While visiting the shops in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Compatriots Dale Leppard and Rev. Douglas Reagan discovered a Revolutionary War Tooth Key. These instruments were used for tooth extraction. Our first Commander-in-Chief and President George Washington would have been familiar with this device. Hero of the American Revolution Paul Revere was trained in Dentistry and would also have been familiar with this device. It was Paul Revere who identified the body of Dr. Joseph Warren based upon the dental work that he had performed.
Past President and current Genealogist Dale Leppard with wife Susan Riley (photo by Anthony Ebersole)
Despite a few last-minute cancellations due to inclement weather and illness, approximately 50 members and guests of Washingtonburg Chapter gathered at historic Two Mile House in Carlisle on the 15th of December 2024 for the annual Holiday Dinner. The annual event encourages 18th century attire, which was worn by nearly half of those attending. The meal was catered by Chef Mark Little of New Bloomfield and featured an 18th century fixed plate menu, which was supplemented by hot and cold period punches prepared by Compatriot Brian Engle. Colonial era music was provided by Forbes Road Frolic, attired in 18th century clothing with period instruments. Carriage rides in the light snow were provided by Benchfield Farms of Newville, whose drivers and attendant were in colonial attire. A toast to His Excellency George Washington was made using Rye made at Mount Vernon according to the recipe of Our First President and Commander-in-Chief. Those attending signed the guest list in the form of a reproduction Revolutionary War Militia roster using a quill pen and ink well. Each setting included a souvenir program and menu as well as a tavern bill customized to Two Mile House. Reproduction newspapers dating from the period were circulated among the guests. The Two Mile House property was owned in the late 18th century by Ephrain Blaine, Commissary General of the Continental Army. The house is predominantly of Georgian construction, but a part of the kitchen dates to the late 18th century consistent with the ownership period of Blaine.
Saturday, December 14th, 2024 marked the inaugural Washingtonburg Wreaths Across America ceremony.
The ceremony was held at the Middle Spring Presbyterian Church in Shippensburg, PA (https://www.middlespringpc.org/). In attendance were several local veterans, PA District 193 Representative Torren Ecker, Colonel Park Bierbower, Girl Scout Troop 80063, Washingtonburg compatriots Raymond Mowery, Captain Dennis Dyckman, Steven Messner, Douglas Cubbison, Colonel Jeffery “Tank” Patton, Rev. Douglas Reagan, Dale Leppard, Jeremy Winn, Theron Winn, Rev. William M. Sloane, William S. Sloane, and members of the public. 100 wreaths were sponsored through the program and these were placed on every veteran’s grave in the Lower, Upper, and Modern sections of the cemetery.
Colonel Park Bierbower and Honorable Torren Ecker
Live With Purpose
The Honorable Torren Ecker, PA District 193 Representative, and Colonel Park Bierbower spoke on the year’s theme, “Live with Purpose”, before laying the ceremonial wreath at the Soldier’s Memorial outside of the church.
Looking Forward To Next Year
The Washingtonburg chapter hopes to make this event a holiday tradition and plan to be back at Middle Spring Presbyterian next year on Saturday, December 16, 2025. Wreaths Across America will match every wreath sponsored at our location for next year’s ceremony from now through January 17, 2025. Please use the link below to sponsor wreaths:
