful,” Candice, the mother said of Summerseat. “We came during the summer. Calea kept asking to come back. They love the trains -- that’s an added bonus to come today and see the house.”
Attendees could meet Helen Borden, 92, of Morrisville Borough, who this made 20 gingerbread houses and decorated the Morris Room at Summerseat for Christmas. The theme of her decorations this year was gingerbread houses – lots of them.
She sold chances for a small gingerbread house and also sold the houses for $11 each. She donates all proceeds to the Historic Morrisville Society.
“A great many of our guests have seen professional decorations at the mall, so when they come here, it’s not that exciting,” Borden said. “They don’t realize that this is all handmade that they see here.”
She was wearing a white colonial cap and a sheer cotton dress that dates back to the 1850s.
Borden starts making her gingerbread houses in the spring. “It’s a great deal of work and they’ll last for years,” she said.