George Washington’s Birthday Celebration At Harpers Ferry

By Joseph Bordonaro · Originally published April 2017 · p. 17

Christina Herold, of Haymarket, Va., and Sherri Groff, of Atco, N.J., greet visitors to the Confectionery Shop with pieces of cake in honor of Washington’s Birthday.

George Washington’s Birthday Celebration At Harpers Ferry By Joseph Bordonaro HARPERS FERRY, W.V.— George Washington, our first President, and arguably our finest, was “first in the hearts of his countrymen;” this love was evidenced by festive celebrations that took place on his birthday, particularly in the early days of our Republic. This year, volunteers and staff at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park helped carry on the tradition by celebrating Washington’s Birthday in the style of the 1860’s. At that time, it was popular to dress in colonial style, perhaps by raiding their grand parents’ trunks for appropriate clothing, and share cake and other sweets in honor of the occasion. This tradition was revived by several members of the Atlantic Guard Soldiers Aid Society (AGSAS) who help interpret various historic structures in Harpers Ferry, as well as by long-time members of Park staff. Several volunteers and staff dressed in colonial garb, and pieces of a delicious cake were provided to the public visiting the Confectionary Shop. Perhaps in the future a military reenacting group can be persuaded to brave the (usually) cold February temperatures to put on a parade through town, as was suggested by a visitor. This year, however, remarkably warm temperatures resulted in a packed town which happily insured extremely high pedestrian traffic to all the historic buildings open with interpretation. These buildings included the Confectionary Shop, the Roeder Home Parlor, the Dry Goods Store, Frankel’s Clothing Store, and the Industry Museum. By visiting these buildings, as well as the many other historic buildings that were open, but not interpreted, a visitor would be able to learn much of the history of the town, as well as to learn how Washington’s Birthday was celebrated long ago. (Jessica Craig)

(Anne Wolf) Sandra Grant, of Pennsville, N.J., pauses in a stroll through town by John Brown’s Fort. (Joe Bordonaro) (Joe Bordonaro)

Jessica Craig, of Torrington, Conn., and Anne Wolf, of Frederick, Md., enjoy a quiet moment at the Dry Goods Store.

(Joe Bordonaro)

Melinda Day, Lead Park Ranger, of Harpers Ferry, W.V., brings the Roeder Family Parlor to life as it may have looked during a Washington’s Birthday celebration by wearing colonial garb.

George Osbourne, Seasonal Ranger, of Galveston Island, Texas, explains how the various machines in the Industry Museum were used.

John King, Director of Living History at Harpers Ferry NHP, of Harpers Ferry, W.V., helps interpret Frankel’s Clothing Shop. Many of the items on display were purchased by Mr. King.