July 17, 2023

Lafayette bicentennial celebration

Historical interpreters, including Adrienne Lafayette, the Sons of American Revolution Color Guard, and the Daughters of the American Revolution are featured during Lafayette Day at Thornbury Farm on July 29.

“The grand national bicentennial celebration of Lafayette’s grand tour of the country as the “Nation’s Guest,’ is just a year away. Lafayette received lavish receptions in Chester and Delaware counties during his visit in 1824 and 1825. Lafayette Day is a perfect way for today’s citizens to brush up on Lafayette’s amazing life and his premier place in American history. We wouldn’t have defeated the British during the American Revolution without France and without Lafayette, we wouldn’t have received substantial support from France,” said Bruce E. Mowday, chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Lafayette Committee.

Lafayette Day, free to the public, is a family-friendly fun day with music and food, and activities for children. The event takes place from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 29 at Thornbury Farm, 1256 Thornbury Road, West Chester. Farm owner Randell Spackman is host.

Adrienne Alisa Dupuy. Lafayette Day is July 29 at Thornbury Farm.

A special announcement, a Lafayette Bicentennial Lafayette Committee essay contest for all students of Chester and Delaware counties, will be made. Educators are encouraged to attend the event to receive information.

“With the 250th anniversary of the United States in the offing, visitors to Lafayette Day have a golden opportunity to meet representatives of many local historical organizations,” Mowday said. Among those officials is Chuck Schwam, COO of the American Friends of Lafayette and Chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Commission attend.”

Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline and Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther will give remarks, along with William Baker, president of the Philadelphia Continental Chapter Sons of the American Revolution. Brandywine River Museum of Art and Conservancy Chair Cuyler Walker will make an appearance. The Conservancy owns the location where Lafayette was wounded at the battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777.

A Lafayette Heritage Walk will take place at 1:15 p.m. from Thornbury Farm, the location of fierce fighting during the battle to the location of Lafayette’s wounding. The distance is less than a half mile.

Adrienne Lafayette, portrayed by Alisa Dupuy, will be interviewed about her relationship with Lafayette.

A special Lafayette in Art and History display is featured. Artists Adrian Martinez, Karl J. Kuerner, and Shay Allen will discuss their recent Lafayette creations. Allen and Mowday, author and illustrator of Lafayette: America’s Young Hero and Guest will be signing books. Mowday will also have copies of his Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero.

Participating organizations include American Friends of Lafayette, Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee, Chester County 250th, Delaware County 250th, Friends of 1724 Chester Courthouse, Brandywine Battlefield Task Force, Brandywine Battlefield Park, Chadds Ford Historical Society, Chris Sanderson Museum, Chester Historical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, the Masons and the Painter Mansion at Radley Run.

For more information and to follow the celebration by the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee, see the Facebook page at Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee. For the American Friends of Lafayette, see www.lafayette200.org.

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David “Reds” F. Nilan of Kennett Square

David “Reds” F. Nilan, 78, of Kennett Square, died Thursday, July 13, at the Pocopson Home. He was the husband of Nancy Mackie Nilan who passed away in 2001, and with whom he shared 33 years of marriage.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late James Nilan and the late Miriam Broomhall Nilan.

David F. Nilan

Reds was a groundskeeper at Longwood Gardens for more than 35 years, retiring in 1997. After retiring from Longwood Gardens, he worked at the Chester County Courthouse in the Sheriff’s office for 10 years.

He volunteered to help clean St. Patrick’s Church and he also helped with Christmas baskets for the needy.

He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Reds was a good listener and he enjoyed gardening, watching TV, playing with his dog and cat, going out to eat, and being with his family and friends. He was an umpire for many years for the KAU Little League and he also coached for various sports. He enjoyed playing basketball with his nephews.

He is survived by two daughters, Megan M. Nilan of Kennett Square, and Tanna A. Nilan of Newport, Del., and three grandchildren, David Troy Nilan, Megan Zavala and Franklin Thompson.

