The Federal Procession of 1788
The Federal Procession of 1788 was a community parade. It was held on July 4th, 1788, in honor of the newly ratified US Constitution.
Constitution Day – The Day A Miracle Occurred on Philadelphia’s Chestnut Street
Sunday, September 17, 2023, is Constitution Day. It marks the two hundred and thirty-fifth anniversary of the final day of the U.S. Constitutional Convention—the day a miracle occurred on Philadelphia’s Chestnut Street. On this day a gathering of men set aside their...
18th-Century Style Shrub
18th-Century Style Shrub 4th July by Linda Lee Graham This 4th of July, party like a colonial. Drink shrub! Shrub? It’s a blend of fruit, sugar, and vinegar, and it was a colonial favorite. It’s thought the word derives from the Arabic word meaning...
Popular Pastime of the Past – Ice Skating
Ice skating was a popular pastime for Philadelphians in the 18th century. The easily accessible Delaware River often froze, as did the Schuylkill. And even if the rivers didn’t, the neighborhood ponds invariably iced over. Early accounts claim the Delaware River...Single Malt with Rules!
Is He “Clapt or Poxed”?
Interpreting an eighteenth century reference to the pox can be confusing. There are a number of infections referred to as poxes, and all result in pockmarks that scar the victim. However, if the context hints at some sort of “sinful” activity, it is probably safe to...
