The America 250th activities kicked off in the greater Chadds Ford area Saturday with a road rally and the reading of the Declaration of Independence.
The day began with a road rally at the Brandywine Battlefield Park. It wasn’t a true road rally as there was no timing involved. Instead, participants answered trivia questions about history, and road to for sites, Stroud Preserve, Birmingham Hill, Sandy Hollow, and the Brinton Run Preserve. At each stop, the participants got out of their cars and took part in some field activity led by reenactors. The whole loop was estimated to take about 2-and-a-half hours.
Vehicles were to leave the park in groups of eight to 10 cars every 15 minutes, but that didn’t happen. They departed individually. That, however, did not dampen
the spirits of those participating. Most of them were intrigued to learn more about history.
Scott Bosco, of Nether Providence, said he took part because he likes history, adding that his wife, Beth, actually found out about the event before he did, but he was intrigued by the process.
“I’m looking forward to whatever comes. Actually, I did not overly study up on what the day’s events are, but whatever comes, comes. But, if participating is a part of it, that’ll be fun,” Scott Bosco said.
Mike Wells and Nicole Anders, of Chadds Ford Township, were “looking for something to do on a nice day. We’re also interested in history and learning more about the area,” Anders said.
She added that they were excited to see what was out there and what the reenactors would have them do.
Coming down from Springfield, Delaware County, were Rachel and Josh Guignarz. Josh Guignarz said they learned about the rally online and thought it would be a fun thing to do.
When asked what made it fun, they both laughed and said in unison, “The history.”
Josh Guignarz added that he was hoping to learn more about the Battle of Brandywine. When reminded of the reenactors getting them involved in activities, he added, “I like living history. So, that sounds neat.”
Several people came up from Newark, Del. One couple was Bob and Patty Root. Bob Root said they belong to an antique car club. They also brought a doll with them that Patty Root referred to as Betsy Ross’s great, great, great, great granddaughter. Her name was also Betsy.
“We belong to an antique car club, and I try to organize events. I was trying to figure out how to do some revolutionary stuff. This is the second one. The first one we did was Cooches Bridge. We did that a couple of months ago. Now we’re doing this, and our third will be a trip up to Valley Forge. Then we hope to take a bus trip to Philadelphia,” Bob Root said.
He added that they were trying to do it on their own, “Then I came online and, boom, there was this event.”
A few hours later, and a few miles farther west on Route 1, the Chadds Ford Historical Society was holding a small event in honor of America 250.
There were some bread-baking vendors, tours of the Barns Brinton House, and the reading of the Declaration of Independence.
“We’re telling the story of the revolution,” said Randell Spackman, CFHS president. “People go by here every day and don’t realize what’s under our feet. The enthusiasm of people coming out for the house tours has been really appreciated. One family just came in for a tour and lived in Kennett Square for more than 20 years, drove by the house all the time, and were never inside. When. They came in, and they said they never knew that this was right here. They drove by, saw the activity, came in, and learned something new.”
As for the reading of the Declaration of Independence, eight people took part, including state Rep. Craig Williams and Democrat Elizabeth Moro, who is challenging Williams for the seat in November.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
