Winterfest

From the BCCT. I know I enjoyed the day and hope you did also. Any stories you want to share?

Pictures from the day posted at the BCCT.

Residents take part in Winterfest

By MANASEE WAGH
Bucks County Courier Times

The fortunes of this country seemed to change on Christmas night.

Little more than five months after the Declaration of Independence was signed, America's prospects in the fight for liberty looked grim. The troops were hungry and underpaid, and beating England's armies was starting to look hopeless in the winter of 1776.

So when George Washington and his troops battled freezing temperatures on Dec. 25 to overcome enemy Hessian soldiers in a surprise attack, their victory convinced the fledgling nation to keep up the fight.

Washington planned his attack from Summerseat, a historic house in what is now Morrisville.

Revolutionary War re-enactor Jim Gibson of Fallsington portrayed Washington on Saturday during a re-enactment of his historic December arrival at Summerseat.

Accompanied by several re-enactors dressed as soldiers, Gibson rode down Hillcrest Avenue to Summerseat in his carriage. He informed the residents that his troops would be commandeering their home. Dressed in royal blue and khaki with a blue sash denoting his rank, Gibson gave a rousing speech taken from Washington's letters and past speeches.

“The price of liberty is not cheap, but as it takes root it becomes a tree of rapid growth,” he said. “As a tree it flourishes, watered by the blood of patriots.”

From Summerseat, Washington planned the crossing of the Delaware with his men and 18 cannons. They faced a group of unprepared Hessians, emerging with no casualties.

With that victory, Washington was able to convince more men to join the Army, ensuring the victory over England, said Jim Slotterbeck, whose eyes welled with tears as he talked about the dedication of the troops.

“It was a pivotal moment,” he said. “It's the sincerity, and how they gave up everything for their country,” Slotterbeck wore Colonial garb to portray Summerseat owner Thomas Barclay.

The house, preserved and maintained by the Historic Morrisville Society, was packed with people enjoying glimpses of history, including traditional and holiday decorations by the Makefield Lakes Garden Club.

Patrick Peters portrayed a Colonial-era apothecary surgeon. On a table he arranged knives, a bone saw, dental instruments, medicinal herbs and other items his character would have used.

Ivy Attenborough paid close attention to Peters' descriptions about surgery without anesthesia and the use of herbs in the 1800s.

“Learning how they lived with their medicine was amazing,” said Ivy, 9, of Morrisville.

Ivy explored toy trains and books about trains in the house by the Southampton Railroad Station Society and the National Railway Historical Society.

People bought hot dogs, chili and pastries as well as raffle tickets for gift baskets. The raffle and food raised funds to maintain Summerseat.

The event was part of Morrisville's annual daylong Winterfest celebration.

Kids had breakfast with Santa at the Holy Trinity School and enjoyed a parade. At the Morrisville Senior Center, children had their pictures taken with Santa while parents checked out items for sale at the center's Christmas bazaar.

Residents visited the YMCA's craft fair, where tables were crammed with jewelry, scarves and other handmade gifts.

“The setup is just beautiful,” said Kathy Panzitta, who was exiting the craft fair with several purchases. Panzitta is vice president of the Morrisville Borough Council.

The day ended with a live nativity scene and a “Celebrate the Season” concert at First Baptist Church of Morrisville.