American Revolution: HIStory and HERstory

Posted by Emily Myers on November 15, 2012

Fourteen generations have passed, yet stories of the American Revolution draw more than 100 area residents to hear them once more at Radley Run Country Club.

Peter M. Adams introduced a panel of speakers each with personal experience of local geography and its history. Adams is a descendant of Henry Adams who came to America in 1638 and whose lineage includes two American presidents.

The event was held on Nov. 14.

Diane Shaw told the story of Marquis de Lafayette’s dedication to the cause of the American Revolution and his devotion to Gen. George Washington. Shaw is the director of special collection and college archivist at Lafayette College in Easton.

After her presentation, she said that there was so much more to say about Lafayette. She loves working for a university named for someone she holds in such high regard. Lafayette could be acclaimed for his passion for democracy as it unfolded in America, for his repudiation of slavery and “even for women’s rights,” she said.

Author Nancy Sloan told the Revolutionary War HIStory as HERstory. Abigail Adams’ letters were described as the precursor of the Internet with their power to spread information. Sloan described the stories of the more than 400 women who camped at Valley Forge suffering much the same fate as the enlisted men, cold and starvation.

Sloan signed copies of her book “Following the Drum: Women at the Valley Forge Encampment” after the program and passed out bookmarks with images of one dollar bills with the picture of Martha Washington on them.

Matt Forster now lives in the house General Anthony Wayne lived in during the 1777 winter at Valley Forge. Forster has researched and collected rare books about the Revolutionary War.

Foster’s home was owned by Mary Thomas Walker, Wayne’s cousin, during the military encampment. The 400-acre farm was robbed by starving soldiers. Wayne threatened to hang the thieves, but eventually spared their lives thereby restoring five soldiers to his command.

Radley Run Country Club is located on ground where the Battle of the Brandywine occurred. A statue of Lafayette is located in a cemetery nearby on Birmingham Road where there is a common grave memorial to soldiers on both sides of the battle.

The event is part of an annual series about history. Business owner Jeff Brown organizes these events as part of his long time interest in history. Brown’s special connection with this subject this particular evening is that he graduated from Lafayette College. He said he worked hard “meet the standard set by last years’ program” when World War II veterans told their stories.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Skillman Library at Lafayette College, Brandywine Conservancy, Chester County Historical Society and Friends of Valley Forge Park.

About Emily Myers

Emily Myers has lived and worked in Chadds Ford for over thirty five years. She founded the parent company of Chadds Ford Live, Decision Design Research, Inc., in 1982. ChaddsFordLive.com represents the confluence of Myers' long time, deep involvement in technology and community. Myers was a founding member of the Chadds Ford Business Association and currently serves on its board of directors. Her hobbies include bridge, golf, photography and Tai Chi. She lives with her husband, Jim Lebedda, in Chadds Ford Township.