Victorians returned to the Roseland Historical Society at the Harrison House in even greater numbers than last year. This time, the 35th (Royal Sussex) Regiment was also joined by an international contingent of American (Michael), Russian (Jackson and Dylan), and Italian (Larry) guests, plus more civilians! Visitors came by to talk throughout the day and tour the house built in 1824. As a Sunday in June, the weather was pleasant - not too hot, which is ideal for wool-wearers. Military personnel conducted drills on the lawn and Celeste Sherry demonstrated fiber crafts on the porch of the house. Our new member, Thomas (of the Oxford Collar Co.), used the time alternatively between hand-sewing a pair of gaiters and learning musket drill. We are always better for the presence of our 35th ladies, too, joined by Sharon, Meredith, Anne, and Kristin making her debut 19th Century event.
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Last year, avid readers of the Captain's Blog may recall, the Hawthorne Memorial Day was canceled due to the threat of rain. This year, fortunately, the weather was clear and pleasant with great numbers turning out for the occasion, both in marchers and spectators. The Royal Sussex Society once again opened the invitation to other Allied representations to make up the World War One historical contingent. With two British Tommies, two American Doughboys, our British Red Cross VAD, and our civilian volunteer, we had a fine showing of smart marching through the borough of Hawthorne as we paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation.  The Flanders Delegation and its partner organizations, the City of New York, and NATO allied countries held their annual In Flanders Fields commemoration at Clinton-DeWitt Park in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan. Each year, the Delegation sponsors ceremony at the doughboy statue, raised with funds by locals a century ago. A bugler from the Doughboy Foundation played The Last Post and Taps during the program, where wreaths were laid in remembrance of those who served, and those who never came back home, for the liberation of Flanders during the First World War. The Royal Sussex represented the British in our historical presence alongside the Americans of the East Coast Doughboys and bersagliere of the Italian Front Project. Afterward, we were treated to a reception at Flanders House where, in addition to lunch, they showed a presentation on the American involvement in Belgian relief, and later direct military intervention in the conflict. We are always honored and delighted to be a part of this occasion, now nine years running with the exception of 2020. Pictures by Kevin Fitzpatrick The 1830s Victorian Weekend at Long Pond Ironworks, whichwe had put a great deal of planning and effort into, was shattered by Mother Nature who had other ideas. Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday are predicted to have thunderstorms on and off, which would make hosting the event impossible. So, unfortunately, with the Friends of Long Pond Ironworks, we had to pull the plug. It echoed last year's Ringwood Manor Timeline event that had to be canceled due to rain. (Ringwood Manor is only a few miles from Long Pond.)
Our next 1830s event is scheduled for Sunday, June 1, at the Williams-Harrison House in Roseland, NJ. While the "actual" 250th anniversary of Lexington and Concord is being held on April 19 in Massachusetts, Museum Village in Monroe, NY, also wanted to join in on America's anniversary. On March 27, an interpretation of the events which began the war for independence was held, using the "town" environment with its central green as an interpretation of Lexington. The 35th Regiment was joined by the 23rd, 15th, and 59th Regiments to form the British force under Maj. Pitcairn while the Huntington Militia and 5th NY portrayed the Minutemen.
