The Erwin Stover House and Barn are an essential Part of Bucks COunty History. They have served as the backdrop for countless events from community festivals to private weddings, reunions, and picnics and continue to do so today. It is fitting that this month's blog looks at the events of the past year, a reminder to us that the stories we share today will become an essential part of the County’s continuing history.
MAY 2023
18th & 19th Century Toys & Games for All Ages
Our First event of the Season, guests were invited to Step back in time with Bev Altrath, Domestic Historian, and learn about the toys and games of yesteryear.
ON DISPLAY Were AN ASSORTMENT OF OUTDOOR GAMES, BOARD GAMES, CARDS, DICE, DOLLS, TOY SOLDIERS AS WELL AS OTHER TOYS, MANY STILL PLAYED TODAY.
June 2023
The Assassination of Arthur Erwin
Every year the Tinicum Players, our group of volunteer reenactors, stage a production of the Assassination of Arthur Erwin on JUNE 9th, the anniversary of Arthur's death. This costumed production is set in 1791 and shares the complex "cold case" leading up to and through ARthur's assassination and its aftermath.
It is a story of war between states over debatable land. Who is in the Right, Pennsylvania or Connectitcut? that is for our guests to decide.
The audience was greeted and guided through the house room by room to see the unfolding story.
They Met Arthur's wife, Mary Kennedy Erwin.
And heard from Arthur, himself, via a letter he wrote to the Pennsylvania Governor.
The Governor swore our audience in as he sought to help Arthur.
Arthur was welcomed at the home of his friends Daniel and Dolly McDuffy.
There he was shot by an unkown assailant through the window.
The Governor heard the news and rushed to the the Erwins to offer his condolences and to aid in finding the culprit.
He lent an arm to the grieving widow at the wake.
The audience was then led outside to hear a different perspective on the tale.
They learned what the Connecticut settlers had to say for themselves.
THE point OF THE PRODUCTION iS THAT THERE aRE TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY, IF one CAREs TO LISTEN AND LEARN.
From Teas to Toddies, Drinks and Drinking Vessels in the 18th and 19th Century
Bev Altrath, Domestic Historian, brought the past to life showcasing a delightful display of tea sets, coffee and chocolate pots, punch bowls and tankards, as well as bottles and pitchers that were in common use historically in the region while discussing the liquids that were contained in them.
July 2023
Tinicum Arts Festival
Coordinated by the Tinicum Civic Association, friends and neighbors enjoyed the works of over 180 regional artists in the Stover “Art Barn”, Discovered treasures at the White Elephant Tent, and Chose from thousands of volumes at the Book Wagon. they were also able to Place a bid at the silent auction and Enjoy the outstanding live musical entertainment.
COLONIAL SURVEYING: Selling Penn's Land
Our visitors joined David Bretz and Jim Hill as they discussed early surveying in Pennsylvania. David Bretz, a professional land surveyor, explained William Penn’s land distribution system and the process by which our earliest Colonial Settlers established their homesteads. Jim Hill, an avid collector of antique measuring devices, displayed an exhibit of rare and truly unique pieces of survey equipment that dated to the 18th and early 19th century.
Tinicum Players 1790s Decades Club
Our visitors experienced, first hand the tumult caused by the Whiskey rebellion; a protest over the first american tax on its own people.
Visitors met the Erwin Family, Chose a side in the Whiskey Rebellion and Learned about the rights of women in this decade. THEY Sang some tavern songs, POSED FOR A SILHOUETTE, And Tried a dram of local Whiskey, as well as Playing traditional 18th century games like skittles and shut the box.
They LEARNED TO WALTZ WITH LIVE MUSIC BY, "FIG FOR A KISS."
The Guests PLAYED CARDS WITH THE LADIES WHILE BEING made PRIVY TO THE LATEST GOSSIP OVER LAFAYETTE'S ESCAPADES DURING HIS 24 STATE TOUR OF THE COUNTRY.
Some visitors Created their own Lafayette fan in the "latest" Style.
Everyone had a little something to bring back home.
September 2023
Tinicum Players 1860s Decades Club
Our visitors had a chance to step back in time to the 1860s. They DanceD to Civil war era tunes played by, "Fig for a Kiss."
They Heard the latest news about the boys on the front lines, Learned about the intrepid Grand tour of Anna Stover, and explored old time stereographic photos. They perfected their use of a fan artfully with a course in victorian fan flirtation techniques.
OCTOber 2023
Tinicum Players 1890s Decades Club
Our visitors were welcomed to the 1890s for An Evening of Spiritualism at the Erwin Stover House.
We hoped our guests were not afraid of things that go bump in the night.
Once they stepped through the doors they "passed through the veil" to another time when spiritualism was all the rage, and efforts to make contact with our dearly departed were common.
We invited them to Gather round the Ouija Board.
And made contact with the Spirit of Arthur Erwin.
Once again, they had a chance to dance to live music from the era, performed by, "Fig for a Kiss."
The evening was a whirl of lively music.
They learned the scandalous dance of the decade, The Tango!
Lessons were provided by the Tinicum Dancers.
Visitors were entertained with Gothic tales throughout the evening.
and were offered a glimpse into the future with the turn of a card.
our guests also took the time to pay their respects to Jacob Stover who passed away on October 31, in 1897. Rest assured, all the Victorian funeral customs were followed.
November 2023
Erwinna Fall Festival
The Erwinna Fall Festival brought local author Joyce Gilmore’s book, “The Erwinna Witches” to life. Visitors flew through our landmark obstacle course, enjoyed our storybook production of "the Erwinna Witches" Tale, listened to the haunting tunes of, "Pyrenesia," and tried their hand at making a mini witch's broom.
December 2023
St. Nicholas Day Celebration
Our visitors joined in our Victorian holiday celebration with charming customs and costumes of the 1860s.
The house was decorated with pine and holly, garland and small trees bedecked with nuts and gingerbread.
the Tinicum Players sang traditional Carols.
And the visitors joined in on the chorus.
They learned to play Crokinole
and listened to a variety of holiday stories from, "the Baker's Dozen" to "Gingerbread for Liberty."
They made traditional holiday ornaments and strung popcorn garlands.
Visitors were all Agog at the display of traditional gingerbread molds.
Many featuring St. Nicholas, otherwise known as Santa Claus, in his many guises through the centuries--both tall and thin and round and jolly.
A wealth of information was shared by Domestic Historian, Arlene Faulkner Soong on the making of gingerbread and other holiday cookies.
The Tinicum Players wish you a healthy and happy holiday and look forward to your visits to the Erwin Stover House when we reopen for the season in the spring of 2024.