A Continental Christmas At Horsham's Graeme Park

By Friends of Graeme Park.

HORSHAM, PA -- During Christmas week, 1777, Graeme Park was invaded by part of the American army. More than 2,000 men were encamped at Graeme Park, with numbers rapidly diminishing as enlistments ran out and the men went home in the new year. By the end of January, only 75 men remained, although the mess left behind and the damage done to the property was extensive. Valuable timber was cut down to build log huts; the officers set up in Elizabeth’s parlor and the enlisted men took over the grounds, destroying gardens, eating the stored foodstuffs and taking the livestock. As Elizabeth’s husband remained loyal to the British and served in their army, she was alone on the property with her friend and companion Betsy Stedman. It must have been a terrifying time for them, and they were left with little food and no livestock when the army left.

On Saturday, November 26, beginning at 12 noon, The Friends of Graeme Park will be presenting a living history program focusing on this time in Graeme Park’s history. Tours of the house featuring costumed vignettes will start approximately every 30 minutes between 12 noon and 3. There will also be a small encampment on the grounds, activities for kids, raffles, Christmas ornaments and food for sale.

The program is free but donations are appreciated and help to put on educational programs for the public, as well as maintain and interpret the site.

Image courtesy Graeme Park.