Lexington had the British march out onto the field, met by a line of Minutemen. "Do not fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here," Captain Parker said. "Disperse, ye damned rebels!" The British commander roared out. A shot was heard (allegedly around the world, no less!) and the chaos began. An exchange of fire, a charge by the British into the rebels... in the simulated mayhem, the British line's order was restored and the Minutemen fell back. For the Concord scenario, the scene was largely in reverse, with the British withdrawing back to "Boston" while being fired upon by the Minutemen all along the route. All in all, it was a very successful and enjoyable day with good weather, a good audience, and good company! We were proud to have played a small part in the commencement of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The 35th's return to the annual Old Bethpage Village Candlelight Tour was a busy and very satisfying event to close out our 2024 calendar. Three soldiers and two ladies of the start of Queen Victoria's reign were set up in the William Benjamin House, built in 1829, making our 1830s contingent a particularly appropriate one for the structure, although obviously it never housed the Queen's Finest. The original owner, the Rev. William F. Benjamin, served in the militia during the War of 1812, and his sabre is on display in the house which is decorated as it likely was around 1830. He was a farmer and a Congregationalist minister. There were about 10 people living in the house at the time, and the front room was at one point occupied by an 85-year-old woman who had nowhere else to live, the beneficiary of the minister's charity. The evening on the 26th started off with a false non-start: we arrived a little after 5, when the tours began, and it was quiet initially. The soldiers occupied the living room with our ladies setting up in the kitchen. About 5:30, however, the tours arrived in earnest and did not let up until almost 9:30--four hours later. We discussed the house, Victorian Christmas traditions, the British army, society, and more without let up to group after group. The audiences were very engaged and as a result of the constant interaction, the time seemed to fly by. We were told that approximately 2,000 people came to visit Old Bethpage Village that night, visiting the various houses and walking around the grounds illuminated only by lanterns. We are very appreciative for the opportunity to go back to Old Bethpage and talk to so many people about the early Victorian era and its shaping of our modern ideas of Christmas. This also closes our 2024 events, a very busy and rewarding year for reenactment and living history. Happy holidays and happy new year to all our friends and supporters! Photos by Vivian D., Sharon and John V.V. Resuming the annual tradition of marching in the Hawthorne, NJ Christmas Parade, a contingent of our Victorian soldiers braved the freezing nocturnal temperatures to join with the community's holiday celebration. While last year's was rained out, where Lord Donegall's Regiment was planning to march, our victorious Victorians had a clear (but far from silent) night in which to strut their stuff. A new route doubled the length of the parade, which had been very short before, making more opportunities to see and be seen amid the Christmas revelers. Positioned behind the Girl Scouts and in front of the Columbia Bank, the Royal Sussex Society had three soldiers and one officer. The regiment kept perfect step throughout. Special thanks to the Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce and the Borough for continuing and expanding the Christmas parade. Pictures from L. A. Lopez Wei. The Royal Sussex Society's partner organization, the Italian Front Project, consists of many Royal Sussex Society members, representing Italian and British forces on the Italian front in the Great War. This year, the IFP made its debut at the NYC Veterans Day Parade in New York City, representing a variety of Italian forces, the Royal Sussex Regiment, our British Red Cross VAD, as well as being joined by a French colonial soldier and a civilian. The parade route took us from 24th Street and 6th Avenue onto 5th Ave, and up until 47th Street. This was about a mile and a third, and our international section marched behind the East Coast Doughboys. The ECD was led by the Doughboy Band, so we had a fantastic First World War historic representation at the parade which was started in 1919 to honor Great War veterans. God Save the King! Avanti Savoia! The Battle of White Plains was commemorated at the Jacob Purdy House Sunday, with the names of the Americans who fell in the battle read aloud and remembered 248 years on. This year's commemoration, unlike last year's was blessed with nice weather. A large turnout of public and reenactors meant that there were ongoing activities throughout the day. The 35th was joined on the Crown side by the 42nd Highlanders, Marines, and Regiment von Knyphausen. Opposite us was the rebel horde, led by a one George Washington of Virginia. In the encampments there were cooking demonstrations along with fiber crafts and a surgical display. At 2:30, a small skirmish was held to represent the Crown attack on Chatterton Hill, a successful assault that sent the Continental army into flight, with Washington once more escaping capture. The British and Hessians did not remain long in White Plains, however, and turned their attention southwards, to complete the conquest of the areas around New York City. The 35th Regiment itself was present at the battle, October 28, 1776, part of the 2nd Brigade along with the 5th, 28th, and 49th Regiments of Foot. The researcho f the White Plains Historical Society notes the presence and casualties of various officers, including those of the 35th. They are: Lt. Banns or Banks: WIA; Lt. Col. Robert Carr: mortally WIA; Maj. James Cockburn; Ensign Solomon Eagle, KIA; Capt. Hunt Fitzgerald, WIA; Lt. Gore: KIA; Lt. Jocelyn: KIA; Capt. Hugh Massey: WIA; with another 17 non-commissioned officers and men killed, 2 missing in action, and 38 wounded. Their names are lost to history, but their sacrifice in service to their king and country is not forgotten amid the struggle for American independence. The Society was contacted by a well-known author of military history recently who was looking for photos of the War of Spanish Succession British Army. We were happy to accommodate, as this presented us with a wonderful opportunity not only to help with a publication on a much-overlooked aspect of military history, but also to crack out the Queen Annean uniforms again after a long time. Private Sentinel Thomas offered his property for the setting. The result was an autumnal photo collection of Her Majesty's finest at the turn of the 18th Century. |
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June 2025
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