The tranquil landscape of Chase Farm Park in Lincoln will undergo a dramatic change when the hills will come alive with the appearance of Redcoats and Continentals, Loyalists, Native Americans, and Followers of the Army in a special 18th century living history event. The Battle of Chase Farm is the first time an American Revolutionary War Reenactment will take place at the Park, although it has been the site for several Civil War reenactments in the past.
During the one-day event, visitors will see two separate engagements between British and American soldiers, in addition to hearing the stories from those who took part in the battles. The American Revolution lasted from 1775-1783. The Battle of Chase Farm reenactment portrays the year 1778.
“This event is meant to be an introduction to our community of the important history behind our nation’s beginnings, and for the Revolutionary War reenactors to experience the ideal setting that Chase Farm Park offers them to carry out their living history,” states Kathy Hartley, president of the Hearthside House Museum, which is hosting the event. “The reenacting groups anticipate returning in two years with many more troops for a full-scale battle and encampment weekend.”
Chase Farm Park will open at 10:30 a.m. and activities will conclude at 3:30 p.m. Among the features are a special presentation at 11:30 a.m. by Elizabeth Sulock from Living History Newport, who will discuss children’s games, daily life for children in colonial New England, and material culture relating to the little ones of the 18th century. From 10:30-2:30, the newly-restored one room Pullen Corner School House at Chase Farm will be open for viewing as well as the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop where demonstrations in hand forging will take place.
The troops will form at 12:15 p.m. in the meadows, and the first battle will get underway shortly after. A second battle will take place from 2:30-3:30 p.m. After the conclusion of the event at 3:30, the Hearthside House Museum located next to Chase Farm Park will be open for touring until 5:30. Although Hearthside was not built until 1810, some 27 years after the war ended, there is a history connection to the American Revolution. The house was named Hearthside by the Talbot family who lived there in the early 20th century. Among the antiques displayed at the Talbot’s house was a portrait of their ancestor Silas Talbot, which hung prominently in the dining room. Silas was from Providence whose fame came as a Revolutionary War hero, serving as a lieutenant colonel in the Continental army under George Washington. He was captured 13 times during the War. He miraculously survived and went on to command the U.S.S. Constitution after the war. William Talbot, great grandson of Silas Talbot and father of Hearthside’s owner Arnold Talbot, lived in Providence and was responsible for saving the Gaspee Room from the Sabin Tavern where the scheme to burn the British ship, Gaspee, in Narragansett Bay was hatched. He had the room moved to his home on Williams Street where it remains today. His wife, Mary, was one of the founders of the Gaspee Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The last owner of Hearthside was Andrew Mowbray, an avid collector of military history and antiques, specifically from the Revolutionary War era. Today, five generations of Talbot family portraits are once again displayed at Hearthside, just as they were over 100 years ago.
Organizers of the Battle of Chase Farm are Tew’s Company (2nd Rhode Island) and His Majesty’s 54th Regiment of Foot and is being hosted by the Friends of Hearthside. There are approximately 160 reenactors expected for this introductory event.
Friends of Hearthside, an all-volunteer organization, serves as stewards of the historical properties of Hearthside, the Hannaway Shop, the Pullen School House, Moffett Mill and provides engaging living history activities at each of these sites as well as at Chase Farm Park in an effort to support their preservation work.
General admission is $5, with children ages 12 and under free. Admission allows entrance to the event, as well as the historic sites of the school house, blacksmith shop, and Hearthside. The Town of Lincoln has stated that no dogs are allowed in the Park during the day of the event, which will be strictly enforced. Refreshments will be available for purchase. In the event of inclement weather, there is a rain date of Sunday, Oct. 22nd.
For more information, www.hearthsidehouse.org or 726-0597.
