Washington ate here
July 29 festivities will mark the general’s 1782 stop in Warwick From the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick Warwick - Living in historic Warwick makes us partners in its history. We see the past as it still lives on our streets, in our historic homes, through the artifacts saved by families whose names we recognize for their longevity and contributions, and through the traditions we cultivate and enjoy. As summer arrives, she brings a new round of activity to the keepers of that history, the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick, and everyone young and old can participate. The highlight of the activities will be the George Washington Day parade and picnic on Saturday, July 29. It is meant to commemorate when, on July 27, 1782, Washington dined at Baird’s Tavern as he was returning to his headquarters in Newburgh after a meeting in Philadelphia toward the end of the Revolutionary War. More than a mere moment in history, this occurrence renders Warwick special, and the Historical Society makes appreciating our past an experience for the entire family. Always interested in bringing history alive for everyone, the society sponsors events throughout the entire year: On June 10, the winners were announced for this year’s George Washington Essay Contest which had three levels to include students from grades 4 through 12. At Warwick Valley High School, the Historical Society supports the History Club and a graduating senior has received its annual award. All fourth graders take tours of the historic buildings in the fall as they study their past. Located on the Society’s Web site at www.warwickhistoricalsociety.org is an educational link that provides webquests question sheets for each of the historic buildings in Warwick. It’s a great way for students of all ages to learn about the community. For everyone there are the open house tours of our historic buildings each July and August on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 2-4:30 p.m. Meanwhile, George Washington Day will be one to dress in period costume and parade with George, or to watch the General and the parade from the comfort of historic Main Street. Following the parade, there will be games, including the Maypole, a Lost Arts Festival, Carriage rides and a covered dish dinner. In the early evening in the Old School Baptist Meeting House, everyone will gather to hear the words of the man known as “First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.” George Washington Day celebrations culminate with square dancing and live music. This is living history. This is heritage. This is Warwick. For information, not only about activities but also about other aspects of history, go to the society’s Web site at www.warwickhistoricalsociety.org or call the society at 986-3236. This story was provided by Sybil H. Skinner.