Separation Day

Historic Homes in New Castle, Delaware

Did you know the British colonies were preceded in declaring their independence from Britain? 

The Old Library, New Castle, Delaware

I had no idea until I visited Old New Castle, Delaware on Separation Day, June 15 when

the town of Old New Castle was making big preparations for celebrating their independence. 

Immanuel Episcopal Church, New Castle, Delaware

At one time the three counties of Delaware belonged to Pennsylvania.

I'm guessing that is something you only learn in Delaware.  

New Castle Pier, Delaware

On June 15, 1776 Delaware simultaneously declared independence from 

Britain AND Pennsylvania and became their own colony state. 

New Castle Courthouse from the Common

They beat the rest of the colonies by a few weeks 

so they celebrate Independence Day on June 15 and July 4.

Lucky folks.  

Amstel House. New Castle, DE

New Castle is a great day trip, 

it is full of history and beautiful old homes. 

When I planned our trip, my husband and I had no idea it coincided with Separation Day 

or we would have allowed ourselves more time there. 

New Castle, DE 

For more of my images of Old New Castle, click here. 

Happy Independence Day! 

Social Connections: 

Cigar Advertising

Recently, I have been spending a lot of time 

getting Mercerized.... 

that is, learning experiencing the history of Henry C. Mercer (1856-1930.) 

He was quite an amazing man - 

and had the foresight to leave behind a tangible legacy. 

I just LOVE that. 

One of his passions was the collecting of 

pre Industrial Revolution Americana. 

In Doylestown, Bucks County, PA 

there is an entire museum dedicated to his collections. 

(And pinch me...you are permitted to take photos!) 

But today, I am just going to give you a peek 

featuring his Cigar Advertising figures. 

Peter Wentz Farmstead, Worcester, PA

Here in Pennsylvania we are enjoying  

unseasonably warm weather. 

And I am liking it! 

Although today was designated as a recovery day 

from all the the holiday festivities we had, 

I had to get outside and do something!  

So...hubby and I took a ride north 

to the Peter Wentz Farmstead in Worcester. 

And guess what we learned...

George Washington slept here!  

No kidding, he really did. 

 

Fortunately, the farmstead was previously owned 

by people who appreciated that historical fact. 

Thus, many details of the period were maintained.

Today it is owned by Montgomery County, PA 

and is restored to reflect its residents earlier lifestyles. 

The Farmstead is an example of 18 century Pennsylvania German history. 

My heart pitter-patters over 18th century US history. 

Really, it does...just ask my husband. 

Interestingly, I just learned about these German stove designs
at Fonthill Castle in Doylestown!
They were used to inspire tile designs by Henry Mercer.

The details of this place exude history! 

OK, the food isn't real,
but we can pretend it is. 

 

Check out this original lock!!
This is a piece of art in itself.

That's hubby and our guide Erin...
he is a mechanical engineer.
Enough said.

The summer kitchen was used...

... to bake bread for George Washington!
Right there, in that bread oven!

You can find all of my photos in this gallery.


Visit this gem
on Shearer Road in
Worcester, PA.
Long/Lat 40.200805, -75.338187
Or find them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/peterwentzfarmstead

Peter Wentz Farmstead Hours of Operation:		Click on map for larger view.
Tues.- Sat.	10:00 - 4:00 PM
Sunday	1:00 - 4:00 PM
Last Tour	3:30 PM
Closed Mondays and major holidays.
Reservations are required for group tours. Admission: FREE!

All they suggest is a small donation of $2.
Now that's a bargain!

Having Your Likeness Made

Clarence Newcomb was my great grandfather
and he was a photographer!
He was born just after the Civil War so
he started photography in the later 1800's.

Unfortunately, my great grand father
died early of Typhoid Fever in 1899.
Thus his photographic career was cut short also.

Knowing this part of my family history 

has made me keenly interested in the 

Victorian era photographic process.

I was recently able to watch the process 

at a local Civil War Re enactment.

Here is the photographer. 

He is from Gettysburg, PA.

And here is his camera.

Notice the lens cover on the front.

He uncovers then recovers the lens 

to control the exposure 

which he times on his watch.

Both he, 

and the photographers of the time

had portable dark rooms.

I was asking his son other questions
at this time and didn't ask exactly what was going on now.

The soldier was standing here for a while 

during which time the photographer 

was getting things in order.

He and his predecessors 

used stands to help the subject hold still 

during the exposure time.

Here is an angled shot where you can see the stand.

I spoke to this re enactor for a while.
He is Bob from the
PA 69th Irish Volunteer Infantry re enactors.
I have posted about them before
since they are local to where I live
and have seen them at several of their events.

Here is the same photo with a vintage effect
and the head brace removed.



That was easy...
but if I had taken this during the war
 it would not have been so easy.

I would have had to take the wet plate
into my dark room.
After which it would soak in a solution creating
a negative image.



Next it would soak again in a new solution,
this time creating a positive image.



Finally it would go into a dryer
and then be lacquered.

I would LOVE to learn how to do this process!

My great, great grandfather James M. Welch
served in the Civil War and I have transcribed
the letters he wrote home.
In one letter he mentioned having had his 'likeness' made.
He had his photo taken!