CATASAUQUA, Pa. — Robert Levers stood on the steps of the Northampton County Courthouse in Easton and read the Declaration of Independence to the public on July 8, 1776.
On July 4, 2023, a modern Robert Levers (Christopher Black) read the Declaration to hundreds gathered on the front lawn of the George Taylor House in Catasauqua, complete with British loyalists in the crowd that hurled rolls and insults his way as he read.
The Living History Timeline event featured re-enactments of a variety of time periods, including wars such as the French and Indian, Revolutionary, Civil and World War II.
Along with taking in the living history, attendees had a chance to eat from a number of food trucks and even take tours of the George Taylor House and its adjacent summer kitchen and cooling cellar.
A 'priceless' occasion
The live reading of the Declaration of Independence appeared to be the big pull for folks, as hundreds began setting up lawn chairs even an hour in advance.
“They portray it in a way that is most historically accurate as possible. So it’s almost like you’re living at the shows they put on with the proclamation.”
Candace Maxwell, Living History Timeline event coordinator
Candace Maxwell, event coordinator, said the immersive show is just as educational as it is entertaining.
“They portray it in a way that is most historically accurate as possible,” Maxwell said. “So it’s almost like you’re living at the shows they put on with the proclamation.”
Jason Kern, president of the George Taylor House Association, said that for him, reenacting this part of history is “fantastic” and “priceless,” especially considering the venue: the front lawn of a landmark mansion that housed one of the Declaration’s signers.
Colonial pastimes, trades on display
Doug and Judy Burton of the Bachmann Players of Easton — a group that’s “mining the area’s rich colonial history” to educate others on life in the 18th century — ran a table at the event that was full of wooden toys, games and puzzles, some of which had pre-colonial origins.
“I think it’s important that kids see there’s more to the world than electronics."
Judy Burton, Bachmann Players of Easton
The display featured Game of Graces, Cup and Ball, Jacob’s Ladder and Shut the Box, as well as personal tutorials for kids (and adults) on how to play.
The Burtons agreed that even the simplest of contraptions can teach kids to think more critically.
“I think it’s important that kids see there’s more to the world than electronics,” Judy said.
Doug added that those interested in colonial and local history should also head to Heritage Day in Easton on July 9.
David Marchese, owner of DVC Roofing in Kintnersville, Bucks County, explained that the art of contemporary blacksmithing, stressing that it is fundamentally similar to how it was done a few centuries ago.
“Not much has really changed: blower operates, provides air to the coal, takes all the impurities off the coal,” Marchese said. “‘Coke’ is what actually makes the heat in the fire [go] further. Heat up the metal to a nice cherry-red color like this so it’s more malleable.”
He was commissioned by the George Taylor House Association to replicate some iron pieces to be used to keep the summer kitchen fireplace doors closed. He said his business has also been called to work on a number of other historic sites across the area, including some Historic Bethlehem landmarks such as the 1761 Tannery.