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Lewes travels back to 1773

Historical society event transports visitors to colonial Delaware
Gary Smith, left and Chuck Krepley of Forbes Road Frolic perform in the tavern on the campus of the Lewes Historical Society during the Harvest of Discontent – 1773 event Oct. 14. NICK ROTH PHOTOS
Nick Roth
October 14, 2023

Walking on the Lewes Historical Society Campus Oct. 14-15 was like taking a step back to the 1700s. 

With dozens of volunteers dressed in authentic period dress, the society hosted Harvest of Discontent – 1773 on its Shipcarpenter Street campus. The reenactors spent the day performing many day-to-day activities common to Lewistown in the 18th century, such as blacksmithing, sailmaking, sewing and laundry. The tavern was the site of entertainment by Forbes Road Frolic, while the Lewistown Coffee House served authentic hot chocolate. 

Visitors could engage with the interpreters who will not only explain their task, but also speak about increased tensions with England, where the Parliament in London has recently passed the infamous Tea Act. 

For more information, go to historiclewes.org and click on the events tab.

 

Walking through the Lewes Historical Society campus Oct. 14 was like stepping back into the 18th century.
Mike Daniels, left, and Oliver Theibault-Dean work together to cut a piece of wood to make a shipping crate.
Audrey DeAngelis portrays a laundress. She cleans a tub before getting started on the laundry.
Marcos Salaverria, LHS director of education, welcomes guests to the Lewistown Coffee House, where he serves authentic hot chocolate.
Taking a coffee break from making a sail is Jonah Moore.
Is it 2023 or 1773?
Blacksmith Jymm Hoffman is hard at work.
Asher Lurie portrays a sutler, which is someone who sells a variety of items to militiamen. During wartime, sutlers also often followed soldiers on their travels.
Andrew Lyter, LHS executive director, works on a sail that will be used on a Lewes Historical Society boat next spring.
Interpreters perform their tasks on a misty morning in Lewes.
A sign explains to guests what is happening on the Lewes Historical Society campus and what can be expected throughout the day.
Lucie Allen, LHS assistant curator, takes a break from sewing to talk about the different types of yarn.

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Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and handling page layout, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams. 

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