How History Affects a Town

25 August 2005
How History Affects a Town
Living in a town as full of history as Bordentown City, NJ allows one to go in many different directions. One of the fun aspects is dressing up as an historic personality. I don't even have to wait for Halloween for this one.
When the largest Revolutionary War re-enactment on the east coast happened right here in 'river city' several years ago, it gave us a taste of slipping into period costumes and pretending to be someone else. The town was alive with reds, bold blues, whites, and all the other colors of the colonies. Native Americans strolled the now-bustling streets weaving in and out of the shops, bravely standing for photo shoots. Even having their picture taken with the enemy-the Brits. A few shops boldly displayed the rebel flag and the British Union Jack. It was all in fun, not like the first time the Brits and Hessians occupied the town. Cannons boomed then, too, but with murder in their minds.
A seed was planted that weekend. The result being the Colonial Social slated for September 9, from 7 - 9 pm this year in the garden of Mickey and Patti DeSantis at Lighthouse Point in Bordentown City. The Downtown Bordentown Association sponsors the event as a fundraiser.
I look forward to the evening like a kid looks for a Halloween Party. No bobbing for apples and no ghosts or goblins show up at the Social, though you never can tell. We certainly have enough ghosts in town.
I take on the personality and attire of Patience Lovell Wright, the USA's first sculptor and a spy for the patriotic cause. She was a Quaker born in Bordentown with artistic talents that she put to good use after her husband died young, leaving her with children to raise on her own. You may ask me questions or just chat with me at the Social. I will answer you as Patience may have, telling you of my adventures at King George's court in London.
Other Bordentown historic figures will be nibbling hors D'oerves and sipping wine, too. Look for Colonel Kirkbride, friend of Thomas Paine, the Hopkinsons and the Applegate woman. You'll probably see some shopkeepers, too. It's a fun time. Hope to see you there. I'll be all in white and easy to find. Enjoy.