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CHADDS FORD DAYS
Living History: Celebrate Summer's end at Chadds Ford Days
by Gene Pisasale. Source The Daily Local
THE GREAT PUMPKIN CARVE
Living History: The Great Pumpkin Carve
Source: Daily Local News. Article contributed by Gene Pisasale www.GenePisasale.com
The Great Carve lives on
Giant squash become art at The Great Pumpkin Carve
CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS in Chadds Ford
For the 26th annual Candlelight Christmas, the Chadds Ford Historical Society had the gods on their side. It was perfect weather and the houses were stunning. An interesting twist this year three of
the houses were nested together with a narrow twisting road and no parking so a shuttle bus was a necessity and it worked seamlessly, and one came by every ten minutes. For the less athletic, the
houses were really not that close together with rather steep hills, but after I visited all three of them I had to agree they were well worth the effort.
Part of what made it particularly enjoyable was the friendliness of the volunteers, the owners and the other helpers. One owner seemed unperturbed that he would have visitors traipsing through his
home until 4 p.m. and was hosting a large party at 6 p.m. It was a nice touch to be served refreshments by the Parodocx Winery. Perhaps part of what made it so special was the excellent range of
homes, from a retirement home to the historic homes from the 1700s. Every year, except when it snows, they present a well-planned tour. What organization!
Source: Southern Chester County Weeklies
This Candlelight Christmas tour is featured in the following publications:
CHADDS FORD PAINT-OUT- A Plein Air Event
Click on the following links to read what others are saying about this event:
Artist interest growing in Chadds Ford Plein Air event
Plein Air Paint Out is a success
Source: Southern Chester County Weeklies. Published Tuesday, February 14, 2012 by Caryl Huffaker
A painting by Jacalyn BeamLiving history: Plein Air event
celebrates history with art
The Chadds Ford Historical Society was started in 1968 to preserve local historic sites and structures (like the John Chad House and Barns-Brinton House), along with highlighting the importance of
the area’s rich heritage. This heritage includes not only an important part in the Battle of the Brandywine, but also the Wyeth family of artists and colorful local historian Chris Sanderson. The
scenic rolling hills of the Chadds Ford region have been the subject of paintings for many decades and the Society is highlighting that with the Fourth Annual Plein Air event on Friday, Feb. 3 and
Saturday, Feb. 4.
The Plein Air event involves local and nationally recognized artists who will take their easels, paint and brushes out into the countryside for two days of capturing the natural beauty of the region.
Painting outdoors (plein air) in rain, snow or sunshine presents a challenge as changing light and weather conditions influence depictions of the landscape. This often includes renderings of
structures which have stood proudly since before the time of the American Revolution, houses which hold many secrets inside their walls, waiting to be revealed.
John Chad was a local farmer who started a ferry service across the Brandywine, allowing travelers easier access through the rural area. After using this service for many years, citizens started
calling the crossing spot Chad’s ford, which evolved colloquially into Chadds Ford. Chad’s stone bank house was built into the hillside overlooking the floodplain of the river nearby. The initials
“J.W. Jr.” are carved into the front of the house and indicate that John Wyeth Jr. built the home around 1725. After her husband passed away in 1760, Elizabeth Chad remained in the house, witnessing
Washington’s Continentals fighting against Hessian troops during the conflict on Sept. 11, 1777. Elizabeth likely saw cannonballs flying past her windows as she waited for the hostilities to end. The
house still stands today, an excellent example of early 18th century architecture. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, the John Chad House has been the subject of paintings by
many artists over the years, including nationally renowned artist Kenn Backhaus, who will be using his skills again at the upcoming Plein Air event.
In Colonial days, taverns were places where people stopped after a long journey, meeting friends and neighbors to enjoy good food and drink and discuss the events of the day. The Barns-Brinton House
was built in 1714 by William Barns on “Ye Great Road to Nottingham” for use as a tavern and a home for his family. The Nottingham Road (now Baltimore Pike) was then a major thoroughfare between
Philadelphia and points in Maryland. The tavern also witnessed troop movements during our first war; many painters have captured its stoic beauty, including local artist Barclay Rubincam, whose
depiction “Hessians Marching Past the Barns-Brinton House” is a testament to our heritage. It hangs on the wall inside the Chadds Ford Historical Society.
No artists have been more often identified with Chadds Ford than the Wyeth family and their influence can be seen in the works of some up and coming artists in the region today. The Plein Air event
celebrates these artists and the great outdoors- catching moments in time forever with deft brushstrokes, delicate shadings and rich hues which give viewers a new perspective of each landscape they
see.
Local artist Jacalyn Beam has been bringing landscapes to life for many years and has organized the event since the series began in 2009. Come see her work along with those of 30 other fine artists
at a reception hosted by the Chadds Ford Historical Society. An exclusive Preview Party will be held from 5-6 pm on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 1736 Creek Road in Chadds Ford; where many newly produced
works of art will be available for purchase. Visitors can enjoy an intimate wine and cheese party with the artists from 6-8 pm. The Society’s website is www.chadds-ford-historical-society.org
For more information about the author of this article, visit his website at www.GenePisasale.com or e-mail him at Gene@GenePisasale.com
Source: http://www.dailylocal.com Sunday, January 29, 2012
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