He was predeceased by one sister, Patricia Konitzer, and two brothers, James and Thomas Nilan.

You are invited to visit with his family and friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 19, and again from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 20, at the Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove, 200 Rose Hill Road, West Grove. His Mass of Christian Burial will follow at noon at St. Patrick Church, 212 Meredith Street, Kennett Square. Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Route 82, Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Kennett Area Community Service, 136 W. Cedar Street,  Kennett Square, PA 19348

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com

Arrangements the Kuzo Funeral Home, Kennett Square.

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Richard Daniel Nicewonger of Hockessin

Richard Daniel Nicewonger, 86, of Hockessin, died Tuesday, July 11, at The Summit Senior Living in Hockessin. Born in Olean, Pa., he was the youngest child of Daniel Nicewonger and Mary (Ewing) Nicewonger of Punxsutawney. Richard was predeceased by his parents and siblings (Wynona Barr, John Nicewonger, Mary Ananian and Pearl Fulton).

Richard Nicewonger

Richard served two years in the United States Navy (1955-1957). He was honorably discharged with the rank of Teleman Third Class. Richard graduated from Taylor University, earning a bachelor’s degree in social science. He later graduated from George Washington University with a Master of Art in government.

Richard served 26 years in various positions for the state of New York. Upon retirement, he was working for the Office of State Comptroller as the Coordinator of Public Authority Programs.

Richard was the husband of Judith G. Nicewonger. Richard and Judy met while at Taylor University. Married on August 18, 1962, they shared 60 years together. Richard was predeceased by his wife, Judith. Richard and Judy spent the majority of their lives in New Baltimore, N.Y. A large farmhouse and plenty of land to explore and roam was the perfect place to raise their family.

Richard’s life was guided by a deep and abiding faith in the person of Jesus Christ. He worked to have that faith serve as a compass for how he moved through the world. Most recently, Richard was a member of the First Baptist Church of Kennett Square.

Richard was an avid outdoorsman. He loved gardening and, every summer, spent hours ensuring a bountiful harvest. At various times throughout his life, he raised chickens, rabbits, and an occasional beef cattle or two. He enjoyed good food and was always eager to sit down with family and friends for a meal. The Creekside Diner was a favorite. Richard was often smiling and quick with a laugh. He was able to laugh at himself and could light up a room with his smile.

Richard is survived by his children, Daniel (Nancy), Philip (Faith), and Kevin (Meghan); five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

You are invited to visit with Richard’s family and friends at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 19, at Union Hill Cemetery 424 N. Union St. Kennett Square, PA 19348. Contributions in his memory may be made to First Baptist Church of Kennett Square, 415 West State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100).  To view his online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

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Adopt-a-Pet July 17

Adopt-a-Pet July 17

The following animals are ready to be adopted from the Brandywine Valley SPCA in West Chester.

Neveah

Neveah

Meet new arrival Neveah. At the shelter, 9-year-old Neveah has been easy to leash and walk. She enjoys getting pets and knows how to sit, stay and take treats nicely. She appears to be potty trained/crate trained. Neveah presents with a very sweet disposition and gets along with other dogs in the play yards. Even though she is considered a senior dog, she still has a lot of pep in her step. She can’t wait to find her forever family as the shelter is no place for a senior dog. Please come on over today with any other dogs (and humans) in the home for a meeting today. You can name your fee for Neveah through Sunday, July 23.

Christina

Christina

Christina is such a pretty 7-year-old girl and a real sweetheart as well. She did so well with her foster family, greeting them every morning with sweet meows and waiting patiently every evening for her dinner. As a very smart girl, Christina knew the family’s routines and clearly enjoyed being with them. In fact, she seems to get along well with all humans. Does this sweet girl sound like a kitty you’d like to meet? If so, please come say hello to Christina as soon as you can. You can name your fee for Christina through Sunday, July 23.

For more information, go to www.bvspca.org or phone 484-302-0865.

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