Pictured are the perfectly dressed Paul and Deb Vossler, armed and ready to celebrate the United States of America
Story and PHOTOS By Tristan Amidon
The David A. Howe Public Library celebrated America’s 250th birthday with a (literal) bang Saturday afternoon, complete with era-appropriate garb, a replica of the Liberty Bell, Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross, an actual cannon, and more more.
Local legend Dr. Joe Felsen played the role of Ben Franklin, bring his kite and key with him for quick historical electrical lessons. “Ben” read the entire Declaration of Independence with gusto, channeling Franklin’s disdain for the monarchy and demands for a new nation.
After the reading, Cheryl Wesche lit the fuse on the replica cannon that her late husband Lanny Wesche hand built years ago. The blast was mighty and put the entire crowd on proper war footing to start the event. About half way through the day, Cheryl loaded the cannon again for a second firing. Don’t worry, the cannon only shoots blank charges, no cannonballs!!
Photographer Craig Braack was there to capture this action sequence before he sang with the Genesee Valley Chorus
Booths dedicated to colonial times surrounded the event, ranging from selling items to demonstrations and experiences. A real highlight of the event was the “Taste of the Revolution,” a feature of favorite foods from the time period created by Shelly Dunne with help from the Wellsville Rotary Club. From “hard tack” to various stews and porridges, Dunne and her volunteer team provided hundreds of samples to give out to attendees.
The sign, “Be sure to soak hard tack in liquid or it could break your teeth,” was emblematic of culinary life in 1776.
Another experiences was a smithing demonstration on how to make a knife with diagrams and verbal walkthroughs of each step by a local knifemaker.
One of the most popular parts of the celebration was targeted towards kids: A walkthrough of colonial-era practices, including painting with berries, and was decorated with animal pelts. Georgia Jackson guided kids, and adults, through common games of the day, using real ink, and some learning about the featured guest, Ben Franklin.
There were multiple booths featuring other historical items. The Vossler’s were happy to have several Revolutionary War era weapons on display with plenty of expert knowledge for the curious. The Declaration of Independence and “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine was on display with complimentary patriotic flags provided by former history teacher Bev Sweet.
Herbalists Angela Glickstein and Amber Schuson presented herbs of the time period and how important they were for food and medicine. The pair offered free peppermint and mint tea, handheld “tussie mussies” for show, and interesting historical context for all who inquired.
Wood carving, basket weaving, the Catherine Schuyler Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution were also a big part of the celebration, bringing an authentic air to the event.
Throughout the duration of the event, there were events like a performance from the Genesee Valley Chorus, an accurate reading by Pastor Dan Kenyon of “Sinners in the hands of an angry God,” which inspired many revolutionaries, and a trivia contest to end the day. Ann Wiley was the trivia winner.
A Benjamin Franklin impersonator explained the discovery of electricity at the David A. Howe Public Library on Saturday, August 15. Betsy Ross sits patiently in her rocking chair working on her masterpiece.
The event was brought to Wellsville by a group of volunteers, led by Kathryn Ross, and with some great sponsors. The Village of Wellsville, the Wellsville Lions Club, and the Wellsville Rotary Club provided funding and logistical support. Art For Rural America(the Fassett Greenspace,) and the Wellsville Sun also donated financial support and organizational help.
Event volunteer and longtime, now retired Wellsville history teacher Bev Sweet was more than appreciative and had this to say on behalf of organizers:
“This event was very important to our shared history and it could not have happened with the help of my fellow volunteers and the groups who donated time and money. We hope this event is remembered kindly by those who attended and in the Wellsville history books. Moreso, we hope this event will inspire future milestone celebrations of our nation!!